As we transition into chilly fall nights, our Project Stree team members wanted to share some “hot girl” books and podcasts to make you feel like your summer self:
Books:
Michelle Obama offers readers a series of fresh stories and insightful reflections on change, challenges, and power. Obama emphasizes that when we light up for others, we can illuminate the world around us, discovering deeper truths and new pathways for progress. The book inspires self-reflection and will get you out of a reading slump.
Using her razor-sharp wit, Scaachi Koul describes her experience as a daughter of Indian immigrants. She shares her mortifying experiences as an outsider growing up in Canada. The essays range from stories about shaving her knuckle hair to feeling out of place at Indian weddings. First-generation immigrant readers will laugh and cry at this relatable coming-of-age story.
This novel occurs over the course of one day as we get, giving readers an intimate look into the lives of the Riva family. The book follows Nina Riva and her siblings, who are the children of the famous singer Mick Riva, as they hold a boisterous party that gets out of control. As the party ends in flames and the characters keep secrets from one another, readers will be on the edge of their seats.
Samantha Heather Mackey joins a clique of unbearable rich girls who call each other “Bunny” and seem to move and speak as one. Abandoning her only friend, Samantha is sucked into the Bunnies’ sinister world of rituals and “workshop nights,” where the edges of reality begin to fade. Despite its seemingly absurd premise, the novel keeps readers guessing until the end.
True to its name, this novel is a light hearted story, perfect for reclining in the sand. When a romance writer who no longer believes in love, January Andrews, and a literary writer stuck in a rut, Augustus Everett, meet again after 6 years, they decide to engage in a summer-long challenge that may just upend everything they believe about happily ever afters. The book makes the reader feel emotions such as sadness and anticipation, and of course, because it’s romance, it ends on a happy note.
Podcasts for those hot girl walks:
Harris and Stewart host a spit-take-worthy podcast about two 20-somethings living in New York City. They tackle topics like dating, dealing with rejection, how to reject dates, and more. This podcast feels like an unhinged Facetime call with your older sister who’s giving you life advice.
This podcast provides insight on being healthier and feeling confident in one’s own skin. Callie starts every podcast with deep breathing, hydrating, and moving as a reminder that the summer glow-up starts from within.
Dozens of women seeking to become mothers came to a fertility clinic at Yale. The podcast follows their stories and discusses the shocking events that unfolded during the study. The New York Times tells the story in a well-balanced and thought-provoking way, forcing listeners to reconsider everything they know about healthcare.
Lexie tells all in this coming-of-age podcast that documents her life and struggles. Her soothing voice keeps listeners wanting more. She documents her life in a raw and vulnerable manner that feels soothing and allows the listener to reflect on themselves.
Shetty’s podcast provides fascinating conversations with insightful people worldwide, including the current U.S. president, Joe Biden. His talks encourage introspection and provide guidance on dealing with life’s lows.