A shorter update for you this month as most of February was spent dealing with paperwork and preparing for various trips. I hope you enjoy this month’s recs!
books.
let the record show I did not crack a book open until the 17th, and I finished both of these in the wee hours of the 29th. got ‘em in right under the wire!
Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez. I am a huge fan of Xochitl Gonzalez’ newsletter Brooklyn Everywhere and can see a lot of elements from that in her debut novel from 2021. She’s a great writer and while I feel like Olga Dies Dreaming was a solid debut, I also think it was trying to do too much. There’s family dynamics, natural disasters, politicians and blackmail, LGBTQ+ issues, Puerto Rico, gentrification, racism, harassment…the list goes on and it becomes a lot to parse through as you’re reading. Gonzalez’ second book comes out this year and I’m looking forward to seeing how it compares.
One Woman Show by Christine Coulson. I wish I could remember where I first learned of this book so I could give proper credit, because this book was very cool. A novel told through museum labels, I was initially confused about how it would work but quickly got into it. You lose some of the depth of a full novel, but I thought the format was very interesting and enjoyed how fast it was to read.
2024 book tally to date: 5
all the book links are affiliate links through bookshop.org so if you use them to make a purchase I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, and you will be supporting independent booksellers. for the first half of the year I am supporting Bluestockings, a cooperative bookstore and activist center in NYC. you can see my full list of 2024 reads here.
movies.
Do you ever watch a movie and think “I’m glad I watched that but I don’t ever need to see it again?” That was Hotel Rwanda for me in 2005 and this year it was The Zone of Interest. The movie tells the story of the domestic life of Rudolf Hess, commandant of Auschwitz, and his wife Hedwig. It’s an intense watch and one that might leave you in a weird headspace after, but there’s no arguing it’s a well-made film. Was it necessary to make? That’s open to debate. in theaters
other things I watched:
I recently discovered 10 Things I Hate About You is on Hulu and so obviously had to watch. I sure do love that movie and can still recite almost all of it. hulu
tv shows.
At the recommendation of multiple friends I watched the first season of Made In Heaven and absolutely loved it. The show covers so many societal and cultural touchpoints of India, all told through the lens of the wedding being featured in each episode, and the cast is spectacular. I just started season 2 and am fully invested once again. prime video
podcasts.
Ava DuVernay Illuminates America’s Caste System with ‘Origin’* [Fresh Air] — I have loved listening to Ava’s interviews about bringing ‘Origin’ to life.
Modi’s temple grandstanding* [Today, Explained] — a look at the history of the Ayodhya site, how Modi’s push to remake India as a Hindu state is coming to fruition, and why that’s dangerous.
Tracee Ellis Ross [Fresh Air] — any interview with Tracee Ellis Ross is a gem, and this one is no exception.
A Special Conversation with Cord Jefferson [Vibe Check] — Sam talks to Cord about adapting American Fiction for the big screen and the importance and impact of Black representation. An excellent listen.
Hey, Sis: featuring Audie Cornish [Vibe Check] — I love Sam Sanders and Audie Cornish’s friendship, and any time I get to listen to them in conversation I know it’s going to be good.
The Sunday Story: Tiny Desk, Big Stage [Up First] — loved listening to this story of how Tiny Desk got its start and how it has evolved over the years.
Green Day - Basket Case [Song Exploder] — I needed a moment to adjust to the fact that this song came out THIRTY YEARS AGO; once I processed that, this episode was such fun to listen to. Will forever have a crush on Billie Joe Armstrong.
What Makes a Football Movie Great? [Consider This] — this was a fun listen, especially if you enjoy sports movies as I do. And now I need to rewatch Remember the Titans.
The hidden world of stadium deals | Good Sport* [TED Talks Daily] — I found this fascinating because I have long wondered at the deals brokered between towns and teams to build stadiums and what kind of impact they can have on cities.
The Sunday Story: More Than Friends [Up First] — a look at what happens when you reimagine life with friendships at the center.
Mix messages: Listeners share the songs that say ‘I’ve got a crush on you’ [All Songs Considered] — it was so fun to listen to what people put on mix tapes / cds / playlists to convey their feelings to others. Thank you Dillard for the recommendation!
Keeping Democracy Intact with Nikole Hannah-Jones* [The Amendment] — new series alert! I’m enjoying this one so far, and especially this interview with Nikole Hannah-Jones about the importance of free press and journalism in our democracy.
When you inform women, you transform lives | Paige Alexander* [TED Talks Daily] — the title of the episode really says it all.
The Alabama Ruling That Could Stop Families From Having Kids* [The Daily] — this latest ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court is horrendous, and this episode looks at what the lasting repercussions will be. ny times gift link
‘Creed’ Live from Philly [The Rewatchables] — if you’re like me and you loved Creed, then you’ll love this episode.
Paging Dr. Gupta: What You Need to Know about the Alabama IVF Ruling* [Chasing Life] — Sanjay Gupta speaks to Dr. Eve Feinberg about the implications of the Alabama IVF decision.
How to Have the Hardest Conversations — in Marriage, Politics, and Life [Plain English with Derek Thompson] — some good tips in here for how to navigate difficult conversations without compromising relationships.
Jeffrey Wright, From ‘Basquiat’ to ‘American Fiction’ [Fresh Air] — just a wonderful conversation with a lovely man.
Re-issue: Arlo Parks - Black Dog [Song Exploder] — loved having a chance to listen to this episode again.
*my “if you only listen to one” recommendations
music.
I have been loving this sweater weather instrumental playlist, especially when I’m working on blog posts and/or job applications.
Once again the Ranga and Ryan Show 2024 playlist kept me company while I was writing our India recap posts.
recipes.
February was cold and called for soup, and one of my favorites is this instant pot chicken tortilla soup. It’s super easy and makes lots of leftovers, so I was able to put some in the freezer to keep for later. damn delicious
I was craving egg masala one day and as always Tejal Rao’s recipe delivered. It’s quick and delicious, and it fed me and Maggie for multiple meals. nyt cooking gift link
shopping.
My trusty electronic toothbrush finally gave up the fight after 8 years so I upgraded to…essentially the same one but a newer version. There were some adjustments to be made but mostly the new Sonicare and I are getting along okay. amazon affiliate link
It was also time for a new pair of Tevas, and the Hurricane Xlt2s came highly recommended by Sarah, so I got a new pair ahead of my trip to New Mexico and they are amazing. They don’t need any break-in time, they fit beautifully, and I am already obsessed. amazon affiliate link
One of my favorite things to do after visiting a national park is peruse Amber Share’s Subpar Parks shop to see what her design for that park is. After my recent trip I bought postcards from Carlsbad Caverns, Guadalupe Mountains, and White Sands National Parks, and I got prints from the last two as well. She also has stickers!
articles + other links.
My friend Chrystal shares her advice for those who are beginning their college search. forbes
^ on the importance of access to public spaces. culture study
^
started a substack to share his music and I am over the moon about it and everyone should go subscribe to it. notations of a soulThee Sacred Souls Tiny Desk concert is a lovely watch/listen. youtube
Which of these $1.3 million California homes would you choose? It’s the bungalow for me. ny times gift link
The life and death of the American Mall. atlas obscura via
This Modern Love column is beautiful. ny times gift link via anne helen petersen
other things I wrote:
three weeks in india, a quick recap
the journey to coimbatore
the bombay days
beaching it up in goa
hoofing it around hampi
february 2024 photos
Happy March and happy almost spring!
xx
LET'S GO GRIZZZZZZ