What I'm Reading Lately

Just Finished:

I don't really know what this book is, but it's an adorable work of art. It's a slightly tongue-in-cheek but mostly earnest manifesto of a certain kind of white Southern womanhood: sweet, friendly, and blessedly frivolous. If you're interested in Reese Witherspoon, it's certainly insightful on her upbringing. However, this is definitely not a celebrity memoir. There's nothing (intentionally) controversial here, and while it feels restful, certain comments can be jarring without context (e.g. if you don't know Christmas carols, you live in a cave). Ummm. I don't know Christmas carols because I'm Jewish and have actively worked not to soak them up. I don't think it's meant to be offensive and I don't take it that way because this book is a very specific portrait of a white Christian Southern culture, but, in this day and age, it may make people feel a bit sensitive. All in all, this book is worth a literal look or two, for gorgeous displays of wallpaper, books, and other Southern decor and recipes. Best served with a shot of sorghum whiskey in your grandmother's best transferware.






Currently Listening To:

So far, it reminds me of Stronger Than a Bronze Dragon, which I also recently finished, and a little bit of Dune. It centers on a fantasy prison and a pair of adolescents who each have a key. We'll see where it leads.














Next Up:

I'm a sucker for kitchen memoirs, so we'll see if I like this type of novel as well.