Kicking Off a New Chapter: A Gen Xer’s Take on Books, Birding, and Blogging

I came into the world kicking and screaming in the last quarter of the twentieth century, which proudly makes me a Gen Xer. We’re known for our resilient, independent spirit, and I’ve carried those traits with me into every phase of my life. Now, here I am, launching this blog at the close of the first part of the twenty-first century, just as the Alpha generation is starting to take the reins. It feels like the right time to reflect on where I’ve been, what I love, and what this blog is all about.

Until recently, I worked as a freelance web developer. Technology has always been a big part of my life, yet after many years, I decided it was time to hang up my coding hat. These days, I’m often found out in the British countryside, binoculars in hand, watching for anything with wings. Birding has become one of my great passions, a perfect excuse to immerse myself in nature and to enjoy the quiet wonder of the outdoors. When I’m not birding, I’m usually found down at the local pub, putting the world to rights over a pint with my dad, or lost between the pages of a good book.

Reading has always been an escape for me, a way to learn about places and people beyond my own experience. Since I’ve stepped back from work, my appetite for books has only grown. Starting this blog feels like a natural way to share that excitement with others and maybe even hear from readers who feel the same. I want this space to be a friendly, opinionated corner of the internet for anyone who shares a love for literature—or even just a good story.

Now, I’ll admit, I’m not much of a social media enthusiast. In fact, I downright abhor most social platforms. But I’ve managed to carve out a small online presence on a few select sites, namely Bluesky and Goodreads.

These sites are where I like to keep up with the literary world and connect with others who are equally passionate about books. So, if you’re there, feel free to look me up.

As for my reading tastes, they’re all over the map. I can get just as wrapped up in a political memoir as I can in a classic Greek myth. My shelves are a mix of old classics like Ulysses and Watership Down, balanced with contemporary reads like Too Much and Never Enough by Mary L. Trump. There’s something deeply satisfying about reading widely and experiencing a range of genres, stories, and perspectives. For me, it’s all about understanding the world, one book at a time.

Given that my one bookcase is already overflowing, I’ve recently decided to make an investment in the new 12th-generation Kindle Paperwhite. This digital companion is helping me manage my ever-growing “to-be-read” list without the risk of toppling bookshelves. It’s taken some getting used to—I’ll always love the feel of a physical book—but I’ve come to appreciate the convenience and portability that my Kindle offers. It’s become my steady companion on birding trips, pub afternoons, and quiet evenings at home.

You might also notice the typeface I’m using on this blog—Clarendon. Designed by Robert Besley in 1845 right in the heart of London, Clarendon was a typeface of firsts. It was the first typeface to be patented and one of the earliest to introduce bold characters, making it something of a pioneer in the world of typography. I love that using it here brings a bit of history to each post.

So here we are—my first post on this new blog. I wanted to kick things off with something personal, something that reflects a bit of who I am and what you might find here. I’ll be posting about the books I read, of course, but also sharing musings from my walks in the British countryside, thoughts on the passing seasons, and whatever else comes to mind. Hopefully, this will be a space for conversation, too. I’d love to hear about your favorite books, your own blogs, and the things that keep you inspired.

The internet is a big place, and it can be hard to find genuine, like-minded folks among the noise. But I hope this blog can be a small refuge for anyone who loves a good story, whether it’s told through words, wings, or quiet walks in nature. Let’s see where this journey takes us.

Cheerio for now.
Phillip