BOOK

Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo

The 2019 co-winner of the prestigious Booker Prize, Girl, Woman, Other follows the interconnected lives of Black British families, their struggles, pains, loves, and successes. Poignant, sharp, and witty – I couldn’t put this book down (and that’s not just because I was scrambling to finish it before book club). Loosely connected stories become a beautiful web of womanhood, with an exciting twist at the end that I won’t spoil. This experimental novel reminds us that everyone believes they’re the hero of their own story.

FILMS

Weight of Gold (HBOMax – Trailer)

While this documentary is painful, frustrating and heartbreaking, it is a must watch for everyone. THE WEIGHT OF GOLD discusses the mental health challenges that Olympic athletes face, encourages people to seek help and highlights the need for readily available support. It features accounts from Olympic athletes who share their own struggles with mental health issues, including Michael Phelps, Apolo Ohno, Shaun White, Lolo Jones, Gracie Gold, and Katie Uhlaender. If there is one thing I suggest checking out this weekend, it’s this one because whether you or someone you know struggles with mental health, this will shed light on the important discussions that need to be had.

Holes (Disney+ Trailer)

So, confession, I’ve never actually read the Holes book before. And, quite frankly, I have no desire to, because the movie is so good, I just don’t see how the book doesn’t disappoint me. Perpetually in the wrong place at the wrong time, Shia LeBeouf is sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention center, to spend a few months digging holes. He quickly learns that the warden is clearly looking for something and he and his new friend Zero, are going to find out what it is. A great co-viewing opportunity, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll be so happy that a favorite childhood book not only has a good adaptation, but it stands the test of time.

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (Netflix – Trailer)

Haven’t rec’d a movie that makes me cry in a while so here we go! I’m not going to tell the whole story because it’s three hours long so you’ll just have to trust me – this is one of the greatest Bollywood films of all time. The soundtrack is iconic to the point where I would perform choreographed dances with my cousins at weddings. Above all, it’s a love story about the love we have for our parents, siblings, and partners through thick and thin. Truly if anyone’s ever looking to do a character study on me, this film’s a safe bet.

Peanut Butter Falcon (Amazon Prime – Trailer)

This modern-day Mark Twain movie will make you laugh, cry, and melt your heart. After running away from his nurse, Dakota Johnson, to pursue his dream of becoming a pro wrestler, Zack Gottsagen, a man who has Down syndrome, befriends Shia LaBeouf, an outlaw who becomes his coach and ally. Spoiler alert: Shia even admitted that his favorite on screen kiss was Dakota Johnson.

TV SERIES

Fargo

So I’ve been talking in a Minnesotan accent for the past week and nothing can stop me. I know I’m a little late to the game with this show but it’s all I’ve been watching this week and I can’t wait to finish tonight. Based on the film of the same name in atmosphere, style and location only, Billy Bob Thornton brings trouble to a small town and influences Martin Freeman into murder. It’s filled with dark humor and odd twists, doncha know.

Dating Around

Have you ever wanted to go on a blind date but not actually? Then this is perfect for you. Two seasons are out, the first set in NYC and second in New Orleans. Each episode, one person goes on five blind dates. At the end, they get to choose who they’d like to go on a second date with. It makes me feel like I’m not missing the dating scene because I can be a bystander to other peoples romantic journeys while I continue to isolate, which is great! I’m fine, I promise!

PODCASTS

Noble Blood (The Red Paint on Leopold II)

Colonization, as we all know, is terrible, but it’s usually pretty whitewashed when you’re learning about it in a classroom. Relearn your history as host, Dana Schwartz, tells the story of Leopold II, King of the Belgians and the decades of horror he unleashed on the Congo’s inhabitants.