Are you looking for your next read? How about a new show to binge? I aim to help answer those questions here. In this article, I will help guide you to your next obsession. These recommendations will help set the mood for this Spring, and hopefully give you some new series to obsess over.
Shady Hollow (2022)
By: Juneau Black
This first issue in the Shady Hollow mysteries follows our leading woman, Vera Vixen, a newcomer to Shady Hollow. Vera moves to pursue a recent death in the small and harmonic woodland town of the Hollow. Inhabited by woodland creatures and seemingly peaceful, as Vera begins to unravel the mysteries surrounding a local toad’s death, that peaceful facade starts crashing down.
The magical woodland setting helps ease you into the naturalistic vibe that surrounds the Spring season. The book provides interesting character work as well, with the cast consisting of woodland animals. It’s fascinating to see how they interact in this world. With the added layer of murder, this book is able to create depth with its plot, having high-stakes moments to help truly flesh out characters and their potential motives…
Your Lie in April (2011-2015)
By: Naoshi Arakawa
Hit manga turned anime Your Lie in April follows our protagonist, Kousei Arima, a piano prodigy unable to play after his mother’s untimely death. Arima is plagued with sorrow from his mother’s passing, losing his drive to play. That’s when he meets the talented and free-spirited violinist, Kaori Miyazono. Together, they take a trip through trauma, music, and romance.
If you’re looking for a potential romantic read or watch, then Your Lie in April is for you. Paired with the amazing shonen-style story are the amazing visuals and touching message. Every scene and page feels like it’s lifting off the book, and with the bright, mesmerizing colors and Spring aesthetic, this series will be sure to amaze you and even leave you teary-eyed.
Wolfwalkers (2020)
Robyn Goodfellowe is training in the family business of hunting. Not just hunting any normal animals, no, she is training to hunt wolves. Seen as demonic and evil, Robyn moves to Ireland with her father to wipe out the last known pack. But when she saves a wild native girl, Mebh, superstition becomes reality as Goodfellowe is revealed the world of Wolfwalkers and thrust into a journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
The rural Ireland setting and the use of metaphors for self love acts as a testament to not only nature, but what it truly means to be human, what it truly means to grow. This is a true must-watch if you want something whimsical and heartfelt, a top contender for family movie night.
A League of Their Own (1992)
During WWII, as most men were at war, an all-female baseball team emerged from the Midwest, taking the world by storm. Funded by the money-hungry candy manufacturer Walter Harvey, the girls face the battles of misogyny and inner group turmoil, ultimately proving what it really means to be a team.
No matter if you are a sports person or not, this movie is truly a feel-good watch. Based on a real all-women’s team, this movie shows true perseverance against oppression and finding your found family.
