The Weekly Rec: Pastries, BTS, and more!
As the winter holiday comes around, it is important to stay safe and prevent the predicted spikes in Covid numbers. Here are a few things you can do to not feel so lonely.
Reading: Frankly in Love by David Yoon
A funny, touching, and real fictional novel about Frank Li (hence the title of the book), a Korean-American senior in Southern California. It discusses racism within the Asian, and specifically Korean community, among older generations; teenage love; and the high school experience. It will make you laugh, tear up (or sob), and have a greater understanding of the Asian American experience, whether you’re Asian American or not.
Watching: The Little Prince
Based off the famous novella, “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, this animated film directed by Mark Osborne goes through themes of love, greed, and growing up. While it keeps many of the original story’s beloved characters and quotes like, “All grown-ups were once children… but only few of them remember it.”, it also touches on more modern issues like capitalism and conformity within work and life. There are scenes of adults hunched over their computers and schedules of life plans that seem overdramatic and silly on screen, but also feel incredibly familiar in our daily lives. It’s a movie to watch if you need to get in your feels with iconic quotes and characters.
Listening To: BE by BTS
As a long time fan of BTS, a Kpop boy band, I had to include their recently released album that touches on feelings of anxiety, depression, and hope during the pandemic. Standout records on the album include the grammy-nominated track, “Dynamite”, an I-need-to-jump-around-to-this EDM song called “Stay”, and the package lead, “Life Goes On”. The music video, lyrics, and melody deliver comfort and send a message of strength and hope for the future as members sing, “life goes on, like this again.”
Doing: Visiting Crema Coffee Roaster & Bakery
Located right behind the Hmart off High House Road in Cary, Crema Coffee is my new favorite place to visit and support. Their coffee, sweets, boba, and huge variety of freshly baked pastries are the perfect combination for fulfillment in your mind, soul, and body. It’s also a plus that you are supporting a local business by eating a croissant.
Aida is a senior who enjoys Miyazaki movies, spending time with loved ones, art, cooking, eating (all food but especially her mom’s Chinese food), and...
