I wanted this to be the year where I read more nonfiction: the year where I gained deeper knowledge of social and political topics I'm already interested in; the year where I broadened my understanding of not only issues that I face, but also, perhaps more importantly, the issues that challenge those outside of my own experience. I want to read Not a Nation of Immigrants, Let This Radicalize You, How to Be an Antiracist, and others like them. I put these books onto my e-reader. I want to gain new knowledge so that I can fight harder, understand more, help more.

But I'm American. This week happened, and I'm tired. I feel like I need to read these books and others like them more than ever before, but it just all weighs so heavily on me now. It makes me sadder than I already am, and it feels like... so much? I feel like it's a failing that I'm more drawn to Ten Tomatoes That Changed the World right now, or that I'd really like to read my first Brandon Sanderson. I don't feel like I know enough, or do enough, or contribute to the conversation like I should. Being this drained from simply the idea of learning more feels like self pity, and I really am seeking to broaden my mind outward right now.

I don't know. I don't know if I need to read these with a friend, or if I need a kick in the ass to stop whining, or what. I guess I'm looking for suggestions? Or... something.

how do centaurs drive cars? like are there cars altered by the companies to accommodate their large size? how are they being altered? how does the horse part press on the gas pedal? are the gas pedals reinforced to protect from the hooves? is it even a hoof pressing on the gas pedal? there are just so many questions that stem from this rather innocuous statement of Tegan's neighbors being a centaur couple driving a hybrid and i need answers!!

I'm liking this so far-- lots of characters that I assume are from previous books, but that's not a big deal. Feel a little like the sex scenes are "dropped in", but they're pretty steamy 🔥