We’re now eight months into the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of us still haven’t run out of television to watch, and some of us are turning to a good old fashioned book to stay entertained. Check out our recommendations!

Jon’s been watching Brooklyn Nine-nine.

During quarantine I picked up my old hobby of knitting and crocheting and I’ve been making a lot of gifts. My mom’s birthday came around and I made her a blanket. My friends bought a house and I made them a blanket. My niece got married and I made them a blanket. I’ve made a lot of blankets. Now I’ve switched over to making wool socks and hats for Christmas gifts. While I knit I like to have an almost mindless and enjoyable show on. I’ve made my way through Parks and Rec, 30 Rock, and The Office during quarantine and now I’m going through Brooklyn Nine-nine. You can find Brooklyn Nine-nine streaming on Hulu.

Zoë’s been reading Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler.

Parable of the Sower (and Parable of the Talents which I’m planning to read next!) are the story of Lauren Olamina. She’s a 15 year old hyperempath and she lives in California in 2024. Climate change and wealth inequality have devastated the world. Octavia Butler wrote the novels in the 90s and I’m impressed by her ability to predict the future, although she’s said “All I did was look around at the problems we’re neglecting now and give them about 30 years to grow into full-fledged disasters.” and she has rules for predicting the future that you can Google! I recently learned that Parable of the Sower is being turned into an opera by Toshi Reagon and Bernice Johnson Reagon, which I’m looking forward to! I bought the book from Elizabeth’s Bookshop but there’s a digital version from the Cleveland Public Library.

Mary Kate’s been watching Taskmaster.

Taskmaster is a British competition show where five comedians compete in a series of arbitrary and absurd tasks developed and judged by “the taskmaster”. The contestants come up with really creative and hilarious ways to complete the tasks. 7 full seasons are available for free on Youtube!

Nathan’s been reading American Canopy by Eric Rutkow .

This book is a retelling of American history through the lense of trees, forests, and the resources they provide. I don't generally gravitate to reading history but I love trees and was intrigued by this idea. Rutkow weaves a narrative that shows America's reliance on trees and forests that extend beyond our use of wood. He addresses economic, social, cultural, and environmental issues through specific stories to produce a very enjoyable book. I found moments of the book quite haunting, especially his descriptions of ancient forests and trees that are practically incomprehensible in this age. I bought my used version from Biblio.com.

Nick’s been reading Story Worthy by Matthew Dicks.

Matthew Dicks is a multiple award winner of Moth StorySlam who began with a great fear of public speaking.  In this book, he illustrates his techniques and devices of pacing, composure, and delivery.  In one example, he explains “Homework for Life.”  This is where the storyteller compiles journal entries every day and includes even the most boring experiences.  From these writings, one starts to notice a pattern of their life.  Looking through a new lens, stories are perceived happening all around.  What I like most about his methods are their interchangeability between multiple artforms.  Tuning into these small moments has helped me understand a different perspective in visual arts. You can find this on most large retail book sites.

Kevin’s been watching The Sting.

I’ve seen this movie at least three times, and it never gets old. Is it predictable? Yes. Is it overacted? Yes. Is it amazing despite these things? Yes. I’m pretty sure this movie is available everywhere (considering it’s from 1973).