Read/Watch/Listen: May 2019

Y’all. I survived the spring. It’s officially summer vacation 😎 (Of course, “summer vacation” to me means working one job instead of two, but still.) I’m also officially 31, which for some reason feels a lot older than 30. Case in point: when I go to a show now, my ears ring for 2-3 days afterwards 😳 Do I just give in and become THAT person with ear plugs? Do cool ones exist so the 17-year-old version of myself isn’t totally mortified? #halp

Read

Fan Girl by Rainbow Rowell

YA fiction makes me the happiest these days. It’s so much more swoon-worthy than new adult fiction. It also makes me nostalgic because I met MPR when I was 18, so I automatically see bits of our story in all books and movies that center around teens and young 20-somethings. But I digress. I’m a sucker for a coming-of-age story. I love to cheer characters on and applaud their personal growth. I love to imagine where the characters go and what they do after the last sentence of the last chapter on the last page. Rainbow Rowell is good at ending stories in a way that doesn’t tie everything up in a perfect bow, but gives you confidence that all the characters are going to be okay. Fun fact: Rainbow Rowell wrote this book as a passion project during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). So if you’ve ever thought about giving it a shot – I say GO FOR IT!

This “review” was vague, but I give it 4/5 ⭐️ A great college nerd love story that also tackles some heavy family issues. (Disclaimer: I also probably loved this book because the dad works at an advertising agency.)

Watch

Dead to Me on Netflix

MPR and I blew through this first season in one week. Maybe 10 days, tops. Christina Applegate is AMAZING in this dark comedy/suspense about the murder of her husband. And let’s not forget Linda Cardellini, who was the girl we all HATED in Boy Meets World, but then won my heart in Freaks and Geeks. (Side note: If you have not seen Freaks and Geeks, add this to your list pronto.) It was just renewed for season 2, so dive in without worry of being left on an unfinished cliffhanger.

Aladdin

Yup, we went to see the new Aladdin on opening weekend. And it was MAGICAL ✨ Disney did a fantastic job of bringing this classic animated film to life. It stayed true to the original story, yet added some 2019 #feminism upgrades that felt natural – including a new song for Jasmine. And Will Smith did an excellent job with the role of Genie, who had some very big shoes to fill, to say the least. Go see it in the theaters – it’s worth it 🍿

Listen

Young Culture

We went to a very small show at the new Amos’ Southend for Seaway, Free Throw, Heart Attack Man and Young Culture. This was one of those rare shows that I went into with no knowledge of any of the bands (MPR randomly bought tickets) and while it was a good time, Young Culture was my absolute favorite. And NOT just because they’re from Albany, NY! (Which of course we bonded over.) Pop-punk bops at their finest. Give them a stream. (Also, Heart Attack Man has some serious 90s grunge vibes, so if that’s your scene, give them a listen.)

Songs that Saved My Life

Also late to the party on this one (guess that’s the new normal when you hit 30), but Hopeless Records put out a compilation cover album (think: Punk Goes Pop) to benefit mental health awareness and suicide prevention. And that album is good in and of itself, but there’s also a Spotify playlist by them with around 80 songs that I’m guessing is added to by their staff. The description is: “These are the songs that saved our lives and we will be adding more each and every day! Tweet or post yours with the hashtag #SongsThatSavedMyLife.” SOLID playlist. The next time you’re not sure what you’re in the mood for, throw this on. Lots of good throwbacks in there, as well as current songs. 🤘

Side note: I’ve also been feeling Neck Deep lately 🌸