Happy Friday, my fellow suffering beings. Each week, I share two things I’m digging right now (books, TV shows, movies, music, and the like) plus one online video of nearly zero cultural merit.
Intermezzo, by Sally Rooney. I’m only halfway through, but I’m already primed to shout this book from the rooftops. It’s like a warm blanket I can’t wait to snuggle back into every night. The story is both knotty and naughty, but always incredibly well wrought. Rooney is a towering talent.
The Leopard, on Netflix. Joseph Goldstein called me recently to ask for TV show recommendations. He was (playfully, theatrically) annoyed when none of the shows I suggested were either suitable or new (to him). He was even more annoyed when he realized that he was the one who was leaving the conversation having suggested a show that was both suitable and new (to me). The Leopard is a languid Italian drama about a prince navigating both shifting national politics and the internal politics of his own family. It’s kinda like Jane Austen set in Sicily.
I love this old clip of the Walkmen playing a tune I will forever associate with NYC.
Oh, one last thing… On September 21 I’ll be at New York Insight Meditation Center (and online) with Leslie Booker for a half-day workshop called Heavily Meditated – The Dharma of Depression + Anxiety. We’ll explore how meditation can help with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and overwhelm—and where its limits are. Sign up here. (In-person seats are limited so please register early to reserve your spot!)
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Re The Leopard, dig up the older Visconti movie with Burt Lancaster and an all star cast. I think it does a great job capturing the bittersweet nostalgic feelings of the book. The Prince, Fabrizio Corbero, is a fascinating character. Better yet, read the book.
Sally Roony is such an amazing writer! I didn't know she had this one, thanks for the great recommendations as usual Dan!