Hi everyone! As it turns out, it was very over-eager of me to think that I could read three books every week with an infant. Who ever could have guessed? Moving forward, I’m going to make my cultural roundups a bi-weekly feature. On the other weeks, i’m going to write something more long-form. Next week I’ll be sharing gift ideas for new moms.
Let’s get right into it!
Saltburn (2023): Not to brag, but I saw an advanced screening of Saltburn (out Friday) and it was just as good as everyone is speculating it is. Set in the mid-2000s, it follows an awkward university student who becomes infatuated with his aristocratic schoolmate (Jacob Elordi) and his wealthy but eccentric family. If you’re a fan of The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999), The Menu (2022) & White Lotus, then you’ll definitely appreciate this one.
Black Cake (2023): I always have mixed feelings when one of my favorite books is adapted into a television show, but I have been delighted at how well Black Cake (based on the book by Charmaine Wilkerson) has translated to the small screen. This is the story of a woman who is forced to disappear and leave her life in Jamaica behind when her husband mysteriously dies on their wedding night. It’s absolutely amazing and I strongly recommend. Streaming now on Hulu.
No Hard Feelings (2023): If you’re looking for something light, fun and pretty forgettable, I invite you to watch No Hard Feelings with Jennifer Lawrence! This is the story of a year-round Montauk resident that is about to lose her home due to owed property taxes. She catches a lucky break when she learns of an opportunity to be a for-hire girlfriend to a 19 year old whose parents are worried about his social skills. It’s really sweet and definitely worth the watch. Streaming now on Netflix.
Next week i’m going to publish a major gift guide for new moms, but for now I just want to share some of my favorite Cozy Earth picks for the holidays! I LOVE bamboo pajamas and though they aren’t cheap, they really last. My code is MACKINSTYLE40 and I speak on behalf of myself and Oprah when I say you will not find better pajamas. Strongly recommend!
The List by Yomi Adegoke: I believe in my heart of hearts that we all have a bitchy internal monologue. Therefore, I always appreciate when a narrator’s POV reflects that. The List poses the question— what would you do if your fiancé turned up on an anonymous list of Shitty Men in Media? I found it really interesting that the author chose to write in dual POV here and generally found the book super engaging, though frustrating at times. This book also sneakily references my personal Roman Empire— the wedding hashtag takeover of 2018. I would definitely recommend The List, which is why it’s next month’s Guest of a Guest book club pick!
If You Would Have Told Me By John Stamos: Why did I read this book? I don’t even care about John Stamos. Truthfully, I was misled. I was told it was juicy. But it wasn’t. Let me tell you everything you need to know about this book.
John Stamos hates Rick Springsteen (Jesse’s Girl) & it’s mutual. They worked together on General Hospital and Rick thought John was trying to steal his thunder (though he’s one to talk having written a song about stealing his friend’s girlfriend.)
He met his now-wife on the set of Law & Order: SVU. This was an episode about him fathering approximately a million children with unsuspecting women.
He based his early look off of John Travolta
He LOVES getting recognized in public and was bummed when nobody came up to him at Burning Man. Apparently his wife makes fun of him a lot for this, which we can appreciate.
He had good parents, a good childhood, always wanted to be famous, and identifies as a Disney Adult.
There is literally nothing else to say and it’s pretty surprising someone thought he should write a book! Skip this. Listen to the Celebrity Memoir Book Club episode instead.
Under The Influence by Noelle Crooks: This is thinly-veiled auto-fiction about the author’s experience working for Rachel Hollis… and I loved it. I found this book incredibly juicy and while not totally memorable— I finished it in 24 hours. I would definitely recommend.
Currently reading:
As Long As The Lemon Tree Grows by Zoulfa Katouh: I’m reading the Bad Bitch Book Club pick of the month. I’m not hosting this one, but I have been trying my best to keep up with our picks so I can promote them on my end! This novel takes place in the midst of the Syrian Revolution, and I think you’ll find that it’s incredibly timely and devastating.
What are you reading? Let me know below!
So happy to hear great things about Saltburn! I saw a preview of it when I went to see Past Lives (incredible) this past week + need to watch.
Also, I loved John Stamos' book?! I will, however, say that I feel like I'm an 80 y/o in a millennial body, so the name-dropping of the 80's stars and Rat Packers (Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra) got me.