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Vanessa Labi's avatar

Loved this so much. I consumed a lot of the same culture. Can’t stop reading analyses of “The Curse” finale.

Also, TBA’s appearance on The Daily where she broke down the appeal and influence of Taylor Swift helped me “get it.” I don’t think I fall into the hipster category you described, but as someone who doesn’t vibe with her sound, I’ve kinda been like huh, wonder what the big deal is. I feel like I get it more now!

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Rachel Leibrock's avatar

I don't always vibe with T.Swift's sound either, but I really appreciate her as an artist and person. :) Also, The Curse is still haunting me!

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Evan Myquest (Mike West)'s avatar

Terrific narrative memoir, Rachel. My connection with 'Desperately' is after watching it, I said to myself that plot is straight out of my friend and mentor, Kate Wilhelm's book _Oh Susanna_. Sure enough there was a lawsuit in '85. I don't think the settlement was made public.

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Rachel Leibrock's avatar

Ah, interesting! I will have to check out the book if I can find a copy.

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David Watts Barton's avatar

Good to know what you've been up to. Writing is important, but without LIVING, not so...

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Rachel Leibrock's avatar

Thank you, David!

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Jan Haag's avatar

Such a good piece, Rachel... here's to more thrifting finds and joys, music and writing/revising. (It is TOO writing, I tell people who raise an eyebrow.) I also loved Melissa Febos's "Body Work" (met her and Donika Kelly at the Pt. Townsend Writers Workshop this summer, too) and Maggie Smith's memoir. Hugs for 2024!

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Rachel Leibrock's avatar

Hugs to you, too!

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Corinne Litchfield's avatar

Oh, this is a good reframing exercise: was the year bad, or tough? Will sit with that one for a bit.

Looking forward to reading more from you, whatever that may be.

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Rachel Leibrock's avatar

I'm still sitting with it myself! <3

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Sarah Stevenson's avatar

It WAS a tough year, and it did go fast.

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Rachel Leibrock's avatar

In the blink of an eye...

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