An update + a new Reading with Rachel cycle

Dear Listener,

I’m writing today with some very difficult news and to announce a new Reading with Rachel cycle. 

Two months ago my middle son became quite ill, was admitted to the hospital, and, after a few weeks, diagnosed with stage IV Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare soft-tissue cancer. He is now living with me in New York City and undergoing intensive chemotherapy. The past few months have been a black hole of fear and grief.

Some of the very few books I kept with my on my recent move.

This is why you haven’t heard from me in a while and why there hasn't been a new Commonplace episode since early July. I hope to release a new episode soon, starting with an episode I recorded last December with photographer Lois Conner, and then a few more episodes recorded as part of the last cycle of Reading with Rachel, including episodes with Sabrina Orah Mark, Eugenia Leigh, and Laynie Browne (and possibly one on SoundMachine). 

Thank you for your patience and understanding as I navigate this new terrain. 

In much happier news, I wanted to let you know that I’ve decided to run a second cycle of Reading With Rachel. Because of my difficult year ahead, I've decided that this cycle of RwR will only be 10 months, and instead of focusing on new books, I'm going to return to books and authors I consider essential companions. Books I adore, through and through. Some of the very few books I kept with me on my recent move.

The first session is coming up soon—October 6th! If you'd like to sign up please complete the Google form here. You can sign up for one session or all; here's how the pricing works:

• Listening only: $60/session or $400 for all 10 listener-only sessions (paid in advance) 

• Listening & Making: $80/session or $600 for all 10 maker sessions (paid in advance)

• Specials, Discounts & Compassionate Capitalism

  • If you attended the first cycle of RwR please deduct $100 from the price of the Listening & Making 10 pack. So, $500 for 10 (or, whatever amount works for you, seriously)

  • No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Please reach out via email if you’d like to join but can’t pay all or any of the suggested price. Partial fee and free seats are available to BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled students, senior citizens, and full-time caregivers, artists and organizers. Please reach out to rachel [at] commonpodcast [dot] com with any questions.

Five books have been confirmed so far—Anne Boyer's Garments Against Women, Eileen Myles’s For Now, Helen DeWitt’s The English Understand Wool, Maira Kalman's Still Life With Remorse, and Claudia Rankine’s Don’t Let Me Be Lonely. I’m waiting to hear back about NourbeSe Philip's She Tries Her Tongue, Maggie Nelson's Jane, and a few others. 

If you have any questions, concerns, or want more details, please respond to this email or write me separately at rachel [at] commonpodcast [dot] com.

I am really looking forward to this second cycle of the class, and hope you will join me for the journey. 

Warmly,

Rachel