Our Community Member Series: Meet Caitlin
Community is more important than ever as we continue to figure out how to not just survive, but thrive together.
Many of us are craving deeper bonds of friendship and togetherness with like-minded souls. So, to help keep our connection to books and people alive, we’re turning the spotlight on real-life Brookies once again — some of the amazing people who form the backbone of our community. You may see them hosting virtual book club events or popping into our virtual weekly Thursday 6:30 pm pulse check-ins. Check out our previous interview with Vanessa.
Read on for a peek into their interests, views on self-care, and of course, books!
Continuing With Part Five of our Series, Meet Brookie and Host Caitlin!
Caitlin is a 19-year-old blogger, certified personal trainer, and group fitness instructor in Winter Garden, Florida. She has a huge passion for wellness and some of her favourite things in the world are books, farmers’ markets, road trips, and being outdoors.
- What drew you to BooknBrunch?
I have always had a love for books as it is something my mother instilled in me at a young age. On a Saturday morning, you can find me at the farmers’ market, then sitting outside a coffee shop afterwards with a book in hand. I was in search of a book club during quarantine to get some much-needed social interaction and stumbled across BooknBrunch. I loved their concept of diving into a good book while also diving into some good eats. Once all of this COVID-19 craziness is finally over I look forward to instituting the “Brunch” part of BooknBrunch where I live.
- If you could pick one author to share a meal with, who would it be and where would you go?
If I had to pick just one author it would be Jane Austen. I have loved all of her books since I was introduced to them at the age of ten and I think her novel Pride and Prejudice was revolutionary for women at the time. Picking a place to dine is hard as there are so many restaurants I love, and I know there are so many excellent ones I have not yet discovered. But, I think I would probably choose a restaurant where I live called “Chef’s Table.” Farm-to-table ingredients, an excellent chef, and fantastic, warm-hearted service. I think she would appreciate the quality of the food.
- What’s your desert-island book pick – which book can you read and re-read over and over?
I had to sit and stare at my bookshelf for a good fifteen minutes to figure out the answer to this one, and even then I was not able to pick one book but rather a series. Sharon Lathan wrote a few books about Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. The books follow the two after the ending of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and I absolutely loved her writing. Seeing Lizzie grow into her confidence as a lady and a mother, and seeing Mr. Darcy shed the cold, indifferent shell we are introduced to in Jane Austen’s book is super fun and warms the heart. Plus, it is fun to see how things turn out for Jane and Mr. Bingley, Kitty and Mary, Caroline Bingley, and other characters.
- Do you have a self-care routine? What does it look like?
I do have a self-care routine! It is actually something I have really been focusing and working on for the last few months. I mainly focus on my mindset because I know it has a chain reaction for everything else. I begin my morning with a short walk around my block and I don’t look at my phone except to turn off my alarm until I get back. During my lunch breaks for work (I work from home), I go and sit outside on my back patio to soak up some sun and fully disconnect from my phone and laptop for that hour.
But most of my work is done in the evenings when it comes to self-care. I start my evening routine by making a cup of tea and sitting down with my journal. I ask myself six questions, How was your day? Why was it like that? What worked? What didn’t? What was your magic moment? What do you need to get done tomorrow? These questions help me get in tune with myself after what is typically a busy day and it helps organize my thoughts in respect to my next day.
After journaling, I tidy my home: put away dishes, sanitize my counters, clean up my room/bathroom. I take my time washing my face, brushing my teeth, applying my overnight hydration mask, and I force myself to be present in those tasks. I put down my phone half an hour before I go to sleep and take those thirty minutes to read whatever book I am reading that week. The very last thing I do is write in my other journal that I specifically use to write down what I am grateful for. Taking the time to find things you are grateful for — no matter how big or how small they are — will do wonders for making your mindset more positive.
- What is your favourite BooknBrunch event that you’ve attended? What made it special?
My favourite BooknBrunch event that I’ve attended is probably the one that was hosted by host Vanessa Seneriches and the book was The Guest List by Lucy Foley. The reason it was special was that it was the first BooknBrunch event that I had attended, and it was also the first time I had read a book that I typically would not read. I LOVED it.
Keep an eye on our Events page for upcoming events from Caitlin @caitlindoyleee and be sure to check out parts one, two, three, and four of our Community Member Series.
If you’re interested in becoming a Brookie, we’d love to have you! Join here for free. Or sign-up here if you’d like to host your own virtual book club event.
Keisha Paterson is a lifetime writer of sticky-note poetry who enjoys comfort foods, self-care holidays, and Hawaiian dance. A prolific wanderer, she loves to discover and take home old orphaned books and eclectic records. She is an office manager, private yoga instructor, and freelance editor in Toronto.
Favourite Book: Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now by Maya Angelou
Favourite brunch spot: Sisters and Co.
