What I read in June
Plus, musings on life lately.
Hello from Brooklyn! I’m here at my apartment in Ditmas Park, cleaning out all my personal items before I put the apartment on the market. It’s wild to sort through the life that I shoved into a storage closet before I moved to Amsterdam seven years ago. I’ve found childhood photos and other doodads, including my mom’s blender from the 80s (maybe even the 70s)—I can’t get rid of it! I also found a few greeting cards from her, which I know I’ll keep forever.
I found photography equipment from when I had a clothing brand, and I taught myself how to take all the photos because hiring a professional wasn’t something I could afford as a solo business owner. Eventually, I even started offering photography services.
I found the last bin of inventory from my brand, along with another bin filled with garment patterns, business cards, and fabric swatches. I dumped almost everything except the photography equipment and the inventory (all of which I’ll donate); it felt so good!
I found my engagement and wedding bands, which I think I’ll try to sell (and probably not make much money), but I’ll never wear them again. I don’t even feel sentimental about them anymore, but I think it would be weird to start wearing them again, even if on another finger.
Coming back to this apartment and finding all these things—some of which I forgot even existed—has inspired me to do a big clean out when I get back to Amsterdam. I find the bare, decluttered space relaxing. I’m all about less is more right now.
Staying at the apartment for the last five-ish days has also been confusing. Not having a home of my own in the place where I’m originally from is scary, but from a purely logical standpoint, selling the apartment is the best financial option. I think once all is said and done, it will feel freeing not to have to worry about this apartment anymore. I’m all about doing things that scare me these days!
One thing making a big move abroad has taught me is that you never know where life will take you, but if I think about the short-term future—the next five to 10 years—I do not imagine myself living in NYC again, or in the US. Life is much more affordable and easy-going in Europe, and after dealing with delayed subway trains and a bunch of weirdos the other night, I’m looking forward to the freedom of cycling around town in Amsterdam! And the cleaner streets.
Anyway, this post was supposed to be about books, and now I’m rambling… Before I share what I read in June, have you read Yesteryear? I’m reading it now, and I’m not sure what I think yet. 🤯 Would love to discuss!
My June reads
I’ve loved Lena Dunham since Girls, which was running when I moved to Brooklyn around the same age as the show’s characters. In her memoir, Famesick, she writes about her experience of “making it” at a young age and how it was not at all glamorous—taking a toll on her emotional and physical well-being. It’s not a light read, but I admire her raw and honest writing and how she manages to inject humor in all the right places
Valley of the Moms by Hannah Selinger
This mystery thriller is a fun summer read about a suburban mom who challenges her affluent town's exclusive Parent-Teacher Organization and is later found dead, which prompts her husband to dig into the community's secrets and politics to uncover the truth. I’m biased because it’s written by my soon-to-be book-proposal-writing coach, but even if I didn’t know Hannah, I’d still recommend this book if you’re looking for light summer entertainment.
No Contact: Writers on Estrangement by Jenny Bartoy
I learned about this anthology edited by Jenny Bartoy via Memoiring Book Club. It’s a collection of 32 personal essays, poems, and flash pieces by known and emerging writers who explore the difficulties of cutting ties with family. It’s not a light one, but each piece is well written, and I think family estrangement is a taboo topic that’s not talked about enough. I’m not personally estranged from any family members, but like everyone, I know how complex those relationships can be.
How to Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay by Jenny Lawson (thebloggess)
Jenny Lawson does it again! This book is a collection of humorous and heartfelt essays and tips about managing mental health struggles like depression, anxiety, and ADHD, while fostering creativity. It’s inspirational and practical without being cringy.
Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle Burden
This seems to be one of this year’s hottest books. Belle Burden’s husband suddenly opts out of their 20-year marriage after she discovers his affair during the pandemic. I liked reading about her transformation, and I appreciate that she acknowledges her privilege, given her wealthy family background. But I found parts of it hard to believe, like some small details were missing. Still, Burden is an excellent writer, and I enjoyed reading her memoir.
What have you read recently? What’s on your TBR list? Please share!
Take care,
Alexis
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P.P.S. You might have noticed a new color palette here. I’m rereading Essentialism by Greg McKeown (found it in my apartment!), and it has inspired me to streamline my work website and my Substack. I also gave my website a long-overdue update (still fiddling with it!).
Thanks for sharing about Memoiring and our Book Club Pick, No Contact, Alexis!
Thank you so much for reading No Contact and sharing here!