Help! I’m bored: Books, Shows, and Movies Recommendations

By: Sophia Pei ‘22

It’s a new year and you want new interests. I’ve got you covered. Not sure what to do in your final week of winter break? Keep reading for my book, show, and movie recommendations.

Books

Dear Girls - Ali Wong

This book is formatted as a series of letters from stand-up comedian, Ali Wong, to her daughters. No book has made me laugh this much. And I don’t mean silent, “haha that’s funny” but real laughter to the point my housemates and the people behind me in line at Trader Joe’s probably thought I was crazy. While Wong does include jokes and sarcastic commentary the book is also incredibly heartfelt and genuine.

Talking to Strangers - Malcolm Gladwell

If you’ve read any of Gladwell’s other books, you know what to expect. He uses this book to analyze interactions between strangers and the underlying assumptions we’re prone to make. Super fascinating nonfiction read.

Cat’s Eye - Margaret Atwood

My *favorite* book right now. Unlike the more popular Handmaid’s Tale or even the more whimsical Bluebeard’s Egg, this book is grounded in the real world. However, Atwood’s use of multiple timelines and careful style of our detached narrator still makes the book both surreal and completely authentic. This book follows Elaine, jumping between her as a middle-aged successful painter and her growing up. There are so many beautiful descriptions and heart-breaking revelations made seemingly mundane by the matter-of-fact tone.

Shows

Queen’s Gambit

So so good. This Netflix piece set in the 50’s with its sepia-tone filter is completely binge-worthy. Though it does have long episodes, you will be hooked by the end of episode 2. It follows a young orphan, Beth, and her experience becoming a chess master. Ultimately a coming of age tale, and a rare show that prioritizes and focuses on friendship (rather than a romantic relationship).

Bridgerton

Another Netflix favorite. Set in 18th century England, this show follows the charming, wealthy Bridgerton family during the courting period of the eldest daughter, Daphne. The costumes and setting is absolutely breathtaking. Why don’t we have ballgowns and afternoon teas?

Despite the innocent first five episodes, I would caution against watching this with family — there’s some rather racy scenes towards the end. 

Jujutsu Kaisen

My anime recommendation for the month. As weird a premise as it sounds, the main character swallows an old sorcerer’s finger and is on a journey to consume them all! That may be the worst summary I’ve given, but this action anime with its catchy outro is a must watch.

Movies

While You Were Sleeping

Oldie but Goodie. This film from the 90’s is a holiday classic. A young metro operator saves a dashing business man from getting run over by a train …. and accidentally becomes engaged to a the said man who is now in a coma?

Death Bell

Have nightmares about school? Watch this Korean horror film. At a high school students on the honor lists slowly get gruesomely murdered. Happy Spring semester!

Whisker Away

This Netflix animated movie is probably my favorite movie of all time. Not only does it center around objectively the best animals on the planet - cats, but it also is a coming of age tale depicting teenagers and their interpersonal dynamics authentically. Though this may be classified as a romantic comedy, it is so much more. Look no further if you’re trying to find a heartwarming anime movie to start off your year.

Have your own favorite books, shows and movies? Share them below in the comments!

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