Ending the year with great picks.

Watch

Fallout (Amazon Prime)
Perfectly captures the aesthetic of Bethesda’s Fallout games: 1950s USA charm and futurism meets post-nuclear war survival, starring Walton Goggins (Righteous Gemstones, Vice Principals…need-I-say-more?). Great soundtrack, charming characters. A fun watch even if you are not familiar with the games. (Lauren)

Fantasmas (HBO)
Julio Torres is back with another surrealist, eerie and quirky series. Julio’s search for a lost earring (while avoiding other tasks) is interwoven with the stories of other characters he meets through dreamy vignettes. (Claire)

I Think You Should Leave (Netflix)
Depending on your definition of comedy this show may actually be more like horror. Social mishaps and awkward recovery attempts push this show forward. Weird but worth it! (Liz)

Joker: Folie à Deux (Amazon Prime, Apple TV+)
This film was not meant to be a DC comics blockbuster, but instead it’s intended to be a deep exploration of madness, trauma, and codependency. While awaiting trial in Arkham State Hospital, the Joker has seemingly disappeared and only a depressed broken Arthur Fleck remains. When he meets Harleen “Lee” Quinzel, she reignites his mania and the Joker is resurrected – sharp, funny, entertaining, and idolized by thousands. Dance and song sequences are cleverly integrated into the plot to reflect Fleck’s mental state during his dissociative episodes. Gaga and Phoenix give extraordinary, chilling performances. (Tessa)

Powwow Highway
A quirky buddy road trip movie that gives a glimpse into Native American life and perspective in the late 80’s, through the eyes of two guys who grew up on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation together and are on their way to New Mexico to rescue one of their sisters from a wrongful arrest. The acting and writing is really tight, and I was on the edge of my seat towards the end. So many surprising and touching moments, and it turns expected stereotypes on their heads. Follow this up with Smoke Signals if you want to have fun seeing its influence a decade later! (Christie)

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place (Disney+)
After growing up with the original Wizards of Waverly Place I was doubtful about its remake. But it’s so sweet and the new characters are fun and loving, similar to the original series. (Hazel)
Check out our Disney+ Roku to watch. 

W1A (Kanopy)
Classic British cringe TV: a witty satire of the BBC’s Broadcasting House, starring Hugh Bonneville as the Head of Values at the BBC. It’s absurd and light-hearted, with excellent writing and cast. (Lauren)

Read

Bog Myrtle by Sid Sharp
Gorgeous illustrations accompany a witty modern fairy-tale about being nice and respecting labor-rights (and the forest, of course). (Claire)

From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough
Finished after her death by her daughter, Riley, this is an outstanding glimpse at Lisa Marie’s life and who she was. At its core, this book is a heartbreaking and emotional story of a daughter’s endless love for her father, and a mother’s endless love for her children. (Amber)

The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki, translated by Jesse Kirkwood
The Full Moon coffee shop is like no other. It has no fixed location, no menu, doesn’t accept cash or credit, and the staff are talking cats who will also ask to read your horoscope. Combining fantasy with astrology, this charming short novel centers around the idea that if you do good, good comes back to find you. Fans of Michiko Aoyama’s What You Are Looking For Is in the Library will enjoy this story. (Tessa)

Grief Is An Elephant by Tamara Ellis Smith
I was so touched by this picture book. Its description of grief is approachable for kids, but also poignant for adults. Beautiful illustrations too. (Kate H.)

The Haunting of Velkwood by Gwendolyn Kiste
If you are a mood reader who just finished Agatha All Along and want to keep that feeling going, I suggest this haunting meditation of grief, longing, and how we carry our trauma into adulthood. (Ash)

How To Make a Horror Movie and Survive by Craig DiLouie
A jaded director + a cursed movie camera + 80s nostalgia? This is horror novel gold! (Liz)

Mythos by Stephen Fry
I LOVE Greek myths (thanks classics major!) and I LOVE Stephen Fry. His retellings are both accurate and entertaining with his added comical dialogue. (Hazel)

The Paranormal Ranger: A Navajo Investigator’s Search for the Unexplained by Stanley Milford
This memoir of a Navajo Ranger’s experiences with the paranormal is perfect for fans of the X-Files. Milford is an approachable writer with a flair for the mysterious. (Liz)

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
Found this on an “Uplifting” list. It was, by the end, but a lot of hard things happened along the way! Kidd always writes strong, admirable women. (Deb)

The Secret Place by Tana French
Tana French is at it again with her incredibly intimate, psychologically and emotionally compelling mystery series, The Dublin Murder Squad. This book is a murder mystery but dives deep into the mystery and nature of friendship, coming of age, experiences of the sacred and profane, loyalty and love, and the way we learn to build our own personal definitions of all those things. All the flashbacks are written in present-tense third-person, which gives the scenes of the girls at their boarding school the sense that they’re narrated by some omniscient spring goddess. The detective whose perspective we experience the current day from is so outside the world the girls live in, and aware of the distance, that it creates a unique tension as you alternate between him and the girls. Highly recommend! (Christie)

Listen

Behind You Is The Sea by Susan Muaddi Darraj, narrated by Rasha Zamamiri and Ali Nasser
I finished the audiobook in two days! A novel about Palestinian immigrant families in Baltimore, it explores themes of identity, shame, family. Each chapter follows a different character and packs in so much rich detail and feeling. (Kate H.)

The Book Woman’s Daughter by Kim Michele Richardson, narrated by Katie Schorr
Nice sequel…similar themes of prejudice, feminism & justice with a dose of hard-working librarian! (Deb)

The House of Hidden Meanings by RuPaul
This book has everything. RuPaul has such a sweet and charming voice. He chronicles his life from childhood to his rise to fame as a biggest icon in drag today. Full of light-hearted diversions and galvanizing moments in their life, it’s a very nice listen and an interesting, well-told story. (Lauren)

In The Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado, narrated by the author
I’ve been meaning to read this memoir for awhile. It’s definitely intense and all the trigger warnings apply, but it was great to hear it from the author’s voice. Some very powerful moments and use of metaphors to process what life throws the author’s way. (Hazel)

Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller, narrated by January LaVoy
This book masquerades as light and cute, and it is, but it covers weighty topics such as book banning, antisemitism, feminism, slavery and LGBTQ rights, among others. It actually presents these topics in a very down-to-earth, accessible story of a small town in Georgia. You get plenty of opposing viewpoints, but wrapped in a novel, not heavy academia. Highly recommend! (Deb)

This Ain’t The Way You Go Out by Lucy Rose
Lucy Rose wrote this album after recovering from pregnancy-induced osteoporosis. It’s full of refreshing, honest lyrics expressing contradictory emotions — optimism tinted with sadness, dejection alongside wonder — all to the sounds of her jazzy piano. There’s also a remix album with guest dj’s and producers that’s wonderful and funky! (Christie)

What The Dead Know: Learning About Life as a NYC Death Investigator by Barbara Butcher, narrated by the author
[TW: death by suicide, 9/11] This is a fascinating, if occasionally gruesome, look at the work of a death investigator within the NYC Medical Examiner’s office. Intelligent and extremely tough, Ms. Butcher ultimately must come to terms with the daily toll the job places on her well-being, particularly as a person in recovery. (Amber)

Feeling grateful for these great choices.

Watch

Agatha All Along (Disney+)
Who knew that the most layered, and accurate depiction of lesbians on television right now would be from Marvel/Disney? Not me. This show is so thoughtfully made; from the costuming, set design, and of course the writing. I’m obsessed. (Ash) 
Check out our Disney+ Roku to watch. 

Black Widows (Hoopla)
This Finnish crime series features three women in abusive marriages whose husbands are killed in a “mysterious” boat explosion in the first episode. It’s full of surprises and it’s also so much fun to watch a show starring women with the male characters playing mostly secondary roles. (Janet)

I’m Alan Partridge
Steve Coogan is the King of Cringe. I’m on a personal Partrimilgrimage to enjoy every bit of the Alan Partridge content that is out there. I’m Alan Partridge is some of the best works of this character. Alan’s Wikipedia page summarizes himself best, “A parody of British television personalities, Partridge is a tactless and inept broadcaster with an inflated sense of celebrity.” A winning series, and character, for anyone who relishes the feeling of fremdschämen. (Lauren)

Laura
A classic noir from the 40s with a twist. I didn’t love it, but it was really well done and the cinematography is stellar. The film brings up interesting questions about para social relationships that are surprisingly relevant today. (Christie)

The Penguin (Max)
This series is a continuation of Colin Farrell’s character in The Batman. It’s dark (literally and metaphorically) and incredibly well acted: Colin Farrell deserves all the awards. (Amber)
Check out our Max Roku to watch.

Read

Cranberry Cove by Hailey Piper
This atmospheric horror novella combines an abandoned hotel, a crime syndicate and magic rituals gone awry. A great read for a tiny dose of terror. (Liz)

Death At Morning House by Maureen Johnson
Our main character is given a summer job as a tour guide at an old house on a private island. But it has a haunted past, and people start dying. Who is the killer and what really happened all those years ago? This was an excellent, fast paced, sapphic mystery. (Ash)

Diavola by Jennifer Thorne
Perfect for this time of year. The grown up, NYC -based youngest daughter of a dysfunctional family joins her siblings and spouses, parents, and nieces at a villa in Italy for vacation. It’s a horror story, but the main horror is the way the family interacts. It was honestly hard to read, but that means it did its job well. Short and fun, and also a nice escape to Italy! (Christie)

Hope It All Works Out by Reza Farazmand
This graphic novel collects the comics from “Poorly Drawn Lines,” a popular webcomic following Mouse, Snail, Turtle and Bird, among others. Their misguided optimism, sarcasm and tiny animal lives are very relatable. (Liz)

Know My Name: A Memoir by Chanel Miller
This is the story of Chanel Miller, a woman who was sexually assaulted while unconscious by a man known as “The Stanford Swimmer.” It’s a heavy topic, for sure, but such a worthwhile read. The author faced endless indignities in the months leading up to and including the trial against her attacker. That Chanel Miller persisted in her quest for justice makes her a hero in my mind. The author narrates the audiobook, which provides added depth to the experience, but be warned that listening to her read her own Victim Impact Statement is especially heartbreaking. (Janet)

Lone Women by Victor LaValle
I’d read good reviews of this book and was curious to read about homesteading in Montana in 1915- a topic I’d never learned about. The story went in a direction I was not expecting and I didn’t love the fantastical elements. However, the history was fascinating, especially learning about the titular lone women, including Black women, who journeyed to Montana to tame the land. (Dana)

Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All by Chanel Miller
This Young Adult book is about a girl who works in her parents’ laundromat. She leads a fairly humdrum existence until a new friend moves into the neighborhood. Together they explore New York City in an attempt to match lost laundry items with their owners. Such a great premise! While not quite a graphic novel, this book is chock-full of charming and often humorous illustrations. (Janet)

The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates
One of the most prolific writers of our time, Ta-Nehisi Coates delivers profound and insightful observations and reflections in his newest book. This is a must-read for all, especially the youth, who are the most powerful and influential changemakers of our time. (Molly)

Solitaire by Alice Oseman
After watching Heartstopper, it was time for a Alice Oseman re-reading session. This one is all about Tori and friendship and family and mysteries! It’s a dark story, but it has some fun light parts as well. Tori is my favorite Osemanverse character! (Hazel)

Somewhere Beyond The Sea by TJ Klune
AN EXCELLENT sequel to the House in the Cerulean Sea – I honestly liked it better than the first book. Laughs, empathy, and love in spades.  (Renee)

Snotgirl Volume 1: Green Hair Don’t Care by Bryan Lee O’Malley
From the creator of Scott Pilgrim comes a surreal, colorful, wild story about Lottie Person, a fashion blogger with secret allergies. Just bonkers. (Renee)

There’s Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins
Warning: this is an extreme teen slasher! Gorey, gross, surprising, and yes — there’s romance, too! Fast-paced and enjoyable if you like YA fiction in the horror genre. I especially appreciate it touching on themes of otherness and hazing. Good, not great, but worth it if you’re in the mood. (Lauren)

Listen

The Big Dig (podcast)
Pun intended, this podcast covers the long, meandering road of Boston’s Big Dig. It thoroughly discusses the politics, logistics, mishaps, and city planning vision-origins of this massive project that transformed the landscape of our capital city. As a child of the 80s and 90s, I have vivid memories of the Museum of Science’s Big Dig exhibit, and of the drippy, dark underpass that lead you to the North End neighborhood. As an adult, I love sitting on the The Rose Kennedy Greenway with a book and a sfogliatelle (Modern, not Mike’s). I enjoyed learning more from those that contributed to the project and getting a better understanding of how it came to be. A simple, straightforward listen about the complex, convoluted Big Dig. (Lauren)

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson, narrated by Katie Schorr
This story of a 19 year-old coal-miner’s daughter who rides for the Pack Horse Librarians in 1930’s Kentucky was enlightening and infuriating. It induced happy tears and sad tears. It rang true of all the kind-hearted and hard-working Librarians I know, and that’s a bunch! (Deb)

Dear Wendy by Ann Zhao, narrated Ann Zhao, Natalie Naudus, Rebecca Wang, Elaine Wang, Daisy Guevara, Tara Sands, Mx. Nicky Endres, Angel Pean
Take a historically women’s college and add two competing love advice Instagram accounts (both of whom happen to be aro ace) and all the complications that come with college, and it’s a really fun story that incorporates multiple perspectives! (Hazel)

Hopes and Fears by Keane
I kind of hate that the music that reminds me of my college years is turning 20 all of a sudden! I absolutely do not hate the music though, and Keane’s debut album has been in high rotation on my nostalgia playlist. It’s a classic. (Dana)

The Never Game by Jeffrey Deaver, narrated by Kaleo Griffith
I’ve been watching Tracker on TV (So this is a Watch as well as a Listen!) and often like to see how the book compares to the screen. I think overall it was well-done and I appreciate the different choices that the screen folks made from the book. I like Colter. I think readers of the Reacher books by Lee Child would appreciate Colter. I was a little disappointed that of all the theories that may have been the ending, the one that actually was the ending is icky and a little too close to current real-life politics. But that’s just personal preference. (Deb)

Ologies (podcast)
This podcast series has something for everyone. Creator Alie Ward interviews expert-ologists in a wide, wide range of fields. Just a sampling, but I’ve listened to: Coffeeology, Tardigradology, Suicidology, Curiology (Emojis), Misophonology, Neuroendocrinology, Ambystomology (Axolotls!), Psychedeliology, Etymology, Attention-Deficit Neuropsychology, and Disgustology! She covers an insane range of topics, and always sits down with experts in the field. She even has Smologies — family-friendly, shorter episodes! Highly recommend to anyone who is curious about EVERYTHING! (Lauren)

The Only One Left by Riley Sager, narrated by Dawn Harvey and Christine Lakin
Gothic mystery/thriller/ghost story – suitable for late fall – about a young caregiver assigned to care for the town’s notorious, untried, presumed-murderer in a creepy, coastal Maine, cliff house. I Iiked it. I thought of a few twists that didn’t turn out to be the actual twist. But in the end, some of the twists were almost so twisty I no longer believed anyone’s version of events. (Deb)

Who Could That Be at This Hour? by Lemony Snicket, narrated by Liam Aiken
Did you know there were prequels to A Series of Unfortunate Events? I didn’t! This first book follows Lemony Snicket (the character!) during his childhood as he becomes entangled in a small town’s many mysteries. I love a good prequel, and I’m having tons of fun picking up on all the references to the original series. And of course Snicket’s unique brand of dry humor is always a treat. (Rachel)

Get chills with these great suggestions!

Watch

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (in theaters)
Am I late to the Beetlejuice party? Yup. Having just watched the first one, I have to say I enjoyed the character of Beetlejuice much more in the sequel. I thought it was a fun slightly spooky watch. (Ash)

Chimp Crazy (Max)
From the people who brought us Tiger King, Chimp Crazy is softer, sadder, and way more unhinged. Troubling storytelling about people who obsess over chimps and primates to the extreme, suffering SERIOUS bodily harm, bankruptcy, loss of relationships, and deft litigation from PETA. It’s a wild ride. (Lauren)
Check out our Max Roku to watch.

Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)
I recently started watching this with my roommate, and we’re already on the second season! It’s like a cozy murder mystery but it’s also hilarious! (Hazel)
Check out our Hulu Roku to watch.

The Perfect Couple (Netflix)
Based on the Elin Hilderbrand’s book (which I haven’t read), I thought this murder miniseries was great fun and there were so many red herrings that I was completely surprised by the ending. (Tessa)

The Righteous Gemstones (Max)
This Danny McBride lead comedy series about a family of televangelists has been an absolute joy. I came for Walton Goggins as Baby Billy Freeman, but I stayed for the absolute ridiculousness of it all. (Liz)

The X-Files (Hulu)
I mean, it’s a classic for a reason. Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny in their prime! (Christie)
Check out our Hulu Roku to watch.

Read

Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness
I love the All Souls series, but I really didn’t love this book. I got lost trying to keep up with the plot and found it distracting from the love I feel for the rest of the series. (Kelly)

Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon
This is a story of a young girl with a severe immune disease who has not been able to leave the “bubble” of her home for most of her life. When a family moves in next door, the son befriends her and the friendship blossoms online. He shows her what life is like on the outside and she realizes life is too short to not be lived. (Kerry)

Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca
I loved Jen DeLuca’s Well Met series so I had to checkout her newest release. Cassie Rutherford moves to the seaside town of Boneyard Key only to discover that her house is seriously haunted. Lifetime Boneyard Key resident, coffee shop owner, and lovable grump Nick Royer quickly becomes enamored with the vivacious Cassie, but he has a few ghosts of his own. This was a fun read! (Liz)

How To Read a Book by Monica Wood
Super cute story of a young woman getting out of prison and trying to get her life back together. Great characters! (Deb)

The Life Changing Magic of Not Giving A F**k: How to Stop Spending Time You Don’t Have With People You Don’t Like Doing Things You Don’t Want to Do by Sarah Knight
Funny satire with words of wisdom. Wild laugh-out-loud examples and tips for managing your time, energy and money. Covers the gamut of Things, Work, Friends, and Family and how you can focus on what brings you joy, and firmly-yet-politely decline that which might annoy or drain you. Lots of F-bombs, but pearls of wisdom and clarifying perspective throughout. (Lauren)

Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe
This contemporary romance is perfect for fans of the X-Files: Imagine if Scully worked for Buzzfeed and tapped Mulder to star in a new web series. Do they find Bigfoot? Do the find love? I want to believe. (Liz)

My Darling Dreadful Thing by Johanna van Veen
This is a spooky, atmospheric gothic tale perfect for October. Someone is dead, but is the culprit our main character who has a spirit companion? Or was it someone or something else? (Ash)

Needful Things by Stephen King
Terror comes to a small New England town when a man named Leland Gaunt opens a curiosity shop on Main Street. The store has plenty of interesting items, and should one look hard enough, they’ll find the exact thing they want. But Gaunt demands a steep price for such objects, and to be his customer is to risk damnation. A modern retelling of the Faustian bargain, this is one of my favorite Stephen King books. (Greg)

Rez Ball by Byron Graves, narrated by Jesse Nobess
A Massachusetts Teen Choice Book Award 2024 contender, this story is simple, heart-felt, and chock-full of basketball. A semi-autobiographical story about Tre, a native Ojibwe living on the Red Lake Indian Reservation in Minnesota. His family is still reeling from the unexpected loss of his older athletic superstar brother, and Tre becomes determined to continue the family’s, and tribe’s, scrappy-but-superior basketball legacy. His journey is one that helps heal his own broken heart, and his larger community still grieving the loss of their rising hero. A little romance and teen drama sprinkled in amongst the lengthy, but vivid, descriptions of the game. (Lauren)

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune
Long anticipated sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea! Really heartwarming found family vibes. Plus some fun fantasy aspects through magical children. I LOVE both books! (Hazel)

Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes
Based on the Perseus and Medusa myth, Haynes flips the narrative to portray Medusa as an tragic figure whose life is altered by to the whims of men. Zeus is a womanizer, Poseidon is petty, and our “hero” Perseus is the true monster. This easy read makes for an enjoyable vacation book when your brain doesn’t want something dense. (Tessa)

Talking at Night by Claire Daverley
A love story of two teenagers that keep coming back to each other despite life’s tribulations and tragedies. A beautiful, heart wrenching love story. (Kerry)

The Unmothers by Leslie Anderson
Lyrical southern gothic horror. A newspaper writer is sent to a small town to figure out if a horse really did just give birth to a human baby. What she finds is a town where women have secrets, and the men will do almost anything to figure them out. (Ash)

A Well-Trained Wife by Tia Levings
This book is an emotional rollercoaster ride. Levings’s story has mostly made me angry so far, and sad (I ugly-cried in public while reading it), but also hopeful. I’m looking forward to reading about her escape and how she’s gotten to where she is today. (Dana)

The Women by Kristin Hannah
I couldn’t finish it. I know everyone else seems to love this book but I think it’s her worst one. Started strong and lost something toward the end. (Kelly)

Listen

Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs, narrated by Saskia Maarleveld
A fresh take on the fantasy/magical realism genre, set in the present day. About two estranged sisters who grew up in a family dedicated to guarding a secret library of magical books. The prose is refreshing and really enjoyable to read! The narrator is amazing and has consistent, believable voices for each character that help keep you in the flow of the story. Highly recommend! (Christie)

The Likeness by Tana French, narrated by Heather O’Neill
I have officially joined the Tana French club. Her prose is gorgeous and her characters are complex and compelling, and the plot keeps me on my toes. This is her second book in the Dublin Murder Squad series. It deals with doppelgangers and identity and the question of what it really means to exist as yourself in the world, all wrapped up in a juicy mystery and told with an Irish accent. (Christie)

Pageboy by Elliot Page, narrated by the author
Heartbreaking, but enlightening and insightful. (Deb)

The Places You Have Come to Fear the Most by Dashboard Confessional
Living up my elder emo nostalgia by listening to this soundtrack of my early college days. Fun to scream/sing along with during my commutes! (Dana)

Take Me Back to Eden by Sleep Token
Alternative metal, perfect for October. (Ash)

Teke::Teke
A Japanese psych-rock surfer funk band with a ton of energy and groovy tunes! (Christie)

What An Owl Knows: The New Science of the World’s Most Enigmatic Birds by Jennifer Ackerman, narrated by the author
Fascinating owl science! (Deb)

Fall into something great with these picks!

Watch

Absolutely Fabulous (Kanopy)
Absolutely Fabulous (Ab Fab) is a British cult classic starring comedy dream team Dawn French & Jennifer Saunders. Centering on two selfish, narcissistic, drugged out besties and their hijinks, it’s an absurd comedy that somehow tricks you into caring about the overall despicable leads. (Lauren)

Clipped (Hulu)
This six-part limited series revolves around an NBA owner’s racist remarks, captured on tape. Completely engaging and it doesn’t hurt that it stars Ed O’Neill, one of my favorite actors. (Janet)
Check out our Hulu Roku to watch.

Deadpool & Wolverine (Apple TV+)
Ok, I know this will reach you all a little late but if you like comic book movies at all, Deadpool & Wolverine is a breath of fresh iron-scented air. It was a blast to watch even for someone like me who began to hate Marvel movies from sheer overexposure. Be warned, they take full advantage of their
R-rating so be prepared for some explicit humor and bloody fight scenes. (Alanna)

Ryan Reynolds dancing to NSYNC’s Bye Bye Bye during the opening credits is perfection. This movie was great fun to watch, but be prepared for lots of blood, violence, and raunchy jokes (basically what you would expect from a Deadpool movie). The film ties into the MCU multiverse, so I would recommend doing your homework and watching the Disney+ series Loki (check out our Disney+ Roku to watch) prior to seeing the movie for maximum enjoyment. I laughed through the whole film. (Tessa)

From (TV series)
A town where people mysteriously end up, but can never leave. Residents must stay in at night with doors and windows locked because things lurk on the town after the sun goes down. Terribly creepy, I don’t recommend watching before bed. (Ash)

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder (Netflix)
I loved this! It is based off of a teen book series. (Seana)

Grounded (Steam, Switch, Xbox, PS4/5)
This one is a bit of a blast from the past. An excellent 80’s themed adventure right from the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids playbook. You play as a few preteens who are exploring the back yard in a whole new way. A super fun survival crafting game with a hint of Sekiro’s fighting mechanics. Do yourself a favor and give it a go, especially if you have a few friends. Note: If you’re arachnophobic, they do have a slider to make the spiders less spidery. They’re still scary. (Alanna)

Longlegs (Amazon Prime)
This movie was a bit more atmospheric thriller than horror, but the dread you felt throughout the entire film was masterful. Nicolas Cage’s performance as the unhinged Longlegs was creepy, yet just over the top enough to be delightful. (Ash)

Mothertime (Kanopy)
The director of this hour-long film wore a body camera for a year and a half and recorded the everyday activities of her and her daughter, starting when the child was a year old. Sometimes the child wore the camera too and other times the camera was propped up on a shelf in the family home. If it sounds intrusive, it is! And the film has intruded upon my own thoughts about parenthood in so many ways. One of the most thought-provoking movies I’ve seen in a long time! (Janet)

Read

Bitter Water Opera by Nicolette Polek
If you are looking for an absolute gem, here it is! If you love all that is strange, weird and wonderful, follow Gia and her journey to dancer Marta Beckett’s Amargosa Opera House in Death Valley Junction and enjoy every wild and vivid detail along the way. (Sue)

The Deep Dark by Molly Knox Ostertag
Molly Ostertag is a MASTER of YA graphic novels and her most recent work is incredible. It’s a deep, wrenching exploration of queerness, family expectations, and mental health struggles, with absolutely stunning art. Stopped me in my tracks several times while reading. (Renee)

Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave
Another quick summer read! Full of vivid description and well developed characters, Laura Dave gives us a glimpse into a complex family dynamic. Set in California wine country, you can almost picture yourself there with a glass in hand, experiencing the family come to terms with secrets, change and new perspectives on life. (Catherine)

Emperor of Rome: Ruling the Ancient Roman World by Mary Beard
An interesting exploration of the similarities and differences of the Roman emperors. Great follow up to Twelve Caesars and SPQR for any fans of Roman history! (Hazel)

Ex-Wife by Ursula Parrott
Drinking, smoking, divorce, extra-marital affairs, unwanted pregnancies, and more are tucked within the pages of this engrossing novel, which was published nearly 100 years ago and was an instant bestseller. As an added bonus, I loved the 1920s sayings sprinkled throughout (“that was so 1880s of her”) and learning about the big stories from that period, none of which were familiar to me, including a 1927 submarine disaster off the coast of Cape Cod in which 39 lives were lost. (Janet)

Funny Story by Emily Henry
Predictable: YES. Entertaining: Yes. A fun, easy, summer beach read! (Catherine)

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
This family saga with a bit of a mystery set at a summer camp/small working class town was hard to put down. While a little slow, the mystery and exploration of class dynamics made for an interesting read. (Ash)

The High Desert by James Spooner
An excellent and engaging graphic memoir! I love reading nonfiction/memoir that feels narrative and educational and this excels – learning so much about the growth of punk in the US. (Renee)

Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez
This super cute debut novel launching Gabriella Gamez’s Librarians in Love series is a delight. YA librarian Marcela Ortiz has been in love with her best friend Ben for almost ten years. When he announces his engagement to his longtime girlfriend, Marcela and Ben’s brother enter a fake-dating agreement that becomes so much more. I finished it in a weekend and can’t wait for the next installment. (Liz)

One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware
A reality TV series gone wrong, a group of 10 couples are stranded on a remote island with no resources… and a murderer. A suspenseful page turner, Ruth Ware never disappoints! (Catherine)

Listen

Forever, or a Long, Long Time by Caela Carter, narrated by Janina Edwards
Sweet, touching, inspiring! A beautiful moving story (middle grade fiction) about two foster children who are hoping they have found their forever home. (Seana)

Let’s Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson, narrated by the author
Jenny Lawson manages to talk about serious mental health topics while also adding some humor, which makes for a great audio version of this book! (Hazel)

Nine Inch Nails (Hoopla)
I was a huge NIN fan in my teens and twenties. I’ve been rabidly re-listening to all of their albums over the past month and catching up with their newer releases. Trent Reznor’s catalog holds up. (Liz)

The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley, narrated by Clare Corbett, Dauphne Kouma, Julia Winwood, Sope Dirisu, Sofia Zervudachi, Charlie Ansin
Mystery is not my typical genre, but this one had me hooked thanks in large part to amazing voice actors. A 2023 Audie Award finalist in the “Thriller/Suspense” category. (Janet)

The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess by Chappell Roan
I, like everyone else it feels like, recently was directed towards Chappell Roan. How I’ve missed her all these years I have no idea, but she is 100% worth every ounce of hype she’s been getting. Don’t let the hyper-pop facade fool you, this album has wonderful depth both musically and lyrically. The great beats and catchy tunes makes this a great album to finish out the summer with. (Alanna)

Too Hot To Sleep by Daniel Romano (Spotify)
Daniel Romano is a musical chameleon. His newest album features wildly catchy rock & roll that sounds out-of-it’s-time despite being a 2024 release. His whole catalog is incredibly varied in style and genre, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy! (Lauren)

Turn up the summer heat with these picks.

Watch

Blue Lights (Kanopy)
Set in Northern Ireland, a police squad battles crime as well as those who don’t want to be policed. (Amber)

Lucha Mexico
For those who aren’t familiar, lucha libre is the professional wrestling style that originated in Mexico during the 20th century. It features (mostly) masked wrestlers, truly impressive high flying acrobatic moves and so much more. In my household we stan Pénta El Cero Miedo aka Pentagón Jr. as the best luchador, but this documentary features the stories of several other fantastic luchadors including Shocker, Blue Demon Jr., Sexy Star, and El Hijo Del Perro Aguayo. (Liz)

So Weird (Disney+)
An older Disney Channel show all about the paranormal and other weird stuff that happens in daily life. It follows one family for the whole series, so those bonds get explored in a really great way. (Hazel)
Check out our Disney+ Roku to watch.

Read

Arsenic and Adobo by Mia Manansala
A small town cozy mystery that’s also full of yummy Filipino recipes! Lots of good friendship and family connections and I never could have expected the twist at the end! (Hazel)

Bright Sword: A Novel of King Arthur by Lev Grossman
This highly anticipated fantasy adventure does not disappoint! Don’t let the hefty page count deter you–the action, dialogue and plot are positively crackling with energy. (Jen)

Elements of Style: Designing A Home and A Life by Erin Gates
I checked out this book because I needed inspiration for decorating my new home. To my surprise, it ended up being more than just a decorating book. The author combines design advice with stories of her own kitchen renovation disaster, her past struggles with anorexia, and her conflicting feelings about starting a family. It felt like I was listening to a best friend. Her best advice: none of our homes or lives are perfect. I feel so validated. (Tessa)

The Fisherman by John Langan
A short page turner about love, grief, and the creeping dread of the unknown. And fish. (Roy)

Full of Myself by Siobhán Gallagher
Did the author watch my entire life and then turn it into this masterful graphic memoir about struggling with one’s body image? No, she did not, but it certainly felt like it. This validated so many body image related feelings that a lot of people struggle with on a daily basis (I certainly do), and I am grateful to the author for sharing it with the world. (Liz)

Hello Stranger by Katherine Center
Chick Lit about a portraitist who suddenly is stricken with face blindness. Cute story. Love Peanut & Dr Nicole. (Deb)

The Journal of Best Practices: A Memoir of Marriage, Asperger Syndrome, and One Man’s Quest to Be a Better Husband by David Finch
Disclaimer: Asperger Syndrome was previously used as a term for a neurodevelopmental disorder with similarities to Autism Spectrum Disorder, but in 2013 the name was removed from the DSM-V as a separate diagnosis. People who had previously been diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome would now be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This memoir was published in 2012, so the author uses the term Asperger Syndrome, with which he was diagnosed with well into adulthood. A married father of two at the time, the diagnosis explained his growing list of quirks, tendency to meltdown in social situations, and refusal to compromise on things. After receiving his diagnosis, Finch spent two years learning about his Asperger Syndrome in a quest to become a better father and husband. This is a well written, very funny, humanizing and endearing medical memoir that anyone interested in family dynamics, Autism Spectrum Disorder or self improvement would enjoy. (Liz)

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
A fun love story with some family complications. (Kelly)

Winnie Nash Is Not Your Sunshine by Nicole Melleby
Need a good cry? 12 year-old Winnie Nash has been sent to live with her grandmother for the summer, but she’s been told to keep secrets, not to tell her grandma she’s gay, but she really needs to go to Pride. She’s dealing with a lot of emotions and doesn’t know what to do. Emotional, powerful, and resonating. I may have cried a few times. (Ash)

Listen

Dying of Politeness by Geena Davis, narrated by the author
I only vaguely recognize Geena Davis as a celebrity name, but I decided to read her memoir anyways. What a story she has! So many groundbreaking roles and I love her work on trying to create gender equality in Hollywood. (Hazel)

The Sevens Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, narrated by Alma Cuervo, Robin Miles, and Julia Whelan
Aging Hollywood star (reminiscent of Elizabeth Taylor & Ava Gardner) schemes a relatively unknown journalist into writing her biography. It seems there’s a reason for the choice, but it remains hidden until the very end. There are some teeny foreshadowed hints, but they’re so subtle, I didn’t notice them in the moment, only hindsight. I thought this might be a shallow read but I was pleasantly surprised. (Deb)

The Spindle of Fate by Aimee Lim
Twelve-year-old Evie’s mom has disappeared and her family and friends believe the worst has happened. When Evie is visited by a talking monkey who tells her that her mom isn’t dead, but trapped in Diyu, the netherworld of Chinese mythology, Evie travels there to try to save her. Gritty and darkly funny. (Jen)

Looking for something to kickoff a summer of watching, reading, and listening? We’ve got you covered.

Watch

Game Changer (Dropout TV)
The funniest game show I’ve ever seen! During every episode the rotating cast of contestants play a different game, but they don’t know the rules and have to figure out how to play as the game goes on. (Rachel)

I Saw the TV Glow (currently in theaters)
A haunting masterpiece about growing up longing to be someone else, who you really are. The loneliness of growing up queer in the nineties. A love letter to Buffy, and the nostalgia of youth. (Ash)

Jury Duty (Amazon Prime)
I know I’m late but I absolutely loved this show, especially the last episode! (Renee)

La Chimera (currently in theaters)
This Italian film was a wild adventure and an unexpected delight. Josh O’Connor (young Prince Charles from the Crown TV series) stars as a British archaeologist who gets involved in an international network of stolen Italian artifacts during the 1980s. If you are familiar with the Etruscan civilization, this film will be an extra treat. 5 out 5 stars. (Tessa)

Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story (Hulu)
Will Richie ever reunite with the band? Will Jon get his voice back? This nostalgic four-part series looks back on Bon Jovi’s glory days and ends with JBJ’s surgery to repair his possible career-ending vocal injury. (Amber)
Check out our Hulu Roku to watch.

Wrinkles (also available through Kanopy)
Simultaneously funny and heart wrenching, this Spanish animated film centers around a character with early Alzheimers whose family relocates him to a retirement home. Based on the comic book by Paco Roca, this story approaches aging and its accompanying illnesses with honesty and tenderness. (Tessa)

Read

Dead and Gone (Detective Annalisa Vega, #3) by Joanna Schaffhausen
Many mysteries wrapped into one! Written by a local Waltham author! (Deb)

An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson
A modern retelling of Carmilla. Gothic, with Sapphic vampires. Need I say more? (Ash)

Four Against Darkness by Andrea Sfligoi, edited by Craig Whiting
Are you a fan of TTRPGs but can’t for the life of you get a group together? Do you enjoy sword and staff fantasy stories and are curious about how Table Top Role Playing Games Work? This book is a great way for you to scratch that role-playing itch in a singleton adventure designed to last about an hour. You only need the rules, some graph paper, a pen, and some D6s (a standard 6 sided game die for you non-nerds out there). A delightful bit of fun that can help make your days a little bit more adventurous. (Alanna)

The Mars House by Natasha Pulley
I’m about halfway through this sci-fi arranged-political-marriage novel and loving it! Has my favorite feature in sci-fi: snarky funny historical footnotes. (Renee)

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
A twisty, smart time travel adventure with a slow-burn romance. Excellent in print and audio! (Jen)

Minor Feelings by Kathy Park Hong
This book is a great choice for fans of poetry, language, Asian American identity and the arts in general. Kathy Park Hong is a master of her craft. (Liz)

Once In A Millennial: On Friendship, Feelings, Fangirls, and Fitting In by Kate Kennedy
This book is hitting me right in the millennial feels. Kennedy is a few years younger than I am, but many of our experiences align. It’s a validating trip down memory lane! (Dana)

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
SUCH a sweet graphic novel about loving yourself and exploring and accepting your queerness. Highly, HIGHLY recommend. (Renee)

The Republic of Pirates by Colin Woodard
I’ve been on a pirate kick of late, and this is what I needed. Focusing on the Golden Age of Piracy, the book details how a bunch of pirates came together to form a nation separate from England, France and Spain, as well as how it fell apart. If you’re looking for the true story behind the history of folks like Blackbeard, Stede Bonnet, and Samuel Bellamy, this is good place to start. (Greg)

Rules for a Knight by Ethan Hawke
I read this like a collection of daily meditations, and it always really brightened my day! It’s told from the perspective of a knight writing to his children, teaching them life lessons chapter by chapter before he goes to battle. Lots of wisdom that’s told in a historical fashion but still perfectly applicable to today. (Rachel)

Sheine Lende by Darcie Little Badger
Prequel to Elatsoe that is even better than the original story! Lots of good family and friend content. Plus ghost dogs! (Hazel)

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
Honestly one of the most beautiful short stories I’ve ever read. You can read this book in one sitting, yet get swept into protagonist Bill Furlong’s life. By the end, it feels like you’ve spent weeks in his shoes. This story shows how impactful and profound a single person’s actions (or inactions) can be, and how small things done with sincerity and care can make a world of difference. (Molly)

Listen

As You Wish by Cary Elwes, narrated by the author and others
The story of making the infamous Princess Bride movie was very entertaining. It includes the voices of the people involved, telling the story from their perspectives in addition to Cary Elwes’ point of view. Very cool! (Hazel)

Classy created by Jonathan Menjivar (podcast)
Blew through this eight segment limited series podcast about class in the United States in two days. So good and so thought provoking. (Janet)

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon, narrated by Jane Oppenheimer
Wow! 1789. Maine. Midwife Martha Ballard gets called to examine the body of a man found dead in the icy Kennebec River. What ensues is part mystery, part small-town early America in all its gossipy glory, but also stories of sexual assault and feminism. Martha Ballard suffers no fools. She and her husband are more tolerant & liberal than my imagination assumes of people in the 18th century. And the ending! Whew! (Deb)

Lingthusiasm created by Gretchen McCulloch and Lauren Gawne (podcast)
A podcast all about linguistics! I like to nerd out over how language works, so this is the perfect monthly listen for me. The two hosts pick a topic each month, like “how do vowels work?” or “why do people gesture when they talk?” and discuss it for 30-40 minutes with fun examples. They also explain all the terminology they use, so no expertise required to listen! (Rachel)

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman, narrated by Lesley Manville
A fun story about how a bunch of retirees get mixed up with solving a murder in their picturesque UK-based retirement village. Narrated beautifully by Lesley Manville, the story regularly switches between the points of view of the four club members, police, and those immediately involved with the mystery. While overall a light-hearted book (despite the topic) it doesn’t shy away from the complex series of emotions around getting older, death, and how to move through a world that is constantly changing around you. At just over 12 hours with chapters averaging about 10 minutes, its an easy pick for people who can only grab a few minutes of an audiobook at a time. (Alanna)

True Biz by Sara Novic, narrated by Lisa Flanagan and Kaleo Griffith
Set in a school for the deaf, this is a compelling read about language and belonging. (Ash)

The Women by Kristin Hannah, narrated by Julia Whelan
Story of a combat nurse in Vietnam. Gritty, brutal, heart-wrenching, difficult, honest. (Deb)

May the force of good watching, reading, listening be with you this month.

Watch

Bluey (Disney+)
I’m a little late to the Bluey party, but my kids only recently jumped on the bandwagon. I haven’t gotten to the point where I’m watching it without the kids, but I’ve been referring to lessons learned in the show as examples enough that my 7-year-old has started mumbling “I kinda hate Bluey”. He loves it. I love it. It’s brilliant. (Dana)

Hope On the Street (Amazon Prime)
Docuseries following j-hope as he travels to meet street dancers and learn from them. I think this will mostly appeal to fans of j-hope and BTS (like me), but maybe you will enjoy it if you like street dance! (Casey)

Secrets of Sulphur Springs (Apple TV+)
Time travel, ghosts, a decades old connection between two families rediscovered, all in a mysterious hotel! Some very sweet friend and family moments between the mysteries. It’s full of cliffhangers, but I love it anyway! (Hazel)

Secrets of the Elephants (National Geographic)
Never thought I’d binge watch a series on elephants, but I simply could not stop. Natalie Portman does a beautiful job narrating this four-part program which explores the worlds of savanna, desert, rainforest, and Asian elephants. Especially appreciated that the subject matter experts were locals. (Janet)
Check out our Hulu Roku to watch.

Shirley (Netflix)
So good! It tells the story of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress, as she becomes the first Black candidate to seek a presidential nomination. (Seana)

Talk to Me
A pretty good horror movie where a group of friends conjure spirits using an embalmed hand. Things don’t go well for them! (Todd)

Read

Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators’ Revolution by R.F. Kuang
Words make genuine magic in this fantastical depiction of 19th century Oxford University, where translators hold the key’s to the English Empire’s successes and failures. It’s a long one, but it’s thoroughly enjoyable. (Liz)

The Bad Ones by Melissa Albert
A gothic horror mystery. What more could I ask for? Four people disappear in one day in a small town. Turns out people have disappeared before. Could they be connected? This was an atmospheric mystery that kept me guessing. (Ash)

Don’t Look at Me Like That by Diana Athill 
One of the best books I’ve read in years. (Janet)

Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng
I loved it! (Seana)

Sheine Lende by Darcie Little Badger
After reading and loving Elatsoe, I was so excited to hear about this prequel! Another interesting mystery that’s also all about friends and family connections. And, of course, ghosts! (Hazel)

Storm Peak by John A. Flanagan
Fun who-dun-it in a cool setting I’ve visited several times – Steamboat Mountain Resort in Colorado. (Deb)

World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments by Aimee Nezhukumatathil
Each short chapter of this book is an ode to a species of flora, fauna, or to another natural phenomenon (Monsoon was one chapter), tied in with autobiographical vignettes. It’s delightful. (Dana)

Listen

Do Your Doo Diligence (Outside/In podcast)
Love the Outside/In podcast about the natural world but this episode was especially good. Some may not appreciate hearing how letting dogs go off-leash in the woods and on the beach is detrimental to local habitats but if it changes a few minds, it’s worth it. I love dogs, btw! (Janet)

The Flight Girls by Noelle Salazar, narrated by Xe Sands
Wow. So good. I think this book made me cry, for a different reason each time, every day it took to complete it. (Deb)

Hope on the Street Vol. 1
Now that you’ve *Watched*, you can *Listen* to the album that accompanies the Hope on the Street docuseries. (Casey)

The Humans by Matt Haig, narrated by Mark Meadows
When an extraterrestrial visitor arrives on Earth, his first impressions of the human species are less than positive. Taking the form of a Professor, he navigates his way through the Professor’s life and his perspective is…enchanting, hilarious and insightful. (Deb)

Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder, narrated by Cherry Jones
A coworker recently told me that Cherry Jones narrates the Little House books, and because I love listening to her, I had to give it a listen. (Ash)

The Mona Lisa Vanishes by Nick Day, narrated by Carlotta Brentan
This nonfiction book is intended for upper elementary school children, but even adults will enjoy this exciting account of Leonardo da Vinci, the Mona Lisa heist, and the early days of forensic science.  (Seana) 

There’s no fooling with these picks.

Watch

Love Lies Bleeding (currently in theaters)
I can’t stop thinking about this movie. It’s definitely not for everyone, but if you enjoyed the dark humor of Killing Eve, I think you’ll like this too. I’m obsessed. (Ash)

Star Trek Discovery (Paramount+)
The new season comes out later this month, so it’s time for a rewatch. I fell in love with the characters from their first appearance, and the story is addicting and fun! Lots of family and friend bonding. (Hazel)

The Super Models (Apple TV+)
I am possibly the only person I know who hasn’t seen Ted Lasso, but after finally signing up for an Apple TV+ trial, this is the first show I watched. I was fairly obsessed with these women in the 90s (still am), and maintain Freedom! ’90 (George Michael) is hands down the best video ever made. (Amber)

Read

Disability Visibility: 17 First-Person Stories for Today by Alice Wong
There are so many short and sweet stories in this one collection that highlight the perspectives of many different people in the disability community. Interesting and informative! (Hazel)

The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni I loved this book! I couldn’t put it down, but I didn’t want it to end. (Seana)

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
Fun read, not scary, but creative plot. Reminded me of the show Imposters on Bravo. (Kelly)

Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult
Twists and turns throughout in true Jodi Picoult fashion. (Seana)

One Last Breath by Ginny Myers Sain
This was a spooky, atmospheric, murder mystery that kept me guessing. (Ash)

Rental Person Who Does Nothing by Shoji Morimoto
This is a delightful little memoir from Shoji Morimoto- a Japanese man who started a business where people could “rent” him to do nothing. Need someone to save a spot in line for you? Want someone to sit with you at a restaurant you want to try? Just send him a DM on Twitter/X and he’ll do it-for free! All you have to do is pay for his transportation and food. A short and fascinating look into how we connect to others in an increasingly lonely time. (Liz)

Wonder by R.J. Palacio
There’s a reason it’s on most elementary school reading lists! A great read for both children and adults, Wonder hits on every emotion and keeps you guessing what will happen next to Auggie Pullman, a fifth grade student born with a facial difference going to school for the first time. A perfect read for adult English Learners (It was our book group book this winter!), and for anyone who likes a feel-good ending. (Catherine)

Listen

City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert, narrated by Blair Brown
This is a good WWII historical fiction story! It’s told in the form of a letter to the daughter of a man with whom the protagonist has a relationship. 9/10 of the story does not involve this man or relationship but you need the backstory. By the time he enters the story, I had lost track of the initial question: who were you to my father? Despite that description I really enjoyed it. (Deb)

In Search of the Antidote by Fletcher
Fletcher’s latest album is just as intimate and uninhibited as her first. (Ash)

She Reaches Out to She Reaches Out to She by Chelsea Wolfe (Hoopla streaming)
Words cannot describe how much I love Chelsea Wolfe’s newest album. It’s a dark, emotional album about love and despair with all her usual occult/witchy vibes. Five stars, a must-listen for the goths! (Liz)

Thicker Than Water by Kerry Washington, read by the author
Kerry Washington’s story told from her perspective in her own voice. She is so much more than Olivia Pope in Scandal! (Hazel)

The Women by Kristin Hannah, narrated by Julia Whelan
This historical fiction is set during the Vietnam War focusing on the nurses stationed in Vietnam. It tells the story of three friends who meet in Vietnam and follows their lives after they return home. Excellent! (Seana)

We’re warding off the Ides of March with these hot picks.

Watch

Anatomy of a Fall (Apple TV+)
Amazing and engrossing film. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Fans of legal dramas will especially enjoy. (Tessa)

Anne With an E (Netflix)
I grew up with Megan Follows and the 1985 series Anne of Green Gables so I felt no need to watch yet another remake (are there literally NO new ideas, Hollywood?!). However, my daughter really wanted me to watch the Netflix series with her and I’m so glad I did. AoGG really is a lovely, charming story and the cast in this version is top notch. It is a delight to watch it with someone meeting Anne for the first time. (Amber)

Pachinko (Apple TV+)
This sweeping eight-episode mini series is based on the book by Min Jin Lee. While not 100% faithful to the book, the series does an incredible job of illuminating the difficulties faced by a family of ethnic Koreans living in Japan from the 1920 through the 1980s. (Janet)

True Detective: Night Country (Max)
This show is dark, literally and figuratively. Set in the fictional town of Ennis, Alaska, this series begins at the start of the days of night. Part crime story, part supernatural, this series is well done and kept me on the edge of my seat. Kali Reis and Jodie Foster deserve all the awards! (Amber)
Check out our Max Roku to watch.

Wonka
Do I think the world needed a Willy Wonka backstory? No, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying this charming film. Would recommend for a family movie night. (Tessa)

Read

The Apple In The Dark by Claire Lispector
Mysterious, utterly atmospheric, beautiful and strange (in the best way), Clarice Lispector’s writing is one of a kind and The Apple in the Dark may be my favorite novel by her yet. Originally published in 1961, New Directions has been coming out with amazing new translations of her work and this is their latest. And, wow, they really know how to nail a book cover- their version of an apple in the dark is everything. Read and see for yourself! (Sue)

Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand
Cute, fun, partial ghost story. I always enjoy books set in places I’ve been! (Deb)

Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
Thought-provoking WWII fiction time-warp! (Deb)

The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson
Such a great story! Strong, feisty women. Resilient kids. Jerks that get their comeuppance. (Deb)

Modern Crochet Bible: Over 100 Contemporary Crochet Techniques and Stitches by Sarah Shrimpton
Exactly as the title says, a great collection of knowledge for modern crochet. Great for beginners and experts alike with in-depth explanations of technique and tools. Beautiful and functional photography can be found on every page accompanying the techniques and included projects. Especially useful to learn how to read all the different kinds of crochet patterns to get the most out of your project search. (Alanna)

Outlawed by Anna North
So wanted to love this book, which has been accurately described by one reviewer as The Handmaid’s Tale meet Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Despite the very original premise, the plot twists were just too predictable for my taste. (Janet)

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
I usually avoid books that are more than a few hundred pages long, but am so glad I made an exception for Pachinko. This multi-generational family saga drew me in right away and I tore through all 475 pages in one weekend. A beautifully written novel, Pachinko sheds light on the living conditions and challenges faced by ethnic Koreans in Japanese society in the 20th century. (Janet)

Salt & Broom by Sharon Lynn Fisher
A witchy adaptation of Jane Eyre. Orphaned and raised at Lowood Institution, Jane Aire is now a gifted healer who teaches at the school (Mrs. Reed and family do not make an appearance in this version). She is employed by Mr. Rochester to uncover the mysteries that curse Thornfield Hall. An enjoyable cozy read that is fun to compare with the original novel. (Tessa)

Listen

Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney
First page: My name is Amber Reynolds. There are three things you should know about me: 1. I’m in a coma. 2. My husband doesn’t love me anymore. 3. Sometimes I lie Alternating between her paralyzed present, the week before her accident, and a series of childhood diaries from twenty years ago. Wow. Holy plot twist. Mind-bender! (Deb)

WERS: 88.9
Boston’s Uncommon Radio station is the only radio station I listen to! A great mix of new and old, there is something for everyone on this station. (Amber)

A Window of the Waking Mind by Coheed and Cambria
An epic album from an incredibly talented band. You don’t need to know anything about the band to enjoy this rock album, just be ready for a melodic journey with some killer guitar and some truly phenomenal drums. My personal favorite tracks are The Liars Club and Ladders of Supremacy but there really isn’t a bad song on the album. Check out the rest of Coheed and Cambria while you’re at it, especially if you like bands with a unique sound. (Alanna)

It’s a Leap Year, which means an extra day to Watch, Read, or Listen.

Watch

All of Us Strangers (currently in theaters)
If you want to have your heart ripped out and leave the theater feeling completely gutted – maybe you just need a really good cry – is this the movie for you! I loved it SO much and I will be thinking about it for a very long time. (Elle)

All The Light We Cannot See (Netflix)
This is one of those times when (dare I say) the adaptation was better than the book! (Elle)

Crabs! (streaming)
A ridiculous horror movie that was fun to watch. The ending song was the best part of the movie. Crabs! (Todd)

Dare Me (Netflix)
Dark drama about tensions among a high school cheer squad after a new coach takes a liking to someone other than the “top girl”. Spoiler alert: this show was canceled after season one so there is NO RESOLUTION! Luckily, there’s a book for that. (Amber)

Tierra Incognita (Disney+)
Two siblings try to discover what happened to their parents in their family-owned horror-themed amusement park. So much happens in less than 20 episodes! It’s all about friends, family, science, and mythology. (Hazel)
Check out our Disney+ Roku to watch.

Read

The Fury by Alex Michaelides
Having loved The Silent Patient and The Maidens, I had really high hopes for this one. Alas, it was not for me. (Elle)

The Great Pretender: The Undercover Mission That Changed Our Understanding of Madness by Susannah Cahalan
I really enjoyed the author’s 2012 book, Brain On Fire: My Month of Madness so I was eager to read something else by her. The first 2/3 of this new book are super interesting & eye-opening. Chasing down facts got a bit tedious, but the author’s overall point is well-taken. (Deb)

Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen
I liked this new cast of characters from Tess Gerritsen and the setting (partially) in Maine. Pace was good. The mystery & uncertainty of who was trustworthy throughout the story kept you second-guessing pretty-much everyone! Long wait for the next in the series due in March 2025. (Deb)

Unstoppable! My Journey from Olympic Hopeful to Athlete A to 8-Time NCAA Champion and Beyond
by Maggie Nichols
Interesting to hear the story of Maggie Nichols and all the other gymnasts that came forward to change USA Gymnastics for the better and make them take responsibility. Maggie’s story from being a young girl to an NCAA winner is an incredible journey. (Hazel)

Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
An enjoyable thriller. Suspenseful story of a Mom who witnesses her son stab a stranger outside their home. She then enters a time loop and tries to prevent the murder. (Todd)

Listen

Babel, or, the Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators’ Revolution by R.F. Kuang, read by Chris Lew Kum Hoi & Billie Fulford-Brown
Fantastic and gripping speculative fiction set in an alternate 1830s Oxford University where translators are the most powerful people in the vast British Empire. It’s a tale of colonialism, coming of age, and the power of language and listening to it. (Jen)

I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys, read by Edoardo Ballerini
Fascinating. I haven’t read a lot about communism. Feels like brain-washing. (Deb)

Red Light by The Slackers
One of my favorite 90s ska bands. Forgot how much I love this album. (Todd)

The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen
What an absolute delight! (Elle)