“Spring being a tough act to follow, God created June.” — Al Bernstein
READING:
Books:
Life Moves Pretty Fast: The Lessons We Learned From Eighties Movies by Hadley Freeman — “From how John Hughes discovered Molly Ringwald, to how the friendship between Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi influenced the evolution of comedy, and how Eddie Murphy made America believe that race can be transcended, this is a ‘highly personal, witty love letter to eighties movies, but also an intellectually vigorous, well-researched take on the changing times of the film industry’ (The Guardian)” (Goodreads).
Inspired by Paris: Why Borrowing from the French Is Better Than Being French by Jordan Phillips — “Filled with historical tidbits, motivational nuggets, and honest insight, chapters such as “La Vie Est Belle,” “The Paris Syndrome,” and “Jacques-in-the-Box” reveal the truth of what it’s really like to live in the most beautiful city in the world.
Whether you’re headed to Paris next week or never make it there at all, this chatty and information-packed book will introduce you to the real City of Light—beyond the fantasy of the Instagram version” (Goodreads)That's Paris: An Anthology of Life, Love and Sarcasm in the City of Light by Vicki Lesage — “If you've ever traveled to Paris, lived in the City of Light or dreamed of setting foot on its cobblestoned streets, you'll enjoy escaping into this collection of short stories about France's famed capital. From culinary treats (and catastrophes) to swoon-worthy romantic encounters (and heartbreaking mishaps), this anthology takes you on a journey through one of the most famous cities in the world. View this cosmopolitan metropolis through the chic eyes of Parisians, francophiles and travelers who fell in love with the city and haven't quite gotten around to leaving yet…” (Goodreads).
Links:
Hollywood’s Brat Pack They’re Rob, Emilio, Sean, Tom, Judd, and the rest — the young movie stars you can’t quite keep straight by David Blum (New York Magazine - June 10, 1985) — The original article that inspired Andrew McCarthy’s Brats documentary (below).
10 Reasons Milwaukee Is Not a ‘Horrible City’ (Milwaukee Magazine)
Book Girl Summer: Why Fashion Brands are Leaning into the Literary World (Vogue Business)
WATCHING:
Bridgerton and Queen Charlotte (Netflix) — I caved to peer pressure on this, but I did find it really interesting to think of what it was like to be a woman 200 years ago. I especially enjoyed the characters, the architecture, and the interpretation of modern music.
Brats (Hulu) — Directed by Andrew McCarthy, Brats explores the Brat Pack, a group of young actors who frequently appeared together in coming-of-age films, and the impact on their lives and careers.
LISTENING TO — June Instapuzzle Mini-Playlist:
These are Days (10,000 Maniacs)
Everyday I Write the Book (Elvis Costello)
Under the Sea (Samuel E. Wright, The Little Mermaid)
Suis-moi (Hans Zimmer, Camille)
Good Day Sunshine (The Beatles)
La Mer (Charles Trenet)
Theme from A Summer Place (Percy Faith)
Happy Little Things (Holly Kluge)
Island in the Sun (Weezer)
ENJOYING: A slower pace — School’s out, and although I do have to go in throughout the summer, especially toward the end of July and August, it has been nice to disconnect these past couple of weeks. It’s so pleasant to linger over coffee in the morning, to have a perpetually clean house since I have time to keep it that way, and to spend time reading, listening to podcasts and music, taking pictures, and of course, snuggling with Piper.
