November 2022: Giving Thanks
This month we’re taking a moment to express gratitude for these book, show, and music titles.
Read
Annie on My Mind by Nancy Garden
Definitely thankful for the first book i ever read with a lesbian character. (Ash)
The Awakening by Nora Roberts
This is the first in the Dragon Heart Legacy trilogy (the last book comes out this month). It’s fantasy, love story, and action all in one. I find Nora Robert’s series such great escapism. I love her. (Kelly)
Dancing at the Pity Party: A Dead Mom Graphic Memoir by Tyler Feder
Beautiful, insightful work. This work had me reconsidering the experiences of friends and family members who had the misfortune of losing parents and siblings when they were young. I’m glad for that. (Janet)
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
This short book is the only self help title I’ve ever read that had a profound impact me and helping me become a calmer and more compassionate person. (Liz)
Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations by Mira Jacob
The author uses brilliant prose and powerful illustrations and photographs to expose the myriad challenges she has faced as a woman of color. Most touching are her conversations with her young son, who has a lot of excellent questions about race, many of which are not easily answered. (Janet)
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jeannette McCurdy
I’m thankful that my mother and I have a good relationship, and that she never forced me into acting. (Dana)
In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado
I’m so thankful Carmen Maria Machado exists, and that she shares her brilliance with the world. I read this memoir in a single sitting over several hours. I don’t think I even took water or bathroom breaks! I’d never read anything like it – she completely reimagines the genre and also provides such an important contribution to queer archives, which she talks about in the memoir’s prologue. (Cathy)
Just Kids by Patti Smith
Patti Smith’s beautifully written memoir as well as her first album, Horses (I know I’m cheating by mentioning two things in one entry!), have given me courage at several points in my life and I’m very thankful for that. (Cathy)
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
This is by far the best book I have read in 5 years. I loved it. Don’t let the cover fool you; while there is a love story, it’s not a romance, chick lit novel. Don’t miss this book. (Kelly)
Olive Kitteridge by Etlizabeth Stout
This book has been around for a while and I see why it won the Pulitzer Prize. I love how the author mixes slow, meandering details with jarring twists and turns, all with Olive mostly in the background, until she is thrust into the foreground. (Janet)
Pig the Pug books by Aaron Blabey
The cutest, funniest, rhyming stories. This is everything a children’s book should be. Can’t go wrong with any of the series as a gift as well. (Kelly)
The Tiffany Aching series by Terry Prachett
Funny, clever and wise–I return to these books at least once a year! Start with Wee Free Men. (Jen)
Zorrie by Laird Hunt
So much packed into 160 pages and I love how the author devotes just the right amount of space to major life events in the world of the title character, Zorrie. No long, drawn-out scene setting here. I especially appreciated the nuanced examples of how members of a small town community come to each other’s aid again and again. (Janet)
Watch
Bluey (Disney+)
My 4 & 7 year old have been watching Bluey for about a year. It’s the best. Two sweet sisters and their family navigating life. It’s charming, positive and enjoyable for everyone. Plus each show is only 8 minutes! (Kelly)
Community
The first three seasons of Community got me through the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. The antics of the student of Greendale Community College never fail to bring me joy. (Liz)
The Crown (Netflix)
While I have some mixed feelings about The Crown, and while I think this new season is the weakest (especially due to the casting of Prince Charles!), I must confess that bingeing half of the newest episodes in a couple of days was exactly the escape from reality I needed this week. (Cathy)
Mock the Week
I’m thankful that this hilarious show existed, gracing us with silly takes on current events. (And I am so bummed out that it got canceled recently!) (Dana)
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
I’m thankful for National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. My family would watch this movie every holiday season. My father would joke that we were “the Griswolds” because my mother’s colorful antics always resulted in some type mayhem. If you have eccentric relatives or if the holidays always seem to end in a minor disaster (but still filled with love), you will appreciate this film. (Tessa)
Stranger Things (Netflix)
I love this show for many reasons: it’s smart, scary, set in the 80s, stars Winona Ryder. But I truly love it for giving me and my 12 year old many nights together with a show we couldn’t get enough of. (Amber)
Weird: The Al Yancovic Story
Weird Al is the only pure person in the world, and this recently released bio pic is a delightful and fanciful depiction of his career in the 80s. (Liz)
What’s Cooking
Directed by an Indian woman, who grew up in London, this film is about Americans of many different cultures and identities celebrating Thanksgiving. It’s charming, funny , and observant. (Ash)
Listen
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars by David Bowie
This is the greatest album of the 70s! (Liz)
Sitting Pretty by Rebekah Taussig
A phenomenal memoir in essays in which Taussig shares what it’s been like for her to navigate society in a wheelchair. I felt changed after reading it. While I’m glad I listened to the audiobook, which is excellently narrated by the author, I really want to buy a physical copy and read it again. It’s a book I know I’ll keep referring to – there’s just so much there to reflect on. Also, it’s funny! (Cathy)
Six: Live on Opening Night
This is 80 minutes of pure fun! I saw this on Broadway with my daughters last year and we listened to the recording the entire drive home. It’s in Boston through December 31. Treat yourself to a fun night out if you can. (Amber)
Spectrum by Westlife
I am thankful that my favorite boyband from my youth got back together, and that I finally got to see them live! (Dana)
Stick Season by Noah Kahan
For fans of Mumford and Sons and The Lumineers, Noah Kahan is the New England equivalent. Loving his new album Stick Season. (Ash)