MUST READ
Three highly-anticipated books of the month:
Your Utopia
From the internationally acclaimed author of Cursed Bunny, Bora Chung, comes another thrilling collection translated from Korean by Anton Hur. This compilation delves into tales of loss and discovery, idealism and dystopia, death and immortality. A captivating blend of absurdist and wryly humorous narratives, it draws on elements of horror, science fiction, and even the zombie apocalypse to skillfully deliver veiled critiques of perceived injustices in today's world. This collaboration marks a reunion for the duo, having been previously shortlisted for the International Booker Prize with their genre-defying collection last year.
Family Family
The bestselling author, Laurie Frankel, steers clear of sugary tales depicting flawlessly pleasant families. Families, whether conventional or unconventional, are intricate, and it's their complexity that the author finds compelling to explore. Her upcoming novel, Family Family intricately delves into the theme of adoption. The narrative follows India Allwood, a Hollywood actor and adoptive mother, whose world takes a tumultuous turn after she publicly critiques a film about adoption that she's supposed to be endorsing. The novel offers a nuanced examination of adoption, steering away from a simplistic portrayal.
Acts of God
Channeling the narrative prowess of Neil Gaiman, the wit reminiscent of Douglas Adams, and the brilliance akin to Terry Pratchett, comedian Kanan Gill presents a story that defies convention. With a refusal to take itself seriously, the novel ventures into the realm of the most profound questions—what defines our humanity? In Kanan Gill's debut novel, a Danish policeman inadvertently finds himself leading a global assembly of science dissenters in a clothing-optional venture. Simultaneously, a sentient piece of wall grapples with the boundaries of artistic expression, and a lapel pin's unwavering commitment to providing truthful advice wreaks havoc.
MUST ATTEND
Three events that you should attend:
Nothing Makes Sense
Varun Grover’s solo stand-up tour titled Nothing Makes Sense set to enthrall audiences across cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata, and more. With a plethora of relatable humor encapsulating the evolution of India through the 80s, 90s, and 2000s, the theme resonates with the perplexing nature of the contemporary world. In a time where nothing seems to make sense—be it in politics, sports, life, society, technology, or any other sphere—this tour aims to capture the universal confusion experienced by people of all ages.
Anoushka Shankar Live
Acclaimed sitar player, composer, and nine-time Grammy nominee, Anoushka Shankar, daughter of sitar legend Pandit Ravi Shankar, is set to captivate audiences in India as part of her global tour. Presenting new material from her latest mini-album, "Chapter I: Forever, For Now," she will also showcase reinterpreted gems from her previous releases. Anoushka will be joined by a quintet of talented instrumentalists, each a solo artist in their own right. Together, they will embark on a tour across five cities, delivering contemporary music that seamlessly blends her Indian classical roots with the rich experiences of a global diaspora.
Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza India is set to be a two-day musical extravaganza celebrating diverse music experiences, providing a stage for both iconic acts and rising stars. Returning to the vibrant heart of Mumbai at Mahalaxmi Race Course on January 27-28, 2024, the festival boasts four epic stages featuring over 40 iconic artists. The stellar lineup includes renowned acts such as Sting, Jonas Brothers, Halsey, OneRepublic, Keane, Lauv, Jungle, Royal Blood, JPEGMAFIA, Meduza, Malaa, Caribou, The Rose, Eric Nam, and many more, promising an unforgettable musical spectacle in the heart of Mumbai.
MUST LISTEN
Music albums to tune into:
Saviors
Following the release of their latest single, "The American Dream Is Killing Me," the iconic rock band Green Day is set to unveil their 14th studio album, Saviors, on January 19, 2024. This eagerly anticipated album marks their first new release since 2020's "Father of All Motherf—ers." Saviors appears to be a jubilant tribute to the band's extensive journey together. Described as an invitation into Green Day's collective spirit, the album delves into their shared experiences, offering insights into friendship, culture, and the lasting legacy cultivated over the past 30-plus years.
Bitter Sweet Love
Bitter Sweet Love sees James return to his pinnacle, delivering thirteen tracks of world-class music. The inspiration for his fifth album struck him while on stage, witnessing a sold-out crowd passionately singing along to his hits, capturing the raw emotion present in his own voice. James, a Brit Billion-certified artist hailing from Middlesbrough, reflects on a decade-long career, boasting four studio albums, an impressive 16 billion sold units, and a multitude of sold-out performances at iconic venues worldwide.
MUST WATCH
Three highly-anticipated movies and shows releasing soon:
Merry Christmas
Sriram Raghavan's Merry Christmas, featuring Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi, promises viewers an enthralling ride with thrills amidst the January chills. The 140-second trailer starts in typical Sriram Raghavan fashion, employing a split screen to display two mixer grinders — one grinding food items and the other tablets. The video effectively sets the tone through subsequent shots, emphasizing the importance of cinema, carnivals, toys, the color red, and other Christmas-related elements in the film, all depicted with retro visuals.
Good Grief
Good Grief is a cautionary tale about friendship and loss, delving into the complexities that arise when the truth is avoided for most of one's life. The creator and star of Schitt’s Creek, Dan Levy, takes on multiple roles once again—serving as the writer, director, producer, and lead actor. Levy navigates the story of a grieving widower on a weekend journey of self-discovery. The film follows three friends in their mid-30s at a crossroads, contemplating how to progress, what to relinquish, and the paths they want to pursue as they navigate adulthood.
Expats
Based on Janice YK Lee’s bestselling novel, the Amazon Prime series Expats stars Nicole Kidman as Margaret, a prosperous American woman leading a seemingly ideal life in Hong Kong with her family. However, her life takes a tragic turn when her son goes missing. Margaret becomes intertwined with two other American women who are facing their own challenges, including a young woman grappling with the difficulty of moving on from the past.
Words Platform Desk
Date 01.01.2024