We had the privilege of attending two concerts in the month of September. TWO. We haven’t seen two concerts in the whole of the last decade, so to say that this was a rare treat would be a gross understatement.
First up was Weird Al Yankovic! My husband and I are both lifelong fans of Al’s silly parody songs, growing up with treasures like “Eat It,” “Like A Surgeon,” “Amish Paradise,” “Another One Rides the Bus.” Neither of us had ever seen him live, so when we saw he’d be performing in the area, it was a no brainer.
And Al did not disappoint! The entertainment value was off the charts. At 66-years-old, Al’s singing, dancing, polka-ing, audio-visuals, and all.of.the.costume.changes, would have put most 20-something performers to shame. It was an absolute spectacle (in the very best sense). And best of all, it was SO FUN! Every face in the audience was sporting a broad smile throughout the concert, and we all left on a (nerdy) high.
A couple of weeks later, we were over the moon to be able to see Jon Batiste in the same concert venue. JON BATISTE! He has to be one of the most talented humans on the planet – and that is to say nothing of his infectious JOY.
We could not wait to see him live. While Al provided the highest level of entertainment, Jon provided something a little different. He provided an experience. He invited his audience to be active participants in the concert. He lead us through dance moves. He coached us on lyrics. He reached out and made contact with people near the stage. He marched through the crowds to the bleachers in the back of the event space to ensure everyone felt included in the magic of the unfolding moment. While I couldn’t stop smiling and giggling with Al, I felt myself overcome with emotion with Jon, choking back tears in parts. It felt almost spiritual, and I felt something like an internal shifting by the end.
I have been thinking a lot about the two experiences, and I realized today that my frame for the two concerts was similar to my frame for many books. There are books that I love, because they provide me entertainment and escape (sometimes when I need it most). And there are other books that I love, because they crack something open in me and leave me changed. Both are valuable in their own right. But they are different experiences.
Listen, friends, I know this is all subjective (as is the case with most creative offerings), so I will simply leave you with a challenge to embrace those experiences that bring you joy, maybe particularly those that leave a lasting imprint. And make sure to offer a little gratitude to the Universe when you’re lucky enough to find them. And perhaps even consider how you might pay some of that goodness forward.
What I’m Reading (some spoilers included)
American Fantasy (4 stars)
by Emma Straub
This book was such a breath of fresh air! Emma offers us something creative, well crafted, and resonant.
I really enjoyed all of the characters, perhaps especially Alice and Keith (two of the primary figures). They were written with such care, and I could easily inhabit their experiences throughout the novel.
I also loved the premise. As someone who relates (perhaps too much) with the fandom in this book (no cruises - but definitely a lot of concerts… and fantasies), I ate this up. I imagined Joey, Jordan, Danny, Donny, and John (my favorite - I know, I know). While the characters in the novel are not my beloved NKOTB, I could not help but see glimpses of them.
While I must admit to being at least a bit confused/disappointed at the end (as there were questions I felt we never got satisfactorily answered - and I really wanted THE ending), I would be lying to say I didn't countdown to spending time in this book (and finished it in record time).
Now I really need to ensure I've read all of Emma's previous works!
If you’re interested in giving it a go yourself: https://bookshop.org/a/120532/9798217046850
Rabbit, Rabbit (4 stars)
by Jennifer E. Smith
I was grateful to receive an early copy of Jennifer's new novel, as it has not yet been released.
First things first: This was one of my favorite reads of the year!
The main characters were really well rendered, likable and complex, with a legitimately complicated relationship predicament. This careful attention to story structure kept me invested.
BUT, I must admit that the narrative did fall into the trap of so many books in this genre, visiting and revisiting (and revisiting again) the same predicament. Sometimes with long stretches of time passing between the revisiting, which made it increasingly difficult to embrace.
I also thought the ending was far too rushed. If we needed to cover that much time in so few pages, maybe we don't need chapter breaks for each stretch of time (giving us chapters that are only one to two pages long). It threw off the pacing for me.
All of that acknowledged, I really enjoyed this narrative. I think it covers an important topic - and does that topic justice (and again... those main characters!) Definitely worth the read.
If you’re interested in giving it a go yourself: https://bookshop.org/a/120532/9798217375196
[Also read this month: Call Me Maybe (2 ½ stars), Just Friends (1 ½ stars), Extra-Curricular (0 stars), The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches (3 ½ stars)]
For more book reviews: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/88169319-gina-ma?ref=nav_mybooks&shelf=read
[Please note: The links for purchasing books are affiliate links and will offer me a small percentage of the purchase price if you choose to grab your copy of recommended books through their site. If you choose to utilize, thanks for the support!]
What I’m Watching
There are shows that I rewatch every year, and in the fall that includes Gilmore Girls. I love Stars Hollow (and regularly beg my husband to move there). I love the mother-daughter relationship. I love the witty exchanges. I love the quirky cast of characters. I love the academia – and all of the books consumed! Ahhhh, it’s just so good.
OH, in addition to Lorelai and Rory, Harry, Ron, and Hermoine have also become regulars in our home, as well. Tis the season, friends! And we’re leaning into it!
What’s on your fall viewing list?
What I’m Writing
I am working on a few short stories this month, most focused on the fall season, with all of its chilly, drizzly, spooky, cozy vibes. I LOVE FALL WRITING!
Also, some good news to share… I had one of my short stories accepted for publication! I will share more information when it's available.
What’s Making Me Smile
Since we had the joy of seeing Weird Al in concert this month, I thought I really should share one of his genius creations (it’s even bookish).
https://youtu.be/8Gv0H-vPoDc?si=ChPeoMFaCD6R4mx8
If you have stumbled upon anything extra delightful lately, I always love a good laugh!
A Little Unsolicited Writing Advice
This writing wisdom drop brought to you by a respected editor friend.
Be careful about assessing things before describing them. By assigning value before specific description (such as “the room was such a mess” before describing the mess), you rob the reader of the opportunity to assess for themselves.
Trust your imagery (and trust your reader).
BONUS: A Random Fact About Me (For Fun?)
I was the featured speaker at a large, Seattle area women’s conference about a decade ago, and my preparation for that conference became the bones for my first book, Friending: Creating Meaningful, Lasting Adult Friendships.
And for those of you who wanted a little glimpse of my time as a professor (as mentioned in the August newsletter), I give you this image. And, if you have some time and want to watch a bit of course instruction - and can tolerate A LOT of "ums" - you can check me out at https://youtu.be/Ek7ny1ri-jQ?si=ePHzXJVJZjsuejPJ
As always, thank you all for joining me on this leg of my journey. Please don’t forget to hit me up with some of your responses to posed questions. I always love hearing from you!
And if you have other bookish friends who might enjoy my newsletter content, please feel free to share. I’d love to grow this community.
Gina