Books, Noodle People & Advice
Recommendations for this week
I missed the queer festivities in NYC this weekend because I was busy bringing effervescent pansexuality to a bizarre but enjoyable family resort in New Jersey. Practically speaking, I enjoyed the many Staten Island accents as well as a massage from a delightful woman.
Critically important: I also learned that my nephew finds me mildly interesting now because he feels my hair resembles Ilana Glazer’s as Ms. Noodle on Sesame Street.
I dated a druggy English guy who once watched a few episodes of Broad City with me as part of his American TV education. He turned to me and asked, “What is it like to be both of them?” He was attempting a roast, which was very cute at the time, particularly because it landed as the most glorious compliment I received in that era.
I don’t date druggy English guys anymore (unless we count tea as a drug, which, honestly, yes) but I still love Broad City and children’s shows that beguile adults with cool people playing sweet goofy characters. It’s why I loved Yo Gabba Gabba! and, in my early years, Miss Shelley Alexis Duvall’s Faerie Tale Theatre.
A moment for education, please
I’m enjoying working with clients as a writing coach (a.k.a. a fun editor) to get their novels, short stories, and memoir or other nonfiction book proposals in shape. If you’re interested in working with me, here’s more info.
I’m a former high school teacher, and I also work with tweens and teens on essay writing, especially for scholarships and college admission. I will not say even one curse word to your kid. This newsletter has curses! I’m sorry, it does!
Recommendations
Noodle family genealogy via MuppetWiki: Vital info if you ever need to impress or at least vaguely relate to children ages 0 - 7 for like, even a minute.
Pete the Cat: See above, especially if the kid you talk to isn’t into Sesame Street.
Faerie Tale Theatre: This shit is wild! If you like drugs like that English guy I dated for two seconds years ago, you will love this children’s program from the ‘80s. Or you might be terrified by it. I was both! You can cry at Robin Williams as the Frog Prince with Teri Fucking Garr as the princess (written and directed by Eric FUCKING Idle) or you can enjoy my favorite, Snow White, featuring Elizabeth McGovern, Rex Smith, and then Vincent Fucking Price as the Magic Mirror! Also, Ms. Vanessa Redgrave is full-throttle K U N T Y (sung to the tune of Latifah’s “U.N.I.T.Y,” thanks) as the Evil Queen!
: “On searching for your own idea of quality” : “The Radical Theology of Mr. Rogers”Libro.fm: They’re doing a Summer Reading Challenge with Bookshop.org, which hits me right in the library nostalgia spot. When you buy from Libro.fm, you benefit indie bookshops.
Social Anxiety Variety Hour Podcast: “It’s Okay To Not Be ‘Cured’ Yet” - This episode of my weekly public podcast is about the joy of lifelong learning and also: Redwood trees! Why it's okay to not be "over" your mental health issues yet, or ever! Something about soccer! Encouragement!
talks about rhymeThe Audio Letter: My weekly patrons-only podcast is only available on Patreon.
on “The Important and Dangerous Campaign of RFK Jr.”Would you like an advice column here?
I find something comforting about old-fashioned newspaper advice columns like Ask Amy in the Washington Post. I often enjoy these advice columns even when I don’t like the advice.
I know where to find the 18 million psychologists (many great, many not) and self-styled life coaches (a few great, most not) on Instagram and elsewhere. But sometimes I just want to read the sensible, thoughtful perspective of some random writer who has an opinion and isn’t afraid to be frank with a stranger.
It is also fun to write these things, as I’ve done for a few publications over the years, because there’s no pretense that I’m going to be anything other than an outsider with an opinion.
It’s sort of like when New Yorkers weigh in on other people’s epic demonstrations of conflict, love, and/or soap opera-level chaos on the subway or a random street corner. Nonna talking shit to Awa and Yaya and Abuela and Meemaw and Baba and Nanni about the loud breakup or weird traffic snarl on the block might not yield, like, the most emotionally healing insight, but it might! And probably it’ll at least be hilarious.
You can always email saratoninnewsletter@gmail.com with any questions, comments, or ideas for the newsletter.
Thanks for being here!
Best wishes for a great week,
Sara