We did it!

We made it to another weekend!!!

HI!

I’ve had two dreams now where I get laid off, but I keep working. The first time was really terrible. In the second dream, I finally got mad and left.

IS THIS WHAT PROCESSING LOOKS LIKE? Man, I guess! 

Books! Books! Books!

This Tuesday, one of my favorite books of the year comes out. It’s the sort of book where you read the last page and tear up a little because your heart is so full, and then you sigh deeply, already wistful that it’s over, and you just have to give it a big hug. 

It’s called Margo’s Got Money Troubles, and it’s by Rufi Thorpe. I don’t want to give you a whole synopsis, because I knew very little about it when I read it, and I’m really glad I just went for it. But I mean, LOOK AT THIS COVER! 

Why I love it: 

There's an innocence to it, but also a world-weariness. Every character is deeeeeeeply flawed, but is also ultimately good. IT IS FULL OF KIND WEIRDOS. 

The POV shifts from first person to third person are fascinating. This book says a lot about narrative distance and the subjective nature of “faces” and “heels.” (Yes, those are pro wrestling terms. Yes, you should probably just read the book to understand the reference.)

It reframes sex work in a way I think a lot of people won’t find new, but which I still appreciated. 

It is, like Rufi’s other books, a story about surviving against all odds.

So I’ll just say it right now! This absolutely would have been my July book club pick. (And it still can be on here, anyway!)

Speaking of books!!!

I just started an affiliate shop over at bookshop.org, which means you can order books online while ALSO supporting both independent bookstores and me! The link is bookshop.org/shop/greta. I just put a “summer faves” book list over there with … yes, some of my favorite books coming out this summer! I’ve had the opportunity to rave about some of them, but not all of them, so I’m excited to have this as another place to holler and flail about stuff you might love.

What are you most excited to read this summer? Chime in in the comments!!!

Out and about

• I had so much fun chatting with my buddy Jacoby yesterday on his podcast City Cast Chicago as their Fun Correspondent! (No, that is not my official title.) 

• I’m doing an instagram live situation with my Official Game of Thrones podcast: House of the Dragon co-host Jason Concepcion this coming Wednesday at 7pm CT! We’ll talk about what to expect in season two, which premieres a week from Sunday. Follow me on instagram for more info. 

• I am so so so excited to get to hang out with author Kiley Reid at Semicolon Bookstore in Chicago next Thursday! Here’s where to register.  

A sweet bake

Before I go: Yesterday was my mom’s birthday so I went to Wisconsin and we made peanut butter pie. I was lucky enough to consult with THE Shilpa Uskokovic for a recipe, and we ended up making an exquisite mish-mash:

• we made a graham cracker crust

• then we put 1/2 of Miro Uskokovic’s easy peanut butter pie fillling from The Kitchn Into the prepped crust

• THEN, because Shilpa is BRILLIANT, we did a layer of 1/2 of Jesse Szewczyk’s French silk pie filling from Epicurious

• AND THEN, we topped that glorious contraption with whipped cream and chopped honey roasted peanuts, and WOW WOW WOW.

  

You’re invited to celebrate, too: Sleep in! Drink tea in bed! Buy some flowers! Go on a nice walk! Take two naps! However you want to treat yourself, do it! Because my Mom told you to!

See you next week,

Greta

P.S. I’m doing a couple of book giveaways this month for paid subscribers! I’ll do the first drawing in a couple of hours. That means now is the time to donate if you want in on June’s giveaways!

Thank you so much for your support!!!