Kolina got this one on my radar and now I also won't stop recommending it to everyone! I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Petya. One of the most unique things I've read in a really long time. And I hope things settle down for you in March, I'm glad books were there as a bit of a reprieve though.
So glad you liked Margo! I listened to the audiobook, too, last summer and was surprised by just how funny it was (the Kevin Wilson comp feels spot-on!), but mostly I was caught off guard by how moved I felt by the end !! It's been optioned for tv with Elle Fanning, Nicole Kidman, and Nick Offerman attached, so I'm very very eager to watch when the time comes
Open Throat gets sooo much positive praise on here (also from Kolina & Michelle) - I really must read it! I think it is fascinating that the three of you have quite different reading tastes and yet all universally love open throat so much - the writing really must be THAT good!! I also enjoyed the Victim review -- I have been waiting for it to come into paperback since it published last year, so I am glad to hear you enjoyed it. We love to be confronted and called out by the books we read!!
I think that Open Throat is a narrative poem, honestly. It's so beautiful and tender and it holds such a mirror to humanity. I would be shocked if you didn't like it.
Re: VICTIM were you ever on Twitter in it's heyday - maybe 2010-2020? I think the book really captures the intellectual crackle of that period when culture was just being defined on the platform and one tweet, one article could make (or break) your career. The issues with defining yourself by a single identity are central to the story but I think this secondary thread of how we as a culture now just try to ride these explosive waves of online attention is exceptionally well done, too. Can't wait for you to read it!
I resisted it for the same reasons. It is wonderful. It sounds like a gimmicky book which I personally have zero patience for, but it's executed masterfully. You fucking love this mountain lion from page 1. It's amazing.
It took me a long time to get around to reading Jenny Odell—seeing her name everywhere made me skeptical that what she had to say would have much new depth, but How to do Nothing is so brilliant!! I really liked Saving Time, too. I'm reading Elisa Gabbert's essay collection Any Person Is the Only Self right now, and loving it for the same reasons you described The Word Pretty with—she blends the persona and the literary in such a welcoming way, full of humility and humor. I'm looking forward to reading more of her work.
I think so many books of nonfiction start as a great essay or talk and then get developed into a full-length book ... but there is not enough material for a book and, especially after listening to two podcast interviews with the author, you realize they already said everything they needed to say on the topic in the original article. It's a big reason why I don't read nonfiction. But both the Jenny Odell and the Elisa Gabbert books were different! I will check out Saving Time, for sure.
I have that second Gabbert collection in one of my piles to read soon too... I love that her essays are not overly argumentative and the endings are always so charming, no big bang... just so insightful, in a low-key way. I know she writes poetry too and I can absolutely tell from her essays. The choice of topics is so poetic - looking at the same things we all see and notice but she actually takes the time to pause and reflect on them deeply.
Great list - I also just have to share my six year old daughter came over while I was reading this, and she is feeling very inspired by your daughter's poetry window-writing! She may have sparked a new trend in our house haha :)
Awww! I love that! The dry erase markers are not messy. Just give her explicit instructions where to use them! And provide a poetry collection to go along with them.
Take yourself on a coffee date with it, you will read it in one gulp.
It's from the POV of this super sensitive being that is observing humans and trying to understand why we do what we do... and it feels so innocent, tender and heartbreaking at times. Here's a line that I wrote down in my journal:
I hope this next month brings you some ease, but I'm glad the right books found their way to you this month! I'm definitely interested in On Giving Up after your earlier essay and this recap. Open Throat sounds incredible and Margot's been on my list - good to know about the Hornby comparison, I adore his writing!
I have started to accept that life just keeps marching forward and if you wait for the perfect time you'd never do anything. So, I am reading through the crazy... 😵💫😵💫😵💫
I'm glad you did enjoy it! And no pressure if not, honestly I'm just grateful whenever anyone chooses to spend some time with it. So thank you either way.
Book of the Month has some questionable taste, but I will always be thankful they forced me to read Rufi Thorpe and Kevin Wilson. I tend to gravitate away from the bold cartoon books but there is some good stuff behind those covers.
I've been desperately researching poetry about witches and have found very little, certainly no anthology, so I have no input there 😂
Oh no...my TBR list is growing much too long! (First world problem.) Open Throat is definitely on my list, especially because, until recently, I was a born and raised So. Californian so I will enjoy the local references, if any. Also, I hear you about not being able to concentrate on reading. I have been a lifelong voracious reader, yet James was the only novel I read in all of 2024. I just couldn't focus, and I have no idea why.
I'm back on track this year...speaking of which, Petra, I am also doing the Anna Karenina slow read and I started lagging behind because we're reading it very sloooowwwly. I am really enjoying it so I will pick up my pace and plow through it.
It's too slow! I believe in reading momentum and I know it's a fine balance... but I am loving the book too much to just let it linger and will be taking matters into my own hands 😂
I met Jenny Odell in person at a talk for Saving Time (an acquaintance is a close friend of hers) - she's absolutely delightful, a bit shy, and every bit the person you believe she is through How To Do Nothing.
I will die on the hill arguing that Open Throat is the best book ever.
"...if you feel alone in the world
find someone to worship you...”
Kolina got this one on my radar and now I also won't stop recommending it to everyone! I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Petya. One of the most unique things I've read in a really long time. And I hope things settle down for you in March, I'm glad books were there as a bit of a reprieve though.
So glad you liked Margo! I listened to the audiobook, too, last summer and was surprised by just how funny it was (the Kevin Wilson comp feels spot-on!), but mostly I was caught off guard by how moved I felt by the end !! It's been optioned for tv with Elle Fanning, Nicole Kidman, and Nick Offerman attached, so I'm very very eager to watch when the time comes
The Margo character is so well done - so flawed and messy but you are on her side from page one. I really loved her.
And I can't wait for the show, I think it's perfectly cast. I saw that Michelle Pfeiffer was cast as Margo's mom, too!
Open Throat gets sooo much positive praise on here (also from Kolina & Michelle) - I really must read it! I think it is fascinating that the three of you have quite different reading tastes and yet all universally love open throat so much - the writing really must be THAT good!! I also enjoyed the Victim review -- I have been waiting for it to come into paperback since it published last year, so I am glad to hear you enjoyed it. We love to be confronted and called out by the books we read!!
I think that Open Throat is a narrative poem, honestly. It's so beautiful and tender and it holds such a mirror to humanity. I would be shocked if you didn't like it.
Re: VICTIM were you ever on Twitter in it's heyday - maybe 2010-2020? I think the book really captures the intellectual crackle of that period when culture was just being defined on the platform and one tweet, one article could make (or break) your career. The issues with defining yourself by a single identity are central to the story but I think this secondary thread of how we as a culture now just try to ride these explosive waves of online attention is exceptionally well done, too. Can't wait for you to read it!
I also have a feeling that maybe saw Nic talk about Open Throat, too. I know that will totally seal it for you. 😂
I have been recommended Open Throat before but have been resistant as it just sounds too...strange. but you have convinced me! I will give it a try.
I resisted it for the same reasons. It is wonderful. It sounds like a gimmicky book which I personally have zero patience for, but it's executed masterfully. You fucking love this mountain lion from page 1. It's amazing.
Haha, I’m sold!! Have a hold on it at the library right now…*taps fingers impatiently…*
It took me a long time to get around to reading Jenny Odell—seeing her name everywhere made me skeptical that what she had to say would have much new depth, but How to do Nothing is so brilliant!! I really liked Saving Time, too. I'm reading Elisa Gabbert's essay collection Any Person Is the Only Self right now, and loving it for the same reasons you described The Word Pretty with—she blends the persona and the literary in such a welcoming way, full of humility and humor. I'm looking forward to reading more of her work.
I think so many books of nonfiction start as a great essay or talk and then get developed into a full-length book ... but there is not enough material for a book and, especially after listening to two podcast interviews with the author, you realize they already said everything they needed to say on the topic in the original article. It's a big reason why I don't read nonfiction. But both the Jenny Odell and the Elisa Gabbert books were different! I will check out Saving Time, for sure.
I have that second Gabbert collection in one of my piles to read soon too... I love that her essays are not overly argumentative and the endings are always so charming, no big bang... just so insightful, in a low-key way. I know she writes poetry too and I can absolutely tell from her essays. The choice of topics is so poetic - looking at the same things we all see and notice but she actually takes the time to pause and reflect on them deeply.
Great list - I also just have to share my six year old daughter came over while I was reading this, and she is feeling very inspired by your daughter's poetry window-writing! She may have sparked a new trend in our house haha :)
Awww! I love that! The dry erase markers are not messy. Just give her explicit instructions where to use them! And provide a poetry collection to go along with them.
Totally, we have poetry tea time each week so plenty to choose from 🥰 something about writing on the windows vs paper is very fun though!
I have two words for you: bath crayons. 😂😂😂
😂😂 ooh yes!
I really must get to the O'Dell (which has been on my list for ages...) I'm sure she'd have something to say about that! Thanks for this!
I know. I was wondering if the moment has passed... but I oddly feel like it's even more timely now.
every time i see somebody praise open throat, i am reminded that i MUST pick it up!
Take yourself on a coffee date with it, you will read it in one gulp.
It's from the POV of this super sensitive being that is observing humans and trying to understand why we do what we do... and it feels so innocent, tender and heartbreaking at times. Here's a line that I wrote down in my journal:
“I feel more like a person than ever because
I'm starting to hate myself”
💔
I hope this next month brings you some ease, but I'm glad the right books found their way to you this month! I'm definitely interested in On Giving Up after your earlier essay and this recap. Open Throat sounds incredible and Margot's been on my list - good to know about the Hornby comparison, I adore his writing!
I have started to accept that life just keeps marching forward and if you wait for the perfect time you'd never do anything. So, I am reading through the crazy... 😵💫😵💫😵💫
I adore this post and appreciate your generosity! Thanks for great writing and delicious recommendations!
Thank you for the kind review of Victim, Petya, and for spending some time with my novel in the first place!
I was so nervous to read it because I wanted to like it so bad.
I think I will need a re-read, my first read was as self-help. 😆
I'm glad you did enjoy it! And no pressure if not, honestly I'm just grateful whenever anyone chooses to spend some time with it. So thank you either way.
I've never heard of Open Throat but the concept sounds insane, definitely going to give it a go!
Please come back and tell me if you end up reading it!
Book of the Month has some questionable taste, but I will always be thankful they forced me to read Rufi Thorpe and Kevin Wilson. I tend to gravitate away from the bold cartoon books but there is some good stuff behind those covers.
I've been desperately researching poetry about witches and have found very little, certainly no anthology, so I have no input there 😂
I will be on the look out for you!!! 😂😂😂
I would recommend really reading Anna Karenina. We have always told our daughters “Levin not Vronsky”.
I am doing a slow read of Remembrance of Things Past. I need to speed up. 200 pages in 2 months seems too slow.
Levin not Vronsky is such a perfect thing to say! Team Levin, all the way!
Oh no...my TBR list is growing much too long! (First world problem.) Open Throat is definitely on my list, especially because, until recently, I was a born and raised So. Californian so I will enjoy the local references, if any. Also, I hear you about not being able to concentrate on reading. I have been a lifelong voracious reader, yet James was the only novel I read in all of 2024. I just couldn't focus, and I have no idea why.
I'm back on track this year...speaking of which, Petra, I am also doing the Anna Karenina slow read and I started lagging behind because we're reading it very sloooowwwly. I am really enjoying it so I will pick up my pace and plow through it.
It's too slow! I believe in reading momentum and I know it's a fine balance... but I am loving the book too much to just let it linger and will be taking matters into my own hands 😂
I met Jenny Odell in person at a talk for Saving Time (an acquaintance is a close friend of hers) - she's absolutely delightful, a bit shy, and every bit the person you believe she is through How To Do Nothing.
I am so so happy to hear this and I am now a fan! Do you live in Oakland, Jo?
San Francisco, actually - but like Jenny, I grew up in the bay area. She lives in Oakland. She asked me about where she could find good tea :)
Oh, also - she put How to do...on Medium. It's worth checking out because she added photos of some of the things she brought up in the book.
My husband is from the Bay Area and we visit family in San Francisco. I would love to meet up next time we are in town! Tea and books!
I'd like that!!