I lost my job this week. Here's how you can help.

(There is still a book review, too.)

Lake Lucerne by Albert Bierstadt, 1858. I love Bierstadt’s landscapes. Before doing some searching, I didn’t know he did any work featuring European landscapes.

Happy Friday, readers!

As you probably guessed from the title, today’s newsletter is a little different. Earlier this week, I unexpectedly lost my job amidst a wave of change at Automattic. (The company has been in tech headlines quite a bit in the last two weeks.)

It wasn’t 100% out of the blue, but the timing and finality of it were a bit of a shock. Thankfully, I was offered generous severance, giving me quite a bit of runway to find something new.

The timing is darkly ironic considering the subscription drive I kicked off last week, in which I said that this newsletter isn’t my job. I don’t really plan on that being the case, but anything is possible.

For this week, even though I am still including a book review, I’m offering a few quick thoughts on what’s next and how you can help.

I won’t paywall Read More Books (yet)

I could paywall the newsletter, or parts of it, but I’d really prefer not to—at least at this point. In this transition period, though, I’ll likely post a bit more and experiment with a few different types of content.

I’ll do a few interviews, a few essays, some standalone book lists . . . we’ll see what sticks and what ya’ll enjoy seeing.

I’m still running The Big Read

The Big Read is the paid online book club I created in 2021, also on Substack. In October we’re reading Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House. In November/December, we’re reading Dickens’ Great Expectations. There are hundreds of members and it’s always a blast reading classic books together.

I’m available for writing and editing projects

A few months ago, with an inkling that times were changin’ at Automattic, I started thinking about what might be next and how I could fill in whatever gaps might be necessary should something like this happen.

The result: www.thecaspercreative.com

Starting immediately, I’m available for writing and editing projects, as well as writing coaching. Visit the website to learn more and get in touch.

At the same time, I’m also open to full-time work

I’m particularly looking for roles in:

• writing/communications

• publishing

• books

• media

I know I have a lot of readers in those spaces, so if you think of something I might be a good fit for, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

I’m open to a number of things, including roles I wouldn’t necessarily even know to look for. That’s the beauty of an incredible community—like you!

Thank you!

And now, as always, a pertinent book review.

---

Hiking with Nietzsche: On Becoming Who You Are by John Kaag

We don’t often think of philosophers as writing accessible and enjoyable books. John Kaag, however, somehow does just that. I’ve long been familiar with his work but didn’t read any of it until late last year. After enjoying Henry at Work, I was eager to look up more of his books.  

In Hiking With Nietzsche, John wrestles with some of the changes life brings his way in his mid-30s: marriage, a child, a little less freedom than before. To reconnect with his younger self, he ventures to the Swiss Alps with his family to re-create some of the formative hikes of his younger days. 

Throughout the narrative, Kaag is searching for the wisdom of philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, who also hiked those trails in his own quest for meaning. 

As Kaag quickly discovered, the same idea can mean very different things in different decades of your life. I especially appreciated the discussion and explanation of Nietzsche’s famed concept of “eternal return” as well as his overarching aim to “become who you are.” 

Become who you are. 

What a phrase to chew on. 

Though Kaag gives readers (and listeners, like me) some guiding advice for thinking about these ideas, he also doesn’t provide easy answers—because he doesn’t arrive at any himself. Becoming who you are first requires deep introspection about who you are. Then, you have to get there.  

Thankfully, at least one thing is clear: I much prefer my self-help to come more in the guise of philosophy. 

It’s not for everyone, but Hiking With Nietzsche will be very enjoyable for those with philosophical leanings, as well as anyone feeling some malaise in their life. Kieran Satya’s Midlife, which I read and enjoyed earlier this year, is rather similar and should also be on your list. 

---

Thank you for everything. You all are just the best!

-Jeremy