The smoke filled air had most of the west coast stuck inside for about a week this past month. It was hard to not get out and exercise or just sit in the backyard and read. The rain finally arrived to wash away the AQI numbers and help us to breathe a bit better. I realized it didn’t help with my reading – I’m a loud and proud outdoor reader, so a week away from my patio was hard on reading. I’ve also been in a weird reading slump…Here’s what has kept me sane in September…
Reading
I am slowly making my way through How to Be an Antiracist. I’m trying to just read one chapter at a time to give myself some time to process the book. It’s REALLY great and I highly recommend it.
I kept hearing great things about Wow, No Thank You. Samantha Irby is HILARIOUS. This book of essay’s has had me laughing SO LOUD I’m afraid I’ve scared the neighbors! And, I am not constantly in the mood for essays. I picked up this from the library and since there are SO many holds on it, I ended up buying a copy (well two, one as a gift!) so I can savor it.
Last month I won a gift card to Elliot Bay Books in Seattle (yes, super random) so I ordered Transcendent Kingdom which I just started and it’s FABULOUS. I will read everything Yaa Gyasi writes from this point forward. She’s an incredible author. I’m finally out of my reading slump.
I also ordered The Three-Body Problem which I have heard great reviews of, and with the recent news about who’s adapting the trilogy, I am excited to be on top of this soon to be pop culture HIT.
Listening
It was recently the 21st Night of September, so there’s been an increase in my Earth, Wind & Fire consumption as with most September’s. My dad has been around more lately which usually means more Steely Dan in our lives, which is always fine by me.
I listen to What a Day pretty religiously, and Akilah Hughes response to the Breonna Taylor DA was so sad and incredible.
I always make time for Majority 54 and Missing America continues to be a great podcast as well.
With the fires in Oregon I had a hard time keep up on ALL the news. Between The Daily and Think Out Loud I mostly stayed on top of it! I also loved hearing my fellow Emerge Oregon classmate Candace Avalos on a recent episode talking about police oversight in Portland.
Dax Shepard’s podcast is one I don’t usually listen to, but his episode last week “Day 7,” is a great conversation about addiction, recovery and being honest with ourselves.
Watching
For about a month my dad would NOT stop talking about I’m Sorry on Netflix. And he was right, it’s HILARIOUS. I had half-watched the first episode late at night a while back and am SO happy I gave it a second chance. And I devoured the series, this will be a very rewatchable show. Add it to your list if I haven’t told you to already.
I also devoured The Home Edit on Netflix. I LOVE organizing things, but that Marie Kondo hoarder clean out doesn’t work for me. So, I was nervous. But I shouldn’t have been – I now need to AGAIN reorganize my pantry and buy ALL the clear bins for my whole kitchen. And while I loved most of what they do, I will NEVER organize my books by COLOR. This former bookseller and current Library Board Chair can officially say that is BLASPHEMOUS.
I’m slowly making my way through Lovecraft Country and really like the cult aspects (big surprise) and the over the top monsters.
Last weekend with the rain I rewatched Always Be My Maybe and it is great for a rewatch!
The best thing I’ve watched this month though? Teenage Bounty Hunters. Yup. Private Christian school twin sisters become bounty hunters in suburban Atlanta while balancing dating, church and race. I know you skipped right over it and don’t believe me. But you should…
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