Did I Tell You About... (11/12/20)
All the pop culture you need in your life this week.
Well, hello! It’s been awhile since my last newsletter, but to be fair, I had very good reasons for the delay. There was the election, and my birthday, and our move from NY to Raleigh, and our time settling into and furnishing our new home—basically, there was a lot of shit going on, and I got a little sidetracked, OK?
But… I’m back! Come Monday, I’ll have a new installment of And Everything Else filled with life updates from the last few weeks about the move, life in Raleigh, and more. But for now, I’m armed with plenty of pop culture recommendations, so you can enjoy a weekend filled with TV watching, book reading, and lots else. Here we go!
I’m reading: Daddy by Emma Cline. This short story collection comes from the author of The Girls, one of the best books of 2016 IMO, but it’s a totally different vibe—provocative, complicated stories about human life featuring a range of compelling characters. Really enjoying it so far!
I’m listening to: “Therefore I Am", the new song by Billie Eilish. I’m a big fan of Billie, and all of her post-Where Do We Go work, from the James Bond theme “No Time to Die” to the haunting “Everything I Wanted”, has been excellent, with this latest release no exception. That chorus is So. Damn. Catchy!
I’m still thinking about: Disappearing Earth by Julia Phillips. I loved this book. A novel about the lives of several Russian women that takes place over the course of a year, it’s beautifully written, ambitious, and wholly captivating. Cannot recommend this one enough.
I’m loving: The conversation about Buffy the Vampire Slayer, aka one of the best TV shows of all time, that’s been happening on Twitter the last few days between Stacey Abrams and the show’s cast. ICYMI, Abrams (you know, the politician and activist who pretty much saved the election) weighed in on the age-old Angel vs. Spike debate with a spot-on take, prompting several of the show’s stars, such as Alyson Hannigan and Danny Strong, to chime in with their opinions, too. It’s pretty epic.
I’m looking forward to: Cazzie David’s essay collection, No One Asked for This. Larry David’s daughter is a funny, smart writer in her own right, and her new book sounds excellent. Come for the Pete Davidson stories, stay for what’s said to be hilariously real takes on anxiety, fame, and more.
I’m watching: The new season of Grey’s Anatomy, which starts tonight on ABC, people! Yes, I mention Grey’s pretty much every newsletter, but I am so excited for this show to be back. Even Ellen Pompeo, who famously does not hold back on criticism, has said that this is one of the series’ best seasons ever, so you know it’s gonna be good.
I’m excited about: The new season of The Crown, which launches this weekend on Netflix. It’s time for all things Princess Di, and I, for one, am very ready.
Let me know if you check out any of the above recommendations and want to chat or chime in with your own! And come back next week for more.
-Rachel