ASHLEY HALM
Special to The Leader
The dorms are slowly emptying out, classes are winding down, course evals are (not) getting completed.
In no time at all you might find yourself sitting in your childhood bedroom, unsure of how to pass the time between now and the start of the spring semester in February.
But have no fear; I’ve compiled a list of newly-released books, movies, podcasts and music to help you fill your days after the Thanksgiving leftovers are gone and all the well-meaning but terrible gifts from your distant relatives have been opened and listed on Ebay.
Hopefully, these recs are enough to distract you from the terrifying state of the pandemic, American politics and your dad’s National Lampoon-worthy failure of a turkey. Hopefully.
“Road Out of Winter” by Alison Stine
Warning: it’s not a story about a pandemic, but it is about an apocalypse of sorts, so read with caution. The story follows a pot farmer’s daughter as she abandons her home and farm in rural Appalachian Ohio to try and escape an eternal winter that has gripped the planet, encountering cults and survivors along the way. It’s a thrilling and heartbreaking page-turner about finding your chosen family in the face of hardship and danger. It might not be your preferred flavor of escapism right now, but it’s definitely a compelling read.
“A Promised Land” by Barack Obama
So many celebrities released memoirs this month, from Megan Rapinoe to Michael J. Fox to Dolly Parton. However, I really think you’re going to want to grab a copy of former President Barack Obama’s newest memoir, whether you agree with his politics or not. The book covers his journey from his time as a young politician in Iowa all the way through his time in the Oval Office, offering an incredibly intimate reflection on the powers and limitations of the presidency, and the way that history treats and immortalizes those who dare to dream of progress.
“Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey” (Currently available on Netflix)
I know what you’re thinking: isn’t this a fantastical musical movie geared toward children? Yes, but hear me out. It features an almost entirely Black cast studded by stars like Forest Whitaker, Ricky Martin and Keegan-Michael Key, and it’s all about the importance of family and believing in yourself. Also, John Legend served as an executive producer and lyricist for the soundtrack, so the music is unparalleled. It’s the perfect dose of holiday escapism to enjoy while you’re curled up on the couch with some hot cocoa, waiting for this hellscape of a year to end.
“The Midnight Sky” (Will be available on Netflix Dec. 23)
George Clooney produces, directs and stars in this sci-fi drama that follows a cancer-ridden scientist in the Arctic Circle as he races to warn a crew of astronauts not to return to Earth in the aftermath of a mysterious global catastrophe. Again, the apocalyptic plot might hit a little too close to reality this year, but it promises a thrilling two hour ride which has been described as a mashup of “Gravity” and “The Revenant,” all centered around a message of hope and redemption in the face of immense loss. Other notable cast members include Felicity Jones of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” and David Oyelowo of “Selma.”
“American Horror Story: 1984” (Currently available on Netflix)
The ninth season of the award-winning cult favorite series is finally on Netflix, which means this is the perfect opportunity to go back to the start with “AHS: Murder House” and binge-watch all the way through. Whether you’re already a die-hard fan or you’re completely new to the show (*raises hand*), you’re bound to enjoy this drama that explores “humankind’s unsettling capacity for evil” through its loosely connected, anthology-style season plots. As a friend recently told me, spooky season is still far from over.
“Hunters” (Currently available on Amazon Prime)
If you’re really not feeling the dystopian content on this list (honestly, I don’t blame you), you might like “Hunters,” which is set in 1970s America. The series stars Al Pacino and Logan Lerman, and follows a group of Nazi hunters looking for justice for the Holocaust. Of course, there is a new global genocide conspiracy plot that keeps the stakes high and the plot moving, but for the most part “Hunters” is just in the business of good old-fashioned Nazi-killing action, and cousin, business is a-boomin’.
“Rabbit Hole” (Currently available on Spotify and Apple Music)
Hosted by tech columnist Kevin Roose, this eight-part podcast series from the New York Times explores “how the internet is changing, and how it’s changing us.” It features topics like QAnon conspiracy theories and the influence of social media on modern politics, as well as interviews with media mega-influencers like PewDiePie. The episodes range from 24 to 36 minutes long, and I promise by the end you’re going to feel both more cautious and more hopeful about the internet’s trajectory of influence in the future.
“The Duncan Trussell Family Hour” (Currently available on Spotify, Apple Music and www.duncan trussell.com)
With over 400 episodes averaging an hour and a half long, there’s literally no way for you to run out of things to listen to with this podcast interview series by comedian Duncan Trussell. Featuring an incredible variety of guests, from spiritual teachers and bestselling authors, to tattoo artists and fellow comedians, it’s the perfect show to throw on and laugh at while you’re running errands— especially if you’re sick of all the Christmas music on the radio.
“Good Luck with Whatever” by Dawes
This latest release from criminally underrated indie-rock band Dawes was included in Esquire’s list of the most anticipated albums of fall 2020, and for good reason. The album earnestly explores all the complex feelings of uncertainty and hope to be found in the modern human psyche, while maintaining the infectiously impactful musical sound that the band has become known for. Plus, the title track might be the best, most carefree “F*** you” anthem I’ve ever heard.
“Modern Johnny Sings: Songs in the Age of Vibe” by Theo Katzman
I just received this rec from a friend, and I’m obsessed. From the singer-songwriter behind many of the hits attributed to the internet-famous funk band Vulfpeck, this retro-inspired pop rock album features intensely poetic lyrics that discuss serious issues like the futility of existence through the lens of humor and sarcasm, laid over the most beautifully joyful and chill melodies you’ve ever heard. It’s perfect for long car rides or relaxing after a long day of arguing about politics.
Whether you take these recommendations or choose to go on your own search for your preferred comfort content this holiday season, I’m wishing you good luck, good health and a fresh start in 2021. Happy holidays!