Welcome to our first official book club. We want to read stories that make us think, that move us, that raise complex questions, that open up important conversations. We want to read books that we can’t wait to talk about with you—virtually (tune in here), on social (join our new Facebook group), and we hope in person someday soon.
Why We Chose It
Kate Baer has written a genius (number one New York Times–bestselling) debut poetry collection
about what it means to be a woman and the different roles we play, from partner to mother to friend. It is
both accessible and deeply affecting. Poetry virgins welcome: This book will pick you up wherever you are
and take you on a fast but memorable journey. You will laugh, cry, see yourself, feel in your body, and
think about the world differently afterward. What Kind of Woman is clever, honest, beautiful. The
kind of book you screenshot and send to your text chain to discuss passages about dating, weddings, wild
nights from years past, diet culture, raising children, and the portrayal of women in the media.
Start by reading one of our favorite
poems and then pick up a copy of the collection from your local bookstore or find more retailers
selling it here. While you’re waiting for your book to arrive, follow
Baer on
Instagram, where she posts
poems in response to idiotic DMs, using only words from the DM. Incredible.
Live Chat
Monday, February 1,
4–4:45 p.m. PT
Our wellness director will be chatting with Baer and then opening up the conversation to take questions from the group.
About the Author
Kate Baer is a writer and poet based on the East Coast. Her work has regularly been featured on Joanna Goddard’s Cup of Jo, Romper, and Huffington Post. What Kind of Woman is her first book.
A Q&A with KATE BAER
When did you know you were writing a poetry collection?
I was probably thirty poems deep when I realized something tangible was happening. At first it was just a little love affair, cheating on my novel to feel something. And then eventually it became a full-blown relationship.
How often do you read poetry? Do you have any recent or longtime favorite poets or collections?
I read poetry every day! It’s so meditative and jolting at the same time, kind of like taking a shot of whiskey. First you get that whole-body punch, followed by the loosening of the limbs. Longtime favorites include Mary Oliver, Audre Lorde, Mary Ruefle, Maya Angelou. Newer favorites are Ross Gay, Olivia Gatwood, Leila Chatti.
Who brings you joy on Instagram?
Stephanie Yeboah, Katie Sturino, and Danny Pellegrino bring me a lot of joy.
Tell us something you appreciate about Hummelstown, Pennsylvania.
I cried for weeks when we first moved to this small town. It felt so sleepy and lackluster compared to a bustling city. And then one evening I heard a huge racket outside and walked out my front door to a Halloween parade. I’d totally forgotten about the holiday, and suddenly there were floats and the high school band and all sorts of dance troupes in the street. Ten years later, I’m still finding that kind of unexpected magic. It’s there if you look.
A LOOK BACK AT OUR PREVIOUS PICKS
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INVITE YOUR FRIENDS TO JOIN
Share what you’re reading, tag us @goop and #goopbookclub, send a book to someone to say you’re thinking of them, and tap your crew to connect with us in our new book club Facebook group. Talk soon.
We hope you enjoy the books recommended here. Our goal is to suggest only things we love and think you might, as well. We also like transparency, so, full disclosure: We may collect a share of sales or other compensation if you purchase through the external links on this page.