Bonnie Wright

Confession: I geeked out a bit when the publisher of _Go Gently_ reached out to me to review a copy. I mean, a) that's always flattering, regardless of book, and b) it's Bonnie flipping Wright! Ginny Weasley! (She must get that a lot. Sorry, Bonnie, I know you are your own person and just played Ginny on screen. But really, how amazing was it? #TeamHarry&Ginny)

I'll admit I also had some underlying expectations about this book. That it might reference Harry Potter (it did, in passing). That show more it would likely have a number of hot-button buzz words (it did), and feature interviews with folks more ... left-leaning than I am, and all that goes with that (it did). That Wright and I likely approach issues around said hot buttons very differently (we do). And yet, there was also a fair bit of overlap, and I was grateful to find that common ground.

For starters, I loved the concept of committing to an issue we feel connected to and inspired by. Finding one's "why" goes so far in doing anything truly well. And, the concept of community solar programs is intriguing; being a renter myself who therefore can't implement solar, I'd enjoy the ability to share in it!

The chapter on food was probably my favorite. Partly thanks to the pandemic, I'm eating at home way more; thanks to Centr (workout app created by Chris Hemsworth), I'm eating way more fruits, vegetables, and clean/whole foods (and liking it). The actionable steps in this chapter really hit home with me, whether shopping for produce at a local farmers' market (mine is opening later this month, YAY), doing one large online order vs. multiple smaller ones, or walking to a restaurant for takeout pick-up instead of delivery. (Plus, the latter is a great way to get in more Fitbit steps. Ha!) Later chapters provide helpful solutions for maximizing environmental impact.

Showing up in person to events, versus limiting myself to online materials, media, and books, is something I'm looking forward to as we (finally, maybe, I hope?) move out of the pandemic.

The inventory tables for at-home use are particularly helpful and enjoyable (I like forms, and inventory, haha). And the travel and recipes sections--LOVE! I also really appreciated Wright's sharing about her grandparents' generation and how many of the ideas shared in the book aren't "new," but often stem out from those that went before us.

3.5 stars/5; rounded up to 4.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. show less