The August Sundaze
August is sipping away like a bottle of wine, and it’s time to overshare about everything that I did, ate, read, watched and beyond this month.
Happy Sundaze, friends!
The rumours are true: August has slipped away into a moment in time. Somehow, it was the fastest month of 2024 so far, not least because I had 19 plans or appointments. Never again. This introverted homebody survived, and I’m here to overshare about some of the things I got up to, but mostly what I read.
I’ve also decided to make a few tweaks to this monthly newsletter. In keeping with the bookish title of my Substack and the bookish ways that I show up online, these newsletters will focus a little more heavily on books, reading, and writing updates. That’s not to say I won’t share snippets from my everyday life too, but I’m learning to step forwards, away from how I used to create content. And, hey, now that I’m in my post-influencer era, I get to completely change what I do do here! There’ll be a new essay tomorrow talking all about this new era on Daisybutter Book Café and what to expect.
Reading
Becoming Marlow Fin by Ellen Won Steil: I flew through this mystery-thriller, but sadly it fell a little short for me. In 1995, young Isla Baek finds an abandoned six-year-old girl in the woods near their family's lakeside cabin. Traumatised, Marlow cannot remember where she came from or how she got to the woods, and she's soon adopted into the Baek family. As the two girls grow up together, nobody is prepared for how disruptive Marlow's presence will become in the family or as she ascends to celebrity status. The book unfolds between two timelines: present day as Marlow reveals everything in a prime time interview, and throughout their childhood from the 90s onwards. There's plenty of tension throughout and I did feel gripped, wanting to know what the twist was, but there are some huge pacing problems here. Lots of the scenes are really overwrought and, between that and the dual timeline, it unfortunately slows the whole story down. The truth finally comes out at around the 85% mark – thanks Kindle! – but I suppose I'd already lost interest by then.
No Funeral for Nazia by Taha Kehar: When celebrated author Nazia passes away, her wish is there is to be no funeral – only a party with six invitees. Nazia’s sister is entrusted with delivering six letters to these guests during an unforgettable evening where family secrets are uncovered, relationships are pulled taut to strain, and pasts are reconsidered. It gets straight to business but, for me, this meant I found it really hard to fully connect with any of the characters. Short but sweet, the story is a searing insight into South Asian familial relations and traditions, but also in how relationships break down over time. I thoroughly enjoyed the Pakistani representation here and can’t wait to continue reading more from this corner of the globe.
Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree: While I loved Legends & Lattes, this prequel novel stole my heart. It follow Viv as she rehabilitates from a battle wound in a small seaside town. Here, in Murk, she discovers the joy of bookshops and reading. I found this one even cosier than the first book, and with an even warmer tone.
They Dream in Gold by Mai Sennaar: This book is a beautiful family saga, telling the struggles and strength of two families. Bonnie and Mansour meet in 1968 in New York City. A jazz artist, Mansour falls for Bonnie, who works at his record label, as they travel the world for his gigs. Bonnie becomes pregnant, and is whisked off to Switzerland to be with Mansour’s family. But one night, Mansour falls to call her and seems to have disappeared. So begins their search for him, and a slow understanding of each Bonnie and Mansour’s complicated paths in life thus far. I found this book to be tender and emotive and incredibly real – I just loved rummaging through generations of time-capsuled stories, deftly blended in with a missing persons storyline.
The Third Gilmore Girl: A Memoir by by Kelly Bishop: I was a late-bloomer when it came to the ‘Gilmore girls’ club. But, better late than never, and this TV series became such a comfort to me when I first watched it in 2016, during a traumatic year. Having read Lauren Graham’s memoir and enjoyed the behind-the-scenes content, I was thrilled to be granted an eARC for Kelly Bishop’s. Emily Gilmore is an icon! Admittedly, I don’t know much about Kelly Bishop, but that’s what made this book a wonderfully engaging read. Sure, I was waiting for the Gilmore chapters, but it was fascinating to read about her journey, beginning as a ballet dancer, and to learn a little more about a significant chapter in American TV, film and stage. Kelly is a enigmatic character and it was so interesting to see how she as a real-life person spilled into the ice queen that is Emily Gilmore. At almost 80 years old, Bishop has overcome plenty of traumas and hurdles, and this felt like one of the more inspiring and ‘packed’ celebrity memoirs that I’ve read.
Cecilia by K-Ming Chang: Surreal, grotesque and defiantly Weird, this novella from K-Ming Chang ruminates the obsessive nature of girlhood and desire. Seven works as a cleaner, picking out intensely specific details from her work day and its routines. She has recently reencountered Cecilia, a woman she has been obsessed with since their school days. One day, when they both take the same bus, we uncover their strange, vivid, corporeal memories. I couldn’t decide whether I enjoyed this one: it felt like the author was trying to squeeze in metaphors and Weird realism for the sake of creating a particular aesthetic. In doing so, I felt lost at multiple parts of the book… which is only 160 pages!
Friends and the Golden Age of the Sitcom by Joanna Hagan: I'm a big Friends fan – and, yes, I can admit it has plenty of pitfalls and shortcomings – so this made for a light, easy and fascinating end-of-summer read. In it, Hagan expertly delves into the success of Friends and how it came to be, but also what it became. The author shares behind-the-scenes snippets that add weight to her opinions, and it felt like a well-researched book. What's more, it's interwoven with the fabric of sitcom life in the US and UK. I appreciated the backdrop of other sitcoms that were popular at the time – especially understanding some of the cameos in the show! I liked that Hagan criticised the diversity and inclusivity of the show, the awful sexism and fatphobia, and picked up on other issues too. An insightful and compelling read.
Doing
More Reformer Pilates: I am officially back in my Pilates era! Fortnightly Reformer classes have been my game recently, which have felt like a great addition to my existing workout schedule. Perhaps I’ll move to weekly classes when autumn rolls around, but fortnightly is perfect for my time and financial situation. I’ve always loved mat Pilates, but the girlies were correct when they said that Reformer was addictive and transformational in a different way. Take this as your sign to book a taster class and see for yourself!
Manuscript (0 words): Taking a long blog break has felt so good. I really needed the distance from Daisybutter to work out what’s next after 15 years of sharing on there. And I’m getting closer to whatever that is. Much of that is this space, my Substack. But I’ve also got the exciting seedlings of a new fiction in my brain and I’m really excited to pour some of my newfound time into this. Unlike previous works, I’m not setting myself any word counts or end goals – I just want to write a story.
Eight hours of sleep: “Am I… better than everybody else?” Friends, I’m in my groundbreaking, getting-some-sleep era. In bed by 9.30pm and asleep by 10.30pm, ready to start everything again the next day, I am thriving in this routine. My gym sessions feel more complete, I am more present throughout the day, and I allow myself to get sleepy and relaxed at night. What a revelation.
Interiors planning: The countdown to moving in with my boyfriend continues! Now, we’re spending most of our evenings (and days) planning out our new guest room, snug, and my home office. I’m so excited to bring our Pinterest boards to life!
Watching
House of the Dragon: Still obsessed. My boyfriend and I have been so busy recently that we were late to make it through the second season. The best thing about stepping back from social media has GOT to be that I’m no longer avoiding spoilers like my life depends on it. Alas, that finale had me feeling… some kinda way.
Deadpool & Wolverine: We went to a cute, cosy, local cinema to watch Deadpool & Wolverine at the start of the month. I mean, the film was fine and it was very Deadpool and so full of fan service and fun Easter eggs.
Simone Biles Rising: Absolutely LOVED watching the Netflix documentary on Simone’s journey to the Olympics and beyond. I was Olympics-obsessed for most of the month, and this cemented my love for her. And what an important message to send!
Love Is Blind UK: I’m only human, I was obsessed with the newest season of Love Is Blind all month. This social experiment focuses on matching people without ever seeing each other: couples date in pods, only getting to know each other in conversation. To leave the pod, they must become engaged. Post-engagements, the show follows couples as they meet in person, holidaying together for a week, and then ‘living together’ before getting married (or not). Truly compulsive, utterly trash viewing.
Eating
Endless barbecues: Whatever you might hear me say throughout the year, I bloody love a British summer. Balmy evenings under golden sun that looks like syrup – and sort of feels like it too – and with that comes a good ol’ fashioned barbecue. From the mini ones my sister and I had for mid-week dinners to a Friday night with friends, I am a Big Fan of food on the grill.
Black bean burrito bowls: My boyfriend and I have been utterly obsessed with burritos and burrito bowls this summer. Rice with lime and coriander, black beans with paprika, chipotle seasoning and chilli flakes, pico de Gallo, homemade guacamole and a dollop of soy yoghurt. So damn good. And, really easy to meal prep for the week.
Coveting
Molby the Label Sofia dress: I realised far too late this summer that I’d really like a Molby the Label dress in my repertoire. These slow-made dresses from the female-founded business are stunning and, better yet, can be customised for height, breastfeeding access, or other small details. I think I’d like to slowly save for one next season, since they’re over £200 a piece.
Sisterhood Yana shorts: While the height of summer might be over, I’m eyeing Sisterhood the Label’s Yana tailored shorts to add to my wardrobe. I’m headed to visit family in my beloved Malaysia and Hong Kong later this year, and want my hot-weather suitcase to feel put-together and polished, despite the wild humidity levels. These are a chic alternative to denim shorts made from far more sustainable fabric. Plus, they’ll be great for next summer too.
How was your August? Share your top moments and favourite discoveries with the book café.
I was absolutely addicted to love is blind UK, got to have some complete crap tv to switch off too every now and then x