The past month has been filled with long-awaited releases across the publishing and film industries. Like the majority of college students over winter recess, the staff of the Harvard Independent took full advantage of our Canvas-free lull by diving into such binge-worthy narratives. Now that the start of spring semester and the inevitable need for a good late-night unwind has arrived, we have compiled a roundup of some books, television shows, and movies that left a lasting impression on us.
Books
“Slouching Towards Bethlehem” by Joan Didion
The Civil Rights Movement. The Vietnam War. Beatlemania. Didion recognizes the chaos yet spirit of the 1960s through this introspective collection of essays. Easy to pick up and put down in short bursts, this novel is the epitome of a personal yet universal reflection on culture, identity, and human vulnerability. If you finish this text and are looking for another exploration of the sixties, we encourage you to check out Didion’s “The White Album” next.
“Sex and Rage” by Eve Babitz
We covered the sixties, but what about the seventies? Set in Los Angeles, this coming-of-age novel contemplates the paradox of fame and self-discovery through protagonist Jacqueline’s adolescence during this decade’s hedonistic culture. Babitz’s text is known for its witty and provocative analysis of identity, sexuality, and meaning in a society drawing in excess.
“The Submerged State” by Suzanne Mettler
In the wake of a new presidential administration, this book is incredibly timely. Through an analysis of three Obama reforms, Mettler discusses the formidable “submerged state” that, in her opinion, illuminates the difficulty in enacting policies and receiving positive public recognition for them. “The Submerged State” is ideal for anyone looking to learn more about the inner workings of federal social programs, and to a further extent, reclaim their voice in the American political sphere.
“Think Like a Monk” by Jay Shetty
Looking to overcome negativity, stop overthinking, how to leverage your fear, why kindness is imperative for success, and more? Shetty’s reflection on his time as a monk explains how we can surmount our internal barriers to find a life brimming with potential and power. Abandon that Lexapro and melatonin and turn to this podcast host’s distillation of wisdom instead.
“Intermezzo” by Sally Rooney
Stuck with a sibling you have nothing in common with? Rooney’s two protagonists, Peter and Ivan, find themselves in a similar predicament, with one being a charismatic, successful lawyer and the other an awkward, competitive chess player. However, in this tale of grief and love, these two brothers learn the value of life and the significance they hold in each other’s lives.
“Heads in Beds: A Reckless Memoir of Hotels, Hustles, and So-Called Hospitality” by Jacob Tomsky
If you think you know the hotel industry, wait until you read this uncensored memoir of this Cigarettes After Sex drummer’s career in the hotel industry. Between scanning the mini bar for any missing overpriced snacks, to learning a little more about his guests while cleaning their bathroom, Tomsky’s seen it all, and now wants his readers to as well. By the end of this novel, you will be equipped to maximize an industry that is fueled by putting “heads in beds.”
“On the Edge” by Nate Silver
At first glance, there is little overlap between a hedge fund manager, a cryptocurrency die-hard, a blue-chip art collector, and a poker player. However, Silver investigates the lives of these professionals to teach his audience about navigating the uncertainties of the twenty-first century. Whether or not you consider yourself someone with an appreciation for spontaneity, a thirst for high-stakes scenarios, or a competitive drive, after reading these 576 pages, you will have a better understanding of the individuals whose affinity for risk lets them dominate the modern world.
Television Shows
“The Sex Lives of College Girls”
Instead of Harvard, it’s Essex College. Instead of blockmates, it’s four randomly-assigned college roommates. Throughout three seasons, this drama authentically portrays the ups and downs of university life. Tackling issues like sexual identity, campus culture, and the complexities of friendships and romance, this show offers the perfect glimpse into the chaos of one’s early twenties.
“Psych”
Whether you believe in psychics or not, this show’s premise following a hyper-observant clairvoyant detective is the perfect blend of comedy, mystery, and life lessons. With an average Popcornmeter of 94%, we can’t think of a reason not to procrastinate your next p-set with “Psych.”
“One Hundred Years of Solitude”
Regardless of whether you read and loved Gabriel García Márquez’s novel or not, this Netflix series is a masterful blend of magical realism and profound storytelling. Exploring the themes of love, power, family, and the cyclical nature of time and memory, “One Hundred Years of Solitude” invites its audience to reflect on human existence and the powers of our ancestors.
“Only Murders in the Building”
Here at the Independent, we love Selena Gomez, but we love this television series featuring the actress and singer even more. Following three true crime infatuated strangers, this show is a comedy murder mystery that takes viewers along for the ride as a body is discovered in their Upper West Side apartment building.
“Gossip Girl”
Shifting from the Upper West Side to the Upper East Side, this is a show we hope needs no introduction. If you haven’t watched this classic, drop everything and head to Netflix now.
“Shogun”
Offering a different storyline than the majority of our television show recommendations, this historical fiction drama is set during Japan’s Sengoku period in 1600. An English sailor shipwrecked on the coast of East-Asia during this time of warring states, John Blackthorne is thrown into a whirlwind of political rivalries between warlords, the Catholic Church, and the Empires of Spain and Portugal.
“Sopranos”
If you’re a fan of “Mad Men,” “Breaking Bad” and its spinoff “Better Call Saul,” or “Peaky Blinders,” then “Sopranos” should be your next watch. This show follows Tony Soprano, an Italian-American New Jersey mob boss, as he works to balance his family life with his tumultuous professional career.
Movies
“Mona Lisa,” directed by Neil Jordan
Yet another slightly controversial yet highly entertaining plot, this British crime drama offers a glimpse at the romantic life between an ex-convict and a high-end call girl in London during the 1980s.
“Smile,” directed by Parker Finn
No, the title doesn’t refer to elementary school picture day. The film follows Dr. Rose Cotter who experiences a troubling encounter with a patient. The fear and thrill that follows will leave you on the edge of your seat. If you love “The Conjuring,” “The Shining,” or “Come Play,” this should be on your to-watch list.
“The Big Lebowski,” directed by Joel Coen and Ethan Coen
Have you ever been mistaken for a millionaire? No? Well, Jeff ‘The Dude’ Lebowski has. After two criminals urinate on his rug and demand he pay a debt he knows nothing about, Lebowski hunts down his namesake and ends up accepting a one-time job with an enticing pay-off.
“The Darjeeling Unlimited,” directed by Wes Anderson
Adding a bit of a somber tone to this list otherwise filled with action, thriller, and comedy movies, this film is about three brothers who travel via train across India to reconnect with one another and their culture following their father’s death.
“Moonrise Kingdom,” directed by Wes Anderson
It’s 1965, and two young residents of an island off the coast of New England fall in love and choose to inhabit a unique community seemingly immune from the struggles of the rest of society. When a vicious storm nears the island they reside on, a search party sets out to find the young couple before it is too late. This film is a unique narrative about adolescent romance, sexuality, and mental health.
“Erin Brockovich,” directed by Steven Soderbergh
Pre-law or not, this film should be on your watch list. A classic starring Julia Roberts, Erin Brockovich walks viewers through a legal case against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company after the very real Hinkley groundwater contamination incident that happened from 1952 to 1966.
“Country Strong,” directed by Shana Feste
With a cast starring Tim McGraw, Leighton Meester, and Gwenyth Paltrow, who wouldn’t want to watch this musical-romance flick? Don’t let the poor Rotten Tomatoes reviews fool you. The Independent staff stands by this film inspired by the 2007 media frenzy and public meltdown of Britney Spears.
We hope you enjoy these recommendations as much as our staff did. If you happen to find yourself with some free time or are looking to put off the semester’s first assignments, revisit this list—you won’t be disappointed.
Sara Kumar ’27 (sjkumar@college.harvard.edu) is currently watching “Sex and the City” and hopes to start reading more books.