WRL 365: January
A new year of Watching, Reading, and Listening! (And we have a new name!)
Watch
Alien: Romulus (Hulu)
Did we need another film in the Alien franchise? Yes we did, and this hits the spot! Great visuals and an expanded Alien universe makes this a success. (Liz)
Check out our Hulu Roku to watch.
Anatomy of a Fall (Kanopy)
This is a bilingual courtroom drama that manages to keep you on the edge of your seat even without a soundtrack and even though it’s 2.5hrs long. I got really emotional watching this; I haven’t been affected in such an intense way by a movie in a long time. I think this film is gorgeous in both how it looks and in the way it examines the intricacies of human relationships. 10/10 recommend. (Christie)
The Bold Type (Hulu)
Another rewatch for me. One of my favorite comfort shows all about people supporting each other in work and in life. Plus some fun queer rep, and every character is interesting. (Hazel)
Check out our Hulu Roku to watch.
Cobra Kai (Netflix)
Cobra Kai comienza siguiendo la vida de Johnny Lawrence despues de la gran perdida que tuvo en el combate en la pelicula “The Karate Kid.” Luego continua con la vida de los adolescentes en el Valle. Se enfrentaran a retos, desafios, que quieren hacer con sus vidas. Y finalmente, con la gran competencia que ocurre en Espana. (Claudia)
The Comeback: 2004 Boston Red Sox (Netflix)
Oh my gosh. This documentary brought up so many feelings. I felt like I was reliving the agonies, stresses, rages, and pure joy of 20 years ago. (Also can’t wrap my mind around 2004 being 20 years ago.) I thought this 3-part doc was very well done, and I want to watch it again…but I’m not sure my heart can take it again! (Dana)
I, Claudius (Hoopla)
“I, Claudius” is a 1976 BBC Television adaptation of Robert Graves’ novel “I, Claudius.” It somewhat covers the history of the early Roman Empire, told from the perspective of an elderly Emperor Claudius, but the inaccuracies and embellishments abound. The infamous Caligula is there, and the show features a few wildly NSFW scenes that cover the supposed debauchery of the times. If you took Latin in high school, you likely saw bits of this show throughout your classes. Most importantly, is a veritable “Who’s Who” of iconic British actors — Derek Jacobi, Patrick Stewart, John Hurt, and so many more familiar faces. The budget is stingy, but the acting is in peak form. Nevertheless, it is a delightful series — you feel smart watching it, and you see what a young Patrick Stewart would look like if he had terrible, terrible hair (spoiler: it’s a wig). (Lauren)
Shrinking (Apple TV+)
I am obsessed with this show! (Seana)
Read
Alas de Sangre by Rebecca Yarros
Violet habia estudiado toda su vida para convertirse en Escriba pero su madre la obligo a unirse al cuadrante de jinetes. Violet aprendera a como sobrevivir a los ataques de otros jinetes y a los enemigos de su madre que la quieren muerta. (Claudia)
The Bee Sting by Paul Murray
Gorgeous writing with multiple intersecting and diverging story lines. It takes a lot for me to stick with a 656 page book but Paul Murray made it easy. Completely engaging but some readers may not appreciate the open ending. (Janet)
The City in Glass by Nghi Vo
After angels destroy the city of Azril, the pride and joy of the demon Vitrine, she must rebuild, and learn to cope with her loss. (Hannah)
The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan
This book has been fun to read so far! With a setting reminiscent of Ogunquit and ghosts, how can you go wrong! (Seana)
The Iliad by Homer, translated by Emily R. Wilson
The introduction and forward to this translation convinced me I’d be able to understand (and enjoy) this epic poem. Be prepared to take notes along the way (or refer to the included maps and character list) to keep track of this enormous cast of characters and their alliances! (Kate S.)
Invisible Kitties: A Feline Study of Fluid Mechanics or the Spurious Incidents of the Cats in the Night Time by Yu Yoyo, translated by Jeremy Tiang
This is a delightful little book for anyone who loves cats. Whimsical, quirky, and imaginative – I’ve never read anything like it. Perfectly captures the experience of living with cats. (Kate H.)
Loveless by Alice Oseman
I think this is my third time reading this book. I love it so much for all the wonderful ace and aro rep and getting to know yourself in college. Plus the wonderful friendships and everything Alice Oseman brings to their books. (Hazel)
The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley
A thriller with multiple twists that leave you surprised until the end! Creepy rural folklore, multiple perspectives, and short chapters, it was a page turner. (Catherine)
The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose
Super cute & light mystery about a quirky maid involved in a murder in her hotel workplace. (Deb)
Paris to the Moon by Adam Gopnik
I loved this book, which is pretty old at this point, but it’s an amazing love letter to Paris. (Kelly)
Poppies of Iraq by Brigitte Findakly and Lewis Trondheim, translated by Helge Dascher
This is a graphic memoir that covers a swath of Iraq’s complex history from the perspective and reflection on Findakly’s childhood and family experiences. Raised in Iraq from the 1950s through the 1970s, Findakly’s story gently unfolds and weaves through historical events to how they impacted her and her extended family. Though her immediate family moves to France in 1973, she continues to share the way regime changes and political upheaval affected her life abroad and the lives of loved ones and neighbors still living in Iraq. Beautiful art and a thoughtful, reflective book. (Lauren)
The Road Trip by Beth O’Leary
This was a light rom-com, perfect for travel reading or a literary escape from winter. It features a back-and-forth storyline, bouncing between present-day – when the protagonists (who are exes) end up on an epic and awkward road trip together – and the past, which tells how they got together in the first place. Both present and past take place in the summer, so you can imagine you’re among vineyards in the south of France, or trapped in a tiny hot car on a British motorway, whichever appeals more! (Dana)
The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg
Cute story. Nice characters. Nothing controversial…the world is heavy these days…I needed that! (Deb)
We’ll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida
These short, interconnected stories about cats improving people’s lives is charming. It’s a great example of the gentle fiction that can appeal to cat and dog lovers alike. (Liz)
Listen
Big in Sweden by Sally Franson
This book was light and fun. It’s about an American woman who finds herself on a Swedish reality show – looking for answers about her family history and finding herself along the way. It’s narrated by the actress Meg Ryan! (Kate H.)
The Boyfriend by Frieda McFadden
Creepy! (Seana)
The Copenhagen Triology: Childhood, Youth, Dependency by Tove Ditlevsen
The first two parts of the book vividly portray the author’s childhood and young adulthood in Copenhagen in the first half of the 20th century and include details about the worldwide Great Depression and World War II. The third part, named “Dependency”, came as a complete surprise. I have never read such a graphic depiction of someone’s spiral down into the world of drug addiction. A tough but worthwhile listen. (Janet)
France’s Horrifying Rape Trial Has a Feminist Hero (NY Times The Daily podcast)
I didn’t think I could listen to this but I’m glad I did. Gisèle Pelicot really IS a feminist hero. (Janet)
I, Podius (Maximum Fun)
John Hodgman and Elliott Kalan recap the “I, Claudius” series, injecting historical insights into the production of the series, interviews with cast members, and a lot of humorous reflection on how formative and revelatory it was for Hodgeman to watch this show as a precocious twelve-year old in 1976. Pairs perfectly with the series I, Claudius. (Lauren)
Joy As An Act of Resistance by IDLES
IDLES is a band from the UK that has been described as punk rock, art rock, post-punk and experimental. Regardless of the label, this 2018 album holds up. My personal favorite track? Never Fight A Man With A Perm. (Liz)
Rodner Figueroa (YouTube)
Rodner entrevista personas famosas del espectaculo y la television. Pero lo hace de una forma mas humana, sin incluir chisme. Al final siempre le pregunta a sus invitados que les den un consejo a la audiencia de como perseguir sus suenos. (Claudia)
So Let Them Burn by Kamilah Cole
I don’t usually listen to fantasy stories, but this one is easy to follow even with dual perspectives. Plus the two perspectives are sisters, and it’s not a love story! (Hazel)
The Trespasser by Tana French
Another banger from Tana French, focusing on newly partnered detectives Steven and Antoinette. This book had me *so mad* halfway through, in a good way but I was not having fun haha. It’s worth the read though, and I was not disappointed. French brings her usual nuance and insightfulness to this murder mystery, bringing the focus into Antoinette Conway’s head more than on the case itself. The narrator for this was amazing too! (Christie)