Passions: Entertainment

What We’re…

...Reading

"THE BOYS" BY RON HOWARD AND CLINT HOWARD

While it might seem like Hollywood cranks out memoirs all the time, "The Boys" is truly a special specimen of the genre. Without the irony or snark that typifies such memoirs, this book feels like a truly heartwarming breath of fresh air. While it does contain great stories of the childhoods and early careers of the writers, it also sets itself apart by being extremely well written, and providing insight into the inner workings of Hollywood.

"ONCE MORE UPON A TIME" BY ROSHANI CHOKSHI

For those looking to escape from the reality of the daily grind, "Once More Upon a Time" provides an excellent outlet for escapist fantasies. For fans of Paulo Coelho or Gabriel Garcia Marquez, the magical feel of the prose will feel both familiar and altogether fresh and new, as it cleverly uses the fairy-tale structure to simultaneously delight readers and provide a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the genre. This is a short read that you won’t be able to put down until it’s finished.

...Listening To

COLDPLAY, "MUSIC OF THE SPHERES"

While naming songs with emoji titles seems either pretentious or gimmicky, depending on who you ask, the sound of "Music of the Spheres" is neither. Despite their strange marketing tactics, such as releasing the single "Higher Power" as a transmission from the International Space Station, Chris Martin and Coldplay do not disappoint when it comes to what really matters — the ethereal but accessible feel of their music.

DIANA ROSS, "THANK YOU"

When Diana Ross releases her first album in 15 years, the world stands up and takes notice. Reportedly recorded entirely at Ross’ home during the lockdown of 2020, "Thank You" is full of collaborations with a wide variety of musicians. The single, "Thank You," is a beautiful and nostalgic example of what the world has been missing from the original diva, and we are looking forward to everything else this album has in store.

...Watching

"MAID," STREAMING ON NETFLIX

Beautiful writing and acting characterize what might otherwise feel like a serialized Lifetime movie in "Maid." A young mother escapes an abusive relationship and struggles to find a way to care for herself and her daughter, both practically and psychologically, as she tries to heal her own childhood traumas. This slow-burn isn’t making it into the Netflix Top 10 like some flashier or more violent selections, but it is exceptionally good, and worth every minute of your time.

"GHOSTS," AIRING THURSDAYS AT 9PM ON CBS

If you’re looking for something less serious, "Ghosts" is a charming dark comedy about a couple who inherit a mansion that is full of ghosts who don’t want their home invaded by people. While the concept might seem a little kitschy, the show is genuinely funny and worth some attention. It is an Americanized version of a British comedy, which has proven to be a formula that works, but Ghosts may have a somewhat narrower audience than "The Office."

By Vanessa Hutchison