HERE FOR IT

"Every story, whether truth or fiction, is an invitation to imagination. But even more so, it's an invitation to EMPATHY. The storyteller says, 'I am here. Does it matter?'" Here for It is heartfelt, hilarious and very, very human. In this fabulous-in-every-way book of essays, R. Eric Thomas , creator of Elle Magazine’s “Eric Reads The News,” writes about topics ranging from growing up Black and gay in Baltimore, to the direction of America in the Trump era. He describes not quite fitting in and his sense of "otherness," ultimately finding his identity, his dream job (via a viral Facebook post, of all things) and his husband.

I listened to this as an audiobook, but I loved it so much I had to purchase the hard copy because I wanted it to live on my bookshelf. It's that kind of book. A few of these essays moved me to tears, and others had me guffawing out loud. But mostly I delighted in the humanity of the stories, the perspective they offered and the understanding of someone else's experiences. The audiobook is a true treat, and reads like an intimate conversation with keenly observed anecdotes and threads of insight. I urge you to pick up this wonderful book. You're welcome!

This is my attempt at a cupcake rainbow for Pride month, and because to me rainbows are also about hope, which is something the world needs NOW. Also, because Eric makes no secret of his love of baking - he even shared on a fantastic interview (do check it out if you loved this book!) that he enjoyed snacking on Tast-i-cakes while writing this book. I'm no baker myself but it brought a little sunshine into my kitchen to ice these beauties.