Cover of “The Spirit Bares Its Teeth” by Andrew Joseph White The Xavierite
As the semester closes out, many of us will start to reflect on our year. When I looked back on mine, I realized how impactful media has become in my life.
I found that there were a few pieces that especially impacted my year, so I decided to compile them into a list.
I encourage you all to do the same, I think you’ll find that media has helped you more than you think–whether it’s that movie you put on after a breakup or the song you turn on for your drive to work.
TV
“Young Royals” is a Swedish show about a romance between two boys from opposite backgrounds. One is a prince and the other is working class. It’s a classic forbidden romance story, but what makes it stand out is how beautifully it’s told.
In comparison to earlier LGBTQ+ romance shows, “Young Royals” is excellent at weaving queerness into its plot in a way that feels natural and real.
Season three (the show’s final season) completely embodies that idea, delving into the societal pressures that strain the relationship between Simon (Omar Rudberg) and Wilhelm (Edvin Ryding).
Altogether, the show is one of my favorite portrayals of a queer relationship. Queer shows have a pattern of being canceled, so “Young Royals” having a legitimate final season is incredibly significant.
Even if you’re not LGBTQ+, “Young Royals” is a show that’s worth tuning into. The show makes wonderful commentary on social issues, especially about monarchies.
“Daily Dose Of Sunshine” is a Korean show about a nurse named Daeun (Bo-Young Park), who is transferred to a neuropsychiatry department and the many challenges she faces within her new job.
This show will rip your heart out and piece it back together. Bo-Young Park proves why she remains a top actress with this emotional portrayal.
Originally, I was not expecting to be so impressed by this show. Television can be crude with its portrayals of mental illness, but I was pleasantly surprised.
“Daily Dose Of Sunshine,” though not completely accurate, takes an empathetic approach to mental illness. It’s so human, especially when showing how a job like Daeun’s can affect one’s own mental health.
Personally, I found myself reflecting on my own experiences with mental health as I watched this show. It was a bittersweet watch, but well worth it.
I recommend this show to anyone who has struggled with mental illness in the past, it’s bittersweet yet comforting. Be warned that this show can be triggering; it’s best to watch at home.
Music
Letter to my 13 Year Old Self – Laufey:
Laufey has blown up in popularity the last few years, and for good reason. She is such a refreshing sound in the music industry.
The simplicity of her music is what drew me in, but the beauty of her lyricism is what kept me.
This song specifically is so dear to me, mainly because of its relatability. It is the experience of many young women who feel as though they’re not enough.
In a world where people are resistant to emotions and vulnerability, this song forces you to toss all that out the window. It makes you reflect on your own experiences as you listen.
Lyrics aside, I absolutely adore the instruments used in this song. I love the string instruments used, it’s not something you hear often in mainstream music.
If you’re looking for a song to journal to on a rainy day, this one’s for you.
Books
“The Spirit Bares Its Teeth” by Andrew Joseph White:
This book reminds me of biting your lip and tasting metallic (blood). As odd as it sounds, It’s such an intriguing book. I picked it up recently, and I am so glad that I did.
“The Spirit Bares Its Teeth” is a book about an autistic transgender boy named Silas. He is a violet-eyed medium who is sent away to a boarding school after being diagnosed with “Veil Sickness.”
This protagonist does stray away from the average protagonist usually seen, but don’t let that discourage you. I found Silas to be an interesting character and refreshing from the usual teen protagonist you see in fantasy novels.
It’s not at all a conventional read, but I think that’s what makes this book so amazing. It feels like a story that’d be in the same universe as “Alice in Wonderland.”
This book does contain mentions of transphobia and sexism, so be warned. It is a heavy read.
I haven’t finished the book yet, but it’s quickly rising to the top of my favorite reads.
This book is great for those who love fantasy and worldbuilding. It has such a fascinating way of approaching magic and the supernatural.
“If You Could See The Sun” by Ann Liang:
“If You Could See The Sun” was the first book I ever reviewed, and it’s one I’ll never forget.
It’s a book about a girl named Alice Sun, who uses her newfound powers of invisibility to do tasks for money–ranging from tame to criminal.
It’s not a perfect piece of literature by any means, but this book is perfect for young people who strive for perfection. It’s a love letter to overachievers who’d rather concoct an insane plan than risk failure.
Alice is a great example of a teen protagonist. Her decisions and ways of thinking are realistic for her age. She’s frustrating at times, but I find myself wanting to root for her.
What I really love about this book is that it’s so addicting to read. Once you get going you can’t stop.
If you enjoy teen dramas, this one’s for you. Lovers of Jenny Han will love Ann Liang.
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