Well, well, well… here I am again! I took a few weeks off with the intention of prioritizing my in-person presence over my online presence — so I appreciate what I hope is a warm welcome back into your inbox :)
Today marks the start of one of my favorite weekends of the year — and I hope you’re planning to spend it in the sun, with a hot dog, and with some friends who make you laugh. Cheers!
Recent thoughts:
Books, Part 1: I’m doing it! I’m reading Bride! If you like both ACOTAR and Twilight, you’ll like this — but if you don’t like either of those things, I’m not sure you’d have any reason to read it. Much like many of you, I’ve read a lot of fantasy fiction in the past few years, and I can confidently say that I like the world of Bride slightly less than the world of Fourth Wing but slightly more than the world of ACOTAR.
In short: If you like vampires, werewolves, and smut (my own hand is firmly raised), read this book.
Books, Part 2: The next book on my list is Adam & Evie’s Matchmaking Tour, which I can’t believe I get to say!!!! It’s not out until September, but the incomparably talented Thao Thai (who I know from a past life and am #blessed enough to still call my friend) wrote it under the pen name Nora Nguyen and was kind enough to send me an advanced copy. Thao is the author of one of my favorite books of 2023, Banyan Moon — read that one here, then pre-order Adam & Evie here!
Books, Part 3 / Food: Another not-yet-released book that’s on my radar is Latin-ish, which is a forthcoming cookbook by Marisel Salazar. I had the pleasure of working with Marisel on a few social media projects a few years ago, and have since followed closely as she’s continued to build a following around her beauuuuutiful recipes and insights into the worlds of food and travel. I cannot wait to dive into this book — and though I’m not a cook by any means, Marisel would be the one to get me to try. Pre-order Latin-ish here!
Dating/TV: When it comes to finding a man to pledge his life to me, I find myself (somehow) more jaded and bitter than ever… though I found respite from my own resentment this week in the form of Summer House on Bravo. Despite never watching before, I was told to give this season a try for the sole purpose that one of the newest characters was described to me as “Abigail’s literal exact type.” Turns out, that was true, and I’ve developed a crush on a reality star. I did make a TikTok about this exact situation, he did comment on it, and that was enough to sustain my need for male validation for approximately the next three weeks. We take the wins as they come.
More TV: In terms of other television content, I have, quite frankly, been overwhelmed as of late. As I attempt to balance my newfound obsession with Summer House, I’m also squeezing in episodes of the ESPN miniseries Full Court Press, polishing off the new Bridgerton episodes, obsessing over the latest season of Selling the OC and going back to watch Buying Beverly Hills. I’m really favoring reality TV these days, but of course those Bridgertons and Featheringtons hit every time.
Inspo/Womanhood/Etc.: It’s been two weeks, but I haven’t been able to stop thinking about Angel Reese defending her decision to go to the Met Gala the night before she played in one of her first WNBA games. It’s such a perfect response to such common criticism of women, and it’s worth the watch.
Speaking of iconic WNBA press conference moments, I want to go back to the video I shared a few weeks ago of Erica Wheeler talking about Caitlin Clark. Not only is it such a sweet sentiment around friendship (which I mentioned a few newsletters ago), but I’ve also been really trying to drill Erica’s concept into my head: “I’m a great person before I’m a basketball player.” For context in case you don’t know, the press was asking Erica (a WNBA veteran) about taking Caitlin Clark (a WNBA rookie) under her wing, despite the fact that Caitlin being on the team may affect Erica’s playing time and status on the team. Erica’s response was incredibly gracious and kind (see above). To be able to care more about being known as a good person than being a good anything-else is something I’m continuously striving for (and failing at), and it’s so inspiring to see someone so publicly put this work into practice. I hope to spend my life building a reputation as a good writer, TikTok-maker, and book-recommender… but as a good person most of all. May we all be so blessed to be and to know people who are good at what they do but even better at how they act.
And that’s enough sappiness! Have a great MDW and spread some love (and if you want to talk about the Karen Read trial, please do hit me up).
XO, Gail
And as a reminder:
It’s an election year, and it is my duty to remind you that while newsletters like this are crucial for maintaining sanity and levity, I am not a news source and am in no way a replacement for staying informed. For every newsletter you read that makes you smile, I hope you also read an informed take on politics, world events, and social issues (then fact check it!) — and for every heavy piece of news you take in, I hope you also consume and/or create a piece of art that promotes light, laughter, and joy.