What a surprise to hear Christian Bale speak out of character. Never in a million years would I have said he was British. Ha! Here he is talking about some of his most iconic roles. So much goes on behind the scenes when making films. We don’t regularly get an actor’s perspective on past roles:…
Double whammy…in a good way! We can listen to and read this short story thanks to Levar Burton!
Ever since reading Carmen Maria Machado’s memoir, I have wanted to pick up one of her short stories. Lucky for us, we can read one of her stories while we listen to it told by the amazing Levar Burton. Plus, it’s sci-fi/fantasy. It can’t get much better, in my opinion. Let’s dive right in! Here…
A moving and inspiring interview about gender nonconformity that you will relate to more closely than you think
Alok Vaid-Menon talks profoundly with Imara Jones about life, love, joy and the politics of gender nonconformity. We get the privilege of eavesdropping on their conversation, learning and expanding our way of thinking. Whether or not we are ready to give up some traditional – and conservative – notions about gender, this interview should resonate…
Have you ever heard Rosalia speak English?
Whether you like Rosalia’s music or not, she is definitely a global sensation at the moment. Her music has earned her eight Latin Grammy nominations. She isn’t shy about speaking English, and it makes you wonder if one day she’ll make an album in English. Imagine that! Let’s listen to this interview and see what…
Reading club: the podcast, Book Exploder, analyzes an excerpt from a book I want to read together
Head over to Bookexploder.com and listen to Carmen Maria Machado talk about her memoir In the Dream House. An author’s writing process is always fascinating to hear about, and this one even more so because the book is based on real life events, yet it’s written in an innovative and creative style for a memoir….
Series alert: We Own This City
David Simon, the creator of the widely acclaimed series, The Wire, is at it again. This is a modern exploration of the widespread corruption in the Baltimore police force. Do you wonder how far corruption has permeated your own local law enforcement? Let’s hope it is nowhere near as far gone as Baltimore’s department. Let’s…
Let’s start the academic year off with a bang by reading and discussing The Tragedy of Heterosexuality!
Get ready because I have a feeling this book will spark some (much needed) debate. This is for advanced readers who want to step out of their comfort zone for a little while. The author, Jane Ward, has done a deep dive into what it means to be “straight” and I’m ready to analyze it…
Mid-summer movie homework!
I’ve just watched the film Passing and could not help suggesting it as a mid-summer assignment for those of you who love to watch films late into the night during warm summer nights. Passing is a fascinating film about race, friendship, and expectations. There is just so much to discuss, consider taking notes or watching…
What is Beyoncé’s new single really about?
Beyoncé has given the world a new single. Have you listened to it yet? A lot of people are talking about the various messages the lyrics hold and how pertinent it is to the times. What’s your reaction? Do you feel inspired? This article in Teen Vogue gives us a place to start our own…
The existential crisis that unravels when one questions parenthood
To be or not to be a parent, that is the question. Does society actually make space for those who choose not to have children, or is it still misunderstood and frowned upon? What is the difference between “child-free” and “childless”? This op-ed piece in the L.A. Times gives you a lot to think about….