Ink & Reverie: The Protagonists Libarary
Welcome to The Protagonist’s Library
January often arrives with a demand for rigorous reinvention. We are told to resolve, to change, to optimize. But at Fehmerling Books, we believe the start of a new year calls for something softer, yet infinitely more profound: Reverie.
This month, we are shelving the noise of the modern world to focus on Ink (the craft of writing) and Reverie (the art of dreaming). We have curated this collection not just for readers, but for the writers at heart. These are the books that belong on a messy oak desk, stacked beside a cooling cup of tea and a notebook full of crossed-out lines. From the raw immediacy of modern poetry to the fiery wit of American satire, these four titles explore the many voices of the inner protagonist.
We invite you to step into The Protagonist’s Library. These narratives are scholarly, moody, and deeply expressive. They are invitations to slow down, to annotate, and to treat your reading ritual as a study in the human condition.
The Raw Confessional
milk and honey
By Rupi Kaur
In a collection about "Ink," we must acknowledge the book that redefined poetry for a new generation. Rupi Kaur’s milk and honey is the embodiment of the raw confessional. It strips away the pretense of academia and delivers emotion in its most urgent, unvarnished form. This is poetry as a survival mechanism—sketches of pain, love, breaking, and healing that feel like they were written in the margins of a diary at 3 a.m.
We selected this title because it represents the act of writing to heal. For the reader seeking to tap into their own creativity this January, Kaur offers a masterclass in brevity and vulnerability. It is a reminder that you do not need complex meters to be a poet; you simply need the courage to bleed onto the page. It is accessible, visceral, and the perfect modern counterweight to the classics in this library.
Shop This TitleThe Satirist's Fire
A Pen Warmed-Up In Hell
By Mark Twain (Edited by Frederick Anderson)
If Kaur is the heart, Twain is the spleen. To fully explore the writer's toolkit, one must understand that "Reverie" is not always peaceful; sometimes, it is furious. A Pen Warmed-Up In Hell unearths the fiery, lesser-known gems of Mark Twain. This is not the gentle storyteller of the Mississippi; this is the sharp-witted critic dissecting politics, religion, and the hypocrisy of human nature with surgical precision.
This collection is essential for the "Protagonist's Library" because it showcases the power of the pen as a weapon. Featuring his biting "Battle Hymn of the Republic (Brought Down to Date)," these essays and letters remind us that literature has a duty to challenge the status quo. It is a brilliant, scorching read for those who prefer their intellectual stimulation with a side of righteous indignation.
Shop This TitleThe Interior Landscape
Mrs. Dalloway
By Virginia Woolf
We return now to the quiet center of the mind. Mrs. Dalloway is the anchor of this collection because Woolf is the architect of the interior life. As Clarissa Dalloway walks through London to buy flowers, the narrative dips and weaves through memory, sensory perception, and the ticking of Big Ben. Woolf teaches us that the most dramatic landscapes are often the ones inside our own heads.
This is the ultimate "slow living" novel. It forces the reader to decelerate; you cannot skim Woolf, you must drift with her. For the reader seeking to embrace their inner protagonist, this book is a masterclass in noticing—the way the light hits a window, the sound of a car backfiring, the profound weight of a single June day. It is moody, floral, and deeply introspective.
Shop This TitleThe Quiet Observer
The Poetry of Robert Frost
By Robert Frost
To conclude our library, we step outside into the crisp winter air. The Poetry of Robert Frost provides the grounding element this collection needs. Frost is often remembered for his rustic New England charm, but beneath the stone walls and snowy woods lies a profound, often dark, philosophical inquiry into the human experience. This comprehensive collection, spanning from 1913 to 1962, captures a lifetime of looking closely at the world.
We included this volume because Frost is the master of "Reverie" in nature. He teaches us how to find the universal in the specific—how a bent birch tree or a stopping horse can explain the complexities of choice and duty. It is wisdom distilled into verse. For the reader who finds peace in solitude and the natural world, Frost is the essential companion.
Shop This TitleA Pairing for the Journey: The Tea of the Month
A journey into the "Protagonist's Library" requires a worthy companion. We have selected the Creme Brulée Earl Grey with Jasmine & Vanilla by Plum Deluxe. This sophisticated blend layers the familiar, bright citrus of bergamot with the comforting aroma of caramelized sugar and creamy vanilla. It is an invitation to indulge—perfect for moments of quiet contemplation with a classic novel. To get the perfect brew, see our guide, The Art of the Reading Ritual. (This luxurious, sweet profile also earns it a nod in our Ultimate Guide to Cozy Teas!)
Explore All TeasThe Complete Reading Ritual
To fully immerse yourself in this month's theme, the right tools are key. A Storyteller's Journal is the perfect space to capture your reflections, embodying the "Ink" of our theme. Annotation Tabs help you track the beautiful prose in Woolf or the sharp lines of Twain. This ritual of active, mindful reading is a powerful form of self-care. (Learn more in our guide, Why Reading is the Ultimate Self-Care).
The Ultimate Curated Experience
This is the ultimate self-care ritual, delivered—the perfect all-in-one solution for *treating yourself* to a complete, immersive reading experience. Our Curated Reader's Gift Sets often feature books from our monthly themes. It's a perfect expression of the philosophy we explore in our Art of Thoughtful Gifting guide, and also makes for an unforgettable gift for the writer in your life.
Explore the Full Collection
Ready to build your library? Discover the full Ink & Reverie collection and find the books that speak to your inner protagonist.