Hello, friends!

Enjoy my thoughts on the recent books, movies, shows, and music I’ve consumed. Best of luck getting through the rant about Jacob Black. I’ve got a lot to say.

to read

Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer

Eclipse was not my favorite book in the Twilight series. I had a very hard time getting into it, and I have a lot of opinions.

First of all, I think Jacob Black’s character was assassinated to make Edward the more favorable choice. In New Moon, Jacob was respectful of Bella’s boundaries, understanding of her pain, and loyal to her as a friend, even when he wanted more. He never pressured her, but made it clear he was available if she ever came around to him. He often struggled with his prejudice against vampires but was willing to pause his own judgements when he saw how his behavior affected Bella. But in Eclipse, Jacob suddenly turned into a manipulative, toxic presence. He forced Bella to kiss him without regard to her lack of consent and even threatened to kill himself if she didn’t kiss him again. Instead of respecting her choices, he kept trying to make them for her. The manipulation is inexcusable.

Edward was not devoid of problematic behavior in this book either. He spent the beginning of the book depriving Bella of any choice or independence, especially when it came to her friendship with Jacob. The overprotective and controlling behavior isn’t exactly new for Edward; he has a long history of telling Bella what to do and preventing her from making her own decisions. But in Eclipse, he suddenly changes his behavior towards the middle of the book, becoming understanding and noble and a remarkably healthy choice for Bella, which he has never been. It seems to me that SMeyer realized Jacob was superior and had to quickly turn the reader against him and make Edward the better option, so that it made more sense when Bella chose the latter. A criminal act, in my opinion.

In this same vein, I think the love triangle was poorly structured in the series as a whole. If Bella was supposed to be making a hard choice between Edward and Jacob, she should’ve fallen for Edward in the first book, fallen for Jacob in the second, and then struggled to choose between the two in the third, before making her choice for the fourth. Instead, Bella has clearly only ever been in love with Edward, but was forced into admitting to feelings for Jacob, which she only does because he forces himself on her (which is coercion!). Her feelings come across as insincere, because she denied even the possibility for 3 books, and they’re are ultimately inconsequential because she still loves Edward more. There’s no choice to be made; the anguish isn’t in choosing but in actively rejecting Jacob over and over, which just isn’t compelling.

The relationships in Eclipse were unhealthy and both love interests made an about-face in terms of their character to make one more appealing than the other. Also, the plot was way too drawn out, as usual, and unnecessarily convoluted.

to watch

Eclipse

As always, I watched the movie after reading the book. Eclipse was more tolerable to me as a film, because the pacing was much faster. There was also more clarity in the threat of Victoria, rather than speculation surrounding her identity, which made it possible to see her actions as they unfolded, instead of as an info dump at the climax due to Edward’s mind-reading abilities. The pacing also made Jacob less annoying, in my opinion, because he didn’t spend as much time being the worst. Still not my favorite of the series but always fun to laugh at.

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Lady Bird

After years of yearning to watch this movie, I finally did it. Ray and I couldn’t decide on a Halloween movie to watch when we stumbled upon Ladybird and agreed we both wanted to see it.

I absolutely loved this movie. Ladybird’s character was so beautiful crafted and flawed, just like the complicated relationship between her and mother. You really understand Ladybird’s need to define herself as an individual, even when that person is rebellious and problematic, just to get out from under her mom’s pressure and expectations. Similarly, you can see why her mom places those expectations on her, while still being horrified by the way she talks to her own daughter. You can feel the emotions of every struggle, even when you don’t agree with the characters’ decisions. I also love the rawness of every scene. And of course, Saoirse Ronan was incredible.

Schitt’s Creek

I rewatched all of Schitt’s Creek before diving into season 6. This show continues to be simply the best. The ending was so beautiful and perfect. Shows that end on purpose at a pre-determined time are the best because they complete their arcs instead of dragging them out. I won’t spoil, but I was really happy with the way each character arc resolved, even the ones that made me cry.

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New Girl

I watched all of New Girl in high school, but Ray had never seen it all the way through and we needed something light to enjoy after our long days at work, so we started the show. It’s even funnier than I remember (probably because I am not so scandalized by the adult humor) and just a super good show to watch when you need to unwind. I’m currently in the middle of season 3 and enjoying every minute.

to listen

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Dreamland by Glass Animals

Glass Animals’ new album is the greatest vibe. I was worried a new album couldn’t match the quality of Zaba and How to Be a Human Being, but this was a foolish fear. Dreamland has sexy beats, powerful lyrics, strong images, and a sound that lives up to its dreamy title.

The Baby by Samia

I recently discovered Samia months ago when I was listening to a Spotify daily mix while napping and her song “Welcome to Eden” seeped into my dreams. Since then, I have been simultaneously haunted and enchanted by her. When her new album came out, I became obsessed. The images she creates with both her sound and her lyrics are so visceral and intense. Her voice is both sweet and strong. I genuinely really appreciate her music and I’d highly recommend giving her debut album a listen.

Girl in Red

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I’m legally obligated to listen to Girl in Red. But I’m really glad I did. I don’t often find music that relates to my personal journey with my sexuality or the feelings I experience as a sapphic woman. It means a lot to find such beautiful songs that I can connect with. So if you ask, “does she listen to Girl in Red?” — yes, yes she does.

Cult Following by Irontom

One of my all-time favorite bands, Irontom, has released a new album. If you love alt and rock, this band is the perfect one for you. The album is a little short, but it’s just what I needed this year. Give it a listen and rock on.

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I promise I’ll finish the Twilight series soon and stop being so annoying about it.

Until then, that’s all for now. Thanks for reading!