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Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self Delusion by Jia Tolentino
Trick Mirror was so introspective that after checking it out from the library, I went and bought my own personal copy. The book contains a series of essays focusing on (pop) culture, feminism, and family. Tolentino writes about personal experiences, such as going on a reality TV show when she was 16 years old, to concepts like social medias creation of #girlboss feminism. Tolentino writes in a way that makes her analyses feel comprehensive as if they were coming from your own brain–partly because the topics she covers are so relevant in today's world. I recommend this book to all pop-culture junkies who view the world critically.
Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl by Carrie Brownstein
Music and television icon Carrie Brownstein writes about her experiences growing up in Washington and the 90s riot grrrl scene in Olympia, Washington. Titled after her band Sleater-Kinney's most popular song, Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl is essential for anyone who loves memoirs or even those that haven’t read one before. Although Portlandia and Sleater-Kinney appreciation enhances the book, it isn’t necessary. Brownstein describes things in a way that makes you feel in the moment with her, feeling the emotions that she felt. Overall a great book and highly recommended to all!
How to Destroy Your Life by Cat Marnell
In describing her own madness, How to Destroy Your Life will make you temporarily lose your mind. Marnell writes about her life from growing up in D.C., to attending boarding school, to managing her job as a beauty editor and writer with her substance abuse problems. Not to spoil anything, but every incident leaves you more shocked than the last. The book reeks of privilege and is better digested in audiobook format, but irregardless–Marnell treads the line of charisma and caution in a way that's engaging the whole way through. Her candidness about her life and flaws are not only refreshing but in a way, relatable. For anyone who loves reality TV that is both earnest and (a little) trashy, this book is perfect!
Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou
This book is like the embodiment of a question mark and an exclamation point combined. Bad Blood is about a Silicon Valley startup founded by Elizabeth Holmes with one caveat–their sole product never worked in the company's decade-long existence. Follow Holmes as she raised millions of dollars and convinced people such as Betsy DeVos and Rupert Murdoch to become investors. This book has everything: lies and deceit, families torn apart, outrageous work-place practices. Holmes will be relevant for years to come, as the trials against her have been delayed due to COVID-19, and this book is a great summary (and enhancer) of the company's rise and fall.
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes: And Other Lessons from the Crematory by Caitlin Doughty
This book will make you rethink life and death simultaneously. Caitlin Doughty is most known for her youtube channel discussing infamous deaths and topics related to the mortuary industry, but this is not your typical cash-grabbing, unoriginal book by a YouTube personality. Doughty covers her personal experiences with death and the mortuary industry, as well as cultural practices around the world and how the Western opinions/practices with death have evolved. Equal parts informative, funny, and thought-provoking, this book is a must-read even for those not interested in the subject matter.