June 2019 Monthly Roundup
Here’s what the badass women were reading, watching, doing and listening to in June!
What We’re Reading
I Feel Bad about My Neck: And Other Thoughts About Being a Woman. If we had a Badass Women’s Book Club Hall of Fame, Nora Ephron would surely be in it! This collection of essays by Nora Ephron is hilarious and candid and delivered in her classic sharp style. One of Ephron’s famous quotes is “Everything is copy” - meaning all of your life experiences (good and bad) can become content. The best example of her putting this into practice is Heartburn, a (very, very) loosely veiled fictional account of Ephron’s divorce from journalist Carl Bernstein. If you love Nora too and want more, this article shares insightful writing advice pulled from her work (“trust your own point of view”).
I’ll Have What She’s Having. Many of us know Nora from her movies (Sleepless in Seattle, When Harry Met Sally). This book by Erin Leigh Carlson explores her life and her reinvention of the romantic comedy. You’ll come away with a renewed appreciation for her pioneering role as a female filmmaker. Plus – guest appearances by Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Rob Reiner and Billy Crystal!
Changing Channels: Women Over 50 Reinventing Themselves. I have had more than a few conversations lately with coaching clients and friends (and not all over 50!) who are asking “what’s next?” There are two books I always recommend to women pondering this – Reinventing You: Define Your Brand, Imagine Your Future by Dorie Clark and Pivot: The Only Move that Matters is Your Next One by Jenny Blake. Both balance reflection and imagination with practical advice on exploring your professional options.
I Miss You When I Blink. This book of essays by the editor of Musings, the online newsletter of Nashville-based Parnassus Books, is full of insightful advice and reflective essays on home, work and life while also exploring the “what’s next?” angst shared by so many women who have “always done what’s right.” Bonus – it had a great endorsement quote on the back by Dani Shapiro, author of our June book!
What We’re Watching
The Women’s Soccer World Cup! The US National Women’s Team is out to defend its title and has already racked up big wins and advanced to the Round of 16 (Update on 07/02/19: Advanced to the Finals!!!). One of their wins was so big, in fact, that some thought it necessary to give them a lecture. Srsly? Srsly. (One might argue that a lecture could instead be given to the person who created the patronizing Women’s World Cup theme – Dare to Shine.)
But we all know that the USWNT’s biggest battles are off the field, as they fight for equal pay. We’re rooting for wins on the field – and in the courtroom! If you are looking for soccer-related books for this exciting season, I recommend SoccerWomen: The Icons, Rebels, Stars and Trailblazers Who Transformed the Beautiful Game by Gemma Clarke and Wolfpack: How to Come Together, Unleash Our Power, and Change the Game by Abby Wambach. Alex Morgan also has a great series featuring badass soccer girls – perfect for aspiring World Cup players!
Late Night the new movie starring Emma Thompson and Mindy Kaling as a late-night talk show host/writer duo, is getting positive reviews for its acting and its message around diversity in staff writing rooms, toxic workplaces and how women don’t always support women. Kaling also wrote the screenplay (she also wrote more episodes of the office than any other writer!) and if you haven’t read her books – Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? and Why Not Me? I highly recommend them! I loved this profile of her and I would be tempted to say she’s having a moment – but my impression is that she’s a badass who works her ass off!
Always Be My Maybe the Netflix romantic comedy starring Ali Wong and Randall Park. I love Ali Wong as the smart-mouthed Doris on American Housewife (and Randall Park as Louis Huang on Fresh Off the Boat). This movie getting lots of positive reviews - I also used it as recommendation inspiration for 4 other books I think you’ll enjoy!
What We’re Doing
Drinking cocktails! But not aperol spritz! (TBH I was not a fan, even before the NYT deemed it “not a good drink”.) My easy summer go-to is Malibu Rum and pineapple juice over ice – yes, please! But sometimes I do want to get fancy with my drink mixing! If this sounds like you, then check out this post of Best Cocktail Books for Badass Women.
I have started playing tennis again this summer so I could totally relate to this article by author Laura Lippman on the pleasure of being mediocre. (And to be clear, when it comes to tennis, mediocre is my goal!) Lippman might be a mediocre tennis player, but she is a more than mediocre writer – she has a new psychological thriller coming out in July called Lady in the Lake.
Taking a Mid-Year Assessment. The second half of 2019 is here. How can you use the rest of this year to supercharge your career? These four recent releases will inspire you to achieve – and guide you to exceed – your professional goals!
What We’re Listening to
One of our book club members is a big fan of the podcast 99% Invisible. It’s generally heavy on design and architecture – not really my thing – but this recent episode about the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and its impact on the San Francisco library was fascinating.
Looking ahead
Our July book is Wolfpack: How to Come Together, Unleash our Power and Change the Game by Abby Wambaugh. You can get your copy here.
I’m always looking for great recommendations from members like you! Feel free to drop me an email at hello@badasswomensbookclub.com to let me know what you are reading, watching, doing and listening to!
Until next time…keep living your best (badass!) life!
Gina