Valuing Yourself and THE LITERATI by Susan Coll
- Marisa Gelfand
- Oct 7
- 2 min read
Clemi is having a week.
If you’re a Susan Coll fan (hi, that’s me), you might remember Clemi from Bookish People. And if ever a side character deserved center stage, it’s her. The Literati picks up a couple of years later, and Clemi is floundering.
Her mother—a literary agent with no emotional warmth—lives in London and only occasionally remembers what her daughter does for work. Her father, a poet she hadn’t met until he strolled into the bookstore where she worked (in Bookish People), suddenly wants a relationship. But after a lifetime of absence, Clemi isn’t rushing to a father-daughter dance.
Her love life? Also a mess. Her ex keeps her on the hook while parading around with other women—often older, useful to his career, and infuriating.
Work is also a dumpster fire. Clemi left the bookstore for a literary nonprofit that’s broke, boss-less (he’s the only other employee and may have skipped town with the funds), and somehow planning a major gala at the end of the week. Clemi has no idea what’s happening. Yet she keeps showing up, trying to keep the whole thing from imploding.
Clemi is disrespected, disregarded, and deeply underappreciated. And here’s the kicker: she’s genuinely good-hearted: ready to be a real teammate, a loyal friend, and a loving partner. But her low self-worth keeps her stuck, convincing her she’s not accomplished enough, driven enough, or worthy enough to expect better.
Sound familiar? If you’ve ever felt “not enough,” here are a few tools to start valuing yourself.
See the Positives in Yourself: Challenge negative thoughts as they pop up. Speak kindly to yourself. Write down your strengths, wins, and the qualities that make you you. And when someone compliments you, say “thank you” instead of dismissing it.
Take Care of Yourself: Prioritize rest, joyful movement, and food that nourishes. Spend time with people who genuinely support you. Protect your energy by saying no when you need to.
Shift Your Thoughts: Embrace progress over perfection. Comparison leads only to despair—stay grounded in your own path. Focus on the present moment, and let go of idealized fantasies that keep you stuck.
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