the double text #8
You couldn't pay me to be in my 20s again.
Friends,
A few weeks ago, I was scrolling on Instagram and saw one of my favorite authors shared news that his book was banned in a town over from where I grew up in Texas.
On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong was a text that altered my life when I read it. He was asking for help to find places where he could donate his books to, and since I had time, I started making calls to the area.
I found an independent bookstore, Village Books, and started chatting with the owner, Teresa Kenney. She was also a lover of Ocean Vuong’s writing, especially On Earth, and after commenting on his post, Ocean and I chatted directly and he sent his publisher her information.
But then, Teresa and I kept chatting. She told me she’d attended meetings in her community and vocally opposed the Conroe school board’s decision on banning a number books. She also started an organization — Reading is Revolutionary, with the mission of championing literacy and connecting marginalized people in her community. Her hope is to provide literature to anyone who is being denied access. I can’t imagine what a book like On Earth could have done for me in my youth, and the idea that it’s being taken off shelves is devastating. If it’s within your means, please consider donating to her organization. Any amount helps, and could make all the difference.
The debate last night proved we’re taking on water and we’ve got our whole ass sticking up in the air. So in other, and even more personal news, on the same plain of restriction — I talk about my fucking great abortion and access to healthcare in America.
Hang in there, everybody, we’re in the thick of summer. It’s getting hotter.
Worth the read:
Greg Mania Wants Writers to Disrupt the Literary Scene
Are headphones destroying our hearing?
Exposing Cheaters Isn’t Always a Flex
No, the ‘Hawk Tuah’ Girl Doesn’t Have an Agent (Yet)
AITA for not inviting my sister to my wedding because she always brings her dog?
Barry Jenkins on ‘The Underground Railroad,’ Then and Now
On The Rocks by Hayley Shucker
My Date Recorded Us Having Sex Without My Consent. Should I Report Them?
Elaine Scarry, The Art of Nonfiction No. 12
Ada Limón On Finding Poetry In The Natural World by Maria Santa Poggi
Books in my bag:
My palms sweat and the acid in my stomach climbs up as I read Emma Cline’s The Guest. Cline redefines what it means to have a chaotic summer out East.
You know me, I love hearing about a toxic workplace and Vanessa Lawrence’s debut novel, Ellipses invites you into that space.
Still on its way to me and h/t to my friend
, who flagged me down about this all-new fiction, Bear by Julia Phillips. (I must have an entire shelf dedicated to Melisse’s recs because they’re all brilliant!! and don’t forget to follow her for author chats about craft and memoirs.)
Worth the watch:
I was lucky enough to catch Mike Birbiglia working it out for one night only at The Beacon a few weeks ago, and must exclam that you need to see him on tour, even before he heads to Broadway (again). The evolution of his shows are so cool to see - how the jokes tighten, the callbacks get stronger, the gentle elbow in his tone when a couple, inevitably seated in the front row, arrives 20 mins late. I’m a Birbigs stan, so let me know if you’re out there, loving him, too.
Googling the title rendered a very concerned search result, so perhaps proceed with ~caution~ if you’re susceptible (like apparently me??!) when watching cult-related tv — I’ve been knee-deep in The Synanon Fix on HBO. I think I’m safe because no one could get me to shave my head, but it gets dark and scary and fast.
Celine Dion breaks her silence in her new documentary:
Jimmy Fallon proves he still does not know how to talk to the queer community without fear of being cancelled. Nevertheless, here’s an interview with Chappell Roan, proving time and time again that it takes 10 years of hard work and performing to no one to become an overnight success. Also peep the designer, Gunnar Deatherage, who created her swan dress:
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And even more details on her full vibe here.
Worth the listen:
You could not pay me to be in my 20s again — this overflowing red wine, sad girl summer forever vibe is all too real in my fav nepo baby’s song, Risk:
Gawd, Gracie makes it so easy to stim to her lyrics—
Your next full moon is July 21st. I hope you’re thinking about all the glorious and new things you’re going to accomplish from now until then—
More so soon,
xVLB
