July 2022 Reads
This photo is book-lite because I read a lot of audiobooks and digital ARCs this month. This is how you know I’m not an official book blogger - I don’t have hard copies of all the books I read to turn into an Instagram worthy photo. Shop my July Reads here and let’s get into what I read.
Unprotected: A Memoir by Bill Porter
First of all, I listened to this audiobook on Libro.fm and I can’t imagine reading it any other way. You kind of have to hear Billy read it. For everyone who listened to Mariah Carey’s audiobook, (I know who you are) this is that. It was more emotional than I expected. I didn’t know his extensive theatre experience. If you use StoryGraph, take note of all the content warnings. If your primary connection to Billy Porter is through his character Pray Tell on Pose, you will LOVE this audiobook. Bonus content: I made 2 TikToks about this book. You can watch them here and here.
Woman of Light by Kali Fajardo-Anstine
I saw Kali at Parnassus during her book tour. She was in conversation with Destiny Birdsong and it was such a great event. I hung out and met Kali afterwards and she is LOVELY. I read this book for Roxane Gay’s Audacious Book Club, which means I got to watch Roxane in conversation with Kali and it was so, so great. I learned so much by reading this book. There’s a reason everyone is talking about it. Pick it up. I’m sure there are still signed copies at Parnassus.
While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory
One of my favorite things to do is download a romance audiobook and set off for the woods. I love to be waving to strangers and taking pictures of turtles while listening to straight up sex. This was my first Jasmine Guillory book and I loved it. I can’t wait to go back and read all of her other books. I really liked the characters in this book. Grab this audiobook here. See you in the woods!
Consumed: The Need for Collective Change: Colonialism, Climate Change, and Consumerism by Aja Barber
I have a pretty solid foundation of knowledge about the fashion industry in general, as well as sustainable fashion. That being said, this book BLEW MY MIND. I learned so much. It has truly rewired my brain. I finished reading it weeks ago and think about it every time I get dressed, every time I open Instagram, every time I see yet another shopping haul video on TikTok. I think it would be a mistake to think this book isn’t for you. If you’re alive and you buy stuff, this book is for you. It’s a little different than a typical nonfiction book in that its framed through Aja’s life working in and consuming fashion. It’s probably one of the most personal nonfiction books I’ve read. 10/10 would recommend.
The Power of Plus: Inside Fashion's Size-Inclusivity Revolution by Gianluca Russo
Gianluca and I are mutuals on Twitter and he sent me a digital ARC of this book (it’s not out until 8/15) in exchange for an honest review. I think reading this book on the heels of Consumed clouded my judgment because I was so blown away by Aja’s book. The thing that The Power of Plus is missing for me is the personal piece. It’s obvious how much work and research went into this book and I appreciate Russo's background in reporting on the plus size fashion space, but I just needed something a little extra. If you’ve been in the plus size fashion space on Instagram for awhile, you’ll recognize most of the major players in this book. If you’re in your early 20s and trying to figure out where you belong in plus size fashion, this book may help you feel less alone.
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Shop my July Reads list on Bookshop.org here and on Libro.fm here.
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