A Few Things to Tell You Vol. 4
Two recent reads, a great documentary and LOTS of links!
Well, hello there! Happy Saturday!
This was supposed to publish at the usual time, but … internet gremlins decided to interfere. Sorry for the tardiness! If you get it twice, double the fun?
Last weekend’s book event in Madison with Suzanne was such a treat ~ lovely store, lovely attendees, and delicious NA drinks. A WIN all around!
And today I have my first garment sewing class ~ the first time EVER that I’m sewing clothing from a real paper pattern without my mom supervising. Wish me luck!
Let’s just get right into it today ~ I have a lot to share!
Recent Adult Releases from YA Authors
I’m always excited to see authors pivot from their writing origins, but it’s definitely a tricky balance. This is especially true when switching from young adult to adult AND writing under the same name. Readers and buyers aren’t always paying attention, and some really want to follow the writer into new territory, but aren’t quite ready maturity-wise.
These two books are especially interesting because the authors stuck with the same genre, but just for a more mature audience.
I mentioned Overdue by Stephanie Perkins way back in the spring when I read it and now it’s FINALLY AVAILABLE in stores! This is hands-down one of my favorite books of the year: a library and bookshop story of reinvention, family, friendship, and a beautiful slow-burn romance that takes a back seat to all of the rest. LOVED IT.
Kasie West’s adult debut We Met Like This certainly isn’t a slow burn, as she makes it incredibly apparent in the first pages that READERS, WE AREN’T IN YOUNG ADULT LAND ANYMORE, with a graphic description of adult activities. However, that is NOT the overall tone of the book, and I really enjoyed this story of publishing, sisters, friendship and a romance that keeps getting overlooked before finally taking hold. A delight.
A Very Important Documentary
My community hosted a screening of the documentary Banned Together on Wednesday to bring awareness to Banned Books Week and I made space in my evening to attend with a friend and colleague.
Film Summary from Official Site:
A diverse cast of visionary teenagers, stirring public protests, private threats, criminal charges, and drama-filled school board meetings: this is the explosive world of Banned Together.
The film pulls back the curtain on two of the most controversial issues in America today: book bans and curriculum censorship in public schools. Banned Together follows three students and their adult allies as they fight to reinstate 97 books suddenly pulled from their school libraries. As they evolve from local to national activists – meeting with bestselling/banned authors, politicians, Constitutional experts, and more – the film reveals the dark forces behind the accelerating wave of book bans in the U.S.
You know that I want you all to attend this in your community and watch it on the big screen, but if your community isn’t hosting a screening, apparently you can watch it via several streaming services as well.
Some Random Tidbits
a new-to-me favorite cookie recipe (NYT gift link) ~ we went rogue and added mini chocolate chips to half of them
the tea I’m reaching for daily right now
the shirt I’m wanting to wear all day, every day this season
just the kind of cultural commentary I love to hear; nuanced and open and personal and well, NICE, even when critical
and this analysis was a DELIGHT (NYT gift link)
this article made my brain and heart hurt (NYT gift link)
one of my favorite people online has LEFT SUBSTACK ~ yay VSS!!! I’m waiting for more to do so …
Thanks for stopping by!
