hello! if you’re reading this from your inbox it means that at some point you opted in to receiving the plant matter newsletter. it’s been a skootch since i last wrote, so consider it a proper relaunch. welcome! i’m so happy you’re here.
the plan is to publish each monday morning, but i’m open to feedback. are you particularly partial to a tuesday afternoon missive? let me know!
books have been on my mind a lot lately, so we’re starting there. i read 100 books in 2022 and compiled some recommendations on bookshop.org. i had to issue constraints to narrow it down, so this list is specifically titles published in 2022 that i can see myself recommending to friends and family for years to come. there are definitely a few standouts that didn’t fall within that category but hold a special place in my heart, and they will likely show up here in coming issues.
i also said on instagram that i would share a list of all 100 with newsletter subscribers. and if there’s one thing you can count on it’s that i follow through on a lead magnet, so here’s a nice clean google sheet with every book i read in full throughout 2022 in the order that i read them. if you see a particular title you want to discuss, or if you’re looking for a recommendation to fulfill a particular literary craving, i would looove to chat. hit reply!
as always, below you’ll find a collection of things i’ve loved / read / listened to recently that i think you might want to know about. and while i have you here — it would mean a lot to me if you sent plant matter to a friend who you think would enjoy it!
manifesting a year of joy and adventure for us all.
avery trufelman has made herself podcasting’s resident expert on preppy clothing, and while you might think sartorial history sounds uninteresting, i offer you this interview with sarah marshall on you’re wrong about. it’s a real cerulean sweater moment.
my friend sara wrote a great essay on the self-optimization trend known as ‘biohacking,’ and how it embodies the intersection of systemic inequality, hyper-individualism, and lack of access to healthcare in this country.
i just discovered that one of my favorite bookstores has an ongoing wishlist in collaboration with the nonprofit chicago books to women in prison where you can buy a book (or gift card) online and a local volunteer will pick it up from the shop and deliver it to people in need. a lovely way to participate in mutual aid.
oof this interview really made me feel things. virginia sole-smith of burnt toast talked to journalist chelsea conaboy about the myth of the maternal instinct and how we’re lead to believe weaponized incompetence is a biological inevitability.
max coziness soup recipe.
a couple months ago i found myself reading a series of books all related sea creatures. this deep dive (pun intended) truly could not have been more unintentional, but what a delight! here’s my ersatz mini curriculum in case you too think you might be a latent marine animal enthusiast.
remarkably bright creatures by shelby van pelt
how far the light reaches by sabrina imbler
why fish don't exist by lulu miller
why we swim bonnie tsui
see you next week!