Patti Smith’s Book Club, and Other Reads This Week
By Wim Langedijk for HURS
Patti Smith’s Book Club, and Other Reads This Week
HUR Reads is our definitive shortlist of the most prominent articles from around the web.
By HURS Team
1
Welcome to Patti Smith’s Antique Book Club
Osman Can Yerebakan explores the passion for rare books shared by punk-poet legend Patti Smith and her daughter, Jesse Paris Smith. Yerebakan delves into how this mutual interest has strengthened their bond and influenced their personal and professional lives. He highlights their experiences in collecting antique books, the significance these works hold for them, and the impact of literature on their creative endeavors. The article offers insights into the intimate world of book collecting and the cultural connections it fosters within families.
HOW TO SPEND IT
The New Yorker article features previously unpublished notes by Joan Didion addressed to her late husband, John Gregory Dunne. These reflections offer intimate insights into their relationship and Didion's perspectives on therapy and self-awareness. The notes reveal her contemplations on the complexities of human behavior and the subconscious factors influencing actions and emotions. This posthumous publication provides a deeper understanding of Didion's personal experiences and her nuanced approach to psychological introspection.
THE NEW YORKER
In a special Women's History Month episode of The Artsy Podcast, art historian Katy Hessel—creator of @thegreatwomenartists and host of The Great Women Artists Podcast—discusses the ongoing challenges and progress toward gender parity in the art world. Hessel emphasizes the importance of recognizing and promoting women artists, highlighting persistent disparities in museum collections and auction markets. She also shares insights into contemporary women artists who are making significant impacts today. Listen on Spotify here.
ARTSY
Faith Hill explores the societal pressures and hidden biases that still shape perceptions of singlehood. While there’s growing support for embracing single life, individuals—especially women—often face systemic disadvantages and the expectation to express overt enthusiasm about being single. Hill argues for a more honest and nuanced discussion that acknowledges both the joys and challenges of single life, urging society to move beyond superficial positivity and recognize the valid experiences of singles.
THE ATLANTIC
Leaving a group chat can be challenging, but it's important to prioritize your well-being. Danielle Cohen explores the delicate social dynamics of exiting a group text—especially when it’s filled with people you like, but conversations that no longer serve you. Cohen suggests that rather than ghosting or silently muting, the most respectful approach is a short, polite message explaining your need to step away—citing reasons like overwhelm, digital boundaries, or simply wanting to cut back on screen time. She emphasizes that it’s okay to prioritize your peace and that leaving doesn’t have to mean burning bridges. Remember, it's acceptable to step away from digital spaces that no longer serve your needs.