‘Cherry Baby’ by Rainbow Rowell: Book Review

On By Amy Lordan-TrippIn BooksLeave a comment

I devoured Candy Baby. Rainbow Rowell is one of my favorite authors, whether she’s writing young adult, comics, or adult. Cherry Baby falls decidedly into the adult category. It can be deliciously spicy! And in this case, the spice includes a gorgeous, self-proclaimed fat girl, with an enviable wardrobe.

Cherry’s life gets turned upside down when her husband’s webcomic becomes an international hit in print. And then becomes a movie! He’s spending all his time in Los Angeles while Cherry is in Omaha with “his” dog, Stevie Nicks. Things go awry and Cherry finds herself separated and on the road to divorce. But then her dashing college crush, Russ, appears!

Rowell does a great job of navigating body positivity and what it’s like to be a fat person in our new Ozempic world.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

Publication Date: April 14, 2026

New Single From Burned As Witches

On By Amy Lordan-TrippIn MusicLeave a comment

That’s right! Burned As Witches, the side project of Ash drummer Rick McMurray, has released a banging new single entitled “Hold Your Nerve.” It’s from the forthcoming self-titled album due out April 17. For tour dates and to sign up for the mailing list, visit the Burned As Witches website. The video, directed by Anthony Neale, is a fun one with Ash’s Mark Hamilton as “The Reaper Cop.”

Bandcamp Friday Picks: March 2026

On By Amy Lordan-TrippIn Music, Pop CultureLeave a comment

It’s another Bandcamp Friday! That means Bandcamp waives their revenue share and passes the funds directly to artists and labels. It’s one of the best ways to support those artists you love. According to Bandcamp, over $120 million has gone directly to labels and musicians since Bandcamp Friday’s inception in 2020.

Here are my picks for this Bandcamp Friday:

  • Black Cross Hotel – “Rebel Yell” The Chicago outfit brings an industrial/darkwave flare to the Billy Idol classic.
  • Various Artists – HELP (2) This all-star compilation from War Child Records features Pulp, The Last Dinner Party, Depeche Mode, Blur, Beth Gibbons, and so many more greats. Your purchase supports humanitarian efforts in Gaza, Yemen, Ukraine, and Sudan.
  • Yeah Everything – Better Than I Remember EP Infectious indie rock from New Hampshire.
  • The Early Years – Modern Moonlight (Pre-order) Soaring British rock. Echoes of Embrace but with a modern, electronic breadth.
  • Ora Cogan – Hard Hearted Woman (Pre-order) Cogan’s debut for Sacred Bones Records. It’s got a baroque-folk-gothic vibe. I’m quite in love with the track “Division.”
  • The Cybertronic Spree – ANYTHING! This Canadian band had the catalytic converter stolen out of their touring RV. They are serious fun.
  • Good Day Father – “Sonic Amadea” I am completely obsessed with this gorgeous single by Brian Futter of Catherine Wheel with Tanya Donelly of Belly. It’s exactly what you’d want from the two.