New year, new me! Well, not really. No, not at all. But at least new year, new roundups of books I loved, right? According to the calendar, winter is over — not outside my window, but technically the seasons have changed, which means it’s time to rewind the tape of all the books I enjoyed reading this snowy winter. It’s been a season of continued personal upheavals — some of which has included the worst depression I’ve ever experienced, not gonna lie! — but that usually leads me to some pretty good reads. Reading slumps are especially common for me when my emotions and nervous system feel out of my control, so I find it interesting how I gravitated towards a lot of memoirs this winter. In fact, there’s only one book of fiction on this list, and it’s several decades old. I know you’re just dying to know what it is, so without further ado, I present the best books I read this winter.
The Way They Were: How Epic Battles and Bruised Egos Brought a Classic Hollywood Love Story to the Screen by Robert Hofler
It’s one of the greatest movie romances of all time. Fifty years on, the chemistry between Barbra Streisand as Jewish working-class firebrand Katie Worosky and Robert Redford as all-American golden boy Hubbell Gardiner remains potent. Yet the friction and controversy surrounding The Way We Were was so enormous, the movie was nearly never made at all. Screenwriter Arthur Laurents wrote the role of Katie with Streisand in mind. Casting Hubble was another matter. Redford, already a superstar, was reluctant to play what he perceived as the “Ken doll” to Streisand’s lead, and demanded his role be changed and expanded. Laurents resisted, telling director Sydney Pollack, “You’ll ruin the movie if it ends up being about two people. It’s Katie’s story, not Hubbell’s.” Despite his protests, ten writers — among them Francis Ford Coppola — were brought on to rework the script.
Laurents’s fears were well founded, and the first preview was disastrous. Producer Ray Stark and Pollack, with Redford’s approval, cut several scenes, upsetting Streisand and Laurents. Yet the edits worked. Such was the movie’s success that Redford was open to making a sequel, though Laurents’s script was never greenlit. Some of those “lost” scenes are now being restored to the film for its 50th anniversary. It’s also the deep, surprising love story at the heart of The Way They Were that makes it so memorable, and Robert Hofler explores its inspiration—the relationship between Laurents, a Jewish Brooklyn-born college leftist, and his longtime partner, Tom Hatcher. Drawing on a vast trove of Laurents’s and Pollack’s unpublished writings, as well as interviews with Streisand, Redford, and other key players, this is the definitive account of a film that changed the rules of moviemaking and defined romance ever since.
The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows by John Koenig
Have you ever wondered about the lives of each person you pass on the street, realizing that everyone is the main character in their own story, each living a life as vivid and complex as your own? That feeling has a name: “sonder.” Or maybe you’ve watched a thunderstorm roll in and felt a primal hunger for disaster, hoping it would shake up your life. That’s called “lachesism.” Or you were looking through old photos and felt a pang of nostalgia for a time you’ve never actually experienced. That’s “anemoia.”
If you’ve never heard of these terms before, that’s because they didn’t exist until John Koenig set out to fill the gaps in our language of emotion. By turns poignant, relatable, and mind-bending, the definitions include whimsical etymologies drawn from languages around the world, interspersed with otherworldly collages and lyrical essays that explore forgotten corners of the human condition — from “astrophe,” the longing to explore beyond the planet Earth, to “zenosyne,” the sense that time keeps getting faster. The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows is for anyone who enjoys a shift in perspective, pondering the ineffable feelings that make up our lives. With a gorgeous package and beautiful illustrations throughout, this is the perfect gift for creatives, word nerds, and human beings everywhere.
Faeries: A History in Art, Verse, and Lore by Nikki Van De Car
Faeries have captures the collective imagination throughout time and across cultures. Unexplained occurrences, natural phenomena, and so much more have been attributed to these beautiful, mysterious, and often mischievous creatures. Sometimes these fairies can be helpful and kindly, like the brownies of Britain, the menehune of Hawai‘i, and the domovoi of Russia. But just as often, they are seen as a threat, as we characterize a natural phenomenon into an often capricious and frequently frightening creature. The wind becomes a sylph, trees house dryads, and thunderbirds call down storms. They are to be feared and respected, appeased and dreaded in turn.
In this striking book, author Nikki Van De Car introduces readers to faeries of all stripes — helpful and unhelpful, related to the four elements, animal and shape-shifting — as well as some of the most famous figures from history, lore, and literature (from Puck to Ariel). Arranged through wonderous paintings and illustrations by legendary artists including Ruben, Turner, Rodin, Blake, and Millais, this guide features the beautiful evidence of fairies’ influence on our world. Written folklore from Shakespeare and oral storytelling add context to more than fifty creatures accompanied with tips on finding, summoning, and gaining protection from sparklingly clever fairies.
Thank you to Running Press Adult for my gifted copy!
Diamond in the Rough by Shawn Colvin
After learning to play guitar at the age of ten, Shawn Colvin was determined to make a life in music — a decision that would send a small-town girl out on the open road for good. In 1997, two decades after she started, she got her big break. Like the troubled would-be arsonist and survivor of her smash hit “Sunny Came Home,” Colvin knows a thing or two about heartache — and setting fires. Diamond in the Rough recounts this passionate musician’s coming-of-age, from the prairies of South Dakota to the dark smoky bars in Austin, Texas, to the world stage at the Grammys. Humorous and deeply honest, Colvin relates the experiences behind her best-loved songs in vivid color in this memoir.
Diamond in the Rough captures her years of touring cross-country in bands and vans full of guys; falling in and out of love; meeting heroes like Joni Mitchell; searching for her musical identity; and making friendships that would last a lifetime. It is also an unflinching account of Colvin’s struggles — weathering addiction and depression, learning to care for not only herself but also a child — and, always, channeling those experiences into song. With the wit, lyricism, and empathy that have characterized Colvin’s performances and inspired audiences worldwide, Diamond in the Rough looks back over a rich lifetime of highs and lows with stunning insight and candor. In its pages, we witness the inspiring story of a woman honing her artistry, finding her voice, and making herself whole.
Fahrenheit-182 by Mark Hoppus & Dan Ozzi
This is a story of what happens when an angst-ridden kid who grew up in the desert experiences his parents’ bitter divorce, moves around the country, switches identities from dork to goth to skate punk, and eventually meets his best friend who just so happens to be his musical soulmate.
Bassist, songwriter, and vocalist for renowned pop-punk trailblazers blink-182, Mark Hoppus, tells his story in Fahrenheit-182. A memoir that paints a vivid picture of what it was like to come of age in the 1980s as a latchkey kid hooked on punk rock, skateboards, and MTV, Hoppus shares how he came of age and forms one of the biggest bands of his generation. Threaded through with the very human story of a constant battle with anxiety and his public battle and triumph over cancer, Fahrenheit-182 is a delight for fans and also a funny, smart, and relatable memoir for anyone who has wanted to quit but kept going.
The Uncool by Cameron Crowe
Cameron Crowe was an unlikely rock and roll insider. Born in 1957 to parents who strictly banned the genre from their house, he dove headfirst into the world of music. By the time he graduated high school at fifteen, Crowe was contributing to Rolling Stone. His parents became believers, uneasily allowing him to interview and tour with legends like Led Zeppelin; Lynyrd Skynyrd; Bob Dylan; Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young; and Fleetwood Mac. The Uncool offers a front-row ticket to the 1970s, a golden era for music and art when rock was young. There’s no such thing as a media junket — just a rare chance a young writer might be invited along for an adventure.
The Uncool is also a surprisingly intimate family drama. If you’ve seen Almost Famous, you may think you know this story — but you don’t. For the first time, Crowe opens up about his early formative years in Palm Springs, and pays tribute to his father, a decorated Army officer who taught him the irreplaceable value of the human voice. Crowe also offers a full portrait of his mother, whose singular spirit helped shape him into an unconventional visionary. With its vivid snapshots of a bygone era and a celebration of creativity and connection, this memoir is an essential read for music lovers or anyone chasing their wildest dreams. At the end of that roller-coaster journey, you might just find what you were looking for: your place in the world.
One True Thing by Anna Quindlen
I stumbled onto this novel’s film adaptation for which Meryl Streep received one of her many nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actress, and I immediately had to seek out a copy of the source material. Ellen Gulden is a successful, young New York journalist. But when her mother, Kate, is diagnosed with cancer, she leaves her life in the city to return home and care for her. In the short time they have left, the relationship between mother and daughter — tender, awkward, and revealing — deepens, and Ellen is forced to confront painful truths about her adored father. But in the weeks that follow Kate’s death, events take a shocking and unexpected turn. Family emotions are laid bare as a new drama is played out, and overnight Ellen goes from devoted daughter to prime suspect, accused of the mercy killing of her “one true thing.” One True Thing is the devastating story of a mother and daughter, of love and loss, and of shattering choices.
Nothing Compares to You: What Sinéad O’Connor Means to Us edited by Sonya Huber & Martha Bayne
An intimate and evocative celebration of the life and legacy of music and political icon Sinéad O’Connor, featuring writers including Neko Case, Sinéad Gleeson, Rayne Fisher-Quann, Porochista Khakpour, and more. More than thirty years ago, Sinéad O’Connor shocked the world by tearing up a photo of Pope John Paul II in an act of protest against the violence perpetrated by the Catholic Church. This single act cemented O’Connor’s place as a fearless voice and activist that would later push even further as Sinead became an advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness, the LGBTQ+ community, and abortion rights.
Here in Nothing Compares to You, a renowned and multi-generational group of women and non-binary authors come together to pay tribute to O’Connor’s impact on our world and in their own lives and development as humans and artists. Nothing Compares to You is a loving and accessible reconsideration and entry point for understanding the Irish icon. Exploring themes such as gender identity, spirituality, artistic expression, and personal transformation, this collection shows that Sinead’s voice continues to ring on even after her death and brilliantly illustrates the power of creative expression to inspire far beyond any presumed lines of age, culture, or class.
Judy Garland: The Voice of MGM by Scott Brogan
More than 100 years after her birth, Judy Garland remains the gold standard by which all movie musical leading ladies are judged. She is revered and celebrated by current stars, directors, songwriters, and others in the entertainment industry. She also has a fan base that is as large as that of Marilyn Monroe or James Dean. Her image, especially as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz (1939), is an instantly recognized icon. Garland really was the voice of MGM during her tenure and after. No documentary about any aspect of the history of the MGM Studios is complete without Garland’s voice on the soundtrack. When people think of MGM musicals, they think of Garland along with Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire. She’s the only female in that exalted “top three.”
There have been many books about Garland’s fabled and troubled life, but none devoted solely to the study (and celebration) of her years at MGM. She entered the studio as a thirteen-year-old contract player in 1935. She left the studio in 1950 carrying the title “Metro’s Greatest Asset.” Judy Garland: The Voice of MGM focuses on Garland’s films, but also delves into her other professional achievements such as her extensive appearances on radio programs, her long association with Decca Records, and her personal appearances, highlighted by her two USO Bond Tours in the early 1940s. From author Scott Brogan, founder of the legendary “Judy Room” fan site, this is the definitive book about Garland’s legendary career at MGM, pulling back the curtain to reveal the truths about that career while also presenting previously unknown details and facts that are sure to delight her fans as well as fans of classic film.
A Star Is Reborn: The Most Filmed Hollywood Story of Love Found and Lost by Robert Hofler
A Star is Born is one of the most popular entertainment legends of all time — the story of a fading male star who falls in love with an ingénue whose fame quickly eclipses his own. It’s been a showcase for some of the most talented female artists of their time — Barbra Streisand, Judy Garland, Lady Gaga — yet it is also a fascinating rumination on the nature of fame and the fragility of the male ego. Now, Robert Hofler offers a riveting behind-the-scenes journey through the movie’s history, starting with 1932’s What Price Hollywood?, based on the rocky real-life Hollywood marriage of silent movie star Colleen Moore and producer John McCormick. That storyline was reworked by producer David O. Selznick into 1937’s A Star is Born, starring Janet Gaynor and Fredric March in the first of four versions.
From Cary Grant’s refusal to star opposite Judy Garland due to her substance abuse (a problem that would cause the 1954 musical to go wildly over-schedule) to attempts to woo Elvis Presley to star in the 1976 blockbuster that eventually paired Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson, How a Star is Reborn delves into the juicy tales behind the scenes. Hofler also traces the evolution of the story itself, as successive versions pivoted away from Hollywood and towards the world of rock music, culminating in 2018’s wildly successful Bradley Cooper/Lady Gaga remake. How a Star is Reborn combines shrewd insights, little-known details, and Hofler’s storytelling flair in this must-read for every fan of modern cinema.
Writing Creativity and Soul by Sue Monk Kidd
From the bestselling author of The Secret Life of Bees and The Book of Longings is an intimate work on the mysteries, frustrations, and triumphs of being a writer, and an instructive guide to awakening the soul. When Sue Monk Kidd was in high school, a home economics teacher wrote a list of potential occupations for women on the teacher, nurse, librarian, secretary. “Writer” was nowhere to be found. On that day, Kidd shut the door on her writerly aspirations and would not revisit the topic until many years later when she announced to her husband and two children that she was going to become a writer. And so began her journey into the mysteries and methods of the writerly life…
In Writing Creativity and Soul, the author pulls from her own life and the lives of other writers — Virginia Woolf, Maya Angelou, Harper Lee, and many others — to provide a map for anyone who has ever felt lost as a writer. At the heart of this book is the unwavering belief that writing is a spiritual act, one that draws inspiration from the soul, that wellspring of creativity between imagination and feeling. Once you tap into that part of yourself, she writes, there are only three more things you need as a something to say, the ability to say it, and, perhaps most difficult of all, the courage to say it. Equal parts memoir, guidebook, and spiritual quest, Writing Creativity and Soul is a pilgrimage and a touchstone, a journey into the transformational force of the imagination and the creative genius that lies in the unconscious.
So Fetch: The Making of Mean Girls by Jennifer Keishin Armstrong
From the New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Keishin Armstrong comes the totally fetch story of one of the most iconic teen comedies of all-time, Mean Girls, revealing how it happened, how it defined a generation, “like, invented” meme culture, and why it just won’t go away, filled with exclusive interviews from the director, cast, and crew. Get in, loser. We’re going back to 2004. It’s been over twenty years since Mean Girls hit theaters, winning over critics and audiences alike with its razor-sharp wit, star-making turns for its then unknown cast, and obsessively quotable screenplay by Tina Fey. Fast forward two decades and Mean Girls remains as relevant as ever. Arguably, no other movie from the 2000s has had as big of an impact on pop culture.
In So Fetch, Armstrong offers the first ever authoritative book about this beloved classic that shaped an entire generation. Based off revealing interviews with the director, cast, and crew, it tells the full story of the making of Mean Girls, from Tina Fey’s brilliant adaptation of a self-help guide for parents of teen girls, to the challenges of casting Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, and the iconic supporting players. So Fetch also explores the film’s lasting cultural influence, from its role in the rise of Y2K tabloid culture, impact on girls of all ages and LGBTQ+ culture, to how we use it to define female relationships to this day. The perfect companion for fans and anyone who understands that when it comes to Mean Girls’ enduring legacy, the limit does not exist.
What were some of the best books you read this winter?
Jeffrey Reads 