book recs and the intersection of literature, modern culture, and AI

Hello. Everyone is out shopping, but are you in need of a good book? May I recommend a few that I’m currently reading?

-Poems 1962-2012 by Louise Gluck

A comprehensive collection that showcases her evolution as a poet over five decades, blending introspection, classical themes, and a deep exploration of human emotions and relationships.

-The Fran Lebowitz Reader by Fran Lebowitz 

A witty and incisive compilation of essays and observations by Fran Lebowitz, offering her humorous and often sardonic takes on modern life, culture, and social issues.

-Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison 

A richly textured novel that explores themes of identity, cultural heritage, and self-discovery through the life journey of its African-American protagonist, Milkman Dead, set against the backdrop of mid-20th century America.

-Letters to Vera by Vladimir Nobokov

A collection of passionate, intimate, and revealing letters written by Vladimir Nabokov to his wife Vera, offering a glimpse into their deep love, Nabokov's thoughts on literature, and their shared experiences over a long and devoted marriage.

Let me know if you end up reading any of these. I’d love to hear your thoughts. 

I recently sent out a newsletter with a little gift guide. I’m thinking about sending one more letter out with some gifting and stocking stuffer ideas. It almost feels redundant because of the abundance of gift guides out there, you know?

I will, however, send a letter to you very soon with lots of holiday/winter/ christmas activities to do if you’re in the mood (or looking for ways to get into the spirit of the holiday season). 

Okay, let's get into some news, articles, internet findings:

-Sofia Coppola Knows What Makes An It Girl 

The article explores Sofia Coppola's career in filmmaking, emphasizing her ability to capture the allure and mystery of female characters throughout her films. From "The Virgin Suicides" to "Marie Antoinette" and "The Bling Ring," Coppola delves into the complexities of young women in the limelight. Her latest film, "Priscilla," portrays the transformation of Priscilla Presley into an icon, highlighting the interplay between image and identity. Coppola's work often delves into the power of perception and how women navigate it.

-The Lifelong Effects Of 'The Favorite Child'

This article explores the concept of parental favoritism within families and its potential long-lasting impacts on children's mental health and family relationships. The author shares personal anecdotes and reflections on how they perceived favoritism among their siblings and how it might have affected them. Research suggests that parental favoritism, while common, can have adverse effects on children, including low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems. It can also lead to tension and conflict among siblings and affect their relationships into adulthood. The article highlights the importance of open communication within families to address these issues and suggests that being more self-aware as parents can help prevent consistent favoritism.

I am the eldest daughter and my little brother will always be the favorite. 

-How To Advocate For Yourself At The Doctor’s Office 

A discussion on the importance of self-advocacy in medical settings, emphasizing the need to prepare for doctor's appointments, bring a trusted companion, and speak up if facing discrimination. It also suggests finding a new doctor if the current one is not respectful.

-Brutal Dating Advice for Millennials, From Gen Z

The differences in dating styles between generations, like the more traditional approach of Millennials versus the 'Generation Sensible' label of Gen Z, highlight a cultural shift in how relationships are initiated and maintained. However, the core challenge remains the same: finding meaningful connections in an ever-changing social landscape. This dynamic nature of dating requires adaptability and openness to new experiences and perspectives, making the pursuit of relevant advice more complex.

-How Neurodivergent People Are Challenging Conventional Notions of Romance

Navigating relationships is inherently challenging, as they involve navigating disagreements and confronting uncomfortable aspects of ourselves. This complexity is compounded by societal expectations and norms, which often dictate how we should behave in relationships. For neurodivergent individuals, understanding and adhering to these norms can be particularly taxing, leading to a sense of alienation and fatigue. Experts suggest that embracing authenticity and challenging societal standards, as seen in neurodivergent and queer communities, can lead to more fulfilling relationships. Open communication about mental health and self-awareness are key to building relationships that are more collaborative and suited to the needs of the individuals involved.

-On Self-Respect: Joan Didion’s 1961 Essay from the Pages of Vogue

Renowned author and journalist Joan Didion has passed away at 87. Her iconic essay "On Self-Respect" reflects on self-esteem, personal responsibility, and the importance of character. Didion emphasizes that self-respect isn't about seeking approval from others but accepting the consequences of one's choices. It's a timeless exploration of self-acceptance and authenticity.

-What The Point Of Reading Writing By Humans?

An author's experience with writing and the impact of artificial intelligence, particularly large-language models like GPT-4, on journalism and creative writing. It questions whether AI can replicate the personal and creative aspects of human writing and emphasizes the importance of human expression in writing. The article invites readers to consider the value of human-authored content in an age of advanced AI technology.

Ah, this is a fascinating topic. I’m very curious to hear your thoughts on this. As a society we’re in too deep with AI. Kind of like how our parents thought the internet was the devil (they still believe that), and how they would fight it and try and take it away, which only made us want it more. Let’s not make that mistake with AI. I have a lot of mixed feelings. AI is here to stay and grow and get even more advanced. Instead of viewing AI as a negative yet integral part of our world now, I think we should figure out how we can use it in our favor. Having it work for us, not against us, you know? This is obviously an extremely nuanced topic of conversation. With something like AI that is so advanced, it can go in both positive and negative ways to the absolute most extreme way possible. Anyways. 

That’s all for today. Have you eaten breakfast yet? Are you feeling rested or depleted from the holiday? 

Find ways to take care of yourself today. 

Okay bye.

<3