Serenity's Sunshine: Why Sweet Magnolias is the perfect comfort watch for you this summer?

 Let's be honest, sometimes life throws enough curveballs to make your head spin. You crave a show that doesn't just entertain, but wraps you in a metaphorical fuzzy blanket and feeds you warm cookies. Enter Sweet Magnolias, a Netflix gem that's more than just a fluffy friends-and-romance drama. It's a hug in television form.

The storylines in Sweet Magnolias, from Maddie's journey as a single mom navigating a new relationship to Helen's unexpected second chance at love, feel like stepping into a small-town bakery. Everything is comforting, familiar, and smells faintly of freshly brewed coffee and cinnamon. Even the characters, with their flaws and complexities, are endearing. You find yourself wincing at Dana Sue's blunt honesty while simultaneously appreciating her fiercely loyal heart. Their struggles feel real, their pain relatable. Maybe your ex didn't leave you high and dry like Helen, but haven't we all experienced that gut-punching disappointment of a love that fizzled out just when it seemed perfect?

Speaking of perfect, let's talk about Jackson. Now, I'm a sucker for the good girl/bad boy trope, and Jackson's arc after meeting Annie? Chef's kiss. Here's a character who starts off as the town's rogue jock and secretly, a brooding loner, and then slowly, oh-so-slowly, starts to shed his rough exterior under the influence of Annie's sunshine. It's a testament to the show's writing that even a seemingly minor character like Jackson gets such a satisfying development. Although I still root for Annie and Ty to end up together. They're just perfect together and unlike Jackson, Ty gets Annie and where she comes from. So that's also a great plotline just waiting to be discovered.

But Sweet Magnolias isn't just about individual journeys. It's a love letter to female friendship. Watching Maddie, Dana Sue, and Helen navigate life's ups and downs together, their bond unbreakable since childhood, made me reach out and connect with my own friends. The show beautifully captures that special kind of friendship where you can share a knowing glance and a pot of sweet tea, and all the unspoken words hang heavy in the air, understood.

Speaking of sweet tea, did I mention I initially started watching this show because, well, the name was adorable? Who knew it would turn out to be such a heart-warmer? Now, I can't wait for the next season, and I have a feeling I'm not alone. Shows like Sweet Magnolias, with their focus on healing and the power of community, are like a balm to the soul. They remind us that even when life gets messy, there's comfort in human connection, and sometimes, all you need is a good dose of friendship, laughter, and maybe a slice of pie (looking at you, Miss Frances!)

By the way, did I mention this show is based on a book series? Let's just say I'm eager to dive into the literary world of Serenity! Until then, I'll be here, patiently waiting for season four, hoping Annie finds her own "magnolia squad" (because let's be honest, she and CeCe would be an epic duo) and basking in the warm glow of Serenity.

So Tortured, So Poetic: What happens when 'a forever' ends.

It's been four days since Taylor Swift’s 11th album (a new era, if I may say so?) came out and I haven't been able to listen to any music that is not straight from ‘The Tortured Poets Department’.

I have been going over the lyrics like a mad-woman; that's what she has turned me into - a frantic and mad woman trying to piece together her sad saga with a love she had thought would stay.

Having had my share of romances and stories worth telling, my heart goes out to her for being able to pen down such remarkably sad lyrics. As a listener, it was so agonizing, that I can't even fathom what she might have been feeling while working on the album for the past two years.

The recurrent theme of a life that could have been with motifs such as ‘a wedding that didn't happen’ and babies is the most heart-wrenching of all.

There are songs about the ‘masquerade of men’ that came after her break up with Joe Alwyn and while listening to those songs, a question popped in my mind: Why is she writing songs about Matty Healy or her other past relationships when she's actually hurting from her relationship of six years?

I would like to answer myself in this write up because I'm penning this down after listening to the last song from the Anthology ‘The Manuscript’.

In the song, she paints a picture of a woman reading the manuscript (story) of her life. She means to say that she is looking back at her life’s story and all the ‘torrid affairs’ she has had.

She begins the verse by mentioning about a certain someone; a smooth talker, to be precise who charmed her with her words that made her imagine a life where she would be happily enjoying domesticity with the person. Here, Swift reflects on the younger version of herself who wished herself older and more mature, with the imagination about making and drinking coffee (something only children see as adult). It is used as a symbol of her childish youth and her whimsies.

Her reasons for wanting to be older could be because she wanted  to be taken more seriously by the older man (John Mayer or Jake Gyllenhaal) who she found herself infatuated with.

The narrative then shifts to a different time in her life when ‘she dated boys who were her own age’ and realized that her younger self was so naive and unsure about so many things. It shows a clearer perspective on relationships.

She moves on to say that as years passed, this woman understood many things and found that her coping mechanism (writing) was actually her talent because she could tell all those stories, which were once agonizing, to the world. There's a sense of freedom in these lines as Swift writes it. The woman in the song feels detached from these stories that were once part of her life; part of what she is.

Then, just like in ‘The Last Great American Dynasty’, in the last few lines, she equates this woman with herself, saying that this manuscript that she has is like a keepsake, a token of her life and when she re-reads it, she realizes that this story is not hers anymore as she has now opened it to the world, to her fans. It might also mean that she is so detached from Joe and the life she had with him that she cannot call this story her own anymore. Personally, I like the first interpretation better. It makes more sense to me somehow.

Now, coming back to the question that popped in my head, why write about a brief rebound with Healy and also about Travis Kelce and her current life in an album she wrote mostly about Joe? And for that matter, there are hints of all the major relationships she has had as well as songs for Kim Kardashian and the pre-reputation era feud.

I started to think about my life and the heartbreak that shaped my life in a tremendous way. While I was going through that turmoil of a relationship, it felt like my whole life was falling apart. It felt like I would never recover from it. I think impactful relationships where we're fully invested are unraveling like that when we know it's about to end and we can't do anything about it other than to watch it breathe its last breaths right before our eyes. You go over your whole life and all your choices and question every little thing. It's maddening, to say the least.

I think Swift might have been going through the same thing for the past two years, or maybe even more. She might have been analyzing all her past relationships and friendships and connecting those imaginary dots as her life was unraveling before her eyes. It's obviously a torturous thing to go through. And she wrote it all out in the most poetic way possible and gifted it to us.

As a former writer, I get her so well right now. I have written my most tortured poetry and musings in times of extreme pain, hoping that putting it all on paper would ease the pain. And it did. Now when I go over those writings sometimes, I revisit those painful memories but it doesn't affect me as much as it did then. I rather marvel at my writing style and how it changed from one emotion or one phase to another. Frankly, I miss it too. I wish I could write like that again. But then again, I don't think I have enough courage in me to go through another heartbreak or mental breakdown!

I would like to end this literary rant by dearly hoping that Swift is healing and trying to build a happy life with Kelce and that she has had her catharsis. I am also hoping for all other swifties out there that TTPD would help you heal, no matter which phase of grief you are in.

Love, Nuance and Lloyd Dobler (Movie Review: Say Anything)

 The iconic scene of Lloyd Dobler blasting Peter Gabriel's 'In your eyes', from a held-up stereo outside Diane Court's window transcends generations.

For many, it's a potent symbol of young love, a yearning captured in a single, unforgettable image. This was certainly the case for me. As a child catching a glimpse of the film on a random cable channel, the scene lodged itself in my memory. Even though the nuances of the story and characters were entirely lost on me, a peculiar notion took root: if a boy ever held a stereo aloft beneath my window, that person would be "the one."  Looking back, this memory (and the subsequent absence of stereo-wielding suitors) brings a smile to my face.

Revisiting "Say Anything" as an adult offered a vastly different experience. Gone were the simplistic expectations of childhood. The film revealed itself to be far more than a fluffy teen romance. Beneath the surface lie complex layers, particularly in the portrayal of Diane's relationship with her overprotective father. Their dynamic, though flawed and at times suffocating, is undeniably touching.

However, it would be disingenuous to deny the enduring appeal of Lloyd Dobler. His unwavering dedication to Diane is a testament to the power of genuine love. In a world often cynical about relationships, Lloyd's sincerity is a breath of fresh air. His ability to charm me twice (as an 11 year old child and as a 26 year old woman) speaks volumes about the character. One can't help but root for him, and perhaps even harbor a secret wish for a real-life Lloyd to grace the world with his kindness.

"Say Anything" is a beautiful tapestry woven with the threads of love, family, and the bittersweet realities of growing up. For those seeking a glimpse into a bygone era of romance, or simply a deeper understanding of human connection, this film is a must-watch. It transcends generations, offering a timeless perspective on the complexities of life and love, all delivered with a touch of old-world charm.

Movie Review: Clueless (1995)

"Clueless." A title that evokes images of pastel pleated skirts, beeper alerts, and enough hairspray to launch a small rocket. But let me tell you, the movie itself is about as clueless as Cher Horowitz navigating a history exam.

Don't get me wrong, there's a certain charm to this 90s teen comedy. The clothes and hairstyles are outrageously on point at times, the slang is valiant in its attempt to be hip ("As if!"), and Paul Rudd, well, Paul Rudd is always a delight (bless his eternally youthful face).

But here's the thing: the plot itself is about as deep as a kiddie pool. Throughout the entire movie, I found myself, much like Cher pondering the woes of her cluelessness, equally clueless about the actual point. Is it a social commentary on the vapid lives of Beverly Hills teens? A love story disguised in a makeover montage? A cautionary tale of the perils of bad report cards?

Honestly, it's all a bit hazy. Cher, our protagonist, undergoes minimal character development. Sure, she learns the importance of helping others (because, you know, falling in love changes you and all), but for the most part, she remains delightfully self-absorbed, flitting from designer outfit to designer outfit like a beautiful butterfly with a credit card glued to its proboscis.

Speaking of butterflies, did this movie single-handedly launch the career of "All By Myself?" Every time it blared, I half expected Cher to burst into a dramatic tearful monologue about the existential dread of being, well, clueless.

Look, "Clueless" isn't a bad movie. It's a fun popcorn flick, a nostalgia trip for those who lived through the era of dial-up and butterfly clips. But a chick flick classic? As if! It lacks the depth, the emotional resonance, the "oh-my-god-I-can-so-relate-to-that" moments that truly define the genre.

So, if you're looking for a movie that will challenge you intellectually or leave you pondering the complexities of life, this might not be it. But hey, if you want to see Paul Rudd looking charmingly out-of-place in a teen movie, well, then "Clueless" might just be your perfect match. Just don't expect to have any clarity at the end of the movie because, well, you'll be clueless with where the plotline actually leads to.

Not a Review: 03

Normal People by Sally Rooney is a book that was made popular by platforms like #booktok and #bookstagram. I've seen books like this divide readers into two groups. That's why I postponed reading it for a while before finally giving in, to see what the hype/hate was actually about.

People who know me know that I love flawed protagonists, and this book gave me two, so it was unlikely that I'd hate the book. However, some parts made me want to rip the book apart or punch a wall, although I feel that was an appropriate reaction to the characters actions and reflects on how well Rooney has crafted them.

In "Normal People," Sally Rooney has crafted a tale that captivates the reader from the very first page. Rooney's beautiful writing has a melancholic undertone that tugs at your heartstrings. There's a sense of restlessness and uncertainty that pervades throughout the book. The seamless back-and-forth narration adds depth to the story, showing the characters' growth and changing relationship over time, which is quite fascinating.

But what really sets this book apart is the characterization. Rooney has created two characters that feel so real, it's almost as if you know them personally. They're flawed, complex, and so relatable. You'll find yourself rooting for them, crying with them, and wanting to hug them. As I read in one of the reviews, "Rooney's writing is sparse yet deeply emotional, and it feels like every sentence has been carefully considered." This careful consideration is evident in the way she constructs her characters, with both Marianne and Connell coming across as multi-faceted, complex individuals that you can't help but care for.

I loved that this isn't just a boy-meets-girl whirlwind romance.One of the reasons why "Normal People" is so widely loved is its exploration of themes that are often avoided in mainstream literature. These include the impact of class discrimination on identity, abuse within families and relationships, and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. These issues are explored in-depth and yet with a careful nuance, thus illustrating how they shape the characters and their relationships. Rooney's approach to these topics is grounded in her deep understanding of the characters she has created, and as a result, it never feels forced or contrived.

These are some reasons that kept me hooked to the book till the end. I couldn't put it down, and when I finished it, I wanted to read it all over again. "Normal People" is the kind of book that will stay with you long after you've finished it.

If you're looking for a beautifully written, heartbreaking, and captivating read, I highly recommend this book. 

My Sleepy Little Town.

As cities blend into villages,

And villages change their names by the kilometre,

I look outside the glass window,

And wonder about the sleepy little town that awaits me.

Will it recognize my footsteps?

Will it embrace me like it always has?

Will it have forgotten about me,

In the past 4 months that I couldn't have?

My town is not a wasteland,

Unlike Taylor Swift sings in her song;

It is a place I can breathe freely in,

Without the fear of being judged.

Yes, it's a sleepy little town,

Where everyone knows everyone;

And nothing significant ever really happens,

But for a wallflower like me,

That's the place I can truly thrive.

My dreams consist of big cities,

Where I'm making a life of my own;

But in my heart resides

This town,

That I can never disown.

For, it's home to me,

And the people I have loved.

Home is where the heart is;

I often find it the other way round,

I don't know what I'd be,

Without my sleepy little town.

Book that shaped me: 06

"Even death has a heart."

When was the first time you realized the true meaning of death? For me, it started out with my grandmother's death. I hadn't realized the depth of it yet. I remember one of my aunts crying and telling me that my grandma would now watch me from above. I remember looking at the sky and wondering if I would be able to see her too. I didn't. Years later, I still weep at night because I couldn't even mourn the death of my favourite person on Earth because I was too young to understand death. I grew up with the idea of death slowly materializing in front of me; one by one, as my favorite folks turned from their physical, smiling self into just a memory; a ghost of my past.

For Liesel, it was kind of similar and she instantly caught my heart because she felt so much like me. This book, as the title already says, is about book thieves. We have Liesel, who quite randomly starts stealing books, later turning into a rebel thief, taking books from people who had plenty of everything in a war stricken Germany. But what Liesel doesn't understand as a child is the fact that these rich people are the loneliest people, waiting for book thieves to come into their house just so that they can feel a little human. Zusak draws these subtle contrasts all throughout the book and I can't appreciate him enough for that.

The second book thief in this story is the narrator. Death tells this story because he is in possession of not only Liesel's little black book but also because he steals away the stories of people; he steals away their lives. So, in a sense, Death too is a book thief. It's not just the fact that Zusak has personified Death in this story, he has carefully made Death with emotions and yes, a heart. Death is humorous at times, sombre in some moments and most of all, he's angry and frustrated. He says at the end of the book,

"I am haunted by humans." Death, in this book, felt like a friend which is in contrast with what people perceive of death: a scary hooded figure, without eyes or a soul, carrying a sickle… Death, instead, likes to watch colours and enjoys the innocence of children. He is afraid of himself sometimes. He's just like us.

The book thief is also about the power of words and language and Zusak has himself used his own play of words to subtly emphasize on that. Liesel's life starts with her urge to learn reading and writing. She grows up to realize how words have such power over the people. She reads to people so that they can escape their reality for a moment. In short, she saves a few people with her words. Towards the end, it is her words that save her.

Coming to the 'boy with hair the colour of lemons' 🥺❤️ Rudy Steiner has my heart. He is the person who makes the book alive with his innocence and his pure friendship and love for Liesel. I will carry a part of Rudy Steiner in me forever.

As for the book, now that I have finished, I wish to go back in time so that I could read the book one more time with the same intensity. I want to relive each moment.

I can see that this is a common feeling people have after finishing this book and that says a lot about how profoundly this book affects the readers. It's called a modern classic for a reason and I'm so glad to have come across this book ❤️