👀 u bored, bae?! read, watch and do THIS
I've just found the book of the year
Good evening townsfolk,
How are you, huntinis?
Let me begin by thanking all those who contributed to last week’s ‘how to survive the flight to europe’ guide. It was like a non-traumatic group project… a feat I previously considered out of reach for the homosapien species.
Your positive response has set this CEO alight. Now, I’m on a publishing spree! The FROOMESWORLD factory is full steam ahead and content is pouring out of me like it’s 79 AD (Pompeii core). See: this critical investigation into whether the coconut custard bun from Baker’s Delight is any good, lad.
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Tonight, I’m channelling that energy into a collection of classic TOP HAT TIPS. These include a book, a show, an Instagram page and a destination that may or may not be Sydney 😌
Let’s commence.
tip 1: the sydney morning herald photo archives
I like the aesthetics of mundanity. Suburbia, listlessness, trampolines, children eating candy, sprinklers, hot days, cold days with the old ugly heater on. I’m endlessly interested in it, more so than fantasy or big important things. Thus, the Sydney Morning Herald’s archival images Instagram is a pleasure to behold.
pictured: swimmers at Coogee Beach on January 6th, 1964
The olden days scare me, what with their sepia tones. Up until the age of 11, I genuinely thought the world pre-1990 was entirely black and white. I also wondered why people looked so austere in 20th-century portraits. Then I realised they had to sit still for like 20 minutes for the camera to work and I guess it would be pretty hard to hit this one 🤪 for that long unless u were a real freaky bitch.
Thus, a neutral expression akin to a malevolent ghost was the most suitable option.
Facial mimicry played a hand too, no doubt? I figure that’s what accounts for the fact we swapped the head-tilted, mouth-closed, half-smile of 2010 for this:
Aside aside, the SMH archives are a little box of chocolates. They’re photos taken by the staff at the newspaper – so they’re ‘real’ moments. Pre-teens trotting down to Central Station. Two chicks picking out a big leg of ham for Christmas in the CBD. A baby tugging on mummy’s dress as she considers a painting at the Art Gallery of NSW. I’m so titillated by them.
tip 2: stinkbug by sinéad stubbins
It’s official: this is my pick for Book Of The Year!
It is a fiction numba by Australian writer, Sinéad Stubbins. It follows a protagonist named Edith forced to go on a work retreat that goes awry. Stubbins’ writing is precise and funny, her characters so believable. You’d likely relate to it if you’ve ever worked at a media agency, an office environment or any workplace that insists on calling employees “family” (FROOMESWORLD HR department is quaking…).
My favourite theme in the book was the sensation of being misunderstood. Not in a Girl, Interrupted way, but more in a “that didn’t come out right” way. Like when you say something that doesn’t land and everyone hits you with this 👁️👄👁️ and no amount of backtracking will dissuade them from thinking you are a morally reprehensible individual.
That’s kinda what happens to her, but it just compounds and compounds. This book is sharp like a diamond, and my promoting it is partially selfish … I feel in my jubblies that this will be a hit and I wanna be ahead of the curveball with a recco 🤪
Get your copy how you like it, here. I’ve already gifted copies to three friends and I’m awaiting their feedback – would be mint for a book club.
tip 4: sydney itself
I sincerely assert that Sydney is the best city in the world. I wrote an ultimate weekender guide to the city in 2023. So, when Destination NSW asked me to be an ‘icon of culture’ (no lessssss) in their 2025 tourism campaign, I leapt, screeched, yeeted etc etc.
I was sacktapped alongside Olympian Jess Fox, beer barons The Inspired Unemployed, ultra-marathon runner Nedd Brockmann, ARIA-winning musician Budjerah and chef Dan Hong, to represent our city. Goals lad.
Part of my remit was to create a itinerary for the Sydney-curious. My tips include a sxc hotel stay, the best bar in town, an underwater activity (ocean swim adjacent à la my Downbaditis investigation in The Guardian last week…) and a backstage tour I love. Check them out. Pleased with that.
Finito, luvs. Perhaps I’ll see you next week… or perhaps I’ll be too busy snorkelling for my own pleasure, as opposed to the omnipresent gaze of my imaginary admirers!
Ta ta now,
Frooooooomes
Labelling a modern pic as colourised has me GAGGED.
Can’t wait to read stinkbug 🙂↕️
was bored, now reading stinkbug a la kindle ty froomy