Open Tabs #31
05.18.25 -- reading, watching, listening, googling
Welcome to this week’s edition of Open Tabs, where I share my recent reads, current obsessions, and media consumptions every Sunday!
It’s the latter half of May. I don’t know how it goes so fast now. Time is always speeding up, and I keep saying I’ll let go of it, that I won’t fear its passage. But every week, I think about how much time has gone by, and all that I didn’t do in the meanwhile. I’ve started making “NOT To Do Lists” in an attempt to genuinely let go, to give myself permission to not do everything—or at least not right away. But my pre-occupation with time won’t seem to leave me. I guess a (semi)weekly newsletter forces me to continue my obsession, to acknowledge another week (or two) has passed, and to take stock of what has (and hasn’t) been done.
No answers, just thoughts.
Also while you’re here, Funds for Gaza
Reading [Books]
A People’s Guide to Capitalism: An Introduction to Marxist Economics by Hadas Thier
As the title suggests, this is an easy, approachable text to introduce readers to the economics of capitalism through a Marxist lens. Some chapters of this were more interesting and useful to me than others, but overall, I think it’s a great text. I would recommend reading The Origin of Capitalism by Ellen Meiksins Wood as well. I read it years ago and it gave me a foundational understanding of capitalism that has really aided in my analysis of…basically everything.
How to Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair
I’ve been eager to pick up this memoir for the past year or two, but somehow never got around to it. I finally decided to listen to the audiobook, and I’m glad I did! Sinclair is a poet, which comes through in both her writing and her audio-narration. A gorgeous memoir, and I recommend reading her poetry collection, Cannibal, as well.
Imagination: A Manifesto by Ruha Benjamin
Another book that has been lingering on my TBR. I do love a manifesto. But because this is mainly a declarative document, it didn’t do much for me outside of reiterating ideas and beliefs that I’m already onboard with. I love exploring imagination as a site of revolutionary future-making and Benjamin does explore this well. But this is a case of me having read enough in this realm, that I didn’t find much to take away from this book in particular. I am saving the appendix and discussion prompts at the end to work through later, though.
Currently Reading:
Grief is for People by Sloane Crosley
A Short History of Trans Misogyny by Jules Gill-Peterson
I am accepting recommendations for really good & propulsive novels because my current TBR is like 90% non-fiction.
Reading [Online]
I’ve also been browsing through the Nobel lectures lately. This week I read Han Kang’s lecture. Still very much need to read her work!
Reading [Substack]
literally just do things — crystal clear (the advice i need right now/always)
Watching [YouTube]
I’ve been watching a bunch of videos about Greek mythology—or more specifically, how we interpret and use it in modern times. Like this video about the problem with Greek myth retellings, and this one about the endless reinvention of Greek mythology from the same creator. Also these videos about Circe and Ariadne from Lady of the Library.
Listening [Music]
Virginia Creeper — AF13
Listening [Podcast]
Under Yazoo Clay (mini series)
The Let Them Theory (If Books Could Kill)
Googling
seed vault
Psychogeography
Tulip mania
library of alexandria
Last Week…
Open Tabs #30
Welcome to this week’s edition of Open Tabs, where I share my recent reads, current obsessions, and media consumptions every Sunday!
Thanks for reading today’s issue of Empty Head! Subscribe to receive every Open Tabs in your inbox + new book reviews and essays, and other musings.
Completely understand feeling preoccupied by the pressure of time! I really enjoy reading your newsletter and find it inspiring ❤️