january tbr, let them eat cake, and sunday news
Hello.
We had our first winter snow here in new york city yesterday and it was magical. I hope there’s more this season.
I’m prioritizing books this year and wanted to share with you what I’m reading in January.
-A Literate Passion by Anais Nin
A collection of letters between Anaïs Nin and Henry Miller that reveals their intense romance and shared passion for writing and life. The correspondence showcases their deep emotional and intellectual connections, unfolding their vulnerabilities and the profound influence they had on each other's work.
-The Magus by John Fowels
A postmodern novel that follows the journey of Nicholas Urfe, a young Englishman who becomes entangled in psychological and existential games on a Greek island. As Nicholas confronts mysterious characters and puzzling events orchestrated by the enigmatic Maurice Conchis, he faces profound questions about reality, art, and identity.
-Written On The Body by Jeanette Winterson
An exploration of love and loss, narrated by an unnamed protagonist who reflects on past relationships and a deep, passionate affair with a married woman named Louise. The novel delves into the physical and emotional landscapes of love, using the body as a metaphor to examine the intricate ways we understand and express intimacy.
-Emma by Jane Austen
A classic novel that revolves around the life of Emma Woodhouse, a witty and wealthy young woman with a penchant for matchmaking. Despite her confidence in her abilities, Emma's well-intentioned meddling leads to a series of misunderstandings and romantic misadventures, ultimately teaching her about love, humility, and the complexity of human relationships.
-(a very unrealistic book on my list that I most certainly will not finish this month) Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
This novel delves into the complexities of Russian society, following the tragic love affair between the noblewoman Anna Karenina and the dashing Count Vronsky. Against the backdrop of their tumultuous relationship, the book explores themes of morality, family, social norms, and the search for personal happiness, making it a profound study of the human experience.
On a different note, last night I watched Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette (2006).
I’m smitten. I wish I was a Kirsten Dunst queen eating cake for breakfast living in the palace of Versailles. (except for the part where she gets beheaded)
This scene is a dream.
News:
-How to Find Joy in Your Sisyphean Existence
The text juxtaposes the myth of Sisyphus with modern existential struggles, suggesting that embracing life's inherent absurdity, as championed by Albert Camus, can transform endless toil into a form of defiant joy. It portrays the human journey as inherently Sisyphean, yet proposes that understanding and embracing this futility can lead to a rebellious, satisfying happiness.
Candelabras, Coquette Pomegranates, And A Cookie Wall: Inside Cake Zine’s Latest Party
Cake Zine's latest party exudes an atmosphere of creative indulgence, blending literature, art, and gastronomy into a vibrant celebration. With coquette pomegranates, decadent tablescapes, and engaging conversations about the world of cake, it's a testament to the fusion of culture and culinary artistry that Cake Zine represents.
Maybe Don’t Send That Voice Note
The rise of voice notes as a form of communication has sparked debates about their effectiveness and etiquette. While some argue that they encourage selfishness and inefficient communication, others find them intimate and bonding due to the unique connection formed through hearing someone's voice. Ultimately, using voice notes gracefully involves considering the right time and place for their use, especially when the subject matter is idiosyncratic and non-urgent.
"Feud: Capote vs. the Swans" is set to premiere on January 31 on FX and will also be available for streaming on Hulu. The series explores Truman Capote's betrayal of his high-society friends by using their secrets for his writing, causing chaos in New York high society. The cast includes Demi Moore, Tom Hollander, Calista Flockhart, Diane Lane, Naomi Watts, and Chloë Sevigny, portraying the glamorous socialites of Fifth Avenue. The show delves into themes of friendship, aging, and the changing cultural landscape of the time.
Rare Books Are a Hot Collectible. Here’s How to Get Started.
Collecting rare books can be a rewarding long-term investment, with factors like condition, rarity, and provenance determining their value. Start small, focus on your interests, and do thorough research to make informed purchases in this fascinating hobby.
You Don’t Need Everything You Want
Many of us have blurred the line between wants and needs in our pursuit of more, often driven by a consumer economy that encourages spending. Scaling back expectations and embracing a simpler life can be a wiser approach to finding contentment in an age of constant consumption and increasing financial pressures.
Confessions of a Professional Party Girl
The author's journey from a traditional upbringing to a glamorous life as an "image girl" in London's party scene highlights the allure and pitfalls of youth and beauty in a consumer-driven society. Her experiences, both exhilarating and unsettling, shed light on the transient nature of such a lifestyle and the need for self-discovery beyond appearances and materialism.
Hands Are The Most Interesting Part Of The Subway
The article "Subway Hands" paints a portrait of New York through the unique lens of Hannah La Follette, who captures the silent stories and unspoken emotions of commuters through their hands. It illustrates a poetic and intimate narrative that transcends the mundane, transforming the routine subway journey into a canvas of human experience and connection.
I’m making a delusion January wishlist that I’ll share with you this week.
See you tomorrow.
Bye. <3
