This month’s list of my latest recommendations is a short one:
BOOKS
Expecting Sunshine by Alexis Marie Chute
In this book, Canadian mom Alexis Marie recounts her struggle after the loss of her newborn son, and the mixed emotions of her following pregnancy. It is so beautifully written that it had a “literary” feel, while at the same time being very raw, honest, and at points blunt. I mentioned on social media right after I read it that Expecting Sunshine is a very valuable book for those who can relate to Alexis Marie’s loss, but may be even more important for those who can’t, and who struggle to understand or find words to support others in these situations.
This one was very twisty. I don’t know how many times I said, “Wait…what?!” while reading. A friend asks Stephanie to pick up her child after school…and then never comes back for him. You don’t know who you can trust (including the narrators) in this domestic thriller. I related – only very slightly – to the protagonist who is a blogger, but believe me, I am not that personal or strategic with my online entries.
MOVIES
The Promise
I am ashamed to say that I had very little knowledge of the WWI-era genocide of the Armenian people of Turkey. You can always count on Hollywood to open your eyes. The love triangle pits a medical student (already betrothed to someone back home) against an American journalist, and while their relationships form the backbone of the story, the rest is a very uncomfortable exploration of Turkey’s treatment of the Armenian people at the beginning of the war. Oscar Isaac, Christian Bale and Charlotte Le Bon (who bears a striking resemblance to Rose Byrne) were excellent in their roles. I came out of the movie theatre feeling much more enlightened, but at the same time very sad. Especially since things like this are still going on in the world.
