Have a Relaxing Weekend.

A heartfelt plea for help I hope these words reach kind and compassionate hearts. I am a mother of four young children, and we are going through a very difficult time. My daughter has injured her hand and was diagnosed with a fracture. She urgently needs medical care and a support brace. My youngest, little Sand, is still a baby—he needs milk and diapers, and I am struggling to provide even the basics for him. Please, I am reaching out with all humility. If you can offer any support, no matter how small, it would mean the world to us. May your kindness return to you a thousand times over. https://www.instagram.com/umm_muhammad1995?igsh=NHduNXpydGRqbGsz https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-eman-rebuild-her-childrens-future/donate?source=btn_donate

We put the vast majority through; you can see our comment policy in the “about” section.

My posts were definitely censored as I expressed the need for caution when using the word genocide to describe Israel’s role in the war. I’m very disappointed that Cup of Jo staff continues to defend the use of this triggering word, says nothing about the hostages still held in Gaza and omits that the Irani government and groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood is a very big part of the terrorism that occurs in Israel and around the world. I too would like a ceasefire. I too am very distressed about the large increase of antisemitism that has been occurring in the United States and around the world since October 7th, /23. And yes I feel very distressed about this especially so since my daughter who works for AJC lost two acquaintances Sarah and Yaron who were murdered after leaving the AJC event at the Capital Jewish Museum. My daughter, her coworkers, and friends were there and they continue to be heartbroken and devastated. Please chose your words carefully when speaking about this conflict. Jewish lives are on the line. The nightmare that happened in Boulder was not a surprise to many Jewish people.

comparing my mention of children in Gaza to the “all lives matter” statements a few years ago is false equivalence. the all lives matter phrase was considered offensive during Black Lives Matter because it wasn’t recognizing the difficulties, discrimination and racism that Black folks face, both individually and systemically. Black Lives Matter didn’t mean that other lives did not matter; it meant to emphasize that Black lives do ALSO matter, at a time when some people/organizations were acting like they didn’t. in this case, the lives of Jewish people AND the lives of Gazan children matter. there is an ongoing massacre happening in Gaza AND two Jewish people were killed last week. to say I should be mentioning the death of Sarah Pilgrim and Yaron Lischinsky and NOT mention the deaths of those in Gaza is saying that those Jewish lives mattered while the Gazan lives didn’t. I assume and hope you don’t actually think that.

You misread. You said “No one should be attacked because of their identity — whether you’re Jewish, Palestinian, Muslim, Israeli, LGBTQ+, etc.” The issue is by adding one the second half, it looks like you have an issue saying “no one should be attacked for being Jewish” without a qualifier. Sarah and Yaron were literally coming from an event about the very-much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza.

That is absolutely untrue here. I’m listing people who are all marginalized. It’s NOT just one group being attacked right now.

@ Joanna, I think what Lyss meant is not what you said about children in Gaza, but your writing “But, of course, Jewish people should not be targeted! No one should be attacked because of their identity.” While this is of course true, it’s not recognizing the particular targeting that Jews face and continue to face. Antisemism is unique — not more important, but different — because it includes a particular form of dismissal and gaslighting relating to the historic scapegoating of Jews throughout time and a perception that Jews are powerful and the cause of problems that they aren’t the cause of. I think Lyss responded so strongly not because you are missing the mark by speaking out for children in Gaza, but because you aren’t including this important historical context when you talk about attacks against Jews, whether American or Israeli. So it falls really flat on Jewish ears and is unintentionally dismissive.

If cup of Jo / Joanna cares so much about the Middle East, why don’t they platform Israeli and Palestinian peace advocates? Palestinians and Israelis really don’t need more social media/blog hot takes from non experts. Check out @realignforpalestine or @alanalindsay or @standing.together.english.

these aren’t hot takes. we are calling for peace.

Can those on this thread referring to Jews stop speaking for *all* Jewish readers. As a Jew, I do not agree with your take, and I am so sick of my fellow Jews speaking for me and putting us all in one group in terms of our thoughts/feelings.

Cup of Jo, why are you censoring when you claim to support dialogue? I am reposting my comment: Saying that you want peace is a hot take, actually — it’s obvious and empty without real engagement. If this platform really wants to stand for peace, it should be elevating those doing the work. Groups like Combatants for Peace, Standing Together, or Realign for Palestine. Broad moral statements without action or real context don’t help. They just feel performative.

we aren’t censoring anything as you can see by these comments. and we’re taking many actions apart from this one single post, you must know that. this dialogue seems unhelpful at this point.

There are SO MANY OUTLETS denouncing antisemitism. If you think Oct 7 or the embassy workers is in any way comparable to what is happening Gaza – that is so shameful. Antisemitism is used as a guise to justify genocide and if you disagree you are fully supporting that.

@Tesa. I am in no way supporting what is happening in Gaza, but actually very few outlets are denouncing antisemitism and plenty of people are celebrating the death of the embassy workers. It is shameful to suggest that by mentioning the rise of antisemitism I am justifying or supporting the atrocities in Gaza. It proves my point that people can’t seem to believe both things can be true at once. Consider reading “People Love Dead Jews” by Dara Horn” and what Horn has written about in the aftermath of the October 7 massacre.

perhaps it is because it doesn’t seem so necessary to speak out about a single attack carried out by one person acting alone? I don’t have any responsibility for that attack, and rarely make statements on individual crimes. I DO however have responsibility for my country’s financing of an active genocide, and I have financial responsibility through the payment of taxes. I have no power over how individuals act. I hopefully have some *small* power over how my government acts, and how they influence other governments to act. Johanna mentioned in her comment that no one should be targeted individually. I’m wondering why you think that whataboutism is necessary when genocide is mentioned?

Completely agree, anon. I thank Joanna for at least mentioning it, since most people seem to be completely ignoring or outright celebrating the fact that two people where gunned down when leaving a Jewish event in my city. To most people, the world is black and white and there is no room for nuance, complexity or holding the pain from two groups. I wish there were “so many outlets” denouncing antisemitism but so far I’ve only seen Jewish groups issue statements of mourning and concern about the fact that two people were murdered because someone thought they were Jewish. Maybe I’m just missing something though. For what it is worth, my gray area take is that I am against what the Israeli government is doing to civilians in Gaza and do not think it is antisemitic to say so. My heart breaks especially for the children living there. I also think that Israel should defend themselves against Hamas and do what they can to return the hostages, which is incredibly difficult to do when Hamas has embedded in civilian areas and Gaza is so small to begin with. I am also horrified by the acts committed on Oct 7th, that Hamas continues to do little to protect civilians and hold hostages when they could release them and end the war. It is all so heartbreaking.

@Elisabeth Egan, thank you for articulating this so well. @EEG, it’s not a “single attack carried out by one person acting alone” though (and even if it was, we all have a responsibility to denounce violent hate crimes). It’s the systematic normalization and celebration of anti-semitism worldwide. It’s not whataboutism. It’s what I keep re-iterating, which is that it seems nearly impossible for most people (in this comments thread and in other public forums) to hold space for both ideas. Be thankful that you don’t have to be fearful of wearing a cross the way Jews are fearful to wear a visible star of David (in AMERICA). Be thankful you don’t need armed guards and metal detectors in your place of worship (in AMERICA). And be very, very thankful you don’t have to fear for your children when you send them to school that they won’t find a swastika painted on their locker (in AMERICA!). My heart breaks for Gaza. My heart also breaks for what the future looks like to be Jewish in this world.

sorry I meant thank you @Elisabeth Egan for articulating her thoughts so well. typed too fast in my emotional state

Well said, Justine! Thank you!

Alhamdullilah, she made it out alive but her mom and siblings all burned to death. Her name is Ward. This is a stain on humanity.

A United Nations Special Committee, Amnesty International, and other experts and human rights organizations have all concluded that Israel is committing genocide. One of many quotes from the UN: “That food and water are knowingly withheld with no regard for civilian welfare, including that of 1 million children, exposes yet again Israel’s genocidal aims.” https://www.un.org/unispal/document/letter-from-the-state-of-palestine-23apr25/ https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/12/amnesty-international-concludes-israel-is-committing-genocide-against-palestinians-in-gaza/ I absolutely agree with you that Israel should fight back against Hamas. That part is not controversial. But I genuinely ask you: How is withholding aid, water, and food from Palestinian citizens — so much and for so long that babies, children, and adults are slowly starving to death, getting infections, not producing breastmilk to nurse newborns, etc — a way of fighting Hamas? How is strategically and systematically starving an entire population *not* a genocide? I ask genuinely because I cannot understand how that question could be answered differently — if the children were Jewish, wouldn’t you be absolutely horrified? I would! I would be horrified for any children. Starving a population is NOT the same as fighting Hamas. What is happening right now is absolutely a genocide, by definition, confirmed by all the above organizations.

Multiple representatives from the government of “Israel”, who continue to occupy Palestinian land, have said outright, on multiple media platforms, that their goal is to exterminate the people of Palestine. To purposely murder children so they cannot procreate. Getting rid of Hamas has never been the goal. They have been saying this for months. This is genocide.

What hamas did and is continues to do does not change the fact that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and systematically oppresses, attacks and kills Palestinians in the west bank. Even Americans are starting to see what the rest of the world – citizens around the world – has been shouting for almost 2 years now. There is no justification for genocide or ethnic cleansing (if you insist to speak in legal terms).

My heart is aching for all the people involved in this conflict. No children should be suffering. I ask that people continue to educate themselves to understand this war and that civilians on both sides are suffering at the hands of those in charge. There are 1000s of Palestinians being used as shields by a terrorist organization who funnels resources into their own operations at the expense of their civilians. Both Israel’s government and Hamas are responsible. Many Israeli’s do not agree with what is happening and simply want the return of the remaining hostages taken on Oct 7. Check on your Jewish, Israeli and Palestinian friends. Read different opinions. Denounce antisemitism and be very careful in the terminology you use which often fans the flames of antisemitism and Islamophobia. Where can people go to be safe in this world? Thank you for talking about it, continuing to read and ask questions. https://ngo-monitor.org/reports/amnestys-genocide-inversion/

Speaking up for Gaza, for the end of the war, and against the targeting of Jewish people is critical and thank you for doing so. This comment is only meant to try to answer your question why the war is not a genocide. The suffering in Gaza is devastating and I am against how Israel’s government is conducting the war. But calling it a genocide fuels the antisemitism flooding the world. Israel was forced into this war to defend itself. Though Israel is the stronger force, Hamas is in control. Hamas could immediately end the war by releasing all the hostages. But Hamas is a religious fundamentalist group with bigger intentions. Israel is fighting Hamas and Gazans are suffering terrible for it. Too many Gazans have died, but it has not been due to the intentional or systematic destruction of a group with the intention to destroy the group. Israel has sent out evacuation notices, set up humanitarian corridors, and coordinated aid. While far from being sufficient this is not a genocide. Israel is fighting a Hamas army that hides in homes, steals from its people, and has publicly stated that Gazan deaths are immaterial. Israel’s targeted attacks and aid blockade cause inhumane suffering and should be protested, but it is not genocide. Antisemitism has evolved over time. It started as being against the Jewish religion (crusades, medieval times); then being against Jewish people as a race (holocaust); and now against Jewish people as a nation (Israel). Israel is a highly scrutinized country (far more than other countries in war that have much greater casualties and displacement). With that comes a responsibility for Israel to behave better in war and unfortunately it is failing. However, when the horrifying situation in Gaza is called a genocide if is often meant to delegitimize Israel as a country rather than call attention and help for Gaza. The accusation propels antisemitism forward and makes being Jewish very scary right now, such as the targeted murder of the young Jewish couple that happened last week.

thank you so much for your note, Michael. Israel has bombed and set fire to safe areas time and time again. they’ve used snipers to shoot aid vans and kill aid workers. they’ve blocked aid for such a long time that people are slowly starving to death. the photos will bring you to your knees. how was the devastating death of six-year-old Hind Rajad a way for Israel to fight Hamas? the list goes on and on and on. I wish it didn’t but it does. it’s not true that the tens of thousands of deaths of Palestinian babies, children, and other civilians has not been intentional and systematic.

So well stated, Jana—thank you for taking the time to post. I hope that Joanna reads your well-thought out words, and takes them to heart.

There is so much misinformation and heartbreak surrounding this conflict, and I appreciate the reminder from Jana to look deeper and more carefully. It’s true that some extremist members of the Israeli government have made deeply troubling statements, but these do not represent the entire government or the will of the Israeli people—and many of those comments have been condemned within Israel itself. What’s happening in Gaza and Israel is devastating. Innocent lives—Palestinian and Israeli—are being lost every day, and the pain is overwhelming. I also believe we have to approach statements from international bodies like the UN and Amnesty International with caution, as their reports and language have sometimes reflected longstanding bias against Israel, often influenced by the politics of member states—many of which have troubling histories of antisemitism. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t engage with difficult truths, but we need to do so with discernment and an awareness of global context. This topic is deeply personal and emotional for so many readers—including me. It’s pervasive in the news, in conversations, and in our hearts—and rightly so. But that’s also why I’m disappointed to see this discussion unfolding here, even as I respect Joanna’s choice to share her perspective. When you spend much of every day steeped in sorrow, worry, and discord, it becomes even more important to have a place to go—a place filled with good people—where you can find connection, comfort, and a break from the weight of the world. For me, this blog has always been that place. I sincerely hope we can return to the lightness, community, and camaraderie that make this space so special—and leave this kind of divisive conversation to the many other forums better suited for it.

Jana, that NGO Monitor link you provided is a poorly-sourced opinion piece. See more on NGO Monitor, a clearly biased, right-wing group of dubious credibility with a history of manipulation and inflammatory language, here. https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/ngo-monitor-bias/

Lauren O, apologies for the poor source. I just want to convey that when discussing the war and atrocities happening in Gaza that freedom rests not only on actions of the Israeli government but ALSO from within by Hamas.

This is a GENOCIDE say it again and again and again for every single person who is STILL denying this. This is an untenable position and incredibly shameful. Ask yourself: why does Hamas need to exist? What has led to this? Free Palestine and give back their land! How can anyone think otherwise? Antisemtism is being used as an excuse for atrocities. At this point if you are comparing October 7 to what is happening in Palestine, stripping it of its necessary context, you are straight up supporting genocide. Period.

THANK YOU JOANNA for your answers in this thread in addition to your note in the post above. I have read this blog for years and these days, fear that any one I admire or follow who has NOT said anything thinks this genocide is OK (or, that it is not genocide). I am so relieved to see the clarity in your point of view. FREE PALESTINE. END THE GENOCIDE. END THE OCCUPATION.

Thank you to Michael for the very clear explanation of the conflict and history of antisemitism. Our words matter and we need to do better – to still fight for a better future for Palestinians while not jeopardizing the safety of a minority group in our own country.

Thank you for saying this, Jana. I had always thought the UN and Amnesty International were unbiased, trustworthy, almost sacred organizations but unfortunately as I have learned more about them I realize that information they put forth must be examined carefully. I say this as a liberal American who does NOT support Netanyahu but does support Israel’s right to exist. Some things that have disappointed me from the UN since 10/7: UN women did not condemn war crimes against Israeli women on 10/7 until months later, when they were shamed into doing so. The UN fired/did not renew contract for special advisor on the prevention of genocide Alice Wairimu Nderitu (a Kenyan woman with a long career as a strong advocate for peace and conflict prevention) because she refused to name Israel’s war against Hamas as a genocide. And the UN repeatedly fails to condemn Hamas while singling out Israel’s actions. Again, I do not support everything Israel does and I mourn for Palestinian civilians as well as Israelis, but *nothing* Hamas does to its own people or to Israelis is *not* worthy of strong condemnation.

All the best to you, sending love your way. May you come out the other side stronger and all the better for it.

Sending love and strength.

Been there, done this… sending lots of love and strength, you can do this!! Things will get better, eventually.

Wishing you wisdom, patience, kindness, strength, support, and may all negotiations and details fall easily and positively into place. And may your new beginning be bright and shiny.

Oh gosh it’s the worst. I’m in the thick of it. If you have kids it’s so much more complicated. Sending hugs.

we post about books all the time on Cup of Jo and have a big summer reading post coming up. that hasn’t changed and we love writing about books! we wrote three book posts last week alone: https://cupofjo.com/category/design/favorite-books/ for big salad, the difference is that this post interviewed substackers about their favorite summer reads (https://joannagoddard.substack.com/p/summer-books). we wanted to feature the substack community and hear from a mix of different newsletter writers. big salad features one personal post per month, and three non-personal posts that interview other people. hope that helps! thank you so much for reading xo

that helps, thanks :) looking forward to the big summer reading post soon!

Absolutely it is an atrocity. And we should not leave out the fact that Hamas, who controls Gaza, has a mandate to exterminate Jews. Ethnic cleansing has happened to Jews before when 6 million were lost (amongst other minorities in the holocaust). Where can they go to be safe? Let’s call on both sides to stop. What is the answer here?

It’s linked in the post: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vST9vnTffvzWtEbmU3kX_b3LDIoa6gVIsrUQAFMeiRABZN5Yh9A9tljHpoYCGunqBKomnMCiVvoLSWM/pubhtml

One humble suggestion of a family to help: https://chuffed.org/project/118346-help-amro-and-his-family-survive-the-war-on-gaza

Great idea. I am struggling with how to help. Are you able to share any links, please?

How are you able to tell what are legitimate requests? I would love to do this but want to make sure the funds are going to those who need them. I would love your advice.

Could you share links to your fundraising?

This is my fundraiser for Sahar. She was introduced to me by another friend in Gaza (who I have facetimed with) who requested that I create a campaign for her. Of all the people I support, Sahar’s situation is the most fragile. She is a few months pregnant and suffering from hunger. To complicate matters, she suffers from IBS which means that much of the scarce food available makes her sick. Right now I am the only person donating to her. $50/week has meant that she can buy some medicine and food, but it’s not enough to sustain her pregnancy and feed her three children. I’m looking for help supporting her. Prior to my donations, she wasn’t receiving any outside money. Any donation would drastically improve her situation. I’m collecting donations on Chuffed, but truly the best way to get the full donation is to send money through paypal. I’m linking her instagram and mine for anyone who wants more information before choosing this option. https://www.instagram.com/sahar_from_gaza?igsh=ZDJ3M3hta3N5anhp https://www.instagram.com/midasblush?igsh=M2Z2Y3NncG4wM3Rl&utm_source=qr

In terms of verifying legitimate requests—honestly, legitimate fundraisers are the norm and I haven’t encountered anything fraudulent. I’ve seen advice to ask for verifying details like ID, but I don’t recommend it. I wouldn’t want to put someone in a situation of choosing between security and food. One anti fraud measure I do take is asking people how they prefer to receive donations. By and large, if there is anything scammy happening, it’s the campaign sponsor skimming the donations. So I always check with the family. Sometimes there’s an elaborate method of sending donations to a friend’s paypal that they don’t want to post publicly—prior to 10/07 Gazans could create an account, but not after, and anyone with an account is afraid it will get shut down.

Hello, I am Hannah’s friend, she is always trying to help me. I am a pregnant woman living in Gaza. My 3 children and I are all suffering from malnutrition and I need treatment and healthy food. I also suffer from irritable Bowel syndrome, which makes it difficult for me to get the right food so that I do not have to take medication because it causes birth defects in the fetus and it is forbidden to eat it, so I must eat fresh vegetables and fresh food. The prices are very high in Gaza and I cannot get it. Most of my days I do not eat food, only water, and my weight is losing and my health is collapsing. Please, good people, help me for my health and the health of my young children. I want to live in peace without diseases. This is the link to my campaign https://chuffed.org/project/127248-survival-funds-for-sahar-and-her-family-in-gaza

Hi, in terms of individuals, please consider donating to my friend’s friend, Seraj. They’ve been in touch throughout the genocide and I did a crowdfunding day for him and his family of 9 people, and we are still in touch over email. From what I hear from him, getting any kind of supplies has become exorbitant and money really does make a difference just for things like grains, vegetables, water. They are barely making it. Thank you so much if you are able to help. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=56Z59REZ4JS5U

Thank you for sharing the link, Hannah. It is horrifying what is happening in Gaza, and I appreciate you shining a light on this family’s need

the difference is that our government is funding it, sending billions of American tax dollars worth of weapons — we are EACH paying for babies to be burned alive and strategically starved. omg I find it so horrifying.

Hi, Anon! Fellow Jewish person here. There is so much suffering in our battered and bruised world. And I don’t perceive advocacy for a Free Palestine as a hyper-focus. Jewish-led pro-Palestine advocacy groups like If Not Now Movement provide a rationale for focusing on Gaza, from a Jewish cultural and spiritual perspective. I’ve also been reading through Community Safety Campaign’s beautiful resource on Jewish safety through solidarity.

And yet governments worldwide opened their borders to Ukrainian refugees and have done nothing even remotely similar to support Gazans. Talk about “picking and choosing”.

There is power in the word “and”. You can talk about sufferings together. This is happening AND this is happening. If your conversation is intended to crown an ultimate victim or belittle a situation, it is sinister. AND ditto to what Joanna said.

thank you for speaking to this, and offering your first hand experience. There are, somehow, still people who deny this genocide, and who focus on whataboutism or “both sides” arguments. I ask — does Israel look like Gaza does now? Are the Israeli people starving? They are not.

Thank you for letting us know—I had no idea!!

How big are your breasts? I like the silicone cups you stick on, there’s a lot out there now a days. I have small breasts though, so don’t need to worry about lift or anything. Hell, I’ve worn bandaids over my nipples before; however those work better if the dress or tap has a little texture.

I love Cakes! They don’t give lift but they are so easy to wear with dresses and tops that aren’t bra friendly.

I LOVE B-Six Nippies, but I’m very small chested, so I don’t need any support. If you don’t mind that and just want nipple coverage, they’re amazing!

I have a small chest so I don’t need lift or support – I use the Fashion Forms stick on gel nipple covers from Target every summer! Just wore them with a dress last night :)

That is so cool. Definitely going to check that out—thanks for posting!

Thank you for highlighting this, Grace. And grateful that this blog continues to make space for all of us who are horrified by what’s being allowed to unfold in Gaza

Yes thank you for mentioning this. What happened is that two people who someone thought were Jewish were murdered. Gunned down a few blocks from where I live. They weren’t coming out of the embassy, they were leaving a Jewish event. It could have been my synagogue. It could have been me and my family. The silence in the comments here and most other places is deafening.

my heart hurts for the Israel jews and the jewish diaspora who are feeling scared and unsafe. AND Israel is technically and officially conducting a genocide against the Palestinian people. A United Nations Special Committee, Amnesty International, and other experts and human rights organizations have all concluded that Israel is committing genocide. One of many quotes from the UN: “That food and water are knowingly withheld with no regard for civilian welfare, including that of 1 million children, exposes yet again Israel’s genocidal aims.” https://www.un.org/unispal/document/letter-from-the-state-of-palestine-23apr25/ https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/12/amnesty-international-concludes-israel-is-committing-genocide-against-palestinians-in-gaza/ + many more I absolutely agree with you that Israel should fight back against Hamas. I absolutely agree with you that the hostages should be brought home, alive or dead. I am devastated for their families and loved ones. That part is not controversial. But I genuinely ask you: How is withholding aid, water, and food from Palestinian citizens — so much and for so long that babies, children, and adults are slowly starving to death, getting infections, not producing breastmilk to nurse newborns, etc — a way of fighting Hamas? How is strategically and systematically starving an entire population *not* a genocide? I ask genuinely because I cannot understand how that question could be answered differently — if the children were Jewish, wouldn’t you be absolutely horrified? I would! I would be horrified for any children. Starving a population is NOT the same as fighting Hamas. What is happening right now is a genocide, by definition.

I read your comment carefully. The fact is that noted Human Rights organizations, scholars of genocide and scholars of Holocaust have called what is happening in Gaza a genocide. Many of us believe them. Besides, all one has to do is listen to the rhetoric of the Israeli leadership who are now openly saying the quiet part aloud. A recent poll from Penn State of Israeli Society shows that the majority are in favor of mass expulsion of Arabs and are also in favor of their extermination. I think the horror in Gaza is beyond our comprehension and it is morally incumbent on us to call out the actions of Israel.

both of these things are happening at the same time. I will talk about both. bess is wonderful — she clearly feels the fear and trauma of antisemitism deep in her bones, grieves for the hostages and their loved ones, fears for her jewish children in America, and STILL speaks out about the horrifying killings in gaza. she’s so incredibly brave and clear thinking, I honestly don’t know how she does it. here’s a great post of hers, as one of many examples: https://besskalb.substack.com/p/parenting-amidst-the-massacres

I came here to say the same!

Me too! And I’ve just finished my first book off the list. The best book recommendation comments on CoJ ever. :-)

Thank you Caitlin!

Amazing! Thank you, Caitlin!

1000% agree!! We can’t thank you enough, Caitlin!! Just printed it off for safekeeping and can’t wait to start reading!

Scrolling through the spreadsheet made me teary, not only for the effort of the maker and the community who suggested titles but for the through line that stories are everything.

Sob! So, so happy for you. Also – even the idea of holding your baby with his fuzzy head gave me a surge of the cozy happy brain hormones, I swear.

omg this made me cry! congrats on your sweet baby

This community is so compassionate. Congrats on the birth of your baby!

I think I may remember your post! Congratulations!!! So happy for you. <3

<3

This is great news! I’m so happy your baby is safe and healthy.