Hello, I am doing a reading deprivation again. It’s only the first full 24 hours. It sucks. The only reading I am doing is the reading I have to do for my online class. Also, my daughter is applying to study abroad programs, so I am reading her essays. Since classes start next week, I have put very clear boundaries around how long I can work on course prep since, yes, most of what I’m reading for that is my own notes but also some of it is the course texts. I won’t complain (much) since no one is forcing me to do this, but also: boo.
Besides finishing some books, the most important thing that happened this past week is that I went to see Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole, which was just…whew.
First of all, Dulé Hill was magnificent. Just amazing. And my seats were so good! I was in the sixth row, and I swear to you he made eye contact with me at least twice. Like, he was right there. Plus, I didn’t know he was going to TAP DANCE, so it was just a full Dulé experience, and I was not adequately prepared.
Reading this article that features Dulé singing some of Nat “King” Cole’s songs did help, though.
So, in conclusion, Facebook ads work. Please don’t tell the algorithm I said that.
I read some books!
Giant Days, Vol. 6 by John Allison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I just love this series so much. The characters are so fun, and the slice of life is right up my alley. Is there more to say? Maybe, but also, can we just talk about all the vocabulary I learned from this volume: pash, inamorata, apotheosis. Read books, people! They make you smarter!
Daisy continues to be the best, but I really do love all three of the main characters.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
There was not nearly enough Betty in this book. Just…not at all. Also, I’m not sure how I feel about Reggie’s character being so summarily dismissed. I guess the collective has decided that he’s less important/interesting than previous incarnations.
At any rate, I’ve gotten a good enough feel for how this series does things, so I don’t think I’ll be reading anymore. I really wish I had kept all my old Archie comics. My need for nostalgia is running deeper than I had imagined.
Deeper Dating: How to Drop the Games of Seduction and Discover the Power of Intimacy by Ken Page
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The most helpful chapters to me here were the ones on the attractions of inspiration and deprivation because they honestly helped me learn more about myself and my relationships than most other books I’ve read. Everything after that was your standard self-help book fare, I thought, so if you’re new to self-help, the whole thing will probably be super helpful. If you’re pretty familiar with the genre, it’ll be the first half of the book.
Also, and I will keep saying this, so many of these books on dating assume that the people reading find it easy to date or have people lining up at their doors. While Page does acknowledge that you may want to practice these skills with friends if you’re not currently dating, there is a lack of “and for those of you who don’t attract people, here’s something for you.” I don’t know. It just bugs me is all.
I know people get mad when I’m all, “A little acknowledgement for the fuggos in the back,” but, you know…a little acknowledgment for the fuggos (or unapproachables if I’m being kind) is all I’m asking for here.
3.5 stars, rounding up
The Englishist 
Wow. Dule Hill as Nat King Cole? Very cool.
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SO COOL.
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Bucket list time: I’d love to see him in a live production of ANYTHING!! 🙂 He has such a range of emotions and characters that seeing him has Nat King Cole would have made me scream, just a little bit! What a great experience for you! Thanks for sharing (and making up jealous!). 🙂
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