This month’s newsletter is coming to you a little late because my mom has been in town! She moved to France about two years ago and we were supposed to visit in May of 2020 but that never happened because, pandemic. But she was finally able to come to the U.S. for a bit and it was so nice to finally catch up in person. We had an absolutely wonderful brunch outside at a local restaurant, True Chesapeake Oyster Co., (my first dining experience since COVID), gave ourselves manicures (with Olive & June, of course!), watched The American President (I feel like it’s a highly underrated ‘90s gem), and spent a lot of time outside enjoying Baltimore. And now here we are, with July right around the corner. How did that happen?!
What I’m reading…
The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi – I finally read this much talked about book and loved the stunning and heartbreaking story of Vivek Oji, their family, and their struggle to live their life how they wanted. Emezi’s writing is visceral and makes me eager to read even more of their work (I read and loved Pet, and highly recommend).
Saints for All Occasions by J. Courtney Sullivan – My dad recommended this one and it had been sitting on my shelf for too long. After visiting with him and learning some things about our family, it felt like the right time to pick it up. And I’m so glad I did. Every single character will stick with me, especially Nora and Theresa, two sisters who leave their home country of Ireland for the U.S., and a life they never planned for. I have another of Sullivan’s backlist titles on my shelf (Maine) and am even more eager to read it now.
Latest book purchases…
My mom and I made a stop at Greedy Reads and I picked up a few books:
Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self by Danielle Evans – I read and loved The Office of Historical Corrections so I’m eager to read Evans’ first collection of short stories.
The Daughters of Erietown by Connie Schultz – I hadn’t heard of this one but the story of women’s lives evolving over a number of years is one of my favorite kinds of books.
Fairest by Meredith Talusan – This has long been on my wish list and I couldn’t resist the beautiful paperback cover.
Books on my preorder list…
Shoulder Season by Christina Clancy (releases July 6) – This story of a young woman working in a Playboy resort in the 1980s sounds reminiscent of City of Girls. (Scroll down for information on an upcoming virtual event!)
While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory (releases July 13) – I’ve read every single one of Guillory’s books and am counting down until this one is in my hands. It’s the last in this series and I’m eager to see what she writes next. If you’re new to the romance genre and don’t know where to start, her books are a great entry point. (Scroll down for information on an upcoming virtual event!)
Podcasts I’m loving…
Drama Queens – I was a big fan of One Tree Hill (remember when it was the WB, not the CW… or am I just old?) and am SO excited for this podcast. Sophia Bush, Bethany Joy Lenz, and Hilarie Burton are watching each episode and discussing them in this weekly podcast. Looks like I’m due for a rewatch!
Things I’m cooking…
Still Hello Fresh! Although I think I burned myself out on it these past few months and am going to take a break for the next week or two. Not super excited to have to meal plan again, so if you have any favorite summer recipes, please send them my way!
What I’m watching…
Love Life on HBO Max – This was recommended to me by my bff, Katie (make sure you’re following her on Instagram!) and I ADORED it. The first season starred Anna Kendrick, following her character through the various loves in her life until she found “her person.” It was funny and relatable and heartwarming. And I think the second season comes out soon. Highly recommend!
The Bold Type – I’m sad it’s the last season but it feels like it’s the right time for it to come to an end. Anyone else watch this one?
Links I’m clicking…
21 LGBTQ+ Authors on the Books They Wish They’d Had As Teenagers
40 LGBTQ+ Books to Read Now and Always
Inclusive LGBTQ+ Children’s Books
High school is hard enough for disabled students, don’t take away our Zoom classes
Just because your early career was hell doesn’t mean others’ has to be
Upcoming bookish events…
Tonight + tomorrow: Thanks for Waiting by Doree Shafrir virtual launch party, ft. Jasmine Guillory
Tomorrow, June 29: Well-Read Black Girl book club – Seven Days in June, facilitated by @bookishandblack (hosted by Loyalty Books)
Thursday, July 8: Christina Clancy in conversation with Liam Callanan (hosted by Boswell Book Company)
Friday, July 16: Jasmine Guillory in conversation with Glory Edim (hosted by Books Are Magic)
Other ways to support me…
Use katharines20 for 20% off an Olive & June mani set.
Get 10% off your Birthdate Candles purchase with readwithkat10.
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I’d love to hear from you! Tell me what you’re reading or watching, what you’d like to see from me, or any questions you have.
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