Fall Favorites: an only-partially-bookish compendium

I’m in the middle of several books right now (and just had a DNF, which was disheartening), so I don’t have a review for today, nor is it Tuesday, so I don’t have a list I’ve been preparing. The past couple weeks, it has finally started feeling like autumn outside here in Chicagoland, so I figured that, instead of a typical bookish post, I would give a quick rundown of some of my favorite things this fall so far. Some are bookish, some are totally random. Let’s go.

My Name is Michael Holbrook

After 4 years, MIKA finally has a new album out, and it is everything I hoped it would be. It has a satisfying blend of upbeat tunes and heartfelt slower songs, chronicling a scattered sense of identity and the tiny things that lend beauty to this crazy world we live in. My current favorite track is “Platform Ballerinas,” a sweet and highly danceable ode to the girls who don’t always act girly…and how that doesn’t matter or make them any less. Other favorites of mine include “Paloma,” a heartbreaking and beautiful song about an accident his sister had years ago (also in my favorite key signature, which is always a plus), and the infectious, introspective bop that is “Dear Jealousy.”

Anderson’s Bookshop

My local indie bookstore has been doing SO MANY author events lately, and it might destroy my bank account, but they’re doing an awesome job. I posted a few weeks ago about the Fierce Reads tour that stopped there. Today I got to see Leigh Bardugo and holy wow that was awesome–I’ll try to get a post about that up tomorrow. They hosted Felicia Day last weekend (which I couldn’t go to because I was out of town, visiting my brother) and Stephen Chbosky this past week (which I also couldn’t go to because of a doctor’s appointment). A few weeks ago, Salman Rushdie came and spoke to a sold-out crowd. Basically, they’re killing it at getting a huge variety of authors, both large and small, and I am LIVING for it.

This sweatshirt

The promo pic of it from Costco’s website

A less-professional picture of me wearing it, feat. my “literature is my boyfriend” necklace

Okay, I got this at Costco. It was $10. It is so soft, so comfy, flattering on just about anyone, and the perfect “cozy but not heavy” sweatshirt for autumn. I ended up buying it in two colors, black and a dusty rose, because I love it that much. And, you know, I can never pass up a good deal on things like this.

Mr. Robot

One of the most perfect and brilliant TV shows I’ve ever watched, and its fourth (and final) season just started last week. I’m obviously sad that it’s ending, but I am also really excited to see how the writers decide to wrap up the narrative. I’m sure it will be nothing short of amazing.

Side note: I know there is a companion book for Mr. Robot called Red Wheelbarrow, to be read between seasons 2 and 3. I haven’t read it yet, but I really need to. I’ve watched the whole show twice through, and some episodes even more than that, which is saying something, because I don’t really do re-watches most of the time…so, really, my level of obsession with the show is not quite complete until I get this one read.

What about you?

I know this wasn’t a typical post for me, and I do apologize for that, as well as for all the rambling. Anything you’re super into and/or excited for this fall? Anyone else super excited/sad for the final seasons of Mr. Robot and/or Supernatural?