Junk Journal Week 17

Sjon's book Moonstone is a short novel set in Reykjavik, Iceland near the end of the first world war and the time when an influenza pandemic swept through the island. It has both graphic descriptions of male-male prostitution and a very experimental way of telling the story. The main character in the book is a person very much living on the line between life and death. If you have a taste for experimental literature and consider yourself brave, then I recommend Sjon's book.

Have you read any Icelandic literature?

Barnfather's book is a collection of dystopian short stories set in a Canada (referred to as Canuckia) in the near future. The narrative techniques are quite traditional, but the settings and ideas are occasionally disturbing. Personally, I think Barnfather deserves a bigger audience and suggest you consider picking up this or another one of her books.

Girls State has a certain amount in common with both Frank Capra's Mr Smith Goes To Washington and the work of Aaron Sorkin like the West Wing. It is a documentary about a group of female teenagers from across the state of Missouri who build a three branches of government together. It can be challenging at times, but, as Linda Holmes said in her NPR review, "seeing how these girls think about leadership is fascinating." Now streaming on Apple TV Plus.

My daughter and I finally finished the most recent season of Severance. It certainly explores the question of identity and how it changes at home and at work. We enjoyed the show, but it is safe to say that many of our questions remain unanswered.

What have you been watching lately?

What have you been reading lately?