October’s picks represent some things that have been going on, either in the world or in my mind. Whichever feels bigger. Read, watch, listen, engage, share.
BOOK OF THE MONTH
Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat
“I come from a place where breath, eyes, and memory are one, a place from which you carry your past like the hair on your head.”
Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat (published 1994) is Danticat’s debut novel and follows a young Haitian girl named Sophie Caco as she immigrates to America to live with her distant and troubled mother. In America, she finds that the same troubles that haunt her mother may haunt her as well.
Danticat (1969-) is a Haitian-American author. She’s well-known for writing the short story collection Krik Krak, the memoir Brother, I’m Dying, and her collection of essays We’re Alone.
ADDITIONAL READING: Bound Together by Edwidge Danticat [ESSAY]
Children of The Sea by Edwidge Danticat [FICTION SHORT STORY]
READING LINKS:
BUY FROM YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE IF YOU CAN, IT’S MUCH COOLER!
GO TO YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY, GET A CARD, AND GET TO READING FOR FREE IF NECESSARY!
FILM OF THE MONTH
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown / Mujeres al borde de un ataque de nervios (1988) directed by Pedro Almodóvar
“Dime que hubieras muerto si yo no hubiera vuelto. [Tell me that you would have died if I had not returned.]”
Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown is a Spanish comedy film about a woman named Pepa who has decided to kill herself with gazpacho spiked with barbiturates after her lover, Ivan, decides to leave her for another woman. The film follows her and a wacky cast of misaligned souls throughout two days, both meant to be Pepa’s last.
The film is helmed by Pedro Almodóvar (born 1949), arguably the most successful and well-known Spanish filmmaker of his generation. But it’s earlier in his career and features very fun and heart-wrenching performances from Carmen Maura, Antonio Banderas, and Julieta Serrano.
ADDITIONAL READING/VIEWING:
Sexist or Nah? [ESSAY]
WATCH:
AMAZON PRIME
APPLE TV
CRITERION CHANNEL
[SORRY, NO FREE LINKS THIS MONTH]
ALBUM OF THE MONTH
Tarika Blue (1977) by Tarika Blue
“Truth Is The Key”
Tarika Blue by Tarika Blue is a key staple of 1970s American jazz music with both its instrumental tracks and more R&B/funk floaty songs as well. The opening song, “Dreamflower,” is perhaps best known for being sampled for Erykah Badu’s mega “Didn’t Cha Know” and other Hip Hop/neo-soul classics such as “Too Deep For The Intro” by J Cole. At thirteen tracks and seventy-five minutes, Tarika Blue is a calm yet flighty listening experience. Certified floater.
ADDITIONAL READING/LISTENING:
“Didn’t Cha Know” by Erykah Badu [SONG]
LISTEN:
The album is available on all direct streaming platforms!
PREVIOUS MONTLY PICKS
The Salt Eaters by Toni Cade Bambara,
Chameleon Street (1989)
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below by Outkast