21 days in and what a year, eh? More on that later*. For now, hello.
A small newsletter update: This year, instead of spotty, sparse substacks showing up every few months, there will be at least one scheduled per month. They will remain unprofessional. They will remain free. Thanks for being here.
Let’s start with Books.
Three I can’t stop thinking about…
Coming of age + a complex and gorgeous look at the human experience. I wept!
Beautiful, smart, and deeply moving. A poet turned novelist author rarely disappoints!
For fans of The Rachel Incident, Maid, or for anyone who wants a fresh, zippy novel. I adored this one!
In other news, my husband took up reading fiction a few years ago to combat seasonal depression and it stuck, so every month I get to pitch three or four novels to him like I’m on a publishing house’s editorial team. Recently he’s read and loved: Wicked, James, & First Lie Wins.
Music
This year’s Spotify Wrapped told me I listened to over 89,200 minutes of music instead of facing my feelings. A few playlists:
pickleball bops that also work for hot girl walks, dance parties, & hype vibes
I’ve been gatekeeping my writing playlist even though literally no one cares?
rotating list of hyperfixation bangers for cleaning the kitchen/screaming singing
I can’t really describe what this playlist is, IYKYK???
Book playlists found here always
Events
This month I had the honor of moderating a talk with Annie Liontas at Pocketbooks on her brilliant memoir, Sex With A Brain Injury.
My next event is in South Carolina on March 12th for The Midlife Monologues. Tickets here.
Official book tour information coming soon, including a launch event Monday, Nov 3rd with Books Are Magic in Brooklyn.
*Ways to Help
This is a difficult time for many, and the urge to do something without direction is overwhelming. Here are a two GoFundMes that need support:
Teachers from Altadena who lost their family home in the wildfires. Help them meet their goal here.
A long-time reader reached out about her son Gavin and his life changing diagnosis of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome in January 2024 after having Covid. Join me in helping cover medical costs here.
Outro
Here’s to making it through the rest of January, finding joy where we can, and stepping into the rest of winter with open hands and Severance Season 2.
Thanks again for being here.
With love & hope,
Kate
PS: Already Good Keychains, $6.50 shipped + Magic & Brain kids’ tees, 17 dollars shipped + Like Other Girls beanies, 15 dollars shipped + Prints including “For My Sister”, 5 dollars shipped.