We are only three months into 2024 and yet reality TV scandals have abounded, insufferable artsy films dominated the Oscars and the petrifying arrival of the fall election is imminent. In this world of chaos, what better place to turn to than a library? Here are some of my favorite pop culture moments of the year and corresponding book recommendations. After all, literature is the perfect stage for some good drama.
I am a huge fan of “Love is Blind,” a Netflix reality dating show where couples get engaged without ever seeing one another. The most iconic moment from the last season was when a cast member claimed her celebrity look-alike to be Megan Fox. Of course, when her fiancé saw her for the first time, he was shocked at the lack of similarities between the two women. Now, of course, in the era of TikTok, this scene received an abundance of criticism.
From USA Today to Glamour magazine and numerous splicings of their faces next to one another, the debate ravaged social media. Now, I think there are similarities between the two women but confirming or denying celebrity look-alikes is not my expertise.
However, I can recommend a book that parallels this drama over false impersonation.
“My Husband,” written by Maud Ventura, was translated from French to English by Emma Ramadan. The book follows a sophisticated housewife in her 40s with two children. She is utterly infatuated with her husband but questions whether he feels the same. As a result, she begins plotting disastrous schemes to test how much he truly loves her. Filled with subversive humor and dark comedy, this thriller is a page-turner that will have you cackling. Similar to the “Love is Blind” scandal, this novel abounds with sadistic behavior that derives from unrequited love.
When I think back on the movies I watched this past year, the most memorable is “Saltburn.” The film depicts how an abundance of wealth alters human behavior in a revolting yet fascinating manner. This may be a controversial suggestion, but I highly recommend this movie.
“Here are some of my favorite pop culture moments of the year and corresponding book recommendations. After all, literature is the perfect stage for some good drama.”
If you love “Saltburn,” I have the perfect book recommendation for you.
Think of all the worst things a human could do — really, every single one. Because they’re all in this book. “Earthlings” by Sayaka Murata was translated from Japanese to English by Ginny Tapley Takemori. The novel follows Natsuki, a woman in her 30s who cannot seem to fit into the societal “factory.” As a result, she begins to believe that she is an alien and forms a small cohort who rebel against the conforming nature of the world. The protagonist in “Saltburn” exhibits a similarly isolating mentality. In both stories, the self-proclaimed outsider identity is taken to the extreme, resulting in catastrophe for all. The absurdity of the novel, though, is grounded in the desire to belong that all humans experience. I adored this story — frankly, it’s even better than “Saltburn.”
Scrolling through Instagram reels or TikTok, you have probably heard Kamala Harris’ voice utter the words “We did it, Joe!” At once celebratory and full of shock, Harris delivered the message of political victory in an exasperated yet joyful tone. The mundanity in the video for such a pinnacle moment makes the clip hilarious. Many people have recreated the moment or added their backdrops and characters to the sound. This is a wonderful 2020 moment to hold on to as the 2024 election approaches.
Searching for a book that explores how seemingly simple moments like these shape societies?
Look no further than “Time Shelter” by Georgi Gospodinov, translated from Bulgarian to English by Angela Rodel. The basis of the book is that there is a new treatment for Alzheimer’s called the “clinic of the past” where patients are able to transport themselves to past memories to help them remember in the present. When the magical treatment becomes known to all, timelines begin to merge in dangerous ways; the risk of the future repeating itself increases. In an age like today ripe with political anxiety, the novel’s message of utilizing the past to inform the future is of utmost importance. As Harris said “We did it, Joe” — and let us hope to do it again.
In a society constantly engulfed in mayhem, books offer the opportunity to simultaneously escape and embrace the present. I hope these reads offer you the chance to laugh and learn more about our ever-changing world.