Sunday, July 2, 2017

Summertime Recommendations

March in Las Vegas

It's been a busy few months! Here are a few things I've been making and enjoying while celebrating the longer days:

Writing

My first short story was published in June and I struggle to describe fully how much it means to me. It's set in Chicago at some of my favorite places. You can read it at Chicago Literati, a nonprofit online magazine:
I had my first comedy pieces published and am particularly proud of them. I feel that much closer to achieving my youthful dream of being Tina Fey. The Belladonna editors are great to work with and I highly recommend submitting your stories.
I've continued working with the Billfold, most recently to discuss graduation season and my ever-expanding wish list:

Reading

No One Can Pronounce My Name by Rakesh Satyal - The novel follows a friendship between two Indian immigrants in Ohio: a woman who writes paranormal romances when her son leaves for college and a man who is struggling with grief after his sister's death. I found myself underlining passages that were too beautiful to read only once. I gave it a starred review for Booklist and then Rakesh Satyal followed me on Twitter and I still feel incredibly cool about that. 

My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante - I have been slow to catch the Neapolitan novels because I've been waiting in the library queue, and the first was worth the wait. The beginning of an epic tale of female friendship, I remain amazed at Ferrante's storytelling. 

It Is Totally Cool That My Ex Got Engaged Right Before My Milestone Birthday by Meryl Williams - Everything Meryl writes is great.

Why you should visit Ann Arbor, Michigan by Rebecca Power - Come hang out with me! I will show you cool things that are not on this list!

4 Chicago tech leaders address the biggest issues women face in the industry by James Risley - featuring an interview with my brilliant friend Terri Shih!

Listening

Homecoming - A fiction podcast by Gimlet Media, Homecoming follows a case worker at a facility for returned veterans. Originally recommended by my friend Hope Gee, I tore through this within a couple days. It features Oscar Isaac, Catherine Keener, and David Schwimmer. 

Limetown - A science fiction podcast that I'm late to hear. It follows a reporter who is searching for answers about Limetown, Tennessee, a town that went missing.

Watching

Great News - It's still working to find its feet, but this sitcom set in a New Jersey news show is delightful. The cast is excellent and my new go-to response to most things is "Turn down for what, Greg?"

Search PartySearch Party stars Alia Shawkat in a strange, captivating story about her obsession with a woman who she knew from college. It alternates between suspense and dark comedy. I'm torn on the fact that it got renewed for a second season and would love to discuss the ending. 

GLOW - It's Alison Brie wrestling with other strong, smart women. What more could I want? The Netflix show follows the creation of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling in the 1980s. I'm now wishing I could wear blue glitter lipstick everywhere.

What have you been watching, reading, or listening to lately?

1 comment:

  1. Writing a short story is an art not everyone can master. Loved to hear about the young writers making their name in the field of story writing. Thumbs up guys.

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