VERMONT. HERE. WE. COME. Also just a warning about the very real possibility that these Substack posts will slow down a bit as we go through the moving/unloading process. Unless of course I use them as an excuse to lock myself a way in a furniture-less room while Billy handles the kids. But I wouldn’t do that to him. Probably. I know all 10 of you who actually read this probably don’t care, but it’s my job as an #influencer and #newsletterwriter and #basicallyprofessionalauthor to keep you informed.
Let’s talk about books, baby.
*everything bookish*
It’s officially halfway through the year—okay it’s the 25th, which is CLOSE ENOUGH—which means I get to do something I’ve been waiting literal months to do: share my favorite books of the first half of the year!
Sure, I could technically finish another favorite book in the next 6 days, but honestly, the only contender from my current reads clocks in at 896 pages, so yeah…I think I’m safe. 😂
So sorry (not sorry) in advance if you opened this in the hope of skipping past the *everything bookish* section because spoiler alert: EVERYTHING IS BOOKISH THIS WEEK.
And now, in chronological order of my reading, may I present to you my top 10 reads of the first half of 2024 (say that 3 times fast):
When Breath Becomes Air (Paul Kalanithi): I dare you to read this book, particularly the epilogue, and not sob. I dare you. In the memoir of a neurosurgeon diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer, a death sentence becomes the inspiration for deep-seated reflections on what it means to truly live. Also, that man could write. What a loss for humanity.
Greta & Valdin (Rebecca K. Reilly): This book deeply satisfied my post-Schitt’s Creek longing for the dynamics of a quirky, messy family told via multiple points of view. It’s delightful and tender and surprisingly deep. Loved loved loved.
A Girlhood: Letter to My Transgender Daughter (Carolyn Hays): I expected an epistolary memoir and was pleasantly surprised by the compelling narrative Hays winds as she recounts her family’s experience in supporting her young transgender daughter in an otherwise unsupportive town—and her ultimate decision to move because of it.
Undue Burden (Shefali Luthra): I firmly believe that books like this should be required reading for anyone entering the abortion debate. Told via case studies (aka people who sought abortions) and grouped by state, it reveals the alarmingly far-reaching implications of the 2022 fall of Roe.
The Reformatory (Tananarive Due): Magical realism meets reality in the story of a reformatory school in Florida that was the site of unspeakable violence against its so-called “students.” Captivating characters, impeccable pacing, a haunting plot, and a twist that got me good! Its roots in fact makes it infinitely more horrifying.
How to Age Disgracefully (Clare Pooley): I’ve spoken already about how Clare Pooley is the queen of cozy, and this novel is no exception. It’s the story of a senior citizens’ center and a daycare and a whole host of hilarious and hilariously unforgettable characters caught in the middle.
Brotherless Night (V.V. Ganeshananthan): My full review sums up my thoughts, but yeah. The top contender for my top read of 2024. Sashi is a Sri Lankan teenager whose life is upended by civil war…and her family’s sudden involvement in it. IT IS SO GOOD, Y’ALL. SO. GOOD. I mean, major content warnings, but if that’s not an issue for you, then take note. SO GOOD.
I’ll Show Myself Out (Jessi Klein): ICYMI (you can catch up on my full thoughts here), I listened to—and lost my shit over—this book. It embodies everything I’ve experienced in early motherhood…and more. I laughed. I cried. But mostly I just laughed so hard I cried.
When the World Tips Over (Jandy Nelson): The queen of magical realism, the queen of YA, Jandy Nelson can do no wrong. Is this my favorite book of hers? No, but it’s still significantly better than most books I’ve read. Love, loss, family, fate, curses, conviction, queerness, discovery, magic, it has it all!
Little Rot (Akwaeke Emezi): An uncomfortable, disturbing, genius, and very much queer look at Nigeria’s dark underbelly. I can’t say I loved it, but I will say that it’s truly unforgettable.
Even though I’m not yet ready to dole out actual number rankings, I’ll say this: I find it hard to believe that anything, anything will top Brotherless Night for me. But we shall see!
What are your top books in the first half of 2024? Help me grow my TBR list! And did I inspire you to add anything to your own TBR list?
*odds and ends*
*the uncategorizable, but in this case, just more books*
Did I mention that I loved Brotherless Night? Yes? Oh, a few times? Oh, you’re tired of hearing about it? TOO BAD, because it just won another award and I am PUMPED. Truly. Give this book all the awards.
The mashup I didn’t know I needed—this is for all you book-loving skincare girlies.
I mentioned Undue Burden above. It’s been 2 years since Roe fell, and this Vox article does a solid job of showcasing its impact. So glad I’m moving to a “most protective” state.
On today’s issue of “dumb clothing I absolutely do not need but inexplicably want with every fiber of my being,” I present to you: the butter shirt.
Books meet decor in this precious letter. Yes, I will be ordering one for each kid.
Tell me this isn’t the cutest little book for the chefs among us.
I’m knee-deep into paint colors—I want a dusty antique rose shade for Lolo’s room, a rich denim blue for Teddy’s, a perfect green-grey to combat our new dining room floors (see pic below lol), and more. This might be niche, but anyone out there have a can’t-live-without-it paint shade you want to share?
You go on and have the day you deserve, now.
🤍🤍 Torie
I was just looking at Greta & Valdin because it's a Kindle deal today! Benjamin Moore Antique Rose is the perfect dusty rose color. It leans more brown than pink in the shadows, which I love. It's perfect in my daughter's room. Pink but not a girly color at all.
I’m honestly shocked that I haven’t read any of your top books yet but Brotherless Night and Clare Pooley’s latest are at the very top of my TBR!!