The Reading List: New Books for a New Year
The new year brings us new media (no, not the dumb corporate phrase. I mean actual media.).
Staci already addressed your ears, so I'm here to cover your eyes. Er rather, UN-cover them to a plethora of new reads.
Check 'em out!
By Leni Zumas
Red Clocks
Out January 16
If you thought to yourself, The Handmaid's Tale is great and all, but I could really use something more specific to abortion rights, then check out Red Clocks. In this (perhaps all too easy to imagine) novel, abortion becomes completely illegal in America. A Personhood Amendment has endowed embryos with the right to liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and above all else, life. The book follows five women in a small Oregon town who have to navigate this new terrifying reality.
By Hermione Hoby
Neon in Daylight
Out January 9
Reviews were somewhat mixed on this one, but I'm still curious. It feels like a beach read for winter. The fictional story is set days before Hurricane Sandy in NYC and follows Kate, a young Englishwoman cat-sitting in Manhattan. She seems like she'd fit right into the cast of "GIRLS." From what I can tell, the book really captures summer in New York -- the sweaty subway poles, the sour trash smell, and the oppressive heat. In weeks filled with blizzards, I strangely miss that.
By Emma Byrne
Swearing Is Good for You: The Amazing Science of Bad Language
Out January 23
I'm not sure I've ever sworn as much as I did in 2017. Among the Cheeto-in-Chief, Harvey Weinstein, and others, and a job I recently quit, I've developed quite the potty mouth.
Luckily, that's apparently good for me! This witty pop-sci book takes a look at the history of foul language and how it's been shown to reduce physical pain, decrease anxiety, prevent violence, and generally help people cooperate with one another. Fuck, yeah!
By Sloan Crosley
Look Alive Out There
Out April 3
You're probably already familiar with our shared girl crush on Sloane Crosley. Her wit and writing style make her already relatable and hilarious stories even more enjoyable. I can't wait to read her newest collection.
by Anna Yen
Sophia of Silicon Valley
Out April 10
Can you believe that The Devil Wears Prada was made over 10 years ago?! Jesus I'm old.
Well, as we all know, magazines aren't exactly where the money is these days. Instead, everyone is trying to make their way in the tech world. It only makes sense that the new take on this story would involve Silicon Valley. The story is based on the author's own experiences working with Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, and other big names.
Edited by by Roxane Gay
Not That Bad
Out May 1
Let's keep the momentum from the #MeToo movement and Women's March going this year. With contributions from Gabrielle Union and Ally Sheedy, and edited by Roxane Gay, this collection of essays will take that conversation even further.
What are you excited to read in 2018?
-Jen
