January Roundup
Recommendations, What's Hot and What's Not
Why is so much of adult life carrying around more than seems reasonable in bags? Yes, plural, because how do you get everything you need in one without it being ludicrously capacious?
For this reason, I am currently deep in research for *drum roll*…a back pack. Not glamorous, I’ll admit, but I am a man who needs many accoutrements to make it through the day successfully. The goal, naturally, is to find a happy medium between style and functionality, but unfortunately the extensive amount of options and reviews has left me paralyzed by indecision. It is for this reason that I bring my options to the court of public opinion. It is an investment (backpacks are NOT cheap) which makes deciding more challenging, despite the fact that ultimately it isn’t that deep. I’m torn between this AER, which seems great for gym stuff that I need most days, this Rapha, which has a cool, sporty look (sporty spice vibes), the Stubble&Co roll-top, which does look great and comes recommended (but do I wanna be like the other backpack girls?) I also enjoy this Away one. Would I need a separate gym tote though? It doesn’t matter, but indulging in the consideration exists at the intersection of pain and pleasure….kind of like being tickled.
My January is gently rolling along but I still find myself struggling a little with a sense of restlessness and apathy; it is also bitterly cold. But I’m going to bed early and pretending it’s not dark when I wake up. I’ve had lovely meals with friends and I still feel hopeful for the year ahead. Which is great, especially considering I did bring in some cursed energy on Hogmanay: I pulled up a photo of an ex lover on Instagram, who now has a new boyfriend, who I obviously vaguely know, because gay culture, and then, reader, I liked it. I liked the hard launch picture of them kissing.
I then did the logical thing that anyone would do: screamed like a banshee, blocked him, even though we don’t follow each other, and took to my close friends to ask if I could be saved or if it’s too late. The horrors persist, but so do I!
A new monthly staple for this newsletter is going to be recommendations. I consider myself a passionate culturista, and therefore I love talking about the things we consume. Having a regular container to channel some of this enthusiasm can only be a good thing, it also opens up the chance to talk about it further with people who care as much as I do, lol.
In a way I guess the feeling I’d love to cultivate in my comment section is the book club vibe - without the pressure of a weekly meet or check in, whilst still giving you a chance to talk to likeminded people about great tv, books, music, exhibitions etc. And isn’t the best way to find something new through a recommendation? I personally enjoy some of the researching and searching but I have found so many gems in the comment section of my favourite newsletters. They can be some of the best places in the online world! Please share your wisdom! I trust that, given you are a reader of mine, you have impeccable taste.
Books
Lazy City - Rachel Connolly. I’ve been a fan of Rachel’s critical writing for ages (her substack), but her first novel was a treat. This book touched me deeply, and does what many good novels do: show, not tell. Beautiful meditations on themes of grief, love, family, faith, disappointment, relationships. A modern coming of age novel set in Belfast, with so much heart and captures complicated feelings with an accuracy that was refreshing.
Good Material - Dolly Alderton. Dolly hardly needs my co-sign, after the global popularity of her memoir Everything I Know About Love and her novel Ghosts, to name a few of her successes. Her latest novel diverts from her previous work in that the protagonist is a man navigating heartbreak. I found this an exciting and compelling change of energy. I think this book could inspire important and interesting conversations about how men (particularly, but not only) heterosexual ones, struggle with pain and heartbreak, amongst other big feelings, so much more because it isn’t easy for them to talk about it openly and honestly. A funny, warm, enjoyable book with a delicious twist.
Articles
— Hunter Harris for the Creative Independent. She has a brilliant substack too!
— Cat Cohen for W Mag in convo with Emmeline Clein. PS, all Seek Treatment fans (aka Troot Sloots) are my biological family.
Smothered – a new rom-com series on Sky, written by Monica Heisey - who I adore! (She was in the writer’s room on Schitt’s Creek). Monica is a romcom aficionado and fan of Richard Curtis, which gives you an idea of the sort of warm humour the show has. It’s funny, easy to watch but not trashy, has enough conflict for there to be some tension but enough resolution for it to be comforting January viewing. Trailer here. The writer also has a brilliant novel called Really Good, Actually. I loved that book so much and it made me want to write a funny novel. I actually dm’d her telling her this after I saw her at a talk and she replied saying that I must write it. A GIRL’S GIRL!!!
Big Boys - Two unlikely lads become best pals at Uni, we follow them as chaos ensues. A truly charming show full of heart by the amazing Jack Dave Rooke. This is just perfect modern British telly. So funny, so clever, an innovative take on a format that feels familiar.And our lass Zuki Hoyle’s in it shining. Love to see it.
Albums on repeat
Snow Angel - Reneé Rapp, Heaven knows - Pink Pantheress, Lahai - Sampha
I took great pleasure in (drunkenly) curating the IN and OUT list for 2024 with my friend Sarah, and it is so satisfying to celebrate that which you adore and drag what you hate! Henceforth, as part of my recommendations round up, I’ll be covering what I think is HOT and importantly, what I think is NOT. For legal reasons these are a joke and not to be taken (too) seriously.
creating and sharing playlists, going to bed early, Uniqlo heat-tech, slowing down, experimenting with and honoring your personal style, spending {redacted} on 3 cocktails and a portion of fries to plan the year ahead and cackle homosexually with your friend, wearing bright colours, giving strangers compliments, letting your freak flag fly, feeling the fear/doubt/anxiety and doing it anyway, being proud of yourself and others, embracing earnestness sometimes
“getting the ick” grow up pls, wearing Boston Birkenstocks FOR YOUR WORKOUT - I have seen this and it is terrifying, overly obsessing with trends instead of being yourself, talking badly about/to yourself, my itchy skin (is driving me insane), winter, pitch black mornings, the way TFL take money off of you in the night, phrases like ‘loud budgeting’ - what are you talking about?
I feel it’s wildly important we divest from only selecting the algorithmically curated playlists; they are mostly disappointing. I am making a conscious effort to find the best playlists curated by people with TASTE. My friend Celeste is the queen of making playlists, so I’m going to link one of my favourites of hers. When life gives you limes is so good! It might be a little early but I also love spring slay. Also, amongst our friendship group, my bestie Abbie’s vibey bby playlist has a cult status. Please drop yours in the comments. Share the wealth!
Until next time,
David x
x❤️❤️❤️x
The trauma of a soho house bill, big hot energy!