the song of the summer
Hello, here’s some stuff:
this week’s style inspo:
Beyonce in Vogue’s September issue
what I’m clicking:
How millennials killed mayonnaise | How spiritual tourists are colonizing ayahuasca | Beyonce’s mom’s art collection | The stars of the September issue | Evangelical Hollywood | In defense of iceberg lettuce |
How to spend your privilege | How to make students care about their writing
what I’m listening to:
My soundtrack to the summer, which I hope reminds you of a weeknight rooftop party that accidentally got too turnt. Cardi B has been on repeat in my life for months, and if you don’t like it, then I don’t want to be friends anymore.
what I’m wanderlusting:
Take me to Bhutan! (and Amankora)
what I’m writing about:
what I’m reading:
Hanan al-Shaykh
I’m fully convinced that this is a good book--in Arabic. It’s an interesting premise with GREAT characters, but I have a feeling I’ve never felt before, which is that I’m pretty sure this is a horrible translation. There’s something so stilted and awkward about the flow and dialogue and there are actually asterisks and definitions throughout the book.
Did it make me cry: Nope.
Did it make me laugh: No.
Did it make me miss a subway stop: No.
Would I recommend it: Not unless you read Arabic.
Would I read it again: No.
Would it be a good movie: No.
Christopher J. Yates
Ah! I could NOT put this book down. It was riveting. It’s one of those books that’s a near perfect form of escapism while you’re reading it, but then you get to the end and you’re like “Really? That’s it?”
Did it make me cry: No.
Did it make me laugh: No.
Did it make me miss a subway stop: No, but yes.
Would I recommend it: If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t mind a book that falls apart at the end, then this is the book for you. It’s 85% great.
Would I read it again: No, since I already know how this stupid book ends.
Would it be a good movie: Hell yes.
Garth Stein
This book is fucked up. It’s the single most indulgent and unnecessary thing I have ever read in my life and I sobbed throughout the whole book. I love this dog so much it hurts. He’s such a good boy.
Did it make me cry: I’ve literally never cried more. I’m crying a little bit right now just thinking about it.
Did it make me laugh: Yes.
Did it make me miss a subway stop: No.
Would I recommend it: Do you love crying? Read this book. Do you have an old dog? Burn this book, because it will absolutely ruin your life.
Would I read it again: Absolutely not, never.
Would it be a good movie: This would be a crime against humanity on so many levels.
what I’m bookclubbing: Sing, Unburied, Sing. We’ll be discussing August 22 in Brooklyn! Email me if you want to join.
the best book I read in…
July: Black Chalk (TBH, it's not great but I didn't read that much in July)
June: An American Marriage
May: The Perfect Nanny
April: Conversations with Friends
March: History of Wolves
February: Homesick for Another World
January: Anthropology of an American Girl