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
Finding Me by Viola Davis. An exceptional memoir, best consumed in audio form, narrated by the Oscar-winning actress herself. In the book, as Davis writes, “you will meet a little girl named Viola who ran from her past until she made a life-changing decision to stop running forever.” I have to admit: Parts of the book were so heart-wrenching that I had to stop listening and take some time before picking it back up. One of the most honest and inspiring memoirs I’ve ever read.
Films
BlackBerry. (Amazon Prime | Apple TV+) A surprisingly good film about the rise and fall of the tech company that produced the BlackBerry. (I felt a little guilty watching it within arm’s reach of my iPhone that was responsible for BlackBerry’s demise). If you liked The Social Network, you’ll also enjoy this.
Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret. (Amazon Prime | Apple TV+) A coming-of-age film that felt like a big, warm hug. It’s raw, awkward, moving, and funny, with incredible performances (particularly from Rachel McAdams who, in a fair world, would get an Oscar nomination for this one).
Shows
Beef. (Netflix) I loved this weirdly compelling show about two people whose lives become intertwined after they get into a road rage incident. Ali Wong and Steven Yeun are brilliant.
Yellowjackets Season 2. (Showtime | Amazon Prime) The second season of this show—about a team of high school soccer players who survive a plane crash—definitely increases the volume on the horror element. Aside from a clumsily written final few episodes, I loved the second season as much as the first.
Platonic. (Apple TV+) Witty and delightful relationship comedy. Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen are the perfect on-screen pair.
Music
Wet Tennis by Sofi Tukker. This album is stunning from start to finish. In terms of feel, think summertime dance party. Some of my favorite songs include “Sun Came Up”, “Forgive Me”, “Original Sin”, and “Summer in New York”.