Intake Issue no. 4
What I'm reading, watching, witnessing, and listening to
It’s finally February and Beyoncé finally has her AOTY Grammy. Thank god.
Here are some things I’ve enjoyed reading, watching, witnessing, and listening to.
Reading
Worry by Alexandra Tanner. It's hilarious, bleak, relatable, and my current read.
The Guest by Emma Cline. I was late to the party on this one. I’d been dying to read it after my trip to the Hamptons last summer, where the novel is set. It’s a wild trip of a story and a masterclass in suspense writing and first-person narration.
Piglet by Lottie Hazel. A novel that explores themes of feeling full, femininity, and societal expectation. I wrote more about it here.
“Writing as Transformation” by Louise Glück. “Making up stories, making up anything, seemed to me the most involving and wonderful activity I could possibly imagine.”
“Son returns mom’s 72-year overdue book to New York Public Library” by Hannah Frishberg.
:’) via Gothamist “My Life on the Subway” by Keith Gessen. A beautiful piece on the complicated relationship New Yorkers have with the subway.
Watching
Severance. This show has completely taken over my life and I’m ok with that. I binged the first season and now have to patiently wait each week as new episodes from season two release.
Pop Culture Jeopardy. Have I told you how much I love Colin Jost?
The Brutalist. This movie changed my brain chemistry. I know there’s an AI accent controversy, but the visuals of the movie alone inspired me in a significant way.
A Complete Unknown. May have cried at the “Blowin’ in the Wind” apartment scene. Also left me wanting to hug Pete Seeger.
Babygirl, which disappointed me.
The Wicker Man. A genius horror film recommended by a friend who knows I love Midsommar.
Witnessing
Katie Gavin’s concert at Bowery Ballroom in November.
An NYC All Fours dinner, which came about from Miranda July’s group chat. I went not knowing anyone and left with new friends: readers, writers, and creatives who also connected with the book on a deep level. Now, people in cities all over the world are organizing them.
The Drift party to celebrate issue fourteen.
Speed dating at Bibliotheque. Not sure if I’d do it again, but an experience™️ like no other.
Salon Avec Moi’s Hildegard Reanimated: Vision in Vision with The Pandora Consort this past Friday... aka a sapphic opera concert in Bushwick. It was delightful.
Listening
My new year playlist.
Doechii everything.
Bad Bunny’s Debí Tirar Más Fotos.
Lucy Dacus’s new single, Ankles. We are so back.
Soccer Mommy’s album, Evergreen. I recently interviewed her and have been listening to this album on repeat. Notable favorites: “Abigail” and “M.”
Etc.
The new Rachel Antonoff x Little Beast puffer bag. A game changer for my subway commutes with Hamlet into the office.
Pug-approved. Salted Chocolate Chunk Shortbread cookies. It was my first time trying this recipe and it was a success. I will be making them again.
A turmeric face mask and a shot of espresso on a lazy weekend afternoon.
but in all seriousness… self-preservation and care are very important for anyone trying to stay sane these days! That’s all for now, folks.
That dog carrier (and your pug!) are sooo cute 😩 and I loved the Guest and have piglet on my bedside table right now - this is my motivation to start it!
Ankles is so sexy. Lucy's definitely back!