If the year is 2026 friction-maxThe summer will be completely focused on taking care of yourself. To the world around you, as opposed to the screen. Even though I am over 30 and therefore weak, I still agree with the youth turning towards analog bag.
Youth influencer Brian Anika Fritjofsson coined the term to refer to her preference of carrying a physical book in her purse. She decorated the bag to name it as her fun, activity-filled analog solution to spending too much time on her phone. However, the bag isn’t just a book accessory: any non-smartphone activity will work. The best books and activities in your analog bag to help you reduce your doomscrolling time.
Ever since I was a teenager, I have followed the analog bag lifestyle and have made sure that I only carry bags that can fit a book. Although I regularly use an e-reader, I still prefer flipping back and forth to a physical book, especially to check character names and double-check important setting information.
Tote bags are obviously useful, but I also prefer an analog bag with multiple pockets for books, fidget toys, a flashlight, and a small puzzle. The purpose of the analog bag is to use the physical items you know instead of searching the digital realm for distractions. Picking up books about meditation, or activities that allow you to sit quietly, is a great way to create your own analog bag.
Whether you’re into knitting patterns or meeting a word count goal, here are some recommendations for books that slow you down and activities that keep you focused.
books about paying attention
Better life through bird farming by Christian Cooper
In addition to presenting an excellent bird-watching show on National Geographic, Cooper has shared his excellent insights about bird-watching through his memoir. His love of birds has had a positive impact on his mental health and belief in a better world. This is perfect for your analog bag as it will definitely spark interest in birds, and it will encourage you to observe the world around you more patiently. You can’t look at your phone, because you might miss a rare glimpse of an owl!
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Serviceberry: Abundance and reciprocity in the natural world By Robin Wall Kimmerer, illustrated by John Burgoyne
You don’t actually have to be into gardening to appreciate the beauty of growing things. Robin Wall Kimmerer focuses her latest work on the joy and abundance of the serviceberry. His overall point is that we should not hoard resources, and we should learn from serviceberries about sharing with each other and with the natural world.
Games and Guides
Tunisian Crochet Handbook by Tony Lipsey
Even if you’re not a beginner at knitting, the style of Tunisian crochet that Lipsy presents here is a great new skill to master. The book is still extremely accessible for beginners, with some commentary on the history of crochet in Tunisia and how makers developed these patterns.
99 Movie Crossword by A24
If you want to spend less time on the phone but still play the daily crossword game, this is a great intervention. Movie Crossword is curated by filmmakers in the A24 ecosystem: Lulu Wang, David Lowery, Stephanie Hsu and others contributed. Along with your crossword book, get a decorative pencil case to hold your writing tools.
Peggy Dean’s guide to nature illustration and watercolor: Learn to sketch, ink, and paint flowers, plants, trees, and animals by peggy dean
Picking up a new, low-risk hobby is usually another summer goal of mine. Dean’s guide gives lots of practical advice for drawing nature and animals. As with summer hikes, you can slow your pace and take some time to observe and record what you see. As an urban kid, I’d try it in parks, and maybe even build some flower boxes on buildings.
However you plan on decorating and packing your analog bags this summer, it’s the perfect opportunity to slow down and appreciate the world around us. Also try decorating your analog bags with bookish patches and bag charms.
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