Hot Girls Read Podcast

Julia

I have just come back from a short trip to Cartagena, Colombia! I didn’t get to do too much reading whilst there since it was an event packed wedding weekend, but I definitely got some reading in during the 13 hour flight (and that’s just one way, mind you)! For the trip, I bought two books with me: ‘Your Brain on Art: How the arts transform us’ by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross, and a slim book of poetry. 

‘Your Brain on Art’ is a fascinating look into the way art actually impacts our brains, and thus, our lives. The book is pretty information dense and heavy on the science — while this makes it a little slow going for me, the subject is simply incredible! I’m still only in the beginning where the authors talk about how art (architecture, design, music, nature, paintings literature, poetry etc.) can positively influence our wellbeing, and not only am I floored by the extent to which art impacts us as humans but I feel even more committed to centering my life and career around the arts. In a super capitalistic world, it can be easy for artists and dreamers to ask ‘But, what is the point of art?’ And ‘What is the point of creating?’ This book makes it abundantly clear that creating and immersing oneself in art is not only good for our health, but it is important for the wellbeing of others too.

Humans really do need art.

I am particularly interested in the upcoming chapters ‘Restoring Mental Health’ and ‘Healing the Body’. This book is a must for those who love the arts and believe in its importance as well as those who have never given the arts much serious thought!

Ayesha

I’m currently reading “Dallergut Dream Department Store” by Miye Lee. I actually saw this in Oxford’s Blackwells with Julia over the summer and ended up buying it over Christmas. I went in knowing this was a whimsical, cozy fantasy – which it still is. That said, I’m not craving to rush and read it like some of the other books I’ve read this month. Regardless of that, I do find this to be a sweet read that indirectly addresses different topics: overcoming trauma, finding self-confidence, and love. 

Synopsis: In a mysterious town hidden in our subconscious there’s a department store that sells dreams. Day and night, visitors both human and animal shuffle in to purchase their latest adventure. Each floor specializes in a specific type of dream: childhood memories, food dreams, ice skating, dreams of stardom. 

For Penny, an enthusiastic new hire, working at the store is the opportunity of a lifetime. As she uncovers the workings of this whimsical world, she bonds with a variety of characters, including DallerGut, the flamboyant and wise owner, Babynap Rockabye, a famous dream designer, Maxim, a nightmare producer, and the many customers who dream to heal, dream to grow, and dream to flourish.