The weekly post
This one goes out to the people who talk about books at parties
Tis the season for holiday parties, and my cup runneth over with joy and gratitude to report that at all of these parties, we have been talking books. Can I tell you how lovely it is to be at a holiday party and have someone ask, “What’s the best thing you’ve read lately?” Or have someone say, “I was racing to finish this book before I got here so we could talk about it!” And when someone shows off their new art piece which features a series of banned books? *Chefs kiss.* As a person whose primary social currency is doling out book recommendations, I must confess it is a true delight to be surrounded by so many fellow readers, or those who are curious about starting their reading journey, and get to really dig in on the books that have inspired or excited us. May 2024 bring us even more parties with book connoisseurs and interesting conversations.
Recent Recommendation
DAISY JONES AND THE SIX by Taylor Jenkins Reid (5 stars) - Is it too soon to officially dub this the year of the Taylor Jenkins Reid re-read? I have derived so much joy from revisiting her catalogue this year, and I spent this past week with Daisy Jones and was not disappointed. I first read this book in October 2021 and fell head over heels in love with the story. Don’t be fooled: I was skeptical at first glance. An entire novel written in interview-form? Hard pass. But of course, I should have trusted Queen TJR to execute this format exquisitely. I remember finishing this book and weeks later thinking, “I wonder what Daisy would think of that!” The interview format made these characters feel so real, and I was desperate to hear Aurora come to life.
Enter spring 2023 where I devoted my early Friday mornings entirely to tuning into the limited series. After rereading the book this week, I have an even deeper appreciation for how flawlessly they casted the show. I’m not just talking about Billy and Daisy (though yes, I will now watch anything with Sam Claflin and Riley Keough). Warren, Graham, Eddie, Karen, Camila, Teddy, Simone (!!!) all gave 10/10 performances and perfectly captured these characters, their motivations, and their relationships with each other.
That said, the show made creative changes from the book, and Taylor Jenkins Reid apparently was pretty hands off (I remember reading one article that said the only rule she had was that this could not become a story of Daisy versus Camila because she didn’t want to see women pitted against each other. PREACH). I loved reading the book this time around (while listening to the show soundtrack for extra vibes) and noticing those creative changes, both big and small. What’s really cool is that I love the way the book is written and all of the decisions TJR made as author, and I also feel strongly that the changes made in the TV adaptation played really well for the medium and were the right, strategic choices. This is a story about love, relationships and friendships, music, addiction, and a hell of a heartbreak, and it’s incredible that both the book and the show pulled those themes through masterfully and viscerally. This was the perfect cozy quick read to power me through the past week.
If I haven’t convinced you to give this book a read (or a reread), allow me to leave you with this great line: “Women always seem to get back up, you ever notice that? Women are always still standing.” ZING.
Next in Queue
I am currently torn between reading The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride, Yellowface by R.F. Kuang, or doing yet another reread of the Emily Henry/Christina Lauren variety. Looking at how hectic my work week is going to be, I’d put my money on an easy breezy reread and leaving the new books that require a bit more focus for my holiday break.
Read Ahead
I am so excited for my “2023 Year in Review,” which is essentially a self-made Goodreads wrapped. This has been a tradition I’ve shared via Instagram for several years now, and I am so thrilled to use this forum to do a deep dive on my favorite reads and authors from 2023, as well as my reading goals for 2024. I’m four books away from hitting my goal and really hoping I can knock it out of the park this year. Coming soon to inboxes near you!
Quote for the week
“‘Don’t count yourself out this early, Daisy. You’re all sorts of things you don’t even know yet.’ That really stuck with me. That who I was wasn’t entirely already determined. That there was still hope for me.” - Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Three Words
Accomplish reading goals!