June 2024, baking more cakes

I quit my job recently, and the second I was officially unemployed, I got COVID for the second time. At the tail-end of my illness, which dragged on forever, and I’m still clearing my throat, I started playing Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and now, that’s all I care about. You’ll notice I read three physical books in June but listened to about 19,000. That’s because, for hours on end, I was listening to audiobooks and playing Zelda. It’s not even past tense; I’m deep in it and only taking a slight break from rotting on the couch with the Switch on in front of me because I’m going to LONDON, BABY. I hope to have many bookish things to report in a few weeks.

But for now, here’s what I read in June.

[Books I read]

The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother by James McBride (1996) | Quick summary: James McBride’s autobiography and a tribute to the life of his white mother.

I’ve seen this book around forever because I have studied reading, I read, I've studied “african american literature,” and I’m a Black person with a white mom. I loved the way this book was written; partially from McBride’s perspective and partially from his mother’s. I liked what she had to say about her life but I was offended by her as well, and then I cried a lot at the end. I guess that's being biracial.

[nonfiction, memoir, written by a Black american author, musician, and screenwriter, medium-length read]

Really Good, Actually by Monica Heisey (2023) | Quick summary: One woman’s search for joy and meaning in the wake of an unexpected split.

A delight. I love a good divorce book, mostly because I love “coming of age,” and nothing feels more coming of age than a divorce when you’re reborn. No, I’ve never been divorced. My mom isn’t even divorced from my dad! But that doesn’t mean I don’t love a transition story, and this is a good, relatable, and funny one.

[literary fiction, divorce, written by a white canadian essayist, comedian, and screenwriter, medium-length read]

Funny Story by Emily Henry (2024) | Quick summary: Daphne moves in with Miles after their respective fiances leave them for each other.

I’m not an Emily Henry Head. I can’t name all of her books, haven’t read all of her books, and don’t definitely enjoy all of her books. This one was a delight, though. I appreciate Henry’s ability to build characters, *write well,* and make me laugh. This was a great one with a great main (male) character.

[contemporary fiction, romance, written by a white american author, medium-length read]

[Books I heard]

The Magical Language of Others by E.J. Koh (2020): Quick summary: The relationship between a mother and daughter, and mothers and daughters.

This has been on my TBR forever and I was sick of seeing the cover, knowing I hadn’t read it still. So I did, and it was emotional and messy and good. Mom stuff, I swear.

[nonfiction, memoir, biography, written by a korean-american poet, author, and translator, medium-length listen, read by the author]

American Fire: Love, Arson, and Life in a Vanishing Land by Monica Hesse (2017) | Quick summary: The love story of Charlie and Tonya, arsonists who shook up a community.

I don’t do “true crime” for the most part but love a good deep dive. This one, again, has been on my TBR for an eternity so I decided to listen to it on my little Zelda adventure. Fascinating and fucked up and good.

[nonfiction, crime biography, written by a white american columnist and author, medium-length listen, read by tanya eby]

Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal by Mary Roach (2013) | Quick summary: All about the gut, digestion, food, and constipation.

I’d read this before but decided to listen to some Mary Roach as I’d been mainlining audiobooks. A great listen, fun and informative. I love gut stuff in general, honestly, but Mary Roach’s nonfiction is excellent on any topic.

[nonfiction, anatomy and science, written by a white american author, medium-length listen, read by emily woo zeller]

I'll Be There for You: The One About Friends by Kelsey Miller (2018) | Quick summary: A deep-dive into the TV show Friends.

This was way better than the Friends book I read a month or two ago. Where that one leaned on Friends quotes and trite stories, this one was more about each of the Friends actors, the big moments of the show, and the salary negotiation. It felt like it was written by a Friends fan, which the other one did not feel like! If you’re picking one of the two, pick this one, but I think there is still much better Friends writing to be wrote.

[nonfiction, pop culture, tv history, written by a white american culture writer, medium-length listen, read by amber benson]

Talking Back, Talking Black: Truths about America's Lingua Franca by John McWhorter (2017) | Quick summary: A defense, explanation, and celebration of Black English from a linguistic perspective.

I grew up with the word “ebonics,” and while I’m not sure that word is still in use or not, this book basically explains what “ebonics” is, including why Black English is legit, interesting, and culturally relevant.

[nonfiction, linguistics, discrimination, written by a Black american linguist, short listen, read by the author]

Girl Walks into a Bar: Comedy Calamities, Dating Disasters, and a Midlife Miracle

Rachel Dratch is so funny and honest. I low key felt sad listening to this memoir, feeling like she’s had to accept assumptions and roles that don't necessarily represent her. Being Not Hot in Hollywood sucks.

[nonfiction, celebrity memoir, written by a white american actress and comedian, short listen, read by the author]

Momfluenced: Inside the Maddening, Picture-Perfect World of Mommy Influencer Culture

This was fine. It could have been a much better deep dive on a subject I find endlessly fascinating but it’s a relatively recent “momfluencing 101” intro.

[nonfiction, motherhood and families, written by a white american writer, medium-length listen, read by megan tusing]

[What I recommend]

• If you’re a literary fiction girlie and/or love a good divorce story: Really Good, Actually
• If you read romcoms and/or need something light: Funny Story
• If you grew up watching The Magic School Bus: Gulp
• If you grew up watching Must See TV: I’ll Be There For You and Girl Walks into a Bar
• If you’re anyone: Talking Back, Talking Black

Wish me luck as I take my first international flight tonight! I cannot stop saying, “stupid British snack food” in my head.