things to look forward to: august
It’s finally August, and I’m excited because it’s going to be a good month. I will be traveling, spending time with friends and family, and starting a new chapter. With that, there are also a few releases in the worlds of music and books that I can’t wait for, which I’m sharing below.
Reading List:
Dèy by Edwidge Danticat (out August 25)
This is Edwidge Danticat’s first novel in over a decade. The book is being described as the following: “From the bestselling author of Everything Inside comes a vivid, timely story, moving from Haiti to Brooklyn to Miami, of a woman whose sense of self and family are called into question when she gets caught in a random act of violence one sunny Florida day.” Given Danticat’s writing, I expect this to be a good and moving book.
A Very Special Episode by Camille Acker (out August 18)
I just started reading this book, and so far, I’m enjoying it. This is Camille’s debut novel and here’s the description of the book: “In Washington, D.C.’s powerful Black elite, legacy is everything. When a young heir to one of the city’s most influential institutions seeks funding to cement her future, a shadowy organization offers to help—but it could cost her far more than she’s willing to give.”
Listening List:
Flo - Therapy at the Club (out Friday)
Flo is back with their sophomore album, following their Grammy-nominated debut album, Access All Areas. Flo described this album as a complete night out from getting ready, to the morning after, and the club is where the actual healing happens. From the album, they have released four singles and while none of them have necessarily tickled my fancy, I still have high hopes. They were also just on Keke Palmer’s podcast, and it was a cute conversation.
Rapsody - God Gotta Afro & Gold Hoops (out August 21st)
Rapsody is one of my favorites, and she’s back with her fifth studio album. Truthfully, this is one of my most anticipated albums of the year and I feel confident that it was deliver because she never lets me down. Rapsody created this album in a period where she was drawn towards Africa, and she went, and this album was inspired by that trip. From the album, so far, she’s released two singles: “God Gotta Afro,” which I could not stop playing, and on Friday, she released “Apple Juice,” which she sings on. I’m so excited.
Alabama Shakes - I Must Be Dreaming (out August 28th)
When I read that Alabama Shakes was releasing their first album in 11 years, I think I clapped, literally. I love Alabama Shakes and can’t wait to hear what they sound like with so many years in between releases.
Also, I realized that I didn’t share this last weekend, so I’m sharing it today. If you read Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams, you may have a few thoughts about her as a protagonist because she was… exhausting. I read Candice’s upcoming book, Queenie is Working on It, and I must say, Queenie actually didn’t get on my nerves. Read my review, and some other things it made me think of, including friendship and redemption.
Queenie, friendship + Electric Circus
Have you ever read a book where you could not stand the protagonist but the author released a second book and you felt like you had to read it to see if your feelings changed?
Just a heads up, I’ll be taking a baby break for some traveling that I am excited to share in the coming weeks. In the meantime, follow me on Substack Notes, Threads or Instagram so we can stay connected.