Media Recommendations

By: Tiffany Cheung (Grade 11) and Michelle Li (Grade 11)

A compilation of media recommendations including books and shows to keep you entertained during quarantine!

Books

The First Time Lauren Pailing Died

Photo credit: Goodreads.com 

The First Time Lauren Pailing Died by Alyson Rudd is a fiction novel that puts a spin on multiple universes and spirituality through the eyes of a girl named Lauren Pailing. Through all of the lives lived by Lauren, she follows the case of the missing Peter Stanning in which the mystery is solved at the end. This book is continually engaging with its mysteries and funny moments, yet can make you dissolve into tears. – Tiffany

Rating: 9/10

Call Me By Your Name

Photo credit: Amazon.ca  

Whether it be through social media and the countless reposts of Timothée Chalamet or a close friend raving about the film, you’re probably familiar with the title Call Me By Your Name by now. Although, what some may forget is that the well-loved film is a screenplay based on the novel by André Aciman. The book gives readers a deeper look into the complexities of Elio and Oliver’s romance with beautifully crafted imagery under the heat of the Italian Summer. Just a warning, the book definitely goes into some more mature themes about sexuality so I wouldn’t say it’s for everyone. However, that shouldn’t take away from how tenderly it studies human connection in both its subtleties and extremities. All in all, while we are cooped up inside, I personally wouldn’t mind being carried away to apricot acres somewhere in Northern Italy. That is, pre-pandemic of course. – Michelle 

Rating: 9.5/10

Netflix Show

“I Am Not Okay With This”

Photo credit: Netflix 

“I Am Not Okay With This” is a coming-of-age series with a fantasy spin to it, much like the show, “Stranger Things”. This comedy-drama follows a girl named Sydney, who is discovering her unknown powers, while navigating relationships, and teenage angst. Reasons why I love this show are the inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ community, the breaking down of beauty standards, and the very fashionable, nonchalant Stanley Barber. Season 1 was only released earlier this year, so make sure you savour those 7 episodes because season two won’t be out for quite some time! – Tiffany

Rating: 9/10

Movie

“Beautiful Boy”

Photo credit: IMDB

If you want a good tear-jerker, “Beautiful Boy” is the film to watch. This movie follows a man (David) and his son (Nic) as Nic becomes addicted to meth. Nic goes through extreme highs and lows, while David does everything in his power to get his son back. The flashbacks throughout the movie to Nic’s loving childhood continually made me tear up. “Beautiful Boy” will make you see two sides to a story and allow you to rethink how your decisions can affect you and your loved ones. – Tiffany

Rating: 8.5/10

YouTube (Must Watch!)

“Out of Shadows”

Photo credit: Small Screen 

“Out of Shadows” is a seriously mind-boggling conspiracy documentary covering theories about Hollywood, the CIA, brainwashing, and so much more. The movie really makes you open your eyes about the reality we live in, and it’s honestly hard to believe anything is real after watching it, but I think it’s really important for people to be aware! – Tiffany

P.S. To find this video, search “Out of Shadows channel” on YouTube. 

Rating: 9.5/10

Hiho Kids

Photo credit: Hiho Kids

After months of videos like “Kids Try Exotic Fruits” pestering my recommendations, I finally caved into the rainbow-coloured rabbit hole that is the Hiho Kids channel. Now, you might be thinking “aren’t reaction videos a bit old by now?” Many of us are tired of all the Fine Bros remakes. Or maybe the name of the channel gives the impression that these videos only entertain the neon-saturated toy unboxing demographic. However, Hiho Kids is more than that. With the children’s adorable expressions and unintentionally hilarious comments, the videos are bound to rouse a chuckle or two no matter how old you are. So, until I can return to my regular After School Care shifts, I’ll be looking to the Hiho Kids’ heart-warming personalities to get my fix of chubby-cheeked sunshine. – Michelle

Rating: 9/10

Bon Appétit

Photo credit: bonapetit.com 

The Bon Appétit Test Kitchen is another true gem from the YouTube algorithm. I’ll be the first to admit that my culinary abilities don’t extend much farther than the one time I made lasagna. But even if I don’t always play the part, I sure can still appreciate a good gourmet oreo video when I see one. Yet frankly, it isn’t the recipes that keep me coming back. It’s all the funny, playful kitchen staff and their genuine friendships that are so addictive to watch. They’re professional chefs yet they also mess up on recipes and can get a good laugh out of it. So, sorry Mr. Ito. If I’m procrastinating on my trig questions, it’s probably because I’m watching these chefs review cooking knives I’ll likely never buy while eating my DoorDash.

 – Michelle

Rating: 10/10