Reading, Watching, Listening (June 2020)
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READING*
The Night Circus - When the pandemic started I requested favorite book recommendations through facebook and a friend mentioned The Night Circus (if you’re wondering who this friend is - check out her amazing book boxes here). The plot is pure fantasy and magic and the descriptions of the circus are so beautiful that I found it the perfect book to escape from everything. Seriously, can you imagine going to a circus and climbing through a maze of clouds?
Followers - A fictional novel about what “fame” and “success” mean in an instagram world and what it could mean 50 or so years from now. Okay, so my description makes this book sound boring - but Followers is a great binge-read (I couldn’t put it down) with tons of plot twists. Plus, who doesn’t love a book where one of the main characters is named Floss?
Trust Exercises - I’ll be honest, I did not enjoy reading this book. The characters are unlikable. But the end hit me like a brick and even though I finished reading it 4 or 5 months ago I can’t stop thinking about it. And about how the world treats teenage girls. And how this is not okay.
Sabrina and Corina - Short stories about Latina girls growing up in Denver. So well-written - each character comes to life.
Women’s Work - I loved Megan Stack’s first book, Every Man in this Village is a Liar. And this follow up did not disappoint. It’s a memoir about the support networks several working women need/rely on. And how those support networks become part of one’s life in expected and unexpected ways. It’s also about womanhood and parenting. And money. And social class. And how interconnected everything is.
Coming to My Senses: The Making of a Counterculture Cook - I watched Alice Waters’ Master Class and became a little obsessed with her (I hope to one day eat at Chez Panisse), hence leading me to read her autobiography, which was fascinating, even if you’re not an Alice Waters fan. I loved how she talked about growing up in the 1950s and how life’s seemingly arbitrary choices helped her to find her passion (food).
** I’m embarrassed that their aren’t any books by black authors on this list, especially in light of recent events. That being said, PLEASE check out my previous Reading, Watching, Listening posts - where several black authors are represented (1/2 of the books in March’s post are by black female authors).
WATCHING
Normal People (hulu)- I read this book last year and, while I liked it, I didn’t love it (I did, however, LOVE, Sally Roony’s First Novel - Conversations with Friends), so I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about the TV show/miniseries. But I liked the show even more than the book (how rare is that?). The characters seem so real and alive. Though, DO NOT WATCH THIS WITH KIDS, the sex scenes are graphic. Super graphic. But, also incredibly loving and believable.
Dead to Me - Season 2 (netflix) - Everyone should watch this comedy. The plot is somewhat crazy and unbelievable but the friendship between the two main female characters is real (total Bechdel Test winner). Plus it’s funny.
Insecure - Season 4 (hbo). This is one of my favorite shows on TV (yet another show that centers on women’s friendships). Who doesn’t want to be best friends with Issa Rae? And Season 4 is the season I’ve really wanted (though, if you haven’t watched the show yet, I’d suggest starting from the beginning). I could watch Episode 8 over and over again (and probably will).
Ozark - Season 3 (netflix). This show (about a family who “accidentally” becomes indebted to a Mexican drug lord and moves to the Ozarks) starts dark. I found seasons 1 and 2 to be nerve-wreckingly hard to watch. And season 3 is dark as well, but the characters keep getting more complicated and surprising. I can’t wait to see what Season 4 brings.
White Lines - Season 1 (netflix). Dan and I stumbled upon this show and made fun of every episode (the editing is terrible, the characters are (for the most part) horrible people, the plot has holes). But maybe because it takes place is Ibiza (total travel lust) or maybe because Boxer is sort of irresistible (the club bouncer/love interest) or maybe because it is a mystery (who killed Axel?) or PROBABLY because I was bored - I kind of liked it. Sometimes it’s fun to watch a show and make fun of it at the same time.
The Half of It (netflix) - Usually I find Netflix teen movies laughably bad (they remind me of old after school specials with horrible cinematography and generic, predictable characters), but this modern day take on Cyrano de Bergerac was wonderful. I’m still a little in shock about how much I liked it.
LISTENING
I haven’t listened to a lot of new music lately, probably because I’m working less. But here are some things I’ve liked.
On another note, I didn’t realize this until tonight, but all the artists I’ve loved lately seem to look the same. Seriously, how weird is that?
Ben Howard - I can’t stop listening to Ben Howard lately as his songs make me happy. Whenever I hear Old Pine I want to throw the kids in the minivan and camp. Plus, I love the phrase “so happy hearted” and plan to incorporate it in everyday conversation.
If you are a fan, this Smiths’ covers playlist on Spotify will make you smile.
Dope Lemon - I recently discovered this band through Angus & Julia Stone and now they are on constant replay. Especially Streets of Your Town.
Group Love’s new album is loud and fun and helps me block the world out.
Tallest Man on Earth’s livestreams on Youtube got me through the quarantine.
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So those are my recommendations. What about everyone else? Have you come across anything interesting lately?
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