1. Reading: I recently finished Simu Liu’s memoir, We Were Dreamers: An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story. It was both heartbreaking and inspiring, if a book can be such a thing. Liu shares about his family’s immigration to Canada, his fraught relationship with his high-expectation parents, and his difficult journey into acting. I loved everything about it—his humor, his humility, and most of all his hope. I listened to the audiobook on long runs, and his emotional sections were…well, let’s just say it was hard to breathe during those long runs when I heard his voice crack with pain. So, so good.
2. Reading: On the middle grade side, I thoroughly enjoyed Sal & Gabi Break the Universe, by Carlos Hernandez. It’s a book published by the Rick Riordan imprint, and it was a hilarious romp through the multiverse. I don’t generally pick up science fiction, but this one was well worth it. There’s a sequel, Sal & Gabi Fix the Universe, and that’s next on my list. I suspect it will be just as hilarious as the first. And who doesn’t need a little humor fiction?
3. Watching: Every Friday, while I’m huffing and puffing on the elliptical (after a 10-mile warmup run), I watch the Netflix series Call the Midwife. I am so glad I didn’t watch this series before I had babies, because it is terrifying, all the things that can go wrong during a birth—granted it takes place during the 1950s and 1960s. The characters and their arcs are so sweet and intriguing, and each episode has a wonderful story to tell about life and love and joy. I’ve gotten emotional so many times watching this series, and I’m only on Season 2. And they just announced the 11th season—which means other people like it as much as I do. I highly recommend it!
4. Reading: Another great middle grade book I recently finished is Lisa Jenn Bigelow’s Hazel’s Theory of Evolution, a book that covers family, friendship, and the unpredictability of life. I loved the way Bigelow explored intersectionality in a way that would be understandable for young readers—and would promote empathy and acceptance for the peers in their midst. I’m always looking for books like these to share with my kids, and this one I’ve recommended to my fifth, seventh, and eighth graders.
5. Listening: Looking for some great tunes to add to your playlist? Try Banners (actual name: Michael Joseph Nelson, but all his music is under “Banners.”). “Someone to You” is the first song of his I heard, and I was hooked. My kids and I were actually watching the trailer for the Apple Original animated movie Luck (also recommended), and this song was the backdrop. We had to know who it was, so I “searched it up,” as my kids say. Apparently he’s been around for a while. So I took a deep dive, as one is prone to do. Banners just released a new single, “Happier,” and it’s fantastic too. Download his music wherever you get your music. And happy listening!
