Welcome to this week’s edition of Open Tabs, where I share my recent reads, current obsessions, and media consumptions every Sunday!
The first half of the year is usually when I feel the most optimistic, motivated, and energized. Moving from the darkest days of winter into the lengthening days of spring and summer tends to improve my mood. But this year I’ve had trouble leaving behind the Winter version of myself, who relies on long hours of rest and darkened skies. Spring never really sprung for me, is what I’m trying to say. Though I do have mild sinusitis and a pollen-covered car as proof that the seasons have changed. Anyways, Happy Sunday! Here are some links and books and things.
Reading [Books]
I’ve been jumping around between a bunch of half-read books lately. Which means I’m reading slowly and not finishing things in a timely manner. But here are my recent and current reads.
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
I had a feeling I was really going to like this—and I was right! It’s quiet and atmospheric, but still quite propulsive. It kind of hit a sweet spot for me between plot, character, and atmosphere. Enough mystery to spur me on and keep me reading, but I especially liked the descriptions of the setting, flora & fauna. I’ve struggled to really enjoy fiction in recent months, so this was a much-needed change of pace.
Permanent Red by John Berger
Verso has been (re)releasing Berger’s work this year, and it really got me interested in reading it. I’ve been reading 1 of his works each month thus far, and I’m looking forward to more.
Currently Reading (still):
A People’s Guide to Capitalism by Hadas Thier
How to Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair (audiobook)
The Storyteller by Walter Benjamin
Reading [Online]
“Jean Rhys’ Voyage in the Dark” by Vivian Gornick (New Republic)
“With writing came her great discovery of the redeeming value of literature, at whose shrine she worshipped throughout a relentlessly tawdry life.”
Reading [Substack]
Watching [YouTube]
Listening [Music]
Face Down in the Garden — Tennis
new Tennis album!!!
Listening [Podcast]
Good Robot (Vox)
This 4-part series explores some of the ethical issues with AI, the culture and groups surrounding it, and the potential future of its usage. The scope is quite limited, but if (like me) you’re just kind of interested in understanding its socio-cultural presence at the moment, this is a good listen.
Books on my Radar [TBR]
The Book of Alchemy by Suleika Jaouad
Keep Walking Intently by Lori Waxman
Last Week…
Open Tabs #29
Welcome to this week’s edition of Open Tabs, where I share my recent reads, current obsessions, and media consumptions every Sunday!
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Loving the new Tennis album and I can’t believe it’s their last?!! Also glad to see you liked Wild Dark Shore— I’ve been curious about it for a while but haven’t picked it up yet, so this might be my sign