August 2024 Media Recommendations
Book, film, and other media recs for late summer
Hi everyone! Did you see mother Lindsay Lohan’s new sleek mint green dress at the Disney Legend Awards?!?!?!?!
Well, now you can’t say you didn’t! The Lohanissance is happening and as a Lindsay stan, I couldn’t be more excited!!! Earlier this month, Lindsay and co-star Jamie Lee Curtis shared some short preview clips of the Freak Friday sequel, which now has an official title: Freakier Friday.
This week, I’m sharing some late summer media recommendations because I’m working on an essay and don’t want to rush it. I’d love to hear if you consumed and enjoyed (or not) any of the media mentioned.
Didi (2024): This coming-of-age film follows the emotional development of a 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy during the last summer before high school begins. It’s set in 2008, a perfect period piece for millennial internet nostalgia. It’s also imppresively the director, Sean Wang’s, feature-length editorial debut.
“THE BADDEST (BADDER)” by Joey Valence & Brae feat. Ayesha Erotica: This song popped up on my radar on its release day because of hyperpop queen Ayesha Erotica! I’ve been so stoked for Ayesha’s return to music and is reinventing her sound. I’m also excited for this song because Ayesha’s music is back on my For You page since it has gone viral on TikTok!!
Unlearning Shame by Price: I listened to Price’s book on Libro.fm, an audiobook platform alternative to Audible. (Sign up here with my referral code.1) I’m only half way through it, but it has blown my mind so much. The text revolves around the concept of systemic shame and how it encourages us to internalized systemic oppression. I don’t want to summarize too much here because I can’t do it justice yet without finishing it, so go read it!!!
Philosophy Tube’s recent video essay, “How Death Changes Your Perspective” ft. Caitlin Doughty: I rushed to watch this recent Philosophy Tube video. Although I was hesitant on whether I could actually handle the content, I’m glad I watched in two sittings. There’s a twist half-way into the video worth seeing for on your own, especially if you’re a fan of Judith Butler’s work. Here’s a quote that stuck out to me: “Butler says that death highlights the fact that we are not just individuals; we all have the same vulnerability—morality—even if some of us are exposed to a greater risk of it than others.” It also features a cameo from another creator/writer I admire, Caitlin Doughty, author and the mastermind behind the Ask a Mortician YouTube channel
Democracy Now!’s daily Top U.S. & World Headlines: This recommendation is very Adryan-core because I enjoy being tapped into international news. (My journalism roots are showing.) Democracy Now! is an independently funded news organization that hosts an hour-long video broadcast daily, co-founded and principle hosted by the GOAT Amy Goodman. The first part of their broadcast features headlines summarizing recent breaking and trending world news; if I can’t watch the entire broadcast, I at least make an effort to watch the headlines. I highly recommend checking out their coverage of the student uprising in Bangaldesh and Venezulan presidential election.
The Success Myth by Emma Gannon: After devouring Samhita Mukhopadhyay’s The Myth of Making It, I craved another book with similar themes, which brought me to Gannon’s book. I actually followed Gannon’s podcast earlier in my writing career a decade ago, but didn’t keep up with her recent work, so it was nice to hear she’s also grappling with the unpractical standards women face in every aspect of their lives, especially from someone who was also adjacent to #girlboss hustle culture of the 2010s. (This is also available on Libro.fm, where I purchased and listened to the audiobook.)
Honorable mentions: I haven’t seen them yet (or hopefully I will by the time this is published) but Kneecap, Cuckoo, and My Penguin Friend are on my to-watch list for the rest of the summer.
Have you read/watched/listened to any inspiring media this season? I'd love to hear about it in the comments!
I need to see Didi and was also excited to see Ayesha Erotica on my Spotify homepage!!