Sunday Scribbles #12
October's book club theme will explore medical bias - let's vote!
Thank you for everyone who came to September’s book club session. Cecile Pin joined us to discuss her debut novel Wandering Souls and we spoke about family, immigrant stories and trauma porn within literature. The FBC Paris is going into its fifth year and what a strong start. Over the next 12 months, I’m working on how to welcome more authors to our sessions and how to offer more events where we can come together for a good cause. Thank you to you, the community, without whom this simply wouldn’t work.
For October’s session, your input is required to decide which book we will read. It is a theme that I’ve wanted to explore together for some time. Medical biais is something that has a devastating impact on many: trans bodies, pregnant bodies, older bodies, fat bodies, non-white bodies, and so on. For me personally, it started when I got my period. The message was along the lines of “deal with the pain, pop some Paracetamol if you must, and just get on with it”. That message has stuck with me and required some unlearning as I got older and took more responsibility for my health.
This Washington Post article feels like a great starting point (or refresher) to the topic. Hysteria makes an appearance, because of course it does. We’re women, heaven forbid that we show emotion. Within the article, there’s mention of an egg retrieval process. This has been developed into a podcast by Serial, which I recently listened to and would recommend. I look forward to some of us exploring this subject together and will host an online book club session as well as the in-person event.
Currently…
Managing to read in both French and English (dealing better with fiction right now). Preparing for the puppy, who arrives soon. Making Shakshuka on the weekend. Watching The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart and Deadloch.
Weekend Links
My secret regret at being a mother.
The Mormon Mommy bloggers keep evolving. Join me down the rabbit hole of tradwife creators.
Have you donated to the Revue Version Originale crowdfunding campaign yet? They’re so close to their goal!
“My goal is to be busy living life, not busy being busy.” Poorna Bell has launched a Substack and I’m happy about that.
A Story About Pain (short illustration).
I’m going to finish off that Shakshuka,
Lou xx
A note on The FBC Paris
If you’re new here, welcome! The FBC Paris is a passion project. Read our mission statement.
Follow us on Instagram: this is where you will find out about our monthly book club sessions.
Listen to the podcast: I chat to authors, translators, friends of the book club, and booksellers.
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