The Shelf Diaries with Annika B.
aka on feeling exposed by Emily Henry, an enduring love for The Mortal Instruments, and collecting books like art
Happy Sunday my loves!
And welcome back to another installment of The Shelf Diaries! TSD is a monthly feature for book people, about book people, with a focus on highlighting my favorite authors, writers and creatives working in the arts and in literary spaces; learning all about the books that have changed their lives, the authors they love and what’s sitting on their bookshelves!
This month, I got to nerd out with my bookish soul sister and grad school bestie, Annika, for almost 3 hours, as we reflected on grad school’s effect on our reading habits, dished on the fantasy books we loved growing up, and bonded over feeling like Emily Henry’s been reading our diaries! She is one of my favorite people to talk art and literature and culture with; and it is my pleasure to share some of that conversation with you here. ♡
So… without further ado: grab a snack, get comfortable and get to know the secrets of Annika’s shelves!
note to reader: if you’re reading via email, click ‘view entire message’ at the bottom of your screen or switch to the substack app to read the full interview!
Gabi: Hi lovely! How are you?
Annika: Hi! I’m good! How are you?
Gabi: I’m good! Thanks for joining me today, I’m so happy to have you.
Annika: Of course!
Gabi: To start us off, could you introduce yourself to everyone reading?
Annika: Sure, do you want like…
Gabi: You can do full name, occupation, the whole thing if you want. *laughs*
Annika: *laughs* Alright. My name is Annika. I’m originally from Pasadena, CA. I’m currently a curatorial assistant in Modern and Contemporary Art, working in Chicago. And I met Gabi through the Courtauld.
Gabi: And how long would you say you’ve been a reader?
Annika: To quantify it… I’ve probably been a reader since… first grade, I’d say. That’s when I remember really getting into books and like writing my own stories. One of my very good friends, Alana, we would spend our breaks writing stories together. And we’d staple them and show our families.
Gabi: I used to do the same in grade school. A composition book used to hate to see me coming *laughs* What would you say are some of your earliest memories with books?
Annika: My most vivid memories I have are getting obsessed with the Rick Riordan books, and being like ‘wow this is cool.’ Reading something and escaping to a totally different reality. That was the first instance where I was really impressed with the power of storytelling.
Gabi: I love that.
Annika: Not to mention Percy and Annabeth, and their whole love story.
Gabi: *laughs* Of course! With the release of the new series, I’ve been considering reading the books because the “Percy Jackson bug” missed me growing up.
Annika: I ended up rereading the first book a little while ago, and it did hit me like ‘this is definitely for a younger audience.’ *laughs* But it was still very much a formative series [for me].
Gabi: *laughs* Which kind of leads to my next question, what was your reading taste like growing up? How would you describe it now? And do you feel like what you’re drawn to presently is a natural evolution of what you were interested in as a kid?
Annika: That’s a great question. I did a lot of the dystopian-sci-fi’s [growing up]— Hunger Games, Divergent… there’s another trilogy, I can’t think of the name… Uglies/Pretties, that whole series. And I definitely continue to read fantasy-esque books today. I’m still drawn to that kind of world-building. Growing up, I definitely craved escapism. I think I still do, in regard to taste, but when I was younger, I really did. I was also just reading the books that my classmates were reading.
Versus now, I’m more of a mood reader and really only take recommendations from friends and family, not necessarily following the trends that much. Not be like a “pick-me.” *laughs* But sometimes I’m late to the game.
Gabi: Do you remember the book that made you fall in love with literature? Like any books from across your time as a reader— from childhood to adulthood, that really floored you?
Annika: Damn, that’s a deep one Gabi.
Gabi: *laughs*
Annika: Let me think… I mean, are we talking more classic literature?
Gabi: I think anything really. I know when I think about the books that were really transformative for me, I think of middle school and reading [redacted], right? Which I now ignore because she’s a mess. But growing up, those books were a safe space for me. And then in undergrad, reading Seven Days in June by Tia Williams and Beach Read by Emily Henry. I remember feeling dazed when I finished reading Seven Days, like everything I thought I knew about romance as a genre had been completely turned on its head. So those are classics to me.
Annika: Ok that helps! Thank you!
Gabi: No problem.
Annika: When I was younger— not that long ago, *laughs* it was Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments, which was like the first book I ever got into annotating. And I still have my favorite quotes typed on my phone from [the] different books.
Gabi: And is that the Shadowhunters series or?
Annika: I did Mortal Instruments first, I think. There’s The Mortal Instruments, Dark Artifices, and Infernal Devices, which are all different series in the same world.
Gabi: Got it.
Annika: My favorite is [City of] Heavenly Fire. And I have this quote in my notes:
“We are all the pieces of what we remember. We hold in ourselves the hopes and fears of those who love us. As long as there is love and memory. There is no true loss.”
Gabi: Mm.
Annika: I remember being a teenager, reading that and thinking ‘this is incredible.’ *laughs* And then as an adult, A Little Life is one that’s forever changed me. Like there was before me and an after me. And it’s a book about life and love and friendship.
Gabi: Such a well-rounded answer. I love that. Speaking of Clare’s work, I follow two book creators— Kendra and Brandi, who recently did full rereads of The Mortal Instruments and all of its interconnected worlds and every time one of them would post an update on IG, I’d think ‘should I… should I read these?’ I was never a big fantasy reader growing up, beyond Twilight and stuff, which is more paranormal. But their excitement, and now you with these quotes, I’m like ‘maybe.’ *laughs*
Annika: Just talking about them with you is making me want to reread it now. And that’s a huge thing to take on. *laughs* Like a lot.
Gabi: *laughs* Yeah, Brandi took a picture with all the books and I was like ‘wow. That’s an undertaking.’ I do remember the adaptation though. With Lily Collins and Jamie Bower. And then the Shadowhunters show with Matthew Daddario and Emeraude Toubia. I didn’t watch it but I would watch ship edits on YouTube, I was a big Simon and Isabelle fan. *laughs*
Annika: That reminds me of the Halloween I dressed up as a Shadowhunter. *laughs*
Gabi: Stop! That’s so cute. I think that’s such a good sign of a book’s impact on someone, a desire to become the physical embodiment of a character you love. I think it’s why I love cosplayers so much, how they’re able to take something from the 2D to the 3. There’s just so much love there. But I’m tempted to take on the series, so if you start randomly getting text updates with character breakdowns, you know why *laughs*
Annika: Yes, please! *laughs* Also, another favorite quote I love:
“I can offer you my life. But it is a short life. I can offer you my heart though I have no idea how many more beats shall sustain it.”
I just remember reading that and being like ‘oh this is what love is.’ *laughs*
Gabi: That actually reminds me of this line from season 2 of Interview with a Vampire with Jacob Anderson and Sam Reid. I don’t really know much of the book’s lore, beyond having friends who are super fans and seeing clips of the show here and there but there’s this one scene where Louis leaves Lestat for Paris, taking their daughter Claudia with him. And he finds a letter from Lestat in which he wrote:
“Know only this, mon cher. You are the only being I trust, and whom I love, above and beyond myself. All my love belongs to you. You are its keeper. A veil now forever separates are union, but it is a thin veil. And I am always on the other side, face pressed up against your longing.”
Annika: Wow.
Gabi: Right? When I first heard it. I was floored. So much adoration, history, and tension, packed into a few short lines. Just insane (affectionate). Especially because this is a relationship that is so deeply fraught, even more so in AMC’s adaptation with Louis being a well-off Black man living in the French Quarter in the early 1900s. And Lestat being this bougie, aristocratic French white man who comes in ready to shake shit up and doesn’t really understand American politics of the time. So they’re navigating this already taboo relationship being lovers, and interracial, and that’s before you even add them being vampires into the mix. Not to mention their “14 year old” daughter. There’s just so many layers. And that Heavenly Fire quote reminded me of that so I had to share it with you.
Annika: No yeah. Also, what is it about vampire romance writing that is so beautiful?
Gabi: Mm. I don’t know. I think it’s the forced proximity aspect of like ‘I’m choosing you for eternity.’ Like ‘it’s you for me… forever.’ But also growing up apart of the Twilight Generation, and engaging with the media, in the moment as it was happening, I think makes me appreciate the genre more.
Annika: Definitely.
Gabi: So transitioning to your bookshelves— thank you for sending your photos over. They’re beautiful! Is there a system to how you organize your bookshelves? Genre? Alphabetical? What’s going on?
Annika: Thank you! In every other aspect of my life, I’m really organized… But when it comes to my books, it’s very much like an aesthetic kind of haphazardness. The only things I really keep together are series. I will never separate a series. But otherwise, it’s very much based on vibes: how they look together and can they be together. Like I can’t have some smutty romance novel next to like… I don’t know, my philosophy books. *laughs*
Gabi: It’s a delicate balance. *laughs* But that makes perfect sense. You’re a curator in life, and you’re a curator at home.
Annika: Back in London, it was rainbow-ordered because there were so many different books— both personal and then also for school, and I kinda wanted them to have some sort of relationship, so that’s how I organized those.
Gabi: Your collection while we were abroad is so much nicer than my setup was. *laughs* No rhyme or reason, just stacks all over the place. *laughs* But speaking of curation and grad school, I have to ask: who are some of your favorite artists and what art books are you currently reading?
Annika: Oooh. That’s tough. Currently I’m obsessed with Felix Gonzalez Torres. Every time I see one of his works, I just cry. Every time. Another favorite, Ragnar Kjartansson… Have you seen his work, The Visitors (2012)?
Gabi: I haven’t!
Annika: It’s a nine channel video installation that I saw for the first time in middle school when we went to the Broad Museum. And I mean I didn’t know what I was looking at. *laughs* It’s middle school, I’m like ‘we’re at a museum, it’s a day off, let me just walk through these rooms.’ But I walked through that [piece] and for the next six years was trying to figure out what the fuck I just saw. And studying [art] helped me find the work and research it. Recently, *laughs* I made my parents carve out time when I landed back home so I could go see it at SFMOMA before it closes next month. And I took my sister Katrina with me, and said ‘if you don’t like it I’m going to be crushed.’ *laughs* And we walked in— you know she’s an artist, she loves creating, she’s so creative. And she turned around and looked at me and said ‘can I die here?’ *laughs* I was like ‘thank you!’ But it was just so amazing to experience that again.
More recently, Barbara Hepworth. She’s so cool. She had a weird life. I think she died in her bed, smoking. But I missed seeing her when we were in England. Like I went to Cornwall but didn’t do St. Ives, which is where she had her studio so I feel like I need to go back and just do a Barbara Hepworth trip.
Gabi: I mean, any excuse to go back to the UK.
Annika: Any excuse to go back. I’m also currently reading about a lot of cool, contemporary women sculptors. I love sculpture, especially when women take up space in the medium that’s been dominated by men. [At work] we recently installed Simone Leigh’s Sharifa (2022), as well as Renée Green pieces that are being exhibited for the first time in 30 years. We just wrapped install on her commemorative toile piece, which is incredible. And she’s so sweet. She spent the whole week with us, sitting in the gallery giving us directions on how she wanted things. And then, Louise Nevilson has become a new obsession now that I’ve catalogued her pieces in our collection. And I’ve been reading about her life too.
Gabi: You’ll have to send me some pics of the Simone Leigh, and I’ll be sure to check out Green’s work too! Now considering your collection, what titles would you say are “Annika-coded?” Like if someone wanted to get to know you, what books would you tell them to go pick up?
Annika: Boy, oh boy… Let’s see… Off the top of my head, one of my favorite books that I always recommend to people is Jonathan Tropper’s This Is Where I Leave You—
Gabi: Stop. It. That’s one of my favorite movies ever! *laughs* My copy is sitting on my nightstand right now.
Annika: *laughs* I love it. It’s like life and loss and siblings and I just feel like it kind of captures—
Gabi: Everything.
Annika: Everything. It captures a lot.
Gabi: Not enough people talk about it… and I feel like our mutual love for it further confirms our friendship *laughs*
Annika: Kindred spirits! It’s such a good book, and such a good movie. Childhood books, I always had a copy of Peter Pan and Anne of Green Gables in my room or on my shelves growing up. I also like a good memoir, so I would say Educated is another favorite that I like to recommend. Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow has become one like when I meet someone, I’ll ask ‘have you read this? If you haven’t I need you to right now!’ I like a lot of dark academia, so The Secret History. And then probably Song of Achilles. I think that captures my love of fantasy, but also romance and history. Those are some of the books that I’d point people to. And there’s a couple smutty romance books too, but those are for people who really know me. *laughs*
Gabi: We have to be friends for quite a bit before I start sharing those recommendations. *laughs* Also, thank you for reminding me to finally read Song of Achilles. That’s another book that’s been staring me down on my nightstand for far too long.
Annika: No problem!
Gabi: How frequently would you say you add new books to your library?
Annika: Pretty frequently. *laughs* It’s a problem. Probably like once or twice a month, maybe more if I find a really good deal.
Gabi: And do you prefer brand new or second hand books?
Annika: It depends! If I’m buying art history books, I kind of like them used because [new copies] tend to be more expensive. But sometimes I like them pristine. For novels, I’ve gotten into secondhand and thrifting just because I think it’s more environmentally friendly. And economically friendly too! *laughs*
But then again for A Little Life—which is gonna come up so many times, I’m so sorry. I have like five or six copies. Because I like collecting them. I have it in the Italian. I have a pristine copy of the US version. I have a marked up copy of the US. I have pristine and marked up copies of the UK version. And then a couple other copies somewhere in there too. *laughs* That one’s one I collect because it’s a story that’s stuck with me.
Gabi: I was just about to ask if you collected any specific books because I can never pass up a good secondhand copy of a book I love. I’m actually debating picking up a third copy of If We Were Villains right now because Flatiron released a stunning new US edition. I mean, I haven’t read the book yet but I know I’m going to love it… when I finally pick it up *laughs*
Annika: *laughs* My copy of it is sitting on my shelf waiting for me to pick it up too.
Gabi: After I bought my first copy, I came across a creator on TikTok, Alicia, who broke down all the Shakespeare references used, by play, and was like ‘these are the acts you should read if you want a better understanding of the story.’ And I haven’t read the Bard since high school so I’ve been putting it off because, being the nerd that I am, *laughs* of course I want to know and understand all the ways Rio is further exploring the original IP. I also found a stack of SparkNotes guides while thrifting and I’ve been buying all the plays related to the book. ‘Cause honestly, I don’t see myself rereading the whole of Romeo & Juliet or Merchant in Venice at this point in my life. *laughs*
Annika: *laughs* It’s really validating to hear you collect books in a similar way. Like I have a couple friends who are readers and they’ll read what’s on their shelves and then say ‘oh, I’m out of books. I have to go get a book.’ And I’m like ‘how does that happen? Don’t you buy books and then don’t read them and they sit on your shelves for a year or two until you work up the courage?’ It’s great to know that I’m not alone in like purchasing books and letting them languish on a shelf until I’m like ‘oh I’m ready now.’ *laughs*
Gabi: This is a safe space. *laughs* I firmly believe in that adage about books finding you when you need them and not a moment sooner. So there’s never any judgment here for collecting. You can have a copy of a book for years and just not be in the right headspace to read it.
And I mean, I only have two copies of IWWV so I don’t know if those count, but I’m always adding to my collection of The Great Gatsby and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.
Gabi: You briefly mentioned annotating earlier, with Clare’s books and then A Little Life— and I know readers can be very particular about this sort of thing. *laughs* So I’d love to know, what is your relationship to annotation?
Annika: Oh Gabi. *laughs* I actually had this conversation with my boss recently when I mentioned I annotate my books and he was like ‘blasphemy!’ And I was like ‘don’t you fret! I have a pristine copy as well.’ So if I’m really going to annotate something, I generally know this is a book that I want to collect.
Gabi: I know when I first started, I would freak out about my books not being in perfect condition and I’d only use a pack of neon tabs. And now, I’m taking notes in the margins without a care in the world. *laughs* So what are the vibes when you break out a pen or pencil? Do you have a system? What’s going on?
Annika: The first book I ever annotated was Shadowhunters in middle school and I was very much like you in the beginning with the neon tabs. I think I used a pen but I’ve now switched to pencil. I usually have a system that changes depending on the book. So for my second annotation of A Little Life, I didn’t annotate it by character. I chose to annotate by the mood or the emotion. So I have [a tab] for “tender,” I have one for “friendship.” One for what I call “artistic narrative,” where I feel like words were used in such a unique way that it created imagery in my head. I also have “gut wrenching,” and “complete and total unequivocal love.” And then for others, I have ones that are like “things that I relate to,” “quotes I love,” “funny.”
I also have a tiny ruler that I use to underline because I don’t like messy lines. Someone asked me about it on Instagram once and I was like ‘yeah, I use a ruler, calm down.’ But now I’m like maybe I should calm down because who uses a ruler? *laughs*
Gabi: *laughs* I’m also not big on messy lines. And it’s funny because when I started reading, I was like ‘you’ll never catch me writing in a book, won’t happen.’ Now, I’m like ‘please, I’ll write all over this book.’ *laughs* Although, I have since transitioned from pencil to pen.
Annika: I’m less confident when writing in my books. *laughs*
Gabi: *laughs* It definitely took some time to get comfortable doing. But I like the idea— and this is something I recently discovered while doing a reread of some Emily Henry books, is that the next time I do a reread of my favorite book, there will be a note from a different version of myself. With maybe even a different perspective on things, having lived and gotten more life experience. Like a time capsule of sorts. But thank you for that breakdown.
Annika: Of course! My English teacher, who I had freshman year and senior year and who I had lunch with like every day— I was one of those kids. *laughs* He was teaching our class how to annotate readings and I was like ‘no worries here, already on it!’
Gabi: A+ star student. *laughs*
Annika: *laughs* It was huge to have a teacher and an adult [in my life] who was validating of my reading habits and quirks.
Gabi: Definitely.
Gabi: I know we talked a bit about your love for fantasy and your appreciation for books that packs an emotional punch… what other genres do you like to read? And what do you look for in the books you pick up?
Annika: I really gravitate towards romance. If I look on my shelves, it’s really that or mystery—crime, thriller, murder… Clearly, it’s one way or the other *laughs*
Gabi: *laughs*
Annika: And more serious and heart-wrenching novels. I recently picked up from the thrift store The Loneliest Girl in the Universe. Which, you know, depressing title— we’re off to a great start. *laughs* But it really depends on my mood and what I’m feeling.
Gabi: Is there a book that you find yourself revisiting frequently?
Annika: Hm… besides A Little Life, of course… the Bridgerton series I’ve reread quite a bit. Each time a new season comes out, I reread the books, which is weird cause I don’t rewatch the seasons. *laughs*
Gabi: That reminds me we still haven’t had our season 3 debrief!
Annika: We haven’t! But quickly, I’m just going to tell you my rankings of the seasons so far: it’s Kate and Anthony, Daphne and Simon, and then Colin and Penelope.
Gabi: Ok same. I fear nothing will top season 2 for me. The stakes were just so high!
Annika: Right!
Gabi: Going back to the books that had a lasting effect on you, what about authors? Which authors are “auto-buy” for you? Like you don’t need the title of the book, a cover, a blurb. If they announce it, you’ll purchase…
Annika: Recently, Abby Jimenez, who released Just for the Summer this year. Tana French. And I mean, Emily Henry… *laughs*
Gabi: You already know I’m a big Henry girl. *laughs* And I’ve heard nothing but great things about Jimenez. I’ll have to check that out when the weather’s warm again. French too!
Annika: Yes! [Just for the Summer] was my favorite romance book of the summer.
Gabi: Who do you follow or trust when it comes to book recommendations?
Annika: You.
Gabi: Stop it. *laughs*
Annika: *laughs* For real! You have great taste, so I trust you. Like I’m taking notes as we’re talking.
Gabi: That’s so sweet, thank you!
Annika: Also, my mom has really good taste in books too! When I was in high school, she would start books and then leave them somewhere and I would end up taking them and reading them myself. *laughs* I get a lot of book recs from her, we just read The Midnight Library together.
One of my other good friends is a big book reader, Ally. I take any of her recommendations seriously as well. Also, the internet, TikTok, BookTok… And I have to give a shoutout to my sister Kat. [She] gives me a shit ton of recommendations as well.
Gabi: Love! Shoutout to all the book communities, irl and online.
Gabi: Ok. Rapid-fire round.
Annika: Yes!
Gabi: Types of books— hardcover or paperback?
Annika: Paperback.
Gabi: Physical books, ebooks, or audiobooks?
Annika: Physical.
Gabi: If you were stranded on an island, what three books would you want on hand to keep you company while waiting to be rescued?
Annika: *gasps* These are big [questions] Gabi… Probably… A Little Life or The Secret History. Just because those are ones where I could do some deep annotation, keeping in mind I have a pencil with me. *laughs* And maybe Twilight.
Gabi: Nice. *laughs* What’s your reading goal for this year?
Annika: Last year [I read] 52 books, 21,408 pages. So far this year, 27. I was hoping to get to 50-52 this year, but if I can make it to 30 [books], I’ll be ok… a nice even number.
Gabi: I love a good even number. Ok, let’s switch over to your TBR and what you’re currently reading: last, now, next.
Annika: Ok. The most recent book I read was All of us Strangers. Which was really interesting and very different from the film. Currently reading, A Man Called Ove... Are you familiar with the story? Have you read it?
Gabi: I haven’t read it but I am familiar with it, and it’s funny because I was gonna recommend you check it out because I know you love an emotional tearjerker. I saw someone review it recently and thought ‘oh Annika would love this.’
Annika: I read Anxious People by him but I can’t move past this one chapter right now. But my friend from back home, Cat, she ran to my doorstop the day I was leaving and threw a book at me and was like ‘read this,’ and it’s All’s Well which is Mona Awad. She also did Bunny if you know that one.
Gabi: Yeah!
Annika: So I want to start that one, so that’s my now. And then next on my list, The Loneliest Girl in the Universe. I kinda want something sad and depressing. *laughs*
Gabi: *laughs* Wonderful! Favorite book to film/TV series adaptation?
Annika: Probably Bridgerton. *laughs* Usually I’m worried when books I love get adapted because there’s always a chance the story will be changed dramatically, especially when they’re *air quotes* “silly little romance novels.” And I think they kept a lot of the fun parts of the story. And like I do appreciate when the right changes are made to update a story but to have something of a comfort of already knowing how this story is going to play out, it was nice. And I think it was generally well done.
Gabi: In a similar vein, POV: you’re approached by your favorite studio— A24, Netflix, whomever—
Annika: *gasp*
Gabi: And they give you an unlimited budget and an abundance of creative control, what book are you adapting?
Annika: Throne of Glass.
Gabi: What literary hero or heroine do you feel you’re most like?
Annika: I always liked Anne of Green Gables because she’s kind of weird and awkward, a little cringy. And I’m like I get it. She’s my inner book character person spirit.
Gabi: On the flip side, if you could have any literary hero or heroine brought to life as your love interest, who would you choose?
Annika: Well recently, I fell in love with… what’s the guy’s name from Just for the Summer?
Gabi: Oh, was it… I think it was Justin, right?
Annika: Yes! Justin. I [read it] and thought this… this is a good man. *laughs*
Gabi: *laughs* A good man!
Annika: Then also back to Anne of Green Gables, Gilbert Blythe. I specifically like the actor who played him in the movie from the 80’s. I can’t remember his name but he died kind of young, which is sad… Jonathan Crombie. And then also Lucas Zumann, who played him in the [Netflix] show. Reading that book and watching them I was like ‘Gilbert, I like you.’
Gabi: Favorite book store? In the states and/or abroad.
Annika: Basic bitch answer, I love Daunt in London. Like come on, can you beat that?
Gabi: I’d be shocked if it wasn’t on your list. *laughs*
Annika: Another that just came to mind, one in Edinburgh— Golden Hare Books. So beautiful. Home in Pasadena, I love Vroman’s.
Gabi: I love Vroman’s. I haven’t been in ages.
Annika: So great. And then here in Chicago, I like Three Avenues and Unabridged Books. They both have got a great selection and I think [Unabridged] is the largest queer bookstore in Chicago. And then for my romance reads, there’s The Last Chapter which is romance-only. Those are my favorite bookstores.
Gabi: Nice! As the end of the year approaches, and people are making their “Best Books of ’24 lists,” what is your favorite book from this year?
Annika: Do I have to limit it to only one?
Gabi: Not at all.
Annika: Excellent. Lessons in Chemistry. That was also a great adaptation, so I’m tossing that one in with my previous answer. All The Beauty in the World: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me. That is one I recommend to people. A Thousand Splendid Suns. And… Just for the Summer.
Gabi: And for my final question of the evening, what are your literary astrological signs? Sun, moon, and rising.
Annika: Aw man, I’m gonna need a minute…
Gabi: You can do books or authors! Previous interviewees have all approached it differently. My friend Sanjana said she was a Hanif Abdurraqib sun, Sherry Thomas moon, and a Lisa Kleypas rising. And then the lovely Kelsey, who I interviewed last— she works in journalism and media, she said her sun is USA Today, her moon is bell hooks, and her rising is the Wall Street Journal.
Annika: Those are really great answers, I feel like the pressure’s on… Ok, how others perceive me? I feel like that one’s easy, my rising is… my instinct is to say Book Lovers by Emily Henry. *laughs* Because that older sister storyline… That was like whoa, eerily accurate.
Gabi: *laughs* I told you it was gonna hit like a ton of bricks when you read it. Like she was reading our diaries.
Annika: Like ‘is this fucking play about us?’ *laughs* Way to call me out on my actions. *laughs*
Annika: A Little Life is also in there, I’m just not sure if it’s my sun or my moon…. Maybe my sun. And then my moon, my emotional needs… Probably something romantic. I mean, I love Pride and Prejudice. God Gabi, these are really good questions… this is gonna keep me up at night.
Gabi: *laughs*
Annika: Wait! I’m thinking of one more. What is it? I know it… Maybe In Another Life is my moon. I’m really drawn to the multiverse aspect and what happens when it’s right person, wrong time. A romance but also kind of depressing. *laughs*
Gabi: *laughs* So A Little Life sun, Maybe in Another Life moon, and Book Lovers rising. I love that.
Annika: Yeah!… I feel like my choices pale in comparison to everyone else’s.
Gabi: No! These are so good and I would argue very you. There’s actually a movie I want to recommend to you because of the whole dual timeline, multiverse thing. Hold on, let me check my Letterboxd…
I don’t know if you’ve seen it. It’s on Netflix, with Lili Reinhart from— Look Both Ways! With Danny Ramirez.
Annika: Oh yes! I know that one. And it’s really interesting because she alternates between both worlds.
Gabi: Ooh. I did not know that. And then there’s another one with Gwenyth Paltrow, and it’s like Sliding Doors or something. She gets into an elevator on the way to work one day and when she comes out, she’s in a parallel universe.
Annika: Interesting. I’ll check that out.
Gabi: Wonderful! Well that was the last of my questions, my friend. Thank you so much for this lovely conversation!
Annika: Of course!
Gabi: Do you have any closing remarks? Anything you want to add before you go?
Annika: The astrological question was tough. Future guests, start preparing now. *laughs* I think that’s it. Thank you so much for inviting me and allowing me to yap about books and romance and life and all things amazing.
Gabi: Of course!
Annika: It was very cathartic. *laughs*
Gabi: I’m glad the newsletter could be of service. *laughs* We’ll talk soon, yeah?
Annika: Yeah! Talk soon. :)
♡
For reading updates and the best of ongoing art exhibits, you can find Annika here:
Dear reader, thank you for joining Annika and I for the last Shelf Diaries of 2024! I hope you enjoyed our conversation and left with a couple new books to check out :)
As always, if you have a creative or writer that you’d love to see featured, let me know in the comments or reply to this email with their social media handles, and I’ll be sure to add them to the list! The lineup for 2025 is shaping up to be great with some amazing creators queued up that I can’t wait to share with you all in the coming months!
Until next time…
xx gabi