Other than a few Netgalley reviews, I really slacked off on book tracking and reviewing this summer. So, even though it’s almost the end of September and time for this month’s list, here’s everything I read in July and August. Settle in!
JULY
The Scorpion Rules by Erin Bow (5 stars)
I reviewed this here (and got a retweet from Erin Bow herself!). AMAZING.
Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen (4 stars)
For years, Sydney has lived in the shadow of her older brother, Peyton, a charmer who can’t stay out of trouble. After Peyton goes to prison on a DUI charge, Sydney changes schools to get a fresh start. There she meets quirky, bubbly Layla, her strong-and-silent brother Mac, and their crew of friends, all of whom draw her out and provide the love and acceptance her parents can’t. This book hits all the usual Sarah Dessen sweet spots, and I think it’s one of her best.
Help Thanks Wow: The Three Essential Prayers by Anne Lamott (5 stars)
This short, profound book is exactly what it sounds like and has become a guide for my faltering prayer life. Though, along with Glennon Melton, I often add “WTF” to the list.
This Is Where It Ends by Marieke Nijkamp (3 stars)
A Netgalley read I never got around to reviewing officially. While well-written and suspenseful, this chronicle of a fictional school shooting in small-town Alabama is incredibly depressing. In my opinion, there wasn’t enough resolution or redemption to justify the tragedy, and it felt almost exploitative. Not for me.
Has to Be Love by Jolene Perry (3 stars)
Another novel from Netgalley. Clara, an Alaskan high schooler, wants much more than this provincial liiiiife, but worry about her widowed dad and self-consciousness over her scarred face are holding her back from her New York City dreams. She’s also torn between safe long-term boyfriend Elias and sexy “older man” Rhodes. I appreciated various unique aspects of this story that set it a little apart from the YA pack, but overall I just didn’t love it.
Popular: Vintage Wisdom for a Modern Geek by Maya Van Wagenen (3 stars)
When Maya Van Wagenen was thirteen, feeling awkward and unpopular, she discovered a 1950s book about popularity. This memoir is basically her diary from a year spent obeying all of its rules. I give her props for her bravery, spirit, and general precociousness, but I cringed a lot. Probably because she hit on some of my own bad memories. Middle school: you couldn’t pay me a million dollars to go back.
In the Age of Love and Chocolate by Gabrielle Zevin (4.5 stars)
In the final book of the Birthright trilogy, Anya opens a successful nightclub, makes some unexpected strategic decisions, and deals with still more setbacks. I can’t explain why I like these books as much as I do, other than like my experience with Tris in Divergent, I feel really comfortable in Anya’s head and enjoy her thoughts. I was also 100% satisfied with the ending, which I can rarely say about YA trilogies.
AUGUST
Rising Strong by Brené Brown (5 stars)
I reviewed this here.
Royal Wedding by Meg Cabot (4 stars)
As an old Princess Diaries fan, I couldn’t NOT read the first adult novel about Mia, which revolves around her engagement to Michael and the discovery that she has a half-sister. Meg Cabot did a great job writing a mature Mia who’s still her same endearing, well-intentioned self.
The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan (4.5 stars)
My favorite summer read of 2015! Yes, this is thinly veiled Will and Kate fanfic (with Kate recast as an American), but it’s smarter, wittier, and more fun than you think… even if you, like me, aren’t really into the royals. Also, the authors deserve some sort of award for the detailed alternate royal lineage they created.
On These Courts by Wayne B. Drash (3.5 stars)
The true story of Lester Middle School’s road to the first of three basketball state championships, coached by Memphis native and NBA great Penny Hardaway. These events took place just a few miles from where I now live, but I never heard much about it at the time. I believe every Memphian should read this book. When I finished, I wanted to start volunteering with one of Penny’s charity organizations immediately. Still looking into it.
Girl Walks into a Bar…: Comedy Calamities, Dating Disasters, and a Midlife Miracle by Rachel Dratch (4.5 stars)
I did not expect, and am just now owning up to, how much I LOVED this memoir. Rachel Dratch is the Everygirl contrast to the holy trinity of Fey, Poehler, and Kaling; the one who succeeds, at best, on her second try. After dating into her 40s and having a surprise baby at 44, she can speak truly and hilariously about the road less traveled by. I felt less alone after reading this. Debbie Downer, you’re the best.
P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han (3.5 stars)
In the sequel to To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, the fallout from Lara Jean’s illicitly mailed love letters continues. As she and Peter work on their pretend-turned-real relationship, another love letter recipient, John, comes back into her life. Fun and cute.
Girl Meets Change: Truths to Carry You Through Life’s Transitions by Kristen Strong (3.5 stars)
Kristen Strong’s reflections on change are authentic and helpful – as an Army wife and mom, she’s an expert on the topic. Over the course of this book, through personal stories and Bible teaching, she encourages readers to embrace change and trust that God is working in and through it. She also tackles important but underdiscussed aspects like changes in friendship. I’m thankful that Girl Meets Change prompted me to think about change and my evolving (better) attitude toward it, and I have some thoughts I’d like to write about myself. I plan to go back to the book in the future and am sure it will help a lot of women. But at this moment in my life, I can’t really rave about anything with an ultimately “all things work together for good” message. IT’S NOT YOU, BOOK, IT’S ME.
Books for July: 7
Books for August: 7
2015 year to date: 45
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I’ve been petless since the beginning of June. After losing two cats in under a year, I planned to take a long break. I moved the old cat dishes and toys to the attic and peeled the protective plastic from the back of my couch. I brought fresh flowers into the house. I left food and drinks unattended. I enjoyed an active life free of any guilty worries about a pet alone at home.
I decided it would be foolish to get another cat during this freewheeling time, when I’m traveling and going out a lot (and my pet-averse family agreed). So what if I was increasingly lonely at home and stared longingly at friends’ Instagrams of their cats. I remained in denial as my friend Stacy, a cat mom extraordinaire, continued to notify me of cats she knew who needed homes. I shut her down every time. It just wasn’t a good idea.
A few weeks ago, Stacy told me a couple she knew was looking for a new home for one of her cats, an orange tabby. They found this sweet, friendly cat hanging around their vacation condo in Hot Springs, without a tag or apparent owner. He kept hopping into their car, so they brought him home and called him Orange. Then the other cats in the house started ganging up on him, scratching him, and blocking him from the food bowl, and they decided he needed a new, one-cat home ASAP. The moment Stacy told me this story, I knew I was in trouble. The way I felt the first time I saw my townhouse, attended my church, met people I now love; that’s how I already felt about this cat. On top of that, I’d actually thought several times that I’d specifically like an orange male cat, but hadn’t mentioned it to anyone.
I got in touch with the owner and told her I was interested, but hesitant. She assured me the cat is in great health and would probably welcome some solitude after being pushed around. That weekend, I drove out to their country house to meet him, and he was great. Sociable, energetic in a normal young-cat way, affectionate but not in a pestery way. I was about to go on a long weekend trip, so I told her I’d come back to take him the following week. I told myself I could still change my mind. But the more I pictured having this cat around, the happier I felt. I think I’m just a person who lives better with pets than without them, and in a weird emotional sense it’s been more work for me not to have an animal friend than to have one.
So last Wednesday night (accompanied by my friend Kelsey), I brought home my orange cat, and I gave him a name I chose soon after my cat Peach died: Rufus.
My inspiration started with Rufus Thomas, Memphis bluesman and entertainer. Someone mentioned him on the news, and I made a mental note that this would be a great name for a Memphis cat. Then I thought about Rufus Wainwright, singer/songwriter beloved by hipsters old and new… though (confession) I only know him from his live cover of “Careless Whisper” with Ben Folds, which is one of my favorite covers ever.
In Never Been Kissed, one of my favorite movies, the high schoolers use rufus to mean something great or cool. If you’ve ever heard me say “It’s great. Totally rufus,” it’s from the scene when Josie reports at a staff meeting that that’s how her story is going.
But I think my ultimate reason for being drawn to this name was subconscious. When I was a little girl, I had a record of the Disney movie The Rescuers (with dialogue and songs), and I listened to it all the time. I hadn’t thought about it in years, and didn’t realize until this week that Penny’s cat in the movie is named Rufus.
My Rufus has already made himself at home at my place. He was totally relaxed on the long drive back into the city (my previous cats would have yowled the entire time), received a welcome package from godmother Stacy, and warmed up to me immediately. Having lived on a screened porch for a while, he seems thrilled to have the run of a two-story home. He’s lean, with long, skinny legs that he can’t quite control – he keeps sliding on the hardwood floor and biffing it off the bathroom sink. If he were a person, he’d be a clumsy basketball player. Which makes him the perfect cat for me!
I still have a little irrational anxiety that something will go wrong and prevent me from keeping Rufus. But it feels really right to have him with me. I’ve realized his presence will be healing in the same way I imagine being in a good relationship would be healing. I need to relearn that having a cat doesn’t have to be high-maintenance and emotionally difficult… it can be easy and fun and joyful!
So, my resolve lasted just over three months. I’m okay with it.
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General Highlights:
August was eventful! I had a good birthday with lots of people I love. I played Harry Potter trivia at Tamp & Tap (we did not place). I got a new bike, named it Serenity, and rode it 17 miles in the Meritan Midnight Bike Classic last weekend:
Before and After
I went to my first Choose 901 pop-up shop and scored two awesome Memphis pride shirts (and met Rockey the Redbird in line!).
I had many summer adventures downtown, most notably running through/doing yoga in some fountains with my friend Kelsey. (Note: Wearing my Namaste All Day shirt was a total coincidence.)
Reading:
August was a stellar reading month. My faves were Rising Strong (of course), highly enjoyable Duchess Kate fanfiction The Royal We, and SNL veteran Rachel Dratch’s memoir, Girl Walks Into a Bar. I especially recommend the latter if you’re also 35+, trying to date, and trying to laugh about it so you won’t cry. I actually LOLed at several of her stories.
With friends at the Garden
Music:
Mid-month, I saw Myla Smith (woo!!!), Switchfoot, and NEEDTOBREATHE at Moon River Fest at the Shell. I also caught the end of Judah and the Lion’s set, when they covered R. Kelly’s “Ignition,” making me an instant and unconditional fan. Last weekend, I went to Live at the Garden to see Rob Thomas and Plain White T’s! They gave repeated shoutouts to us people in the back, which I appreciated.
Around Town/At Home:
Sorry to be a broken record, but I still feel actively thankful every day to live where I live. I’m close to so many places I love and surrounded by natural beauty. My little garden is thriving and I enjoy looking at my flowers every day!
Wearing:
I’ve been indulging in some retail therapy – mostly items I need for my upcoming Iceland trip (serious waterproof boots, a lined wool/fur hat, wool gloves and socks). But I also bought the Mayari Birkenstocks I’ve wanted all summer. They’re so comfortable, and much more stylish than my old classic Birks from high school and college.
Making:
I needed some large art to go over my bed, so I painted the Prayer of St. Francis, one of my guideposts for life. It’s not a Pinterest-perfect printout (lettering in paint is hard), but I like it, and it makes my room feel cozier. Maybe I’ll redo it another time.
Beauty:
My topcoat allegiance has shifted from Seche Vite to NYC In a Minute. It’s cheaper, easier to find, and has amazing staying power. This month I finished a manicure with the last of a semi-congealed bottle and figured I’d be removing it all in a few days. That manicure lasted almost two weeks!
Some new products I’m liking: ELF eyeshadow primer, Paula’s Choice cleanser for oily skin, and Revlon Rich Girl Red. I’m lazy and picky about lip color – if I can’t apply it carelessly and then forget about it, I won’t get much use out of it. It’s hard to find a lipstick (as opposed to a gloss or balm) that meets that standard, especially in red, but this red is sheer and perfect!
Scripture:
Every year around my birthday, I read and focus on the Psalm that’s the same number as my age. Psalm 36 is kind of a dichotomy, and really on point for me this year. #YearOfEnough
Pinterest Quote of the Month:
Writing:
I wrote a new piece for Memphis Type History about the origins of McLean Boulevard. I chose the street mainly because I cross it every day, but I was surprised by how much interesting info turned up! In related news, I really need an Ancestry account.
Posts I Loved:
♥ Kate Conner: To Remember When Life Is So Messy (this echoes some things I’ve been meaning to write about for a long time)
♥ My friend Becca O: The courage to have no plan. (Related, lately I often quote Phoebe to myself: “I don’t even have a ‘pla’.”)
♥ Leanne Penny reflects on faith and Rich Mullins: The Heaven In His Eyes
♥ Abby Norman on meeting activist Bree Newsome: Grit Calls Out to Grit
♥ Emily Maynard On Being a Second Wife
♥ Tara at No Need for Mirrors: When You Can’t Fall Out of Love
♥ Post of the month: Danielle Carey, The Opposite of Dying.
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I had a great birthday weekend! My birthday won’t be over the weekend again for a while, so I wanted to make the most of it. On Friday night, my friend Sara and I hung out by the river and watched the sunset. We had planned to walk at the park there, but the sunset was so spectacular, we ended up just sitting and talking. I should do that more often. It was lovely.
On Saturday, as a birthday present, my parents generously bought me a new bike to replace my old one that got stolen. The ability to bike to places was a big part of why I wanted to live in Midtown, and I’ve felt a little lost without wheels. The store only had one duplicate of my old bike (though in a different color), and when I asked an employee to take it down for me, he said I needed a smaller bike frame. Turns out all adult bikes are not created equal. I’d always thought it was normal not to be able to reach the ground when stopped. :P It’ll take a while to get used to a different posture on a smaller bike, but I must say it feels better and I’m not struggling as much. Anyway, apparently I’m still going through a legit grief process for my old bike, but I’m still happy and thankful to have this!
I spent the rest of Saturday at Moon River Fest at the Levitt Shell! While the first fest last year was very low-key, this one sold out a week in advance, and we waited 20 minutes in line just to get in! I came early to watch Myla rock the house…
…and returned later to see Switchfoot (whose The Beautiful Letdown helped get me through my Reality Bites years) and one of my favorite bands, NEEDTOBREATHE. This was my third NTB show, and they never disappoint!
(In case you too are wondering… they’re both married. Womp womp.)
The fest was created by Drew and Ellie Holcolmb, so they took the stage last. They incorporated some fun visuals, like confetti, and turning off all the lights and playing only by the light of everyone’s phones. It was a little bit magical.
For my big birthday celebration on Sunday, I wanted to watch the sunset from the new observation deck at the newly-reopened Pyramid, but it closes at 7:00 on Sundays. NOT COOL, BASS PRO. So I contented myself with dinner on the patio at Slider Inn (one of my faves) followed by games at Rec Room. I’ve been hearing about Slider’s Jameson slushies all summer and was excited to try one. It lived up to the hype!
As usual, I felt loved and celebrated, and thankful to have so many great people in my life.
I’m generally hesitant to ask for prayer for myself even in dire circumstances, but since I was at church on my birthday, I decided to go to my friend Dianne, our prayer minister, for a birthday blessing of sorts. One thing she prayed (more than once) was for me to know that God isn’t through with me. There’s no way she could have known how much I needed that. It might sound ridiculous if you’re not in my head, but lately I’ve genuinely felt like my story is over in certain ways. Like this is the best it’s going to get and it’ll just have to be enough. In the big picture, I’m not feeling very excited or expectant about the rest of my life. Yet several friends have recently told me, without me mentioning this specifically, “The story’s not over.” And now this. I know it’s not an accident, so… may it be so. On to 36!
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