Some reading for your long weekend
May's roundup of all the things
May is Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, and in celebration of that, as well as the fact that it’s been 20 years (!!!) since my CF diagnosis, I’m hosting a little giveaway on my Instagram. All you have to do is donate to my Cystic Fibrosis Foundation fundraiser to be entered (be sure to share your receipt with me, either here or on Instagram). You’ll be entered for the chance to win a custom author t-shirt and a $100 gift card to the bookstore of your choice! It ends Sunday at 12AM EST, so be sure to check it out. I’m less than $500 away from my goal, and every little bit helps <3
Now, onto the content you’re here for!
What I’m reading…
From Scratch by Tembi Locke – I listened to this on audio which has recently been my preferred way to read memoirs. A lot of people' whose reading taste I admire had raved about this story of a woman’s love and loss, and it didn’t disappoint (although it did break my heart). Perfect if you’re still not ready to travel but are itching for a little escape (just be prepared to crave alllll the Italian food while reading this one. For fans of Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert and With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo.
How We Fight for Our Lives by Saeed Jones – Another audiobook listen, and another book that had been on my shelf for far too long. Jones’ memoir explores queerness, racism, (and racism in the queer community), sexuality, family, and so much more. His vulnerability and honesty is almost tangible, and it’s a book I might return to in the future via the physical page. For fans of Heavy by Kiese Laymon and The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta.
Latest book purchases…
My book buying is still out of control, and at this point I’m not resisting it. (Please tell me I’m not the only one!)
Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri – I have yet to read anything by her, despite the fact that I have at least one of her other books on my shelf. But when this showed up (it’s the April book from my Greenlight Signed First Editions subscription), I was really so excited. It sounds like an interesting premise and format: we follow a nameless woman throughout the ordinary moments of her day. I might read her other title on my shelf before I pick this one up.
Sparks Like Stars by Nadia Hashimi – When I heard this was for fans of The Stationery Shop, I immediately ordered it. The story starts in Afghanistan in 1978 when a tragedy takes place, and fast forwards 30 years into the future, in the United States. This might be one I try to read over the holiday weekend.
Books on my preorder list…
I’ll be sharing more in my “new + upcoming release” edition of the newsletter (which will be in your inbox on June 8), so be on the lookout for that!
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams (releases June 1) – I keep hearing about this book! A romance about two authors who reconnect at a literary event 20 years after a week-long affair. Apparently the steam level is high, so if that’s not your thing you might want to skip this one. (It’s very much my thing so I’m eager to give this one a try!)
Thanks for Waiting: The Joy and Weirdness of Being a Late Bloomer by Doree Shafrir (releases June 29) – As a late bloomer myself, I’m excited to read this memoir from one of the hosts of the Forever35 podcast.
Podcasts I’m loving…
Everything Happens – Kate Bowler, author of Everything Happens for a Reason, is the host of this show, interviewing people from Nicole Chung and Anne Lamott to Samantha Irby and Adam Grant. She has a new book coming out in September called No Cure for Being Human and it’s at the tippy top of my to read list.
“Shame, Safety, and Moving Beyond Cancel Culture” on The Ezra Klein Show – This was a fantastic listen, on a subject I’ve been thinking about a lot recently. I’ve bookmarked it to listen to again because there’s a lot to digest and discuss.
There’s no “things I’m cooking” section this week because it’s still, yup, Hello Fresh. I did not think I would continue to pay for a box every week, but it’s made meal planning so much easier during this stressful season that I just can’t quit. (If you want to give it a try, my referral code will get you $40 off your first box.)
What I’m watching…
Mike and I finished the first season of Broadchurch (Netflix) and LOVED it. It’s very much a British crime show (and actually has some similarities to Mare of Easttown, which we’re watching now). I’m excited to continue watching the series.
The final season of Younger is a few episodes away from being over and for some reason it’s just not doing it for me like it used to. BUT, I’m still #TeamJosh because he has so much more personality than Boring Charles. If you watch the show, what do you think? Whose team are you on?
Links I’m clicking…
Stacey Abrams romance novels to be reissued next year via NPR
Roxane Gay is starting her own imprint (!!!) via New York Times
Chronically Ill People Face an Old New Post-Pandemic World via Bitch Media – “For once, I wasn’t missing out because there was nothing to miss out on. Everything slowed down, and I was so wildly relieved.” If you read one thing this week, let it be this.
Filling your summer calendar? Slow your roll via New York Times
Opinion: A seismic standoff over remote work is building via Washington Post
What happens when Americans can finally exhale via The Atlantic
Actions to take…
Donate to Gaza’s most loved bookstore and library, which was destroyed during an airstrike.
In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, read and share this piece about Asian trans leaders.
A year ago this month George Floyd was murdered by the police. Donate to the George Floyd Memorial Fund in remembrance of his life.
Other ways to support me…
As you might have seen on Instagram, I’m now an Olive & June ambassador! What does that mean? You get 20% off any nail system and I get a small commission! I genuinely love O&J – I despised painting my nails, until I discovered their polishes and tools. Despite the fact that I’m normally pretty terrible at giving myself a manicure, something about their system is magic and makes my nails look like I went to the salon.
Share this newsletter with a friend! If you enjoy getting this little bit of fun in your inbox every month, I’d love if you asked a friend (or two or 10) to subscribe <3
Buy a Birthdate Candle – my favorite right now is the September 26 candle. It smells like hydrangeas, peonies, and jasmine and I want to carry it with me everywhere. And you don’t have to pick your birthday! You can choose any date that means something to you, or just a scent that you like. Plus, they make great gifts. Use READWITHKAT10 for 10% off your purchase.
As always, I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to share anything you’d like to see, or any questions you have for me. And if you’re in the U.S., have a wonderful holiday weekend.
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