Your April Roundup
Because I hate coming up with newsletter titles
Somehow it’s almost May. Since my last newsletter, I took my first trip to Target and Barnes & Noble in over a year. And while I’m glad I did, it was definitely too much too soon. I’ve spent 13 months in my house, with very few trips to even the grocery store, so it will take some easing back in to what I was once used to. It’s also causing me to reevaluate some of those things I used to do (like spending an entire Saturday running errands) and the pace of life we all grew (too?) comfortable with. My hope is that we come out of this pandemic more thoughtful about the ways we participate in life, and that we make it more accessible and safe for those it didn’t work for before (*raises hand*).
Before I dive into books and reading, I want to share a few resources about what’s happening with the pandemic in India. It’s dire, and while those of us in the U.S. might be seeing a light at the end of the tunnel, India is facing a catastrophic crisis. If you haven’t already, please consider donating — the New York Times has a great piece on how to help. And this piece from the Washington Post explains how horrific and devastating things are.
What I’m reading…
Disfigured by Amanda Leduc — I listened to the audiobook and thoroughly enjoyed it. Leduc herself is disabled and does a great job covering a lot of helpful topics and definitions around disability. The focus is on how disability both is or isn’t portrayed in stories, particularly fairytales, which is an eye-opening and, at times, disheartening perspective. I highly recommend this for anyone looking to add more inclusivity to their reading, especially disability representation.
Intimations by Zadie Smith — This was another audiobook listen and it was SO good (plus, she narrates it which elevates the experience). At just shy of two hours (or 100 pages, depending your format preference), it’s the perfect one-sitting read and would be great for a book club discussion. Smith reflects on life during COVID-19, as well as the Black Lives Matter movement, and I found how she talks about the pandemic and racism as viruses really interesting and thoughtful. Her masterful writing combined with her reflective commentary makes this one I will definitely be returning to (I even bought a physical copy for my shelf).
Latest book purchases…
My book buying got a little out of control this month, whoops. Here are some of the ones I’m most eager to read:
Yolk by Mary H. K. Choi — I’m always attracted to sibling stories, and the buzz around this one made it one I’m very eager to read ASAP.
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro — I purchased this on my post-vaccine trip to Barnes & Noble after listening to Sara of @fictionmatters talk about it on one of her Patreon podcast episodes. I haven’t read anything of his yet (although I’m very intrigued by his latest, Klara and the Sun) so I’m eager to give this contemporary classic a try.
So Lucky by Nicola Griffith — This was brought to my attention thanks to @armyofwords when I was looking for fiction that had disability representation. Anything Jessica endorses is something I’ll add to my list, so I immediately purchased a copy (and included it in my Instagram roundup). This review also pushed it up my TBR.
Books on my preorder list…
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid (releases June 1) — I’ve been a fan of TJR ever since I devoured The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo in one day (if you haven’t read it yet, I cannot recommend it enough). Since then I’ve read another four of hers and I cannot WAIT to start her newest. I’ve read the first 50 pages and have a feeling it won’t disappoint.
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston — Another of my highly anticipated 2021 releases, I’ve been counting down for this one. I read and ADORED Red, White & Royal Blue in 2019 — so much so that it made it on to my all-time favorites list (again, another one I highly recommend adding to your shelf, just be ready for some steamy scenes), and McQuiston’s newest sounds right up my alley.
Podcasts I’m loving…
This American Life — For some reason, I’d saved their episode about coincidences (titled “No Coincidence, No Story”) all the way from 2013 and decided to finally give it a listen when I was feeling a little melancholy (which, let’s be honest, has been a lot this past year). It was EXACTLY what I needed. Something about the serendipity of life brought me an immense amount of comfort, and I’ll be listening again whenever I need to feel a little hopeful.
Terrible, Thanks for Asking — This has always been one of my favorites, but there were two episodes I recently listened to that really resonated: Data Points (a wonderful conversation about disability and representation) and Checky Listy (with poet Maggie Smith).
Things I’m cooking…
Still Hello Fresh. What can I say, it really works for me! (Again, not sponsored.) It’s been such a relief to not have to plan as many meals, to always know I’ll have leftovers (it’s just me eating it right now), and to be able to try recipes I wouldn’t attempt by myself . I skipped a week last month and immediately regretted it. Note to self: Do not do that again. (If you want to give it a try, my referral code will get you $40 off your first box .)
How Sweet Eats taco peppers. Another repeat, but these are such a staple in my house. (Her new cookbook comes out next week and it’s BEAUTIFUL.)
What I’m watching…
Mike and I binged Night Of, which isn’t something we normally do when watching a show together. He likes to take his time, watching one episode per sitting, but this show was so compelling we finished it in a week.
I’ve been rewatching Call the Midwife for my comfort watch and I honestly want to rewatch it all over again as soon as I’m finished. (I will probably also read the book(s?) sometime soon.)
Links I’m clicking…
2 Competing Impulses Will Drive Post-Pandemic Social Life — which one are you?
Of Course You’re Anxious About Returning to Normal Life — are you sensing a pattern?
18 Books That Will Help You Better Understand Disability and Chronic Illness — SO many good ones here.
51 Debut Books to Look Forward to This Spring & Summer — RIP my TBR.
The Internet Doesn’t Have to Be Awful — lots to reflect on, especially in terms of social media.
Things bringing me joy…
My sister’s store! This will be her sixth one, so if you’re in the Chicago area, I highly recommend visiting Pop Up Grocer (or following them on Instagram to see where they’ll be next!)
This Early 2000s Spotify playlist. Next month will have been 15 (!!!) years since I graduated college (shoutout to Denison University) and this playlist made me nostalgic for dorm parties and skipping class to hangout at the student union.
The Steam Box mug. It adds a little steam to my morning coffee ;)
And that’s it for this month! I’m toying with the idea of making this bi-monthly, and I’d love to hear what kind of content you want to see. If you have anything you think I should share, or any questions for me, please feel free to send ‘em my way.
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I love this so much because it sounds just like you and I love you! The Zadie Smith rec sounds great--I loved White Teeth but haven't read anything else by her since. Haven't read Remains of the Day but the title of the beautifully haunting Never Let Me Go described how I felt about the book. I'm glad you mentioned Call the Midwife--reminds me that I need to try it out on my mom. I've been staying with her during the pandemic, and we're always in the market for something that's interesting, not too complex, and (the most difficult) not a downer. We did well with The Crown (she's 98 and likes things that take place when she was growing up), and lately have been working our way through In Treatment (she's a social worker). So thanks! I love that you're also including links you're clicking--our reading worlds have changed so much in the past several years, and I find I spend a lot of time with newsletters and links. And huge congrats to your sister--wow! Be well.