Only one book this month. Not really sure where the month of August went. I'm hanging on to one more month of summer though, it's not over 'til September 22nd.
I didn't realize Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies by Tara Schuster was a self-help book. It's sort of an autobiography wrapped in a self-help book. Tara is a successful producer (Comedy Central) but had a challenging childhood to put it very politely. She lacked consistent boundaries and nurturing so after a rock bottom moment at 25 she decided she needed to re-parent herself. Funny, irreverent and at times preachy, I think this would have been more relatable for me about 30 years ago. She examines every inch of her life - and she thinks you should too - to find that she needs to exercise, eat right, treat your body like a temple, practice gratitude and tape inspirational quotes all over your walls. It has practical advice packaged for hipsters. And way too f*cking long.
You are worth seven-dollar lilies. You are worth the thing that instantly makes your life better. I've heard people talk about their favorite exercise class this way. I've heard people talk about an order of guacamole with their tacos this way. I've heard people talk about the ten-dollar, ten-minute massage at the nail salon this way. That small, pleasurable thing that makes you feel like you are treating yourself – do not deprive yourself of this. Buy the f*cking lilies, take the class, order the guac, get the massage.
