Written by Julia Kidwell and Sarah Nash

Photographed by Zoe Brown

For 11 days, we followed the rigorous reading rituals of Amy Sherman-Palladino’s “Gilmore Girls.” Although Springfield, Missouri is far from Connecticut, we embraced the spirit of Stars Hollow with lots and lots of books.

Our challenge had three rules: 

1. Read a new-to-us chosen novel and biography for 40 minutes before and after our respective day of classes––just as Rory does on her 40 minute bus ride to and from Chilton Academy.

2. Read a book of essays and short stories during lunch times.

3. And finally, carry at least one book with us at all times.

In episode 2 of season 7, Rory provides Lorelei with a rundown of this daily reading schedule. Lorelei tells her she’s “going to tip over from the weight of that backpack.” Luckily, we did not end up falling from the amount of books in our backpack, but there sure were a lot of them. Julia read Jane Austen’s “Persuasion,” Zora Neale Hurston’s “Barracoon,” Zadie Smith’s “Feel Free,” and George Saunders’ “CivilWarLand in Bad Decline.” Sarah read Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye,” Hermann Hesse’s “Siddhartha,” Michael D. Snediker’s “Queer Optimism,” and Mark Twain’s “The Mysterious Stranger and Other Stories.”

While looking through a list of books actually read on the show, Sarah discovered Hermann Hess’ “Siddhartha.” Originally published in 1922, Hess tells the tale of a man’s lifelong spiritual journey in the time of the Shakyamuni Buddha. Although a short book in the scheme of things, “Siddhartha” showed to be positively engaging and magical. Symbolism runs deep with nostalgia, proven with the gorgeously consistent character of the river. Flowing with ennui, it is easy to see the appeal for Rory herself.

Horror is not a genre Julia usually, if ever, gravitates toward, but the premise of “CivilWarLand in Bad Decline,” in addition to the format, proved enticing enough to give it a try. Discovered when polling for book recommendations on Instagram, “CivilWarLand” was a standout from the start with its unique array of desolate, commercial settings and characters seeking something outside of those two descriptors. The horrific elements featured in the stories are not necessarily the ghosts, villains, or hundreds of raccoons, but the unfortunate way events unfold, the way that they can act as a mirror for the ugliest parts of ourselves. Certainly, this does not make for light reading, and Julia often found herself having to take breaks between, and even in the middle of, stories to digest the depth and darkness — but the brilliant, quotable, emotionally heavy yet pragmatic writing had her coming back for the next saga each time. 

Putting time aside to read was almost like being back in elementary school reading hour. Sarah has always been a big reader, but it has been a long time since she has done so on such a solid schedule. What started as an––undeniably––difficult adjustment became a glimpse back into the childhood ease of traveling to literary worlds. Reading fills you up. Don’t spend so much time growing up to let it become a chore. Louisa May Alcott puts it best, in whatever situation you may find yourself, “take some books and read, books are always good company if you have the right sort.”

Julia has always loved reading, but as with many college students, it can seem like an indulgence or just another tool for procrastination during the semester. She found that the strict timing involved with the challenge brought to light just how much time in her day could be used for reading without intruding on essential elements like work, homework, and meals. As it turns out, the time it was intruding on was used primarily for aimless screen-gazing. Shifting the time spent between classes to be immersed in a Regency winter outing or 1920’s Alabama, and even just the rhythm of someone else’s arrangement of words, was refreshing and removed her mind from cyclical thoughts on the self to larger ideas and connections between them.

With the guidance of Rory and each other, we were able to peer into the magical world of the Gilmores. Grab a massive cup of coffee and you can try it too.