The weekly post
The one that seeks to bring some light
Hi friends, I hope you are all taking care this week. I will admit that the heaviness of the first few days of the new administration feels immense and all-consuming. Even though I tried to brace for how awful the executive orders would be, watching him sign them and knowing the irreparable damage they will cause is impossible to stomach. It is exhausting and disturbing to watch him talk about how awful America is, how we are a country on the decline, when it is his hate and fear-mongering that is the very worst of this country. I am feeling deeply fearful for the safety and well-being of the people I love, for the protection of my city that I have called home for the past 10 years, and for the future of this country. And I cannot believe it is only week one.
I debated whether or not to post this week, and then I remembered connecting with so many of you in the immediate aftermath of the election and how much lightness that provided. In the midst of the pain and anger and fear this week has ushered in, I have watched the people I love demonstrate how much fight, resilience, and hope they possess, and that has been a gift and a buoy. I saw this post circulating Instagram this week from poet Nikita Gill, which was the reminder I needed:
“Everything is on fire,
but everyone I love is doing beautiful things
and trying to make life worth living,
and I know I don’t have to believe in everything,
but I believe in that.”
If you’re feeling the heaviness of this week, I’m with you. And if you’ve needed a reminder to be gentle with yourself, then please let this be your reminder. I remain incredibly grateful to this community and to you all. Take care of yourself, take care of each other, leave your community a kinder place.
Currently Reading
JAMES by Percival Everett. I’m about halfway through this reimagining of Huckleberry Finn, and I am completely immersed in Jim’s story. The pacing of this novel is unparalleled. The narrative simultaneously maintains a quickness and quiet sense of humor - giving it the feel of a light-hearted adventure - and a real aching tenderness that reminds the reader of the cruel realities Jim faces as a runaway slave. The balance between the two is expertly navigated and makes this book impossible to set down. Looking forward to sharing a full review in a few weeks and grateful to those who recommended this one to me.
Recent Recommendation
HUMOR ME by Cat Shook (5 stars). A novel that is described as a “love letter to New York City,” highlights the highs and lows of the standup comedy scene, includes multiple references to You’ve Got Mail and Sleepless in Seattle, and reflects the strength of female friendships was always bound to sweep me off my feet. Humor Me packed a powerful punch through laugh-out-loud and uber-relatable moments, and I’m so glad I prioritized such a heartening read in the midst of these colder days.
Humor Me tells the story of Presley Fry, a twenty-something production assistant living in New York City with her best friend, Izzy, and hustling to get promoted on the late night show she has dreamed of working on since childhood. Presley loves New York desperately. She loves her too tiny, barely affordable apartment and walking home from work just to remind herself that she made it to the city from a small town in Georgia. She loves scouting for new comedians in the grungiest of comedy clubs, not only because finding the next best comedian will ensure she finally gets promoted but also because she cares deeply about helping under-represented voices in comedy catch their big break. But Presley also is in love with her coworker and fellow comedy nerd, Adam, and grieving the death of her mother, with whom she had a deeply complicated relationship, and between the two, she finds it easier to hide behind work and no-commitment dating app hook-ups than actually process these big feelings. Then comes Susan.
While out shopping with Izzy one afternoon, Presley bumps into one of her mother’s friends from growing up, Susan Clark. Susan hadn’t seen Presley’s mom in years, having left their small town in Georgia to marry and start a family with a media executive in New York, and she is beyond thrilled to reconnect with Presley. In fact, it’s clear from the start that Susan does not understand Presley’s complicated grief and instead thinks their run-in is the perfect opportunity for a Great Female Friendship. She takes Presley out shopping and to the theater, and she searches for the balance of confiding in Presley and asking for too much from this budding relationship. Susan is awkward and overbearing and also oozes warmth and is an overdue change-of-pace in Presley’s life. There’s a familiarity to Susan’s character; she is the family friend we all deserve, taking us under her wing and creating a sense of ease in a crowded city that so often feels lonely.
This novel possessed unexpected depth and commentary, which is what I adored most about it. I will admit I cried through the entirety of one chapter (though I laughed through a hell of a lot more). Cat Shook perfectly captures the push-and-pull of leaving home, knowing you’ve made the right decision to pursue your dreams and career, while also missing terribly the people who raised you. She writes with both sensitivity and nuance about the layers of grief that so many carry on a daily basis. Presley is a character who romanticizes the less-than-ideal moments of big city living, like being constantly bumped on the sidewalks and crushed on the subway, and yet flees from any conversation teetering on real emotions, and I loved watching her character development and the way she built and strengthened so many meaningful friendships along the way.
Humor Me offered a refreshing and relatable take on the modern day romcom, and I really appreciated the maturity of Shook’s writing, particularly in relationship to what it means to navigate your late 20s. This is an early favorite for 2025 and one I’m already looking forward to rereading.
Recommend for… fans of Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld, The Wedding People by Alison Espach, Funny Story by Emily Henry, and 1989 (Taylor’s Version) by Taylor Swift
Up Next
FREEDOM: MEMOIRS 1954-2021 by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel. One of my true highlights of 2024 was attending an event at the Anthem featuring Chancellor Merkel in conversation with President Barack Obama as part of her U.S. book tour. The conversation between the two of them was equal parts fascinating and awe-inspiring, and I loved seeing the deep respect they hold for another and the very genuine friendship between them. I read the preface while waiting for the event to start and was immediately struck by her beautiful, direct writing, so I’m excited to continue learning more about Merkel’s life and career and particularly grateful to be reminded what balanced and responsible leadership looks like.
Read Ahead
As a reminder, our next Silent Reading Party takes place at Lost Generation Brewing on Wednesday, February 5. Reading starts at 7pm so arrive early to grab food and beverages and mingle with fellow readers. More information and link to RSVP is here!
Three Words
Gather your community.