In a world where feelings get stuck in the heart's traffic jam, dying to spill out but often stuck in a silent gridlock, The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows is like this cool lighthouse of understanding and empathy, shining its light on the deep stuff.

It's like this old, beat-up map to the uncharted lands of the heart. Koenig goes deep into feelings that usually don't bother with definitions. The words in this book aren't just definitions; they're like secret passageways to whole new worlds of feelings.

They're like, "Hey, check out these emotions you never knew you had names for!" With Koenig's word magic and poetic vibes, abstract concepts suddenly have a pulse, becoming your emotional BFFs. Each entry is like a mirror showing the feels we didn't know we had.

Reading Koenig's poetic ramblings got me feeling all "sonder," you know? That sweet-sad realization that every random person out there has a life as wild and complicated as mine. And then there's "Opia," hitting me with that vulnerable moment when eye contact makes you realize there's a whole universe of unspoken stuff between souls.

But what makes The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows kick butt is how it sparks conversations—within yourself, with your crew, and with the whole wide world. Koenig's vibe is all about busting out of the silent jail that locks up our feelings, pushing us to chat about the gaps between us. In a world where tech connects and disconnects us, this book is like a rock, keeping us grounded in the crazy, beautiful ride of being human.

In a world that's all about speed and surface-level crap, this book is like a language ninja, cutting through the boring to grab the ungrabbable. Koenig's deep thoughts remind us that we're not alone in our emotional rollercoaster; our heart dungeons are filled with others. This book is like a sneaky revolution—a shout-out to embracing all the emotions that make life pop and treasuring the beauty in shared sad times.

At the end of the day, The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows isn't just a book; it's like this crazy adventure into what makes us human. It's like having a quiet chat with your soul, an invite to get cozy with all the crazy feelings that make us who we are.

With every page turn, Koenig holds our hand, guiding us on this epic trip—a journey of connection, finding ourselves, and realizing that, in the wild world of feelings, we're all on the same ride.

Books that leave you grasping…

Maybe I’m too easily influenced by the emotions this brought out in me, but still…I have to say that this is probably my favorite read of 2023. 

I loved everything about it, even the sad parts. 

Nathaniel Hawthorne comes across so compelling here that I was inspired to buy the biography about him by Brenda Wineapple.

They were several Kindle highlights in this that just spoke to me… as if I had written them myself, but with them written so much much better than I ever could do.

I’ll write more soon about this…my thoughts are too incoherent right now🤦‍♀️

 

Triangle is a cinematic puzzle that takes its audience on a harrowing journey through a maze of time, morality, and human frailty.

Christopher Smith's 2009 thriller, starring Melissa George, who is absolutely exceptional here, is a masterclass in storytelling, filled with twisty plot elements and a pervasive sense of sadness that lingers long after the credits roll.

The film introduces us to Jess (Melissa George), a complex and tormented character who embarks on a seemingly innocent sailing trip with a group of friends.

As their voyage takes a chilling turn, they encounter a ghostly, abandoned ocean liner called the Aeolus. What follows is a descent into a nightmarish realm of inexplicable events, and a growing sense of dread. The genius of Triangle lies in its ability to confound the audience, leading us to question what is real and what is illusion, much like the characters themselves.

The plot of Triangle is a cinematic Rubik's Cube that is deliberately designed to keep viewers off balance. The film constantly challenges our perceptions of reality and identity, and it's impossible to predict the direction it will take. Every twist and turn deepens the intrigue, leaving us emotionally invested in the characters' fates.

The ending of Triangle is a subject of intense debate among viewers and critics. Some may interpret it as a glimmer of hope, while others see it as a chilling revelation of the characters' eternal damnation.

Without giving away any spoilers, the ending is an enigma that invites interpretation, and it leaves you pondering the implications of the characters' actions and the cyclical nature of guilt and punishment. It's a conclusion that mirrors the film's overall theme of moral reckoning.

One of the most notable aspects of Triangle is its unrelenting sense of sadness. With its overarching sense of melancholy, the film is profoundly affecting. Melissa George's performance as Jess is a tour de force, carrying the weight of the film's emotional depth.

Defying easy categorization, existing in a genre all its own, it is a tale of tragedy and consequence, a labyrinthine narrative that invites contemplation and debate. Whether you find the ending hopeful or disquieting, Triangle is undeniably a masterpiece of mind-bending storytelling that continues to haunt and perplex its viewers.

If you have access to Kanopy through your local library, you can access Triange for free here:

https://www.kanopy.com/en/howardcounty/video/10494694

Out of my league

It's well known that of the cruelest grades, ninth is third, seventh is second, and fourth is first.-Niles Crane, Frasier

Maybe you have heard this dated stereotype about lesbians: that they are that way because they couldn’t get a man. 

When I used to hear that it made me so angry, because I knew it wasn’t the truth, but I also felt a tiny pain in my soul, because I also wondered if it was the truth, or at least partly.

I began realizing I was not part of the norm during third grade, but it was fourth grade when things really kicked in and took a turn for the worse. 

It's hard to write about it without sounding self-pitying (something I don't want to do) but it is also hard because it's very painful to remember...so I don't: most days I hardly ever think about my past.

Things still get under skin, though, and stay there and being picked on (or ignored) every school day from third to ninth grade affects a person, no matter how much they push it down.

I was often called ugly by boys (sometimes girls too) but more of the comments were mean nicknames based on my hair, which was unruly, kinky curly and non-discrete red all at the same time. 

My mom made all of my and my sister's clothes, and though that was a source of teasing as well, that didn't bother as much. That kind of teasing wasn't the direct attack that comments about my ugliness and hair were.

By the time I was in sixth grade I knew boys would never be interested in me in the right kind of way. I might have been some of lab experiment for them, but I certainly was never going to turn their heads and have them ask me out.

I find it weird that I had crushes on teen idols Shaun Cassidy and Michael Damian in the late 70s and early 80s and then never again did I have crushes on male stars.

My feelings through the years for women have definitely been real and solid, so I'm not denying them. But, recently, I've started feeling like I might like men that way, (in addition) after all.

If it turns out I'm bisexual as well being a 50+ plus virgin, I'm more confused than ever. And I wonder if I pushed down wanting normal things (like a husband and children) not because I didn't want them but because I knew I could never have them.

If anyone out there is reading this I just want to say that I am not denying my queer side, but genuinely wondering what is going on with me and if anyone else like me is out there? 

Beautiful Despair

This is my clinical approach to a show that is utterly bleak yet is lovely and heartbreaking and should be, but somehow can’t be, written about with the passion I want to:

Dark is a German-language science fiction thriller that takes viewers on a mind-bending journey through time and space, weaving a complex narrative that is equal parts fascinating, strange, and compelling. 

The show's unique take on time travel is what sets it apart. With interconnected timelines, generations, and paradoxes, Dark is an intricate puzzle that challenges viewers to pay close attention. 

As each season unfolds, the layers of this temporal mystery are peeled back, revealing a rich tapestry of interconnected events that leaves you spellbound.

At the heart of Dark are its deeply flawed and multifaceted characters. They are not the conventional heroes we often find in TV series, but rather authentic people shaped by their past, present, and future actions. 

The web of relationships and family ties in Winden, the small town where the series is set, is as tangled as the time travel itself. These characters are unforgettable, their stories resonating long after the credits roll.

As you navigate through the various timelines and intricacies, you can't help but become engrossed in the labyrinthine narrative, always yearning to solve the enigma.

The series' name is more than just a title; it's a reflection of its mood and aesthetics. 

Dark exudes an eerie atmosphere that adds to its overall allure. The cinematography, subdued color palette, and haunting soundtrack create a palpable sense of foreboding that's both strange and captivating.

It doesn't just tell a story; it explores the concept of the butterfly effect with precision. 

Every action, every choice, ripples through time, affecting not only individuals but the entire town of Winden. It's a poignant commentary on the consequences of our decisions and the interconnectedness of our lives.

Dark lingers in your thoughts, demanding repeated viewings to grasp its full complexity. 

Its portrayal of time as an unyielding force, binding past, present, and future, is chilling. For anyone seeking a series that is as strange as it is fascinating, as compelling as it is unforgettable, "Dark" on Netflix is a must-watch.

My un-clinical take on Dark? This could mess you up in the best way possible. 💔 But it's also the gift that keeps on giving because each re-watch shows you something you didn't see before.