Reading, Watching, Listening (May 2019)

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For the last few months my friends and I have complained that we never can never decide what to read/watch/listen to. There’s A LOT out there, but all the choices quickly become overwhelming.

So I thought it would be fun to compile lists (maybe a few times a year?) of some of my favorite recent finds. Plus, I’m trying to find ways to make this blog/website more personal without infringing on my teenagers’ privacy. And who doesn’t love reading, watching, and listening?

If you’re up for it, share your own recs in the comments!

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READING -

(1) Small Fry - Lisa Brennan-Jobs’ memoir about growing up with her famous father is, at times, heartbreaking. But she writes SO WELL that I couldn’t put it down. Plus, it’s fascinating.

(2) Late in the Day - This novel about the friendship between two couples over the years starts off slow. But the plot gradually builds and the end felt like a punch to the gut. I can’t stop thinking about it - and all the ways relationships grow and change throughout time.

(3) My Sister the Serial Killer - At first this binge-read (I finished it in a day) seems like pure pulp (of the best kind). Yet it stuck with me - especially its depiction of the way that society elevates beautiful women, choosing, at times, to disregard who they actually are.

(4) A Terrible Country - The terrible country referenced is Russia and the novel tells the story of an American who moves there to take care of his aging grandmother. It’s a great, easy read.

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LISTENING

(I) Billie Eilish - All the kids are obsessed with Billie (she sold out her Anthem show) and I can see why. She’s weird (really weird) and her songs are quirky and awesome and like nothing I’ve ever heard before.

(2) Beyonce Homecoming - No explanation needed.

(3) Maggie Rogers - I’m totally addicted to this album lately. On constant rotation.

(4) Lizzo - Freya (my daughter) got me hooked on Lizzo. I love how all her songs are about female empowerment. And they’re catchy.

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WATCHING

(1) On My Block, Seasons 1 and 2 (Netflix) - My daughters and all their middle school friends couldn’t stop talking about this show so I figured I needed to give it a try. And I couldn’t stop watching. On My Block’s depiction of kids growing up in a lower income neighborhood is pretty amazing. Sort of like the Wire meets 90210. And totally binge-worthy.

(2) Dead to Me (Netflix) - I can’t even begin to describe this show, with all of its twists and turns. But it’s a really suspenseful take on the nature of grief, friendship, and forgiveness.

(3) Shrill (Hulu) - I loved this comedy about an overweight women discovering her awesomeness. (NOT for kids though).

(4) Derry Girls (Netflix) - Another teen show - this one is about a group of friends growing up during the 90s in Northern Ireland and it’s hilariously funny. Plus, the soundtrack is great.

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So those are my recommendations. What about everyone else? Have you come across anything interesting lately?

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