Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll

Not sure what day it is anymore, but I’ve officially started reading thrillers with the word ‘girl’ in the title again. The enjoyment from this novel really comes from not knowing anything, so I’ll keep this brief. Alternating between different time periods, Ani FaNelli’s perfect life slowly begins to crack, revealing secrets Ani had thought she’d long since forgotten about. Knoll is an incredible writer, keeping you on the edge of your seat until you flip the final page. It came out a few years ago, but if you haven’t given it a read, you absolutely should.

Classic: Casablanca (Amazon)

This is one of those movies that you’ve claimed you’ve seen but haven’t. Casablanca is a perfect example of classical Hollywood style. The film is set during WWII before Pearl Harbor and prior to America’s decision to enter the war. Humphrey Borgart, a lonely bar owner and ex-patriot, reconnects with the love of his life, but ultimately must choose whether to be with her or to do what’s best for humanity. And remember, whenever you’re feeling down, we’ll always have Paris.

Comedy: What a Girl Wants(Amazon or I have the DVD and I can lend it to you)

Whether you’ve seen it a million times like us, or you’ve never seen it (??), What a Girl Wants is a time portal to the early 2000s with its fashion, soundtrack, and unforgettable one-liners. Amanda Bynes, a free spirited 17-year-old New Yorker, travels to London to find her long-lost father, Colin Firth. Undaunted, Amanda dives into Colin’s proper political lifestyle. If anyone reading this happens to know where/what heartthrob Oliver James (Ian) is up to, I have a lot of questions but mostly, why fit in when you were born to stand out?

Romance: Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging (Amazon)

In honor of Georgia Groome’s pregnancy announcement, it’s time to watch her greatest film to date. Based on the novels, the film follows Georgia Nicholson as she navigates friendships, boys, and growing up. Not only is the film one of the more authentic teen-coms, but the soundtrack is absolutely killer. Directed by Bend it like Beckham’s Gurinder Chadaha, precocious teens, hilarious lines, and a heartwarming story about a girl figuring out who she is.

Misfits (Hulu)

One of my more visceral memories from high school is describing this show to some friends at IHOP after the school musical. After a freak electrical storm, five delinquent teens forced to do community service find they (and a few other people) have superpowers (no, really). Starring some of your favorites: Robert Sheehan (Umbrella Academy), Iwan Rheon (yeah, Ramsay from Game of Thrones), and Antonia Thomas (Lovesick), this show will have you laughing and crying and asking yourself what the f*ck you’re watching. Pro-tip, you only need to watch the first two seasons.

Insecure (HBO Go)

As season 4 of this delightful LA series begins this week, I implore you, please catch up if you haven’t already been watching. Issa Rae and Yvonne Orji take us through the trials and tribulations of millennial Black woman in South LA just doing their damn best to get things right for themselves. This series includes their beautifully varied and comedic friend group as well as an inspiring, mostly flawed, list of ex-lovers.

Shakespeare & The Plague

A history and English lesson for the price of one short audio recording! Full disclosure, I’m a huge Shakespeare nerd (shocker), BUT even if you’re not I think you’ll enjoy this brief history lesson. Listen to James Shapiro (I’m sure your English teacher has referenced his writings) and host Robin Young discuss the bubonic plague’s effect on William Shakespeare’s writing.

don’t let the muggles get you down (Madison)

In honor of Georgia and her partner, Rupert Grint’s, baby announcement this past weekend – a playlist inspired by one of our favorite Weasleys

Singalongdong (Jacqueline)

I’ve never done so many dishes in my life so I decided to make a singalong playlist to make it go by faster (warning: don’t use knives as microphones)

Mumtaz/Rekha’s apt (Sohany)

Last summer I wrote a play that featured a lovely couple who marries at the end, this is a playlist of songs I imagined they listened to at home.

On nights when my family gives up picking a movie, we turn to these games:

• Codenames or Harry Potter Codenames for Madison and any other HP fanatics
• Settlers of Catan – A classic
• Cranium – Forgot about this gem
• Family Feud – Steve Harvey, we are ready
• Rockband – A serious workout
• Zoom Trivia, Pictionary, Mafia – For when you need new players to mix it up

Send us other game recommendations, I’m tired of my brother beating me at Catan.