Hello from the South Carolina Lowcountry! We’ve been living through an intensley hot and muggy spell. It’s so humid that even my Corgi’s butt floof is incredibly fluffy, bless his heart. But there’s something that I love about these slow afternoons. Plus, I have stacks of books around, so why not dive into some of them?
Bookish Goods
Relaxing Loose Tea 3-Pack Assortment by Serenitea Savannah
When I’m reading, I always need a cup of tea on hand. One of my favorite companies is Serenitea Savannah, a local tea company that has some of the best relaxing tea bundles. With this selection of Earl Grey Lavender, Peach Serenity, and Daydream, you are destined for an incredibly peaceful afternoon.
New Releases
Crying in the Bathroom: A Memoir by Erika L. Sánchez
Poet, essayist, and novelist, Erika L. Sánchez, is back with her memoir, Crying in the Bathroom. She grew up as the daughter of Mexican immigrants in the ’90s. She describes herself as a misfit, always seeming too loud and foul-mouthed for the polite white society around her. In her book, she discusses everything from depression to white feminism.
Cults: Inside the World’s Most Notorious Groups and Understanding the People Who Joined Them by Max Cutler
In his latest book, Max Cutler examines the world of cults, why people join and how cults can be so successful. Cutler talks to people who’ve participated in cults, left them, or were born into them. This broad perspective gives Cutler’s work a unique perspective on these often mysterious organizations.
Riot Recommendations
To continue our celebration of Disability Pride Month, this week, I’m going to recommend a memoir from two disability rights advocates who raise awareness for people with facial differences.
A Face for Picasso by Ariel Henley
Ariel Henley and her twin sister Zan were born with crouzon syndrome, a condition where their skulls fused too soon. Throughout their childhoods, they had dozens of procedures to save their lives and to make their faces more cosmetically “pleasing.” A journalist who interviewed them said that they had a face for Picasso. This stayed with Henley, and she mulled over the meaning of the phrase for years. As she grows into her own, she begins to accept her body, and her reflection, for what it is. A Face for Picasso was named A Schneider Family Honor Book for Teens.
Say Hello by Carly Findlay
Carly Findlay was born with Ichthyosis, a rare skin condition that causes her skin to appear red. When moving through the world, random strangers have responded to seeing in her with hatred, repulsion, or even hostility. She really just wishes that they would just “Say Hello.” In her memoir, she describes her work advocating for people with facial differences, and raises awareness for their unique experiences. You can learn more about her work over on her website.
That’s it for this week! You can find me over on my substack Winchester Ave or over on Instagram @kdwinchester. As always, feel free to drop me a line at kendra.d.winchester@gmail.com. For even MORE bookish content, you can find my articles over on Book Riot.
Happy reading, Friends!
~ Kendra