Let's start again, shall we?

Sharing about another year around the sun, a book that will definitely make you cry, and where to find a surprise that I am hiding somewhere in the city.

💌 Birthday Reflections

I’m always taking stock this time of year because I’m a late July birthday baby and the annual moment of reflection always catches up to me. I just turned 41 last week, which is a hell of a lot less dramatic to ponder than turning 40– and if you’ve been following along for awhile, you’ll know that last year I attempted a bunch of stuff to mark the change of the decade (a list of 40 things like climbing to the top of the Statue of Liberty, driving a convertible, taking an aerial class and doing a hooky day with each kid). This year, it was nice to simply sit back and appreciate. The year behind me had so many highs— work-wise I’m still not over Slow Burn becoming an instant national bestseller thanks to all of you ❤️ — but so much of what I’m proud of is all the work that’s still gestating. New book projects, creative endeavors, goals coming to life. And more important than work, always, my kids and family are all healthy, and that never gets taken for granted. So I’m ready for 41. I’m glad it’s here. And I’m thankful you’re here with me to chat about all the happy stories we can find.

Just a quick note to also share that a new season of Potluck is airing—our 18th! wow!—starting this Thursday. If you’re in NYC it’ll be on Thursday at 8:30pm. If you’re not, you can catch this season (and all previous ones) online here.

📚 What I’m Reading

It is a well documented fact that I am fully obsessed with Tarah DeWitt’s writing. I think she writes the truest depths of humanity, with a side of scorching sexiness. I love her books to the ends of the earth. And her newest, Lost and Found is out today. I got to read this book along the way as it was being written and it has the distinct honor of making me cry even in its earliest forms—text message snippets that would stop me in my tracks and take my breath away. This is a love story between two longtime friends who’ve lost a lot, but it’s also an ode to female friendship and grief in all its forms. If you haven’t read Tarah’s entire series set in Spunes, please check her books out. She is one of the greatest.

🍴What I’m Cooking Up

Are you as big a fan of Caro Chambers as I am? Then I’ve got a fun treat for you! Her newest book What To Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking: Make It Fast is out next Tuesday BUT I have an advance copy and am going to be leaving it out as one of her Illegal Book Club Ambassadors. Most people won’t know where it is until Caro posts about it Wednesday buuuuut: you’re hearing it here first. I’m leaving the copy somewhere in Washington Square Park around noon on Wednesday and I might also be including a special early bookish treat from myself too 👀 (hint hint: it’s the first physical copies of The Apparent Trap). So be at the ready nearby if you want to snag that!

💛 Happy News

I love any story about older women doing awesome things, and this one made me grin from ear to ear. The Old Ladies Against Underwater Garbage have cleaned up 6,000 pounds of trash from ponds on Cape Cod. Is that not the most heartwarming delight you’ve ever heard??

I also think this story about scientists turning to OnlyFans to raise money for a rodent they love is the best thing on the internet this week.

✨ Thanks for being here!

Our next newsletter will have some very exciting information about The Apparent Trap preorders so I’m already excited to share that with you!