ALBUMS

THEN

Rock ’N’ Roll—John Lennon

This 1974 covers album by John Lennon pays homage to some of his heroes from 1950s rock ‘n’ roll. This is the album that gave us the gift of his cover of Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me”—perhaps the best-known track from the album, but his covers of classics like Gene Vincent’s “Be Bop a Lula” and Chuck Berry’s “Sweet Little Sixteen” are equally brilliant.  

NOW

Ventriloquism—Meshell Ndegeocello 

Queen of neo-soul Meshell Ndegeocello returns with a highly anticipated new album Ventriloquism. She’s swinging for the fences with this album of covers, including a gorgeous one of Prince’s “Sometimes it Snows in April,” plus her interpretations of killer tracks like Tina Turner’s “Private Dancer,” Sade’s “Smooth Operator,” and Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam featuring Full Force’s “I Wonder if I Take You Home.” 

BOOKS

THEN

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin

A true literary giant ascended to the heavens with the recent passing of Ursula Le Guin. If you’re unfamiliar, start with A Wizard of Earthsea. Exploring Earthsea’s vast, magical world is nothing short of transporting. The wisdom and philosophy held within this book and the series is Le Guin’s everlasting gift to all of us.   

NOW

This Messy Magnificent Life: A Field Guide by Geneen Roth

As someone who usually avoids “self-help” books, I can honestly say that Geneen Roth is the truth. Women, Food and God made me laugh, cry, and taught me how to be kind to myself. Roth’s new book explores not the fixing but the finding: the simplicity of living life, discovering joy, embracing your imperfections and being unapologetic.

DVDs

THEN 

To Die For

If I, Tonya has any movie parents, one of them is definitely To Die For. Nicole Kidman stars in this delicious wry semi-mockumentary that tells the bizarre true story of aspiring journalist Pamela Smart and her insane plot to kill her husband by hiring two incompetent teenage interns. Definitely high on the list in the so-crazy-it’s-true genre.

 

NOW 

I, Tonya

Two names that defined the ’90s: Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan. I, Tonya, the award-winning movie starring Margot Robbie and Alison Janney, takes a wry look at the bizarre events in a unique mockumentary style. It’s funny, bizarre, shocking, and a total must-see. 

By Sharon Penny