Top 5 memoirs to inspire your own creative projects:
1. Just Kids by Patti Smith This book is a poetic masterpiece. It is a glimpse into a chapter of supreme creativity and artistic collaboration. Robert Mapplethorpe and Patti Smith were fearless friends who helped each other develop their unique styles. You can imagine yourself sitting side by side with them in their room in the Chelsea Hotel while reading her vividly beautiful depictions. And it may even inspire you to make the most fearless work you've made yet! Thank you, Patti!
#pattismith #justkids #pattismithjustkids
2. How to Grow Up by Michelle Tea Michelle Tea has a distinct style and hilarious perspective on her life thus far and all the changes she has made to become who she. I enjoyed every page of this book and took it everywhere I went. On a day I was feeling especially alone visiting the conservative neighborhood my parents live in, the cover inspired a lovely queer couple to stop and talk to me saying they needed this book with a sarcastic yet knowing glance! And this is so what would happen when you are reading a Michelle Tea book. She inspires inclusivity, queer community building, celebration, and self love! And becasue of that, I got to share one of my favorite things about her; her part in the creation of Drag Queen Story Hour at libraries everywhere! The couple loved it! Michelle reminds us that the world needs all of our stories and to be brave and tell them today! Thanks Michelle!
#michelletea #howtogrowup #michelleteahowtogrowup
3. Drawing Blood by Molly Crabapple If you are craving travel without even leaving your home, this is the book for you. I was magically transported through Molly's colorful descriptions and details. And did I mention this book has pictures! Molly draws gorgeous illustrations and they are paired throughout the text in the most intreging ways. Go pick up this book at your local bookstore and share it with others. Molly's life is courageous and kind and it will have you making friends with your neighbors, going to protests together, and making your own advocacy art through her inspiration! You are one person but you can make a major difference in your own way and that is powerful. Thank you, Molly!
#mollycrabapple #drawingblood #mollycrabappledrawingblood
4. Wildflower by Drew Barrymore Wildflower is a collection of beautiful personal essays. I've been a life-long fan of Drew's work and this book is no exception. I bought the audiobook in addition to the hardcover at her book signing and am enamored by the writing she put together in this compilation! It has everything you want in a book; hilarity, sweetness, adventure, and heart. I even found out we have a soul connection in both being obsessed with Lake Winnipesauke! I spent nine life-changing summers on that lake at camp, some of which were the same years in the 90's she did. In another wonderfully watery story, Drew dives off the deck of a cruise ship into the open ocean and it's a must read! All of the essays speak to growth she has experienced in her life and I am so grateful she chose to share them so that we may be inspired to engage in similar ambitious pursuits. Thanks Drew!
#drewbarrymore #wildflower #drewbarrymorewildflower
5. Waking the Witch by Pam Grossman Pam's thoughtful memoir is wonderfully written and in addition to giving you a glimpse into the history of the archetype of the witch, it connected some dots for me. Pam's podcast, The Witch Wave, helped inspire a feminist roadtrip I took in 2019, the same year the book came out. I made my way to the home of Matilda Joslyn Gage, an abolitionist and stop on the Underground Railroad in Fayetteville, NY. Her nephew, L. Frank Baum wrote Wizard of Oz and she is thought to have been an inspiration for the character of Glinda the Good Witch! Waking the Witch is a magical read and I enjoyed the parts of Pam's story that were set in suburban New Jersey since this is also where i hail from. Hearing about her baby witch visits to the mall and later exploration of New York City transported me back to similarly formative times in my own life. Thank you, Pam!
#pamgrossman #wakingthewitch #pamgrossmanwakingthewitch
