So yesterday, I was walking around in gorgeous spring weather and then — BAM — winter strikes back! It is SO COLD (for South Carolina, anyway). And we are headed to Kentucky where, as I type this, it’s SNOWING. I know y’all up in Vermont or Canada or wherever are all laughing at me right now. I accept that. But my husband had to pull out my winter coat this past weekend, which I haven’t worn since 2019. Heaven, help us all. Meanwhile, Dylan and Gwen have decided to turn into bears and hibernate for the rest of the “winter.” But really, I don’t blame them. All that to say, all I have been doing recently is huddling on the couch listening to audiobooks. Not a bad way to hibernate as a human, if I do say so myself. Okay, enough about the March snowpocolypse of 2023 —let’s jump into more nonfiction reads!
Bookish Goods
When I Die Delete My Kindle History Sticker by Bxitches Read Too
I laughed so hard when I first saw this sticker! It’s a delightful little sticker for any ebook lover. I may have to get one of these to stick directly on my Kindle. $4
New Releases
We Are All Armenian: Voices from the Diaspora edited by Aram Mrjoian
This anthology features Armenian writers from around the world. Many of them reflect on Armenian culture after the horrific Armenian genocide in the 20th century. Since then, Armenian people have made new homes around the world, but they each feel the long-lasting effects of the violence their communities faced a century ago.
Happily: A Personal History-With Fairy Tales by Sabrina Orah Mark
I’m a sucker for anything about fairy tales, so when I saw this book, I knew I needed it in my hot little hands. Sabrina Orah Mark writes about her life as a Jewish woman raising Black children in the American South and the complexities that come with her multiracial household. She uses fairytales throughout the collection, creating this beautiful blend of personal stories linked to fantastical ones.
For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
We Are Never Meeting in Real Life by Samantha Irby
From the first essay that I listened to Irby read, I knew she was going to be one of my favorite writers. Her essays are hilarious but still filled with more serious topics, like growing up with a disabled mom and a dad who died far too soon. Yes, Irby uses humor to cope with the difficult things in her life, but she also uses humor to express the bright spots in her life. She describes meeting her wife and falling in love with such tenderness and laugh-out-loud anecdotes.
Sh*t, Actually: The Definitive, 100% Objective Guide to Modern Cinema by Lindy West
I love movies and TV. There’s just something about watching a story that taps into universal feelings that we all hold close to our chest. But I also love essays, so when I heard Lindy West had an essay collection all about modern cinema, I downloaded that audiobook so fast. And Sh*t, Actually is a delight. West is known for her over-the-top way of expressing herself, which lends itself to writing about movies. I laughed so much. I can’t recommend it enough if you just need something ridiculous (in the absolute best possible way) to read/listen to as a pick-me-up.
And, here’s another reminder to make sure to check out Book Riot’s newest newsletter, The Deep Dive, full of informed takes, useful advice, and more from experts in the world of books and reading. Subscribe and choose your membership level today at bookriot.substack.com
That’s it for this week! You can find me over on my substack Winchester Ave, over on Instagram @kdwinchester, or on my podcast Read Appalachia. As always, feel free to drop me a line at kendra.d.winchester@gmail.com. For even MORE bookish content, you can find my articles over on Book Riot.
Happy reading, Friends!
~ Kendra