Transitions and Comforts

Guest post by Ashley Holstrom

As I write this, the weather is delightfully changing right outside my window. For the moment, the 100-degree (37C) scorchers are being replaced with cool days in the 70s (21C), AKA my happy place. We can finally go outside again without sweating instantly. Soon, the air will get crispiness to it and all will be right in the world… As far as the weather goes, at least. 

The transition of steaming August into fresh September is my favorite time of the whole year. It’s a time for clean starts, to go to the mall and pick out the fashion items that will create a new version of yourself for the school year ahead. Except in adulthood, it’s more like setting intentions for the months when you’ll be spending more time indoors: Is the energy here good? Do we have all the supplies we need? We’re all stocked up on candles and horror movies and candy, right? 

I’m also clawing my way through some post-COVID brain fog. Everything feels fuzzy, blurry, just out of reach. Every thought, idea, and memory turns into dust as soon as I grasp it. It’s infuriating. Luckily, I have some great media to help keep me busy while my brain remembers how to brain. It’s kind of nice to have this time to let my mind laze. I’m returning to the things that are always there to keep me company. 

Without further ado, here are some transitional comfort recommendations. 

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What to read

Maureen Johnson is the absolute queen of teen sleuth stories, and The Box in the Woods is her best yet. Stevie Bell is at home after a whirlwind (and three books; this one is a standalone, though!) of solving a long-cold case at her fancy-pants private school in Vermont when a summer camp owner asks her to come to sniff around and see if she can solve another infamous unsolved murder case involving four camp counselors. As she dives in, she uncovers secrets that will surprise the entire town. 

This one will have you reading way past your bedtime—which is high praise from someone who loves bedtime. 

What to watch

If campy slashy teen horror is your jam, then you need to watch The Babysitter (2017). Cole (Judah Lewis) is kind of a loner and his babysitter, Bee (Samara Weaving), is super hot and his only real friend. But one night, he stays up past his bedtime and finds her and her friends playing a game…that ends in murder. It turns out she’s part of a Satanic cult, and now that Cole knows the game, he’s their next sacrifice. It’s the perfect end-of-summer horror flick. 

What to binge

My perennial marathon show is Gilmore Girls. It’s my all-time favorite and is always on a round of repeat viewings in my house. As my husband and I have languished on the couch with COVID, Lorelai and Rory have kept us company. Seasons one and two are the most comforting ones and the ones that give the most summer/fall vibes. 

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This post was a contribution by Ashley Holmstrom from the Crooked Reads.

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