Stuff Nobody Reads

An open letter to Hannah Gadsby:

You’re right, I couldn’t possibly be trying too hard in this picture and the resemblance is UNCANNY (what are the chances we’d both have hair and eyes and noses?). Obvious twin status aside, I just want to say how much your memoir situation resonated with me - not to mention your Netflix specials which I obviously had to immediately rewatch. You don’t need the mark of approval from a total stranger with zero credentials but I’ll give it anyway: solid gold.

By way of quick background, I have the rare ability to unequivocally convince myself I’m just like everyone and also just like no one, selectively choosing the one that camouflages me the most in the given situation. As an unrecognized person with five friends following an internationally acclaimed comedian and writer, there’s probably justification for both in this situation. But your story motivated me to say something even though it’s incredibly simple: thank you.

Thank you for your vulnerability, authenticity, and influence. In Nanette you say, “I want my story heard because what I would have done to hear a story like mine” (you may have forgotten). While our trauma and upbringing are different, your story has a familiarity I can’t adequately capture. Thanks for being you, for masterfully upending the norm, and for sharing your truth.

Hearts were warmed and lives were changed. But for real, I liked it more than I thought I would. And maybe casually-not-casually started planning my own business.

Oh to just be casual friends with Elton John and spend an evening at Ellen’s house. But for real, I love stories like this 💯

Because my interests haven’t changed since I was 10 😂

Re-reading this gem. The cover alone is worth it.

I’ve never met a book title that personified me more. As a raging “shintrovert” this book gave me page-turning anxiety but Jess is the type of writer that instantly makes you feel Iike a friend (I mean, look at that, we’re already at self-imposed nickname status here). And after you finish the chapters on stand up comedy you’ll feel like you’ve BEEN through something together. Read it!

Throwback to this upcycled journal. Nothing like have your words mixed in with Dr. Seuss ✍️

Another good read! Added bonus: you feel like a speed reader with how many pages you can get through.

“Even if you think it’s a question whose answer is obvious, this book will help you understand what the fuss about pronouns and gender is all about. And here’s the bonus: you will have read an entire book about a part of speech.” - Dennis Baron

The indispensable Calvin & Hobbes!