From time to time, instead of my usual email with one big idea you can read in 3 minutes or less, I share with you the best of what I’m reading, watching, and exploring. Enjoy!
Books
Same as Ever: A Guide to What Never Changes by Morgan Housel. In a world obsessed with the new, Housel turns our attention to the timeless. This book isn’t about chasing trends; it’s a celebration of life’s enduring truths, served up in bite-sized chapters brimming with insight. It’s like having a coffee chat with a friend who always leaves you feeling a bit wiser.
Films
American Fiction. (Amazon Prime | Apple TV+) One of the most creative—and funny—films I’ve seen in a long time. It’s not just recommended. It’s a must-see.
Priscilla. (HBO Max | Amazon Prime) I love Sofia Coppola’s films, and this one about Elvis’s wife was no exception. Priscilla almost got no play in last year’s Baz Luhrmann directed Elvis movie, but here she takes center stage. A teenage Priscilla is groomed and placed in Elvis’s narrative, where she becomes a prisoner in his celebrity. Really well-done.
The Bling Ring. (HBO Max) Apparently, I was on a Coppola kick this month. In this film, she delves into the shockingly true story of a group of teens robbing the homes of the rich and the famous in LA. A fascinating and unsettling reflection on materialism and fame.
Zodiac. (Paramount+) A gripping thriller based on the true story of a serial killer who terrified the San Francisco Bay Area. (Here’s a bit of trivia: The director David Fincher, known for his obsessive attention to detail, thought Jake Gyllenhaal’s hands were too pretty in the film so he digitally added hair to them in post-production).
Saltburn. (Amazon Prime) Brilliant, amusing, and disturbing all at once. There’s something in this comedy-drama that will make just about everyone uncomfortable.
Podcast series
The Witch Trials of JK Rowling. This audio documentary takes a deep dive into the controversies surrounding one of the literary world’s most prominent figures. A fascinating and nuanced exploration of cancel culture.
Music
Gajumaru (Acoustic) by Yaima. Slow and stunning, with brilliant lyrics.
Related
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