Reading List: Let's All Be Patient And Kind And Generous And Fight Like Hell And Yes, Those Things Can All Be One And The Same, Mmmkay?
Poppets! I stared at a blank screen for a good two minutes this morning, so I’m not exactly bursting with bon mots this Friday. So let’s jump on in to those sweet, sweet longreads and see if anything magical emerges.
Also, a reminder: 39 days until the election. Virtual phone banks are happening every day until then, and I’ve included the links at so that you can sign up. Join us!
SF AREA BIDEN/HARRIS VIRTUAL PHONE BANK SIGN-UP LINKS
TO THE LONGREADS!
Steve Cannane, Fair Game: The incredible untold story of Scientology in Australia - Since it’s hard for me to witness the metastatic expansion of the Trump personality cult into every appendage of the Republican Party, and attempting to finish the history of Nazi concentration camps isn’t exactly helping my anxiety, I decided to turn my attention to another cult of personality. This book includes many of the biographical bits already known to those of us who’ve read up on this organization before (Did I rewatch Going Clear on HBO again last weekend? MAYBE), but also uncovers some fascinating new nuggets about the founder’s travels in Australia.
Jane Mayer, A Young Kennedy, in Kushnerland, Turned Whistle-Blower (The New Yorker) - I will devour anything written by Jane Mayer, and this is at the top of my Kindle to read in the bath this evening. And the fact that a Kennedy grandson—despite BEING REQUIRED TO SIGN AN NDA also WTF why are people still signing Trump NDAs at the White House—was a whistleblower back in April about the fact, amongst others, that our procurement for PPE was run by “a dozen other volunteers, all in their twenties, mostly from the finance sector and with no expertise in procurement or medical issues” is just… I mean… it doesn’t surprise anymore, does it? It just sits in our brain, leadenly pressing on the place outrage used to be generated.
Anna Goldfarb, How to Deal With a Friendship ‘Quiet Season’ (The New York Times) - The pandemic has reminded me that so many of my friendships are rooted in serendipity, stemming from seeing friends at a show, running into them while walking downtown, or bumping elbows at a mutual friend’s birthday party. This piece is a great reminder that real friendships take work, but that it’s also ok for some to hibernate for the winter, or longer. And I think we should apply one sentiment rather broadly right now: “Resist the urge to make permanent decisions about your friendship right now.” Yes, I’m saying we should resist the urge to make any big permanent decision right now. At least until the election.
Danielle Campoamor, COVID-19 drinking spawns new 'mommy juice' memes. But the truth isn't cute — or funny. (NBC Think) - Reminder to all of you, dear readers: if you think you’re having an issue with substance abuse during COVID-19, know you’re not alone. And reach out if you wanna chat.
Jamie Smith, The Death Of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Pushed Me To Join The Satanic Temple (HuffPost) - I have no words for that headline. No. Words. But also, if you haven’t checked out the excellent documentary Hail Satan?, you really should.
Virtual hugs to you all. Be kind to each other, and please wear your masks.
xoxo Amy