Welcome to this week’s edition of Open Tabs, where I share my recent reads, current obsessions, and media consumptions every Sunday!
It’s finally starting to feel like true autumn here. Crisper air, slightly chillier temperatures (sometimes), later mornings and earlier evenings. I’ve noticed how the softer light and shorter days automatically makes my apartment feel cozier. That’s part of what I love about this season, how it naturally makes my days at home feel more enjoyable, peaceful, and intentional. It creates a sense of calm that allows me to focus on the things I love doing most (reading, writing) without the distraction of that relentless summertime energy that leaves me feeling burnt out. I am ready for rest.
Reading [Books]
Discontent by Beatriz Serrano
A quick, darkly-funny story about the drudgery and performance of modern work life, told from the perspective of a woman who Is Not Okay. I didn’t love the ending scene. But otherwise, I thought this was great. It’s not often that I literally lol while reading, but I laughed a lot.
“I think about pretense: about the things we do to feel other things. Wake up, shower, get dressed and ready, fantasizing that maybe today will be different. I wonder if faking could end in real feeling. I wonder if, deep down, everyone isn’t just as desperate to feel something else.”
The Atlas Complex by Olivie Blake
Many many months ago, I decided to listen to this trilogy on audio. I wasn’t sure how much I’d enjoy it or if I’d listen to the whole thing. Well, it took months-worth of my Spotify audiobook hours…but I finally completed the series a couple of weeks ago! And I did enjoy it. I thought it was entertaining. I might have a different opinion if I had picked this up for anything other than passive entertainment...but this worked for me as an audiobook.
Reading [Online]
Sophie Calle’s cover story (Cultured)
Marianne Wex’s study of gender and power in images (Aperture)
Foucault, Femininity, and the Modernization of Patriarchal Power by Sandra Lee Bartky (PDF)
Watching [YouTube]
be your own algorithm (pagemelt)
art, algorithms, AI, content creation, and Kyle Chayka’s Filterworld.
home/interior vlogs
watching lots of vlogs and videos centered around interior design lately since I’m very much in the mood to decorate and finish getting pieces for my apartment. I’m watching a lot from Paige Wassel, BenjiPlant, and Ethan Gaskill.
trying Tove Jansson’s creative routine (josie makes)
I just really love watching/reading about artists, and their routines, habits, and inspirations.
Listening [Music]
Cherry-coloured Funk by True Blue
[Save the Open Tabs rotating playlist]
Listening [Podcast]
Femininity (Overthink)
A great survey of the concept of “femininity”. Mentioned: Simone de Beauvoir, divine feminine, trad wives, Foucault & docile bodies, girl culture trends.
Mariana Enriquez (Threshholds)
The author talks about gothic literature and her writing history. I love Our Share of Night and keep meaning to read her short stories.
Googling
blood countess
the laugh of the medusa
sommelier certification
Books on my Radar [TBR]
All About Love by bell hooks
Men in the Sun by Ghassan Kanafani
Fair Play by Tove Janson
Previously…
Open Tabs #35
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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