Something about me: I don’t read as much as I’d like to. Not as many novels, at least. Honestly, I’m a little intimidated by very long books. But I am constantly reading scripts. I read them on my iPad. Sometimes I get a hard copy and scribble notes in the margins. I create a peaceful place — my couch or kitchen island — to disconnect from the world and fall into a story.
This week, in honor of World Book Day, I want to talk about stories that inspire us and where we find them — be it in a book of poetry, a fantasy series, or an essay you find in a newsletter. I collect recipe books and coffee table books; the covers and bindings double as art pieces. It all counts!
And don’t even get me started on the wonders of a bookstore. You walk in, and there’s a mutual respect for everyone else seeking a place of peace and quiet among the shelves. Maybe you find something similar at the movie theater, when you’re sitting and experiencing a story surrounded by other people having their own singular experience. You’re not there to talk, but to feel something.
Sometimes I think we don’t do enough of that. We’re constantly distracted by messages and notifications. Social media is literally designed to distract us! But that’s why sitting with a story — be it a book, movie, audiobook, letter, podcast, a poem — can feel so simple and radical at the same time. You’re choosing to be still and ignore the noise.
Here, I want to share what’s on my reading list — including some of your amazing recommendations. Enjoy!
Includes books I’ve already read and loved — all genres welcome — and a few on my list.
Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman
My friend Amanda is brilliant. You’ve definitely heard her poetry. But you should also have her book. It’s beautiful.
I recently got a director’s chair for my home office, and it’s one of my favorite pieces in the whole house. This book is a good complement: It’s half film, half fashion, a look into what directors wear and why. Cool suit on the cover.
The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
First of all, very good title – gathering is an art! My big takeaway from this book: Before any event or party, take a moment to consider the “why.” Maybe your why is connection, and you want every person to leave with a new friend. Maybe your why is a person you’re celebrating. Getting clear on your why — and keeping it in mind — allows you to release what doesn’t matter (the chairs) and focus on what does (the people). Also, I found a preloved copy on eBay for $8.30.
Open Wide: A Cookbook for Friends by Benny Blanco
Benny was kind enough to send me a hardcover copy of Open Wide. He scribbled a note on the inside of the front cover that cracks me up every time I flip open the book, which is pretty often — it’s a friggin’ awesome cookbook.
Deep Blues: A Musical and Cultural History of the Mississippi Delta by Robert Palmer
I mentioned this book in last week’s BS, but I want to bring it up again because so many of you had thoughts on the music in Sinners. Reading this will give you more context. It’s a Ryan Coogler recommendation. (Someone snag the signed hardcover, here.)
Fridays from the Garden by Flamingo Estate
You know I love a cookbook I can display. This is the one I’ve been eyeing. It would also make a thoughtful housewarming gift. I’d pair it with the olive oil.
the sun and her flowers by Rupi Kaur
I love Rupi. I used to carry this and milk and honey around with me all the time.
A few weeks ago, I asked for book recommendations and you all overdelivered! Thank you for sharing!! Reading these made my day — I hope everyone finds a new book!
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin: “It’s immersive, emotional, and utterly brilliant—one of those books that stays with you” -Nicki [From Hailee: I’m sold! I’ve heard such good things.]
A Bit Much by Lyndsay Rush: “I'm on a poetry kick. This is the book I would give to you in a heartbeat if I knew where to send it. It's poignant and funny at once.” -Hannah [From Hailee: Ohh this one looks great.]
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid: “It's about everything Evelyn Hugo (an actress, just like you) had to sacrifice and all the secrets she had to hide during the golden age of Hollywood. I won't say anything else so as not to spoil it, but trust me, this story it's the best one you'll ever read. It actually changed my perspective on actors.” -Enara [From Hailee: I’m actually embarrassed to say I haven’t read this one. But love to hear that it changed your perspective on actors — we’re a varied bunch!]
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig: “The book that got me back into reading. I picked it up on a work trip in Madison, WI, from this cute little local bookshop in the city (shoutout Lake City Books; support local small businesses!) and sat on a bench by one of the lakes and couldn't put it down. I finished it in less than 24 hours and was so excited that my love for reading was sparked once again.” -Elizabeth [From Hailee: Yes to Midnight Library — and buying from small local businesses!]
The Ones Who Got Away by Roni Loren: “Roni Loren always does a fantastic job of drawing me into her characters' lives. This series is about a group of friends who survived a school shooting. The story picks up 10 years after it happened. The books are considered romance, but they're SO much more than love stories!” -Stephanie [From Hailee: Sounds heavy, like the kind of book that stays with you.]
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden: “It’s pretty popular on #booktok, so you may have already heard of it. It’s a thriller that I couldn’t put down! :) I ended up finishing it in one day. It’s also being turned into a movie this year, which I’m excited for.” -Rachel [From Hailee: Okay, obsessed with #booktok.]
The Women by Kristin Hannah: “I love anything by Kristin Hannah, most recently she came out with The Women, and it’s amazing!” -Kari Ann [From Hailee: I have a few friends who love Kristin Hannah, too! I’m excited to read her.]
Funny Story by Emily Henry: “If you're looking for something quick and light.” -Katie [From Hailee: I picture myself reading this on a beach with a big hat and sunglasses. Or, like this.]
The Book of Elsewhere by Keanu Reeves and China Mieville: “Not my usual genre, but I found it interesting. A number of words throughout the book come from various languages/cultures that I had to search for the definitions of....loved that!!” -Camille [From Hailee: Woah, sounds like brain food!]
TO WATCH: If you haven’t seen this video of Ryan explaining exactly how Sinners was shot — and the different ways you can watch it depending on which theater you go to — go watch it. My friends were floored, and so was I.
TO BAKE: Lemon blueberry cookies. Lemon anything right now!
TO TRY: You guys, I’m seriously obsessed with this cloud foam.
TO KNOW ABOUT: Pinterest now prompts users to pause notifications (get off the app) during school hours. Great focus initiative. Even more obsessed with Pinterest now.
TO REMEMBER: “Your entire life will change when you realize everything above zero compounds.” -Sahil Bloom
Thank you so much for sharing your books with me. And thank you for going out to see Sinners (I heard a lot of you have seen it a few times!) AND for streaming “Dangerous” so many times. I appreciate your support more than you know!
Love,
Hailee (Beau)
Highlighting your comments on the previous week’s issue. Today, we hear Olivia’s response to The Sinners are here.
“Thanks for sharing so much about the making of this movie from behind the scenes. The blood, sweat, and tears that went into this project were obvious through the screen.” -Olivia
