i'm not sure i should recommend this book, but WOW the cover is pretty
Hello!
I have been really bad at sending this out. I’m sorry! Going bi-weekly for now, because I have too much going on.
this week’s style inspo:
These Bulgarian demon chasers
what I’m clicking:
This fascinating story about Instagram-commerce | Serena Williams in Vogue | When pop culture gets woke | This incredible long read that criticizes Jay-Z, Beyonce, and capitalism | The lost giant of American literature
what I’m coveting:
These insane cacti, which are actually perfumes?
what I’m listening to:
Not every story deserves to be a podcast, but this is an excellent use of the medium. As you may know, I’m obsessed with cults, so I was really into this podcast. I have to warn you that the host is the only low point of this show because he’s just too theatrical. But the actual audio clips of the cult are really incredible.
what I’m writing about:
The World’s Chicest Airport (also, some old man wrote me a VERY long email about this article complaining about how uncomfortable chic furniture is).
This piece where I get to let my inner spoiled brat reign free and talk about all my favorite travel moments from 2017.
what I’m watching:
Don’t watch this movie, it’s terrifying.
what I’m reading:
Nicole Krauss
I don’t know if it’s because I’m not Jewish or that I’ve never been to Israel or that I’m not a Kafka scholar, but I just DID NOT GET this book. I have no idea why it was written, what it’s supposed to be about, or what happens to any of the characters. I’m not sure if this is fiction or fantasy or magical realism. If anybody has read this book and has any insight at all into why it exists, please enlighten me. I loved The History of Love and I want to love Nicole Krauss but she’s making it really hard.
Did it make me cry: No.
Did it make me laugh: No.
Did it make me miss a subway stop: No.
Would I recommend it: No.
Would I read it again: No.
Would it be a good movie: No.
Lawrence Osborne
It is my biggest literary pet peeve when old male writers (especially you, Chris Bohjalian) try and write books from the perspective of young women. It almost NEVER works out well. Just stop. Stick to what you know. Write about WWI or whiskey or labor markets or something.
Did it make me cry: No.
Did it make me laugh: No.
Did it make me miss a subway stop: No.
Would I recommend it: I generally like Lawrence Osborne, but this is the worst book he’s ever written.
Would I read it again: No.
Would it be a good movie: I don’t know what the point of this movie would be.
Meg Wolitzer
One of my favorite things about books are the creative worlds that their authors conjure. I love how Meg Wolitzer makes up these familiar but slightly off stories within her stories, and it’s always fun to have a moment where you realize what she’s referencing.
Did it make me cry: No.
Did it make me laugh: No.
Did it make me miss a subway stop: No.
Would I recommend it: I mean, it’s pretty good because it’s Meg Wolitzer, but it wasn’t incredible… I think I might feel this way because I HATED the main character. She is one of my least favorite kinds of people. But hey, you might like her. I also sort of hated the second main character, or maybe I just hated every character in this book. It’s also an interesting look at second-wave feminism and how it doesn’t really hold up in today’s world.
Would I read it again: No. But I would read The Interestings again!
Would it be a good movie: I’m not sure what this movie would be about (everything that’s wrong with white feminism?) but it would be a great role for somebody.
what I’m reading right now:
Anthropology of an American Girl
what’s on my bookshelf waiting to be read:
Year of the Runaways
Underground Railroad
what books are on my list to buy (this will take me months to actually do):
Do Not Say We Have Nothing by Madeleine Thien
Hot Milk by Deborah Levy
M Train by Patti Smith
That Patty Hearst book
Seveneves by Neal Stephenson
The Beautiful Ones Are Not Yet Born
What Belongs to You by Garth Greenwell
I Love Dick (which is being made into a TV show by Jill Soloway!)
After interviewing Helen Ellis, I added a few books from her “classic trashy” book club to my list.
What are you reading? (You can reply to this email and tell me)
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