FMG Newsletter: A Philosophical Take on Reading? Not Really But Kinda
Plus the song to add to your summer playlist
Happy Fridayyyyyy! Unfortunately, you cannot spend this particular Friday morning AT Gail’s, as I am not there — instead, I am coming at you live from Dallas, Texas, where I will spend the next 72 hours eating queso, drinking spicy margaritas, and talking off the ears of a few of my dearest college friends. May your weekend be filled with similarly delightful activities.
Music: An exciting addition to your summer playlist! The incomparably talented and wonderful Cal In Red released “She Won’t Say” this week, and it’s perfect for a WFH day, a boat day, a roadtrip day, or anything in between. I’ve been listening to that, plus the FINALLY RELEASED “Close To You,” on repeat (with hearty doses of Cowboy Carter and TTPD mixed in, naturally). Ya ya!
Books, Philosophically: My friend Kylie, reading enthusiast, doesn’t set herself a reading goal (you know, like a number of books she’d like to finish in a given year). While I like to make fun of her for this (as my own reading goal is inherent to my personality), I have recently been feeling like she’s onto something. I’m finding myself lamenting if a book is too long and will therefore take me longer to read, and I spent approximately 70% of my recent vacation with my parents with my head in a book vs. actually speaking to said parents. I’m challenging myself to slow down and enjoy a book for its plot moreso than for its ability to add a notch to my Year In Books. Join me and hold me accountable!!!!
Books, In Practicality: If you know me, you know about Danae. We’ve been attached at the hip for the past 10 years (this very summer is our friend-iversary!) — and for these 10 years, we’ve constantly found ourselves in the same life stages, making me continually grateful to have someone who, time after time, feels exactly the same way about something as I do (whether that “something” is a serious world issue, an episode of Summer House, or a particular bottle of wine).
Unfortunately for us, we’ve recently hit a snag. Despite our similar-and-perfectly-complementary tastes in just about everything (including our two types of future husbands who will be best friends and will be totally okay with couples’ trips several times a year), we have recently discovered that we no longer share taste in books. I recommended several to her in a row (Friends In Napa, Bad Summer People, etc.) and she didn’t love a single one. After telling me a few that she absolutely loved (that didn’t sound interesting to me at all), she then told me about one she read but didn’t love, one called Eight Hundred Grapes. She told me it was fine but not necessarily worth reading.
I read it anyway! I’m about 75% in, and it’s that perfect type of summer read that isn’t too frothy but that also doesn’t make you feel like you need to use 100% of your brainpower. It’s got family drama, relationship drama, some laughs, some tears, and lots of genuinely interesting intel about winemaking. I love reading a book that grips me like this, and it’s a perfect one to add to your summer reading list. It was about time for Danae and I to disagree on something, so perhaps it’s healthy.
Social Media: You may have noticed that I kicked off a new Instagram account this week, with the particular goal of hitting the same creative nerve that’s hit by this very newsletter. It is my greatest joy to write, to connect, and to spread some happiness, so I’m hoping that the new account offers the opportunity to do more of all the above. Important note: Please only follow it if you actually like me!
Social Media Part 2 / Basketball: Like much of the world, I have been (vocally) entranced by Caitlin Clark this year, and I’ve found so much joy in watching her move into the WNBA. If you feel even remotely the same, I encourage you to watch this video from Coach Jackie, titled “Does Caitlin Clark Have a Responsibility to Speak Out Against the Racism of Her Fans?” The short answer is yes, and I love how Jackie spoke on the topic.
I had every intention of writing about my newfound viewership of the Netflix reality show Perfect Match, but I think I’ll save that longwinded love affair for next week (which is even better, because the season finale drops tomorrowww!). Happy weekend!
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.