womanist. writer. realist.
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I live and work in Philadelphia PA.
But maybe the best way to get to know me other than reading my books is to see what I'm watching, eating and reading.
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So, here goes ...
WHAT I'M WATCHING
... and you should too
This one I saw in the theater one Sunday afternoon, all by myself. It was a long one, but absolutely worth it. It's based on Isabel Wilkerson's process that led to the writing of her acclaimed book, 'Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents' which posits that race is not the most influential factor that separates us, but caste. The writing of the book, and the genesis of the ideas that led to it are shown in tandem with the very difficult transitions that were happening in Wilkerson's life at the time. It was moving on so many levels, but also very much a viewing experience that makes you think. Highly recommend this one.
'All of Us Strangers' is an amazing, unique film. But if I had to pick a single word, haunting is the only way to describe this one. It's not a conventional story by a stretch, but it's a very human one. A gay man, living alone, ponders his life and the death of his parents when he was very young. Then he forges an unexpected connection with his neighbor, a somewhat younger man, just as solitary, just as alone. It's a quiet film, but so beautifully acted by Paul Mescal (a favorite ever since his performance in 'Normal People') and the amazing Andrew Scott. I suggest you have some tissues on hand for this one.
So you might have guessed by now that I'm on a Paul Mescal kick at the moment. But lemme tell you, he is absolutely one of the best working actors out there today. And this movie, 'Aftersun' will absolutely convince you of that, if you didn't already know. Sophie is vacationing with her dad, Calum, and they are both at a turning point. Through her child's eyes, Sophie senses something is amiss with her dad, but she's distracted by her own stuff. Another one to keep you thinking. Watch it on Netflix.
A reworking of the 1990 film starring Harrison Ford, this time with Jake Gyllenhaal in the lead. AppleTV+ has turned it into a limited series, with different characters and twists, and a modern dash of diversity. In this one, Rusty Sabich the prosecuting attorney accused of murder is married to a Black woman. In one scene, his wife says to him, something to the effect of, "Sometimes I think you forget you have a Black son." Watch it on AppleTV+
I decided to watch this for two reasons: I have the book, and Nicole Kidman is in it. While I wouldn't call her a favorite, she is a very competent actress, so I knew it wouldn't be campy. 'Expats' follows the lives of three American women, far away from home, living in Hong Kong. Two of them are privileged, and one is a part of the working-class, supporting the more affluent residents. And then an unspeakable tragedy occurs, binding them in ways they couldn't have anticipated A good, not great watch. On Prime Video.
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WHAT I'M EATING ...
The Savory ...
Spicy olives stuffed with feta. Yummy. But ... kinda salty, so probably better not to indulge often. If only I could follow my own advice on this.
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Still obsessed with red meat. But now it's lamb. A roast is preferable, but lamb meatballs is probably the easiest to make and goes well with a fresh tzatziki sauce and a warm pita.
and The Sweet.
Lately I've had a chocolate craving, which doesn't usually mean I get perfectly healthy dark chocolate. Instead it means chocolate layer cake. It's fine though ... this phase never lasts for very long with me.
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My old standby is still a thing though. Vanilla ice cream with strong coffee on the side, or — if I allow it to cool down first — poured directly atop the ice cream. This dessert is one I will never get tired of.
WHAT I'M READING
No reviews, just covers. The only review worth paying attention to is your own, so happy reading!
