IllustrationbyCarsenGoltz

characters on screen draws the audience into the main relationship, a testament to both the talent of the actresses and the writing team. The movie also has a unique look that helps it feel more dated than its actual release date in 2015. This film is not light, with the largest subplot of the movie focusing on Carol’s messy divorce, as her ex-husband fights for full custody of their daughter. To cap the movie off, although it could be much worse, the main couple certainly doesn’t get their fairytale ending. If you’re looking for a movie to cry over this holiday, “Carol” is the one.

The traditional teen rom-com Love, Simon “Love, Simon” follows Simon, a closeted high school student who falls in love with an anonymous

Bark’s books

student, known only as Blue, over email conversations. Flat out, “Love, Simon” isn’t perfect. The plot suffers from pacing issues, as most of the movie is spent watching Simon trying to find Blue without any significant success until the end. Additionally, the coming-out narrative, while well done, further complicates the movie’s plot structure. Caveats aside, this movie is a strong coming-of-age story reminiscent of a traditional John Hughes movie like “Sixteen Candles,” which is refreshing for a movie about a Queer relationship. The movie’s slow pace allows the audience to bond with the incredible supporting characters who are at the heart of the movie. Additionally, the big romantic gestures shown in this movie rival scenes from classic romance movies. Furthermore, the 2010 pop-focused soundtrack deserves a shout-out for adding to the exaggerated teen feel of the movie. If you’re looking for something fun to watch that will leave

A recurring collection of current and classic favorites

Song of Achilles

you feeling satisfied, “Love, Simon” may be the movie for you.

Fun for everyone

Crazy Rich Asians

“Crazy Rich Asians” has the glitz, the romance, the charm and the comedy for a perfect fun romcom experience. It follows the main couple, Rachel and Nick, who travel to Singapore to attend a wedding with Nick’s extremely wealthy family. Although there are some bumps in the road for Rachel and Nick, they’re already together from the start, creating a more comforting experience without the “will they or won’t they” of many traditional romcoms. This movie’s cast and crew is comprised of mostly people of Asian descent. The movie’s cast is absolutely perfect, although Christine Wu’s performance as Rachel and Gemma Chan’s as Astrid stand out above the rest. The movie’s score is incredible at setting it apart from anything else, combining elements from both Chinese and Western musical elements. If you’re looking for something to show to your grandma while still having a great time yourself, “Crazy Rich Asians” is for you.

By Mia Ginsburg

Looking to diversify your reading list? “Educated,” a memoir by Tara Westover, is the perfect introduction to the creative nonfiction genre. “Educated” allows the reader to follow Westover as she navigates the complexities of a survivalist household and the implications of religious upbringings. Westover doesn’t step foot in a classroom until she’s nearly 18, as her Mormon father forbids Westover and her six siblings from accessing an education, in addition to medicine, identification papers and modern society. “Educated” tells the story of the pursuit of knowledge and how the lack of education only encourages the desire for understanding. Even though many don’t share Westover’s extent of religious trauma, there’s something for everyone to relate to in “Educated.” From love-hate familial relationships to battling pretentious peers, connecting with Westover’s experiences is inescapable. For those who are searching for a book to widen their perspective and teach them about an often untold story, “Educated” is the perfect option.

Little Women

brivera@redwoodbark.org

By Ava Carlson

Did you like “Percy Jackson” but reading it didn’t damage your tear ducts as much as you wanted it to? Read “Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller! It is a modern retelling of the Iliad, from the perspective of Achilles and his partner, friend and eventual boyfriend, Patroclus. The original tale was written over 2,000 years ago, so if you are upset about spoilers, take a look in the mirror. The two men are extremely close until the war against Troy tears them apart in more ways than one. Although the book is rooted in Greek mythology, do not fear, you won’t get a freshman-year “Odyssey” flashback. The “Song of Achilles’’ is focused on love and legacy, more on a personal level than a philosophical one. It dives deeper into what it really means to be a hero and the fatal consequences of becoming one. The book discusses the point of life in a new and unique way, forcing readers to decide what really is more important in life: love for a few decades, or fame for eons. The answer might appear clear, but “Song of Achilles” teaches that everything is more complex than it looks. We all (should) think Achilles’ weakness is his heel, but after reading this book, you will know it is actually Patroclus.

mginsburg@redwoodbark.org

By Claire Silva

Educated

Looking for something warm and reassuring to get you through the chilly months? Read “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott. Published in 1868, this book’s themes, characters and humor ring true over a century and a half later. Alcott tells the tale of four sisters (Meg, Amy, Jo and Beth March), and their friends and family growing up during the Civil War era in Massachusetts. From Jo’s quest for creative independence and artistic fulfillment to Meg’s struggles with trying to fit into wealthy society, or Beth’s pursuit towards self confidence to Amy’s work to overcome her vanity, the book features stories for anyone to connect to. Alcott wasn’t afraid to dig into difficult emotions in her work as well, covering the sadness of losing a family member, and the pains of unrequited love. Come Valentine’s Day, “Little Women” has a storyline for you, whether you’re single, happily taken, fighting off suitors or just want to celebrate your friends and family. The mishaps and situations the sisters endure through the years remain relatable and funny, and ultimately bittersweet when you finish the book to find the Marches grown up into wise, self-possessed women.