Monthly Favorites: October

*cover photo: original

Hi my lovely readers! I know we are already in November, so this post is a bit late but I was busy starting a new job as a substitute teacher and turning 23 (more on that later). Here’s some of what I was into this October!

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Books

The Constant Gardener (John le Carre) – It’s an action thriller while also being intellectually elevated and well written. The story follows a British diplomatic official in Kenya who sets out on a mission to uncover the truth behind the brutal murder of his activist wife, leading him to question his own colleagues and government. le Carre combines spy action and international manhunts with insightful analysis of big Pharma (the pharmaceutical conglomerate) and searing political commentary on the dangers of unchecked capitalism, which goes hand in hand with racism and classicism. I learned a lot about the pharmaceutical business and it was quite eye opening to delve into the intricacies and dark underbelly of big pharma’s role abroad, particularly their dealings in poor developing non white countries. 

Charlie Wilson’s War (George Crile) – This is non fiction but it reads like fiction, written a by an american journalist most associated with a three decades long career at CBS News. The subject is the Soviet-Afghanistan war in the 80’s and the CIA’s covert operation to bleed those “commies” out, an operation which started with simply funding the Mujahideen (afghan “freedom fighters”) and ended up maximally funding, arming and training them. Charlie Wilson was a Texas Senator, a playboy and party animal, who wormed his way through the House to get a spot on the appropriations committee (in charge of funding entities like the CIA), and began a shady back channel crusade to ramp up the operation’s billions of dollars, supplying advanced weapons and training the fighters in techno urban guerrilla warfare. And the public never knew a thing then and for decades after. Crile’s book does not slant to one side or the other, he just presents the story, but he does make it clear that despite the success of the operation, things got very shady by the end and there were unintended consequences that haunt us to this present day.  The ones to turn on the US with the Gulf War, 9/11, etc. were the ones with US funded advanced weaponry and urban warfare/terrorism training. So, what does that say?

Music

It’s Not the Same Anymore (Rex Orange County) – I’m a big fan of this young quirky British dude whose songs are honest, randomly funny and often blunt. This song is from his latest album Pony, and has become one of my favorites by him. It manages to be incredibly pessimistic while also leaving you a bit hopeful, and it doesn’t stray from the truth about growing up and the real, hazy meaning of change. He expresses feelings of enormous confusion and sense of loss as his life has changed, the questions you ask yourself about where you’re going and if you were better off back before things changed. But he concludes that yes, it’s not the same anymore, and he’s better for it. A powerful and relateable song.

Lose You to Love Me (Selena Gomez) – I’m not a big Gomez fan- she’s just a little too poppy for me- but this latest release grabbed my attention and moved me. The sound is beautifully stripped and you can really hear her vocals and emotion; you can hear her put her raw heart in its entirety on display. It’s a very empowering track and sends an important message about how important it is to always remain who you are, to avoid getting lost in relationships.

Lights Up (Harry Styles) – Catchy, ephemeral, sparkling- this song is a pure joy to listen to, and has a great message.

Film/TV

Fleabag – This is an incredibly blunt, darkly funny and honest show about grief, love, screwing up, feminism, and figuring out your life when it seems stuck at a dead end. Phoebe Waller-Bridge is a phenomenal actor and writer, gracefully transitioning the one woman play into a t.v series. It takes a few episodes to warm up to the characters and to acclimate to its candid tone , but the pay off is rewarding and surprisingly achingly emotional. Season one is great and the recently released season two is even better.

Available on: Amazon prime video

Watchmen – The first ever comic/graphic novel I ever read was this one during senior year of high school for an AP literature class. Never being a fan of the genre, specifically superhero/action type stuff, I surprisingly enjoyed it but didn’t come away loving it. Now HBO has taken it on with a modern twist, and I’m, as the kids say, definitely here for it. Just as the comic grappled with fear of nuclear advancement and cold war tensions, the show also plays on political/societal tensions, except now it’s supremacy and racism; how do you fight and truly defeat something so deeply rooted and insidious. I love the complexity behind both sides of the fight- the police and the seventh Calvary/white racist citizens in general. It’s an outstanding series with solid acting, writing and editing.

available on: HBO

Secretary – What a gem. I put this on as a bit of comic relief after a stressful week, something to lose a few brain cells to, and I came away from it in awe. This is a smartly funny, clever, subtly emotional and realistic film about unconventional love, a film that says who the hell cares how you prefer to love and be loved (as long as its consensual and not harming others of course). Maggie Gyllenhall’s character is so refreshingly strong and well written, and the film treats her idea of happiness and love in the form of sadomasochism as legitimate. It’s awesome that this kind of thing was portrayed in a mainstream film; Maggie was even nominated for a golden globe for her role.

available on: amazon prime video

Month in a quote

Your life is not small or mean, it is beautiful and big, full of planets clouds skies …. You are not great you are life.

~Alice Notley, “The Prophet” (a poem)

*picture: sunset in Hawaii, original

 

 

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Feel free to leave me any comments on my picks or suggestions for what I should read/watch/listen to during this new month!