March Worthwhile Stuff

 📚 Books
Princess Bari, Hwang Sok-yong: Another gorgeous novel from Hwang Sok-yong: an immigrant story crossed with a fable, the story is set against famine in North Korea, 9/11, and the Iraq war, as seen through the eyes (both open and closed) of a young woman with a special gift, who nevertheless struggles to understand her own suffering and that of those around her. This book presents characters from a wide range of cultures around the world and contains some beautifully written passages that borrow from Buddhism and Eastern Philosophy. The translation of the text is elegant, nuanced, and evocative.


🎶 Music
"Closer", Saweetie feat. H.E.R.: This song has a lazy weekend morning / late night chill-out vibe that wouldn't be out of place on a Hed Kandi Beach House compilation. H.E.R.'s angelic vocals on the chorus are a perfect complement to Saweetie's sassy rap verses.

"Bring Back the Time", New Kids on the Block feat. En Vogue, Rick Astley & Salt-N-Pepa: As a way to promote a summer tour, one could do a lot worse than this very fun pop song that perfectly captures the era the artists are most well know for. The chorus is a perfect earworm, and the video is equally delightful.

"When You're Gone", Shawn Mendes: I'm always going to be Team Shawn, but I truly believe his break-up songs are better than Camila's efforts. This is a banger of a bop as only Shawn Mendes can deliver (think "There's Nothing Holding Me Back" and "If I Can't Have You"). The propulsive guitar riff evokes early-2000s Rock, and the singalong chorus is addictive.