It would appear that we’re all totally weird, and none of us have any idea what is going on. This is what the book shelves tell me. I’m missing a window shade (pictured above), so clearly I have some major room to grow.
I’ve noticed this generation of book written by women… they’re the sort of books that bat around the idea that the ‘I have no idea what’s going on, or how to be an adult, but I’ve figured a few things out throughout the few years I’ve lived as a young weirdo, and these are those things.’ What is this phenomenon? I think it has everything to do with vulnerability and reliability… and how those things are scary and exhilarating for both the author and the reader. I can appreciate that in a twentysomething coming-of-age story.
There’s Adulting, in which Kelly Williams Brown gives all sorts of helpful hints on adulthood from how to be a class act, to… you know, how to keep a houseplant alive for more than two days. I need this book. The plant pictured above is long-dead.
In Everything Is Perfect When You’re a Liar, Kelly Oxford recounts a coming-of-age story that is totally relatable if you’re a girl that is breathing air. This is my next read.
Don’t Worry, It Gets Worse is written by Alida Nugent. I stood in the book store reading this book and there was an Arrested Development reference by page ten. Sold. It’s about real life: bills, laundry, and really bad wine-tasting parties. You know how it s.
If I were to write this sort of book… which I totally could, because I generally have no idea what to do with myself, my book might be called There’s A Pound of Butter In My Purse, and other weird things that are true.
I’m also thinking of a book titled something like I Didn’t Shave My Legs For This Date On Purpose.
How about I Made You Peanut Butter Cookies Then I Pretended To Forget To Give Them To You So I Ate Them All Myself. Too long? At least you know the sort of person you’re dealing with.
For this summer’s you-curated book list, check this out. For more real-life real-talk on book writing, check out What It’s Really Like.
Tomorrow, Cherry Pie!
photo by lani trock
Kai
I’ve absolutely been there with the “I didn’t shave my legs for this date on purpose”, and would propose the later sequel “Avoiding a bikini wax as a substitute for willpower”.
Mine would probably be “Why Potato Crisps with a Side of Chocolate is a Viable Dinner Option”.
Sarah | The Cyclist's Wife
“I didn’t shave my legs for this date on purpose”. Awesome. Period.
joelle (on a pink typewriter)
Love, love, love this! Those titles of your own book are a crack up, and I can totally relate. I’m going to checkout those books you suggest — sound right up my alley.
Rebeca
the fact that you bought a book because of an arrested development books makes me <3 you all the more.
Jessica
I would totally read a book titled There’s A Pound of Butter in My Purse! On a funny note, it reminds me of my 90-something-year old grandmother who put leftovers for the dog in her purse and forgot about them. How we wish it had been butter!
Carolina
Joy, I would buy any, ok … all of the fun titles you mentioned for your own book!
One book you need to add to the list of great books from women is “I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman” by Nora Ehpron. Her honesty and frankness is a breath of fresh air and hilarious!
Andy
I recommend “I Don’t Care about your Band” by Julie Klausner. It’s more a dating book but it’s a great read.
Sue from Pleasanton
Love, love, love you, Joy! Ditto to those making comments. Anyone who carries a pound of butter in her purse is my kind of woman. Before 9/11 I carried a Swiss Army knife in mine. Chair come apart in a meeting? During a break, I could fix it. For years I’ve carried various colors of Bagagallini’s The Only Bag since it will hold my wide-brimmed, packable hat, BareMinerals SPF30 sun screen (sunburn), kleenix, EPI-pen and Albuterol inhaler (allergies, asthma), folded reusable grocery bags (shopping is a hobby), both linen and pashmina shawls (I’m a woman of a certain age whose personal temperature often has nothing to do with the ambient temperature). As for knowing how to be an adult, none of us comes with an instruction manual. We all make it up as we go along. Thank you all for bringing a smile to my face!
Betsy
I am into (just!) my sixth decade and I have to say that I am so encouraged by the writings of you younger women! I love the honesty and the enthusiasm for creative unfettered uncensored reality. Life is not simple, ever. Not easy peasy. NOT predictable. And, unlike women who came before you who may have had a sort of blueprint to follow ( i.e. Betty Crocker, the mom in Leave it to Beaver (really?), the Mary Tyler Moore show or even the Golden Girls) you are revealing yourselves for who you are. Nothing more. And nothing more is required. Keep on!!!!
Linda@There and Back Again
Hey, I’ve hit my fifth decade and am still weird and totally don’t know what’s going on. I just go day to day, hanging on and learning life’s quirky nature. ;)
joythebaker
i appreciate this so much!
Francesca
Kelly Oxford’s book was great! Can’t wait to hear you chat about it on the podcast. Also, you’re hilarious. Happy Tuesday Joy!
vanessa
I agree Kate Mortons books are excellent The Distant Hours was great. Check out Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah this has to have been one of the best books i have ever read and believe i have read ALOT!!!
Mallory
Or how about, “I made you peanut butter cookies, and yes, I know you have a peanut allergy”? haha
Grace
Shortbread cookies don’t belong in pockets , or Yes, that is a zucchini in my purse.