BOOK

If you haven’t been living under a rock these past few months, chances are you’ve heard about this book and its impact. This book and its arguments built on antiracism scholarship and activism that people of color have written for generations. This is a must read for all and should be introduced in schools. My college friends and I read this for our book club recently and used the reader’s guide to lead our discussions. While the conversations were difficult and reflective, we’ve decided to use the book as a starting point – rather than an ending point – to reach out and tackle some of the systematic issues at our university.

FILMS

High Note (Amazon – Trailer)

Not entirely sure how to write about this film without getting fired… just kidding, this movie doesn’t represent an assistant’s life at all… But if you’re looking for some romance, music biz drama and a good soundtrack this weekend (seriously, I haven’t stopped listening to Sam Cooke), I would go with this one. Dakota Johnson works day and night to cater to every whim of legendary Tracee Ellis Ross but really dreams of becoming a music producer. She takes up a very talent singer, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and tells him she can help produce his music and make him a star. But of course, nothing is simple in showbiz.

Palm Springs (Hulu – Trailer)

I know this film was shot and created before quarantine, but man, living the same day over and over again is such a vibe right now. An updated Groundhog Day, starring Andy Samberg and the Mother from How I Met Your Mother, Samberg and Cristin Milioti find themselves reliving the day of Milioti’s sister’s wedding, over and over again. Samberg has resolved himself to living in this life, but Milioti is determined to get them out. Here’s my recommendation, get a little drunk or a little high, turn this bad boy on, and start your weekend off right, as a treat.

Under the Riccione Sun (Netflix – Trailer)

Do you miss doing summer activities with other people you’ve just met during vacation? Can’t say this has actually ever happened to me, but boy do I miss having the option. A group of young Italians meet on the beach and form a team for the beach volleyball tournament. They never practice, but somehow crush every game. Their love lives, however, are all over the place, but they’re supportive of one other winning in love! My favorite storylines include a blind guy who likes Star Wars and finds his match, as well as his mother who opens up to a bodyguard. It’s a feel good summer-flick and yes, there are subtitles!

TV SERIES

Fleabag (Amazon Prime)

I know, I know – we’ve all seen Fleabag already and we all think it’s the greatest show since sliced bread. BUT, Phoebe Waller-Bridge is in Season 2 of Broadchurch, so naturally I had to rewatch Fleabag this week. OH MY GOD. What else is there to say about this show that hasn’t already been said, other than this show is perfect? I guess that the rewatch fully solidified Season 2 as my favorite season? Anyway, stop reading this and go watch Fleabag (again).

Tuca & Bertie (Netflix)

This show is like a hug, reaffirming that your feelings are valid and it’s okay to have so many about even the slightest things. They have a supportive adult friendship where they don’t try to change one another, but it’s more of “this is what you want? Okay then let’s figure out how to get it”. They’re at two completely different phases in life, but make it clear there are some things only a bestie can help you through. Oh, and it’s heartfelt – but it’s also FUNNY. Tiffany Haddish and Ali Wong voice our leading ladies and Steve Yuen is Ali’s live-in boyfriend.

PODCASTS

Okay, Now Listen

This episode is titled Okay, Dating is the Ghetto and is that true? Yes. The only place worse than NYC for trying to find someone is… yup, LA! Sylvia and Scottie once again break down the science of these facts. They get into the root of their family units, and how that has molded and influenced the ideals they look for in romance. I was completely read in this ep and hope it speaks to you on some level as well.

Popcorn Bookclub

Two of my friends from college started a podcast and it’s really embarrassing when I’m taking walks and I try to join the conversation about Normal People when they very clearly can’t hear me. Tune in and enjoy as five hilarious women talk about the buzziest books.

Reply All

If you’re sick of US politics (join the club), check out Berkeley high school’s election drama – it’s filled with bribery, hacking, and ballot-stuffing. I don’t know about you, but this is the type of drama I wish my high school had.