March sounds fascinating!! I'll have to check that one out. I decided to get acquainted with Edith Wharton this summer, and I've read both The Age of Innocence and The House of Mirth in the last month. I was crazy about both of them--super relatable, conflicted, rebellious characters--right up until their SUPER DEPRESSING endings. Apparently she's famous for this? I don't think I can put myself through any more of it. I've retreated to a collection of Grace Paley stories to recover...
Anyway, I could talk about books all day. Thanks so much for being a part of our Juke conversations, Jodie!!
I know "What are you reading?" is usually asking about a book, and I've got one of those: It's "Secret Stars" by Matt Berenson. It's definitely not a beach read, but it's fantastic. Matt also has a Substack that I wish cam out more often.
But anymore, most of my reading these days is newsletters, and there are a ton of good ones out there right now. I'd like to spotlight 2 in particular. Both are very different, but both are very good.
The first is Deep Midwest by Robert Leonard, and it covers life in Iowa at the local level and 50,000ft view both. Robert feels like the kinda guy you hope sits next to you at the counter in a small town café.
The second is "What Am I Making" By Matt Carlson ("Matty C."). Matty is a lot like me in that he's a middle age suburban dad living in the Midwest, albeit on opposite sides of lake Michigan. He also happens to be a musician, and just wrapped up a tour of house shows. His last few newsletters have been equal parts travelogue and reaffirming in humanity.
Checking them out! -- quick glimpse at Matt Carlson's page shows a reflection on Sinead O'Connor! I listened to her first album so much, may she rest in peace -- I love highlighting the writers I've found on Substack! And that goes for you, too, Kevin. Folks, if you like getting great music recommendations and playlists, check on Kevin's Substack - click on On Repeat by Kevin Alexander next to his name!
Hey there. Yeah, I was so hit by the Barbie today. I cried the entire time, for different emotions, mostly as a mom. I am going to have to add to my huge list to re-read Little Women, and I put this March on my library list. Did I say my neighbor/good friend is running for Library board? yeah. So she influences me and back and forth. This helps the kids we're raising to read more. Good stuff. When my elder teen writes, I am amazed. She reads now so inconsistently, but I think we have helped give her a community that is full of Readers and Writers. Good stuff.
Rambles.
Thanks for your thoughts.
OH and hey!! did you learn nothing from the pink movie?? you ARE as smart as others. That reference to "people more intelligent than I". Tut tut, you smart sexy thing.
I'll take that criticism! I am a smart sexy thing! Your kids won't be able to help but to be smart and aware! It's funny when they don't do the thing you thought they'd always do. But it all cycles around. You're the best!
March sounds fascinating!! I'll have to check that one out. I decided to get acquainted with Edith Wharton this summer, and I've read both The Age of Innocence and The House of Mirth in the last month. I was crazy about both of them--super relatable, conflicted, rebellious characters--right up until their SUPER DEPRESSING endings. Apparently she's famous for this? I don't think I can put myself through any more of it. I've retreated to a collection of Grace Paley stories to recover...
Anyway, I could talk about books all day. Thanks so much for being a part of our Juke conversations, Jodie!!
I love the idea of diving into a classic writer! And I don't know Grace Paley so now I'm checking that out! Thank you!
I know "What are you reading?" is usually asking about a book, and I've got one of those: It's "Secret Stars" by Matt Berenson. It's definitely not a beach read, but it's fantastic. Matt also has a Substack that I wish cam out more often.
But anymore, most of my reading these days is newsletters, and there are a ton of good ones out there right now. I'd like to spotlight 2 in particular. Both are very different, but both are very good.
The first is Deep Midwest by Robert Leonard, and it covers life in Iowa at the local level and 50,000ft view both. Robert feels like the kinda guy you hope sits next to you at the counter in a small town café.
The second is "What Am I Making" By Matt Carlson ("Matty C."). Matty is a lot like me in that he's a middle age suburban dad living in the Midwest, albeit on opposite sides of lake Michigan. He also happens to be a musician, and just wrapped up a tour of house shows. His last few newsletters have been equal parts travelogue and reaffirming in humanity.
Checking them out! -- quick glimpse at Matt Carlson's page shows a reflection on Sinead O'Connor! I listened to her first album so much, may she rest in peace -- I love highlighting the writers I've found on Substack! And that goes for you, too, Kevin. Folks, if you like getting great music recommendations and playlists, check on Kevin's Substack - click on On Repeat by Kevin Alexander next to his name!
Thank you!!
Hey there. Yeah, I was so hit by the Barbie today. I cried the entire time, for different emotions, mostly as a mom. I am going to have to add to my huge list to re-read Little Women, and I put this March on my library list. Did I say my neighbor/good friend is running for Library board? yeah. So she influences me and back and forth. This helps the kids we're raising to read more. Good stuff. When my elder teen writes, I am amazed. She reads now so inconsistently, but I think we have helped give her a community that is full of Readers and Writers. Good stuff.
Rambles.
Thanks for your thoughts.
OH and hey!! did you learn nothing from the pink movie?? you ARE as smart as others. That reference to "people more intelligent than I". Tut tut, you smart sexy thing.
I'll take that criticism! I am a smart sexy thing! Your kids won't be able to help but to be smart and aware! It's funny when they don't do the thing you thought they'd always do. But it all cycles around. You're the best!