Fast 'n Furious February

healthcare chaos, recent reads, and around the web

a photo of Ashland Kentucky taken from my mom's hospital room

Because of some health complications, early February flew by in a flurry of doctor’s appointments and phone calls. You’d think I’d be used to medical hiccups and emergencies, but I’ll never get used to the rush of emotions: Oh, no, not again. Perhaps this is a conversation for a later day, but when you’re in the flurry of a potential medical crisis, time slips through your fingers. I often feel like I’ve lost days of my life to managing my disability. I miss meetings and have to turn down invites to hang out with my friends. I make my apologies. I get back on the phone with my doctors’ offices.

Unstuck in (Crip) Time

Later in the month, my mom had a medical emergency with ongoing complications, so the Corgis, Sam, and I drove to Kentucky to help with her care. Things are still a bit wild right now, but I wanted to say a huge thank you to all of you who have sent me messages via my socials. My mom greatly appreciates your thoughts and well wishes. My family is so grateful to finally have her home.

With everything *gestures at the hellscape*, this week is all about what I’ve been distracting myself with while weathering through the chaos.

---

All Things [Audio] Books

a photo of a planner, a notebook, a pencil case, a latte and the book Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood

Last | Now | Next

Last: Sucker Punch by Scaachi Koul, Performed by the Author

I enjoyed Koul’s previous collection, One Day We’ll All Be Dead and None of This Will Matter, but I LOVED Sucker Punch. Koul’s writing has matured and refined into these essays that read like messy little gems. In her first essay collection, she examined the beginning of her marriage, and Sucker Punch follows its end. With her audiobook performance, she enhances the already strong narrative voice of the text. She’s funny and heartwarming, the perfect combination for these essays.

Now: Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood, Performed by Aisla Piper

A quiet novel by Australian author Charlotte Wood. Stone Yard Devotional was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. The story follows a woman who visits a small religious community in rural Australia. What started out as just a visit later becomes an extended stay. Don’t read this if you hate mice.

I wrote about this for Book Riot and my editor gave it the most incredible title: “A Middle-Aged Woman Finds Solace in an Australian Convent—And Then the Mice Come”.

Next: Oathbound by Tracy Deonne, Performed by Joniece Abbott-Pratt, Andrew Eiden, Hillary Huber, Tim Paige, and Adenrele Ojo

Last year, I read Legendborn and Bloodmarked, Tracy Deonne Legend of King Arthur-inspired contemporary fantasy novels. I’m obsessed and can’t wait to get my hands on book #3. Joniece Abbott-Pratt is one of my favorite audiobook narrators working right now, so you know the audiobook edition is going to be *perfection*.

---

Current Favorites

a screenshot of a small blue bird wearing 80s clothes with a dachshund at her side.

Finch

For the last eight-ish months, a little Finch has lived in my phone. She goes on adventures around the world, and by completing everyday tasks, I can get her to come back to her nest faster. She has great outfits and adorable micro pets to join her on her travels. I don’t know what it is, but there’s something about logging into this app everyday that helps me breathe a little easier.

Lotus Foods: Spicy Kimchi Rice Ramen Noodles

With such a strict medical diet, I struggle to find ANYTHING I can eat that’s fast and easy. But these ramen cups have been a staple at my house for years. I love to add in things like Bragg’s Liquid Aminos, sesame oil, and various kinds of hot sauces. When traveling up to see my mom, these were a must have in my food bag.

Buoy Electrolyte Drops

I’ve been using these drops to help with my hydration. As someone with only part of her colon left, I struggle to stay hydrated. These drops help solve some of those issues for me. PLUS, they have a discount for disabled and chronically ill people.

---

Around the Web

a photo of Dylan, a red and white Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and Gwen, a black and white Cardigan Welsh Corgi, standing in my parents’ house

The End of Reading (Plain English by Derek Thompson)

Podcast host Derek Thompson talks to Atlantic staff writer Rose Horowitch and Nat Malkus of the American Enterprise Institute about America’s declining literacy rates. As someone with two degrees in writing and reading, I’ve been absorbing everything I can about how students’ overall ability in reading comprehension is in decline. This podcast episode is a fascinating examination of how and why America’s students are struggling so much.

Creative Nonfiction in Conversation: Roxane Gay and Saeed Jones

As a creative nonfiction gal, I loved this conversation between Roxane Gay and Saeed Jones. There’s nothing like just sitting there listening to these two creatives talk for an hour.

14 Book Censorship Posts to Revisit: Book Censorship News, February 28, 2025

Kelly Jensen, my colleague over at Book Riot, is in award-winning journalist who covers book bans. In this round up, she lists some of the most helpful and informative articles she’s written about the current state of book bans in the U.S.

10 Notecards with Scaachi Koul

Speaking of Book Riot, their First Edition podcast is a favorite of mine. In a recent episode, CEO Jeff O’Neal interview Scaachi Koul in this fun, popcorn-style question format. Koul is always a great interview, but I especially loved this one.

Max’s 5th Birthday by Shawna the Mom

Call me chronically online, but I sat on the edge of my seat waiting for each installment of these skits from Shawna the Mom. Oh my goodness, I’ve loved this series and ended up exploring her entire backlist of videos.