Pat Taub
My mother’s spirit was whispering in my ear, “Lockdown is the perfect time to clean your closets, messy kitchen drawers and disorganized office.” I shooed her away insisting that I’ll get around to cleaning eventually. I explained that until I find my equilibrium I need pleasurable diversions like books and films.
This week I’m sharing some of the books and videos that have enlivened my hibernation.
BOOKS:
The Yellow House by Sarah M. Broom
This absorbing award-winning memoir describes Broom’s growing up as the youngest of 12 children in a New Orleans shotgun house. Broom’s family members and New Orleans are presented in exquisite detail, rendering them unforgettable. I loved this family and ached for them when Katrina destroyed their yellow house. Broom adds to the under-reported story of post-Katrina New Orleans marked by corruption and indifference to the Black community—a striking similarity to the way poor Blacks are swept aside during COVID.
Sarah M. Broom, author of “The Yellow House”
The Mirror and the Light by Hilary Mantel
The third and final book in Mantel’s series about Thomas Cromwell. Mantel’s vivid characters and detailed accounts of England under Henry the XVIII had me longing to have been taught history through a similar lens as opposed to memorizing dates of battles and treaties. Its 750 pages will keep you from those messy closets for a while.
Rebel Cinderella by Adam Hochschild
The true story of Rose Pastor Stokes, a Jewish immigrant from the Lower East Side, who in 1905 married high society’s Graham Phelps Stokes. The couple shared a passion for socialism and helping the poor through New York City’s settlement houses. Rose emerges as a firebrand whose public speeches for social justice drew standing room-only audiences. She serves as a striking reminder of all the incredible women left out of our history books.
The Red Lotus by Chris Bohjalian
A great thriller and a true page-turner. Its pandemic plot makes it especially prescient. Lots of plot twists to challenge your Miss Marple brain.
Journal of Solitude by May Sarton
Sarton’s 1973 classic, which I’m re-reading for obvious reasons. Sarton decided to live alone for a period of time to deepen her self-awareness, keeping a daily journal to chart her progress.
May Sarton at her messy desk, which I find reassuring.
The Sage’s Tao Te Ching edited by William Martin
Short passages for contemplation and inspiration, which, if read first thing in the morning, can set your day with a positive intention.
5 Ingredients by Jamie Oliver
Now that we’re all cooking more, Oliver’s newest cookbook contains recipes limited to 5 ingredients. They’re quick and fun, using exotic ingredients in unexpected ways.
VIDEOS:
Better Things
A hilarious series about an outspoken, big-hearted single mother of three daughters. They live in an arty Spanish-style LA home next door to their eccentric grandmother. Pamela Adlon is the working actress-mother who cooks up a storm, making the family kitchen central to this series. (Hulu)
The cast of “Better Things”
Balthazar
A French TV crime series featuring a dreamy, arrogant forensic pathologist pitted against a brainy, uptight female detective. Set on the streets of Paris, offering shots of quintessential cafes and winding side streets. Given the graphic autopsy scenes, it’s recommended that you not watch this series right before sleep. (Acorn TV)
Mrs. America
Cate Blanchett plays Phyllis Schlafly in this recreation of her conservative movement of housewives who lodged a national campaign to stop the ERA. There are great impressions of Betty Friedan, Shirley Chisholm, Bella Abzug and Gloria Steinem, whose character I found to be the least successful. Especially meaningful given renewed efforts to pass the ERA. (Hulu)
Cate Blanchett as Phyllis Schlafly in the Hulu series, “Mrs. America”
Lessons from Jeju/ Freediving and Motherhood
A moving YouTube documentary about the Haenyo, the name given to the women divers of Jeju Island in South Korea. They free dive, or dive without tanks, trolling for fish. Their sisterhood and courage made my heart swell. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4jLplyxXqI&feature=youtu.be
