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There are certain women writers who seem to know instinctively how to turn their work into a cultural lighting rod. One of them is Lindy West. Nine years ago she published Shrill: Notes From a Loud Woman, a book of essays about her body, being a feminist, and the toxic vitriol she receives in response to her writing, which was optioned for a Hulu series starring Aidy Bryant.
That’s kinda hitting it out of the park for an author, so color us impressed that she’s maybe managed to one-up herself with her new memoir about her “classic mid-life crisis” titled Adult Braces. It’s out today (Bookshop, Amazon), but West managed to kick off a frenzy about it online last week. That’s thanks to a conversation she had with The New York Times’s Modern Love podcast where she talks about the roller coaster of emotions she experienced when her husband acted upon his desire for polyamory.
The print interview left us feeling like she’d been mistreated, but the actual podcast prompted a slightly different takeaway. As she explains, her husband had always insisted that monogamy wouldn’t work for him, so she spent years and years feeling stressed, insecure, and worried about when the ball would finally drop. Though she says she was devastated when it did (he had decided to just go ahead with things without telling her, and was spotted making out with a woman), eventually having the worst thing — the thing you’ve been worried about this entire time — finally happen…there has to be some catharsis in that?
When she found out, West decided to rent a van and simply drove away. Relatable.
Yes, this road-trip book is also about how a funny, smart, talented woman was essentially strong-armed into non monogamy — but she says she is happy about the situation now and the three of them live together. To each her own.
Maybe, for both her fans and her trolls, the lesson is just that we’re all human. All imperfect, all with our own dreams, vulnerabilities, and desires, some of them quite humble. Even famous feminist writers on the internet.
Bye,
Your friends at Gloria
Image via @carlinaharris.
Maybe it’s the hint of sun, or the fact that summer is finally in sight, but all we can think about is dream vacations. And the clothes we’d bring with in those dreams. Our wishlist, from casual to dressy, is below.
Cute, sporty sandals that are as easy as flip-flops. Old Navy Knotted Rope Thong Sandal, $30.
We’re ready to invest in a caftan, and this one is stunning. Juliet Dunn Cotton Kaftan, $235.
These have a surfing-adjacent vibe. Bdg Fasttrack Low-Rise Cropped Nylon Pant, $49. Size XXS to XL.
A majorly cool beaded necklace. Couper Knot Now Necklace, $125.
The detailing on this breezy cotton dress is so pretty. H&M Lace-Bodice Dress, $75. Size XS to L.
A fancy silk top that would look great with denim or black. Ulla Johnson Blaire Leopard-Print Short-Sleeve Top, $192.97. Size 00 to 4.
This might be the pair that finally gets us to try balloon pants. They just look so comfy. Mango Balloon Pants, $100. Size XS to XL.
A dress that definitely says “vacation.” Farm Rio Rococo Flowers Midi Dress, $298. Size XXS to XL.
A stylish pair of oversized shades that’ll also protect your eyes. Quince Tulum Polarized Sunglasses, $50.
This statement-making ring can go in the pool or the ocean. Sahira Katy Acrylic Ring, $42.
A simple, chic tie-on skirt in the best red. Brooke Callahan Tie Skirt, $180. Size 1, 2, 3.
A sexy yet casual tee. Pilcro The Ali Tee, $58. Size XXS to XL.
The perfect haul-everything tote. Call It By Your Name Large Shoulder Bag, $259.
We’ve had one of these for years and years, and it holds up super well. Muji Adjustable-Handle Hardshell Suitcase, $149.
A pretty, dressed-up skirt. Zimmermann Tie-Dyed Silk Habotai Maxi Skirt, $375. Size 00 to 3.
Shop the Story
Juliet Dunn Cotton Kaftan, $235
Old Navy Knotted Rope Thong Sandal, $30
Quince Tulum Polarized Sunglasses, $50
H&M Lace-Bodice Dress, $75
Zimmermann Tie-Dyed Silk Habotai Maxi Skirt, $375
Call It By Your Name Large Shoulder Bag, $259
When we think of Warby Parker, we usually think of stylish prescription glasses. But their sunglasses deserve just as much attention. They offer the same great quality and cool shapes, and prices start around $95.
We’re especially into this classic aviator, this chunky cat-eye pair, and this on-trend ’90s oval style. Even better, every pair can be ordered as prescription, readers, progressives, or just as regular sunglasses. Shop them all here. #partner
Scarpetta. Image via Prime Video.
TO READ The excellent cookbook author Colu Henry is out today with her newest, titled Better at Home (Bookshop, Amazon), which is full of recipes for home cooks that want to be able to create restaurant-level meals in their own kitchens. We’re particularly excited for the salads; little gems with avocado, pistachios, and miso honey dressing sounds so good.
TO SHOP This lip gloss, from Scarlett Johansson’s beauty brand, is amazing on and is actually hydrating. It comes in three appealing new shades and flavors: Daiquiri (dragon fruit), Skinny Dip (pineapple), and Bonfire (toasted marshmallow). Shop them here. #partner
TO WATCH An intense Nicole Kidman is a medical examiner on the hunt for a serial killer in Scarpetta (on Prime Video tomorrow), which is based upon the Patricia Cornwell series. For more humorous fare, there’s the Will Forte and D'Arcy Carden series Sunny Nights (on Hulu tomorrow) about a pair of spray-tan entrepreneurs dragged into the seedy underworld of Sydney, Australia.
TO TRY We made meatballs a week ago, and they were excellent. We think the secret was this Allison Roman tip where she advises letting the bread crumbs absorb milk for 10 minutes (patience!) before mixing in meat.
Fish Right to Your Door
If you’re cutting back on red meat, wild-caught seafood is a smart swap. Eating fish once or twice a week supports heart and brain health and can help reduce inflammation. It delivers omega-3 fats, lean protein, and key nutrients, often with less saturated fat than conventional red meat. Shop Wild Alaskan Company here. #partner
The FDA is un-banning some peptides, for better or for worse. • The people who love corporate lingo may just be bad at their jobs. • Data from mammograms could also be used to screen women for heart disease. • “Feeld Was a Dating App for the Freaks. Now Some People Call It ‘Normie Hell’.”
Image via @juliannemoore.
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