Every month, I round up what I’m reading, buying and vibing with to bring to you– because I yearn for the high of internet influencing.
See you next month!
Reading:
Come & Get It, Kiley Reid’s follow-up to her debut, Such a Fun Age. My official review is that the storyline faded for me around 70%, but prior to that, I was so engaged by the cast of characters— all so realistic and interesting. Like Agatha and Millie, I wanted more attention on Tyler, Jenna & Casey’s trio.
Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage. Any book with a TikTok darling status is usually a no-go in my book. I liked this one enough to want to read the sequel, but any kind of rugged alpha male behavior gives me a major ick. I know I’m in the minority here.
Truly, Madly, Deeply by Alexandria Bellefleur is out at the end of April. I got an ARC courtesy of Goodreads, and I haven’t read her other books, though they’ve been on my list for ages. I really liked this one. Both MCs are bi, and there’s not a hint of alpha male behavior from the love interest. The wrap-up felt a little too abrupt for my taste, but I enjoyed the characters so I’ll give it a pass.
Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana. Here’s the thing…is this book good? No. I would describe it as an exact replica of ACOTAR if your only complaint about ACOTAR was that Feyre couldn’t read. That being said, people should read it. There are plenty of white authors writing mediocre (and I’m using that term generously) romantasy. Let Black authors write mid books, too.
A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams was just…wow. Beautiful, unique. Highly recommend.
1,000 Words by Jami Attenberg was my first (finished) nonfiction of the year. I listened to the audiobook on Spotify and will probably buy a physical copy. It’s nice to have a series of pep talks from writers on hand when you’re in the throes of writing.
Buying:
Girl Scout cookies. I don’t know what they do with the money, but whatever it is, I’m single-handedly keeping them funded. My go-to is a thin mint, of course, but I’ve felt a real kinship with samoas this season.
These linen pants from Old Navy. I don’t want to flex on you, but I did buy them when they were on sale for $12– I got them in “sapphire sky” and the blue stripe. I’m excited to wear them all summer and manifest a trip to Cape Cod.
Recently restocked on some necessary basics, that I will share with you now so I can feel like an influencer: Good Molecules daily moisturizer, The Ordinary niacinamide serum and azelaic acid suspension cream, Function of Beauty wavy hair shampoo & conditioner.
Shamrock shakes. I only managed to drink 4 of them this season, which is a low for me. I’ll do better next year, don’t worry.
Vibing:
On my rom-com shit. I watched My Big Fat Greek Wedding for the first time and…liked it. Toula’s little self-love journey was so lovely, but I’m struck by the narrative that thirty is so old and shriveled up that the movie played into by casting a FORTY YEAR OLD in the role of said 30 year old. She looked fine, of course, but imagine being an anxious 29 year old about to turn 30 in 2002 and walking out of this movie like…is that what 30 looks like? And the answer is actually, not really, no.
Eavesdropping. Everyone says it makes you a better writer, and I don’t know if that’s true, but my new hobby is getting an iced pistachio latte (so good) and listening to other people’s convos while I pretend to read.
Tiny moments of reverence. I’m a crier by trade, so in March, I cried over a really pink sunrise, any hint of greenery, the return of blue jays and hawks to the backyard, and multiple episodes of Grey’s Anatomy.
I’m an Alison Roman stan above all else, and not only did she open a grocery store, but she wrote a really detailed, poignant essay promoting it and she stocks Cafe Bustelo1 on the shelves:
I always feel incredibly vindicated when cool, chic, gourmet people also accept that Cafe Bustelo is the best possible espresso available.