Pride 2024: A Q+ Celebration!
June 15
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune is a heartwarming and enchanting novel that follows Linus Baker, a solitary caseworker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth (DICOMY). Linus’s routine life changes dramatically when he is assigned to evaluate the Marsyas Island Orphanage, home to extraordinary children with potentially dangerous magical abilities.
Upon arrival, Linus meets a vibrant group of children, including a gnome, a wyvern, a sprite, a were-Pomeranian, an unidentifiable green blob, and Lucy, the Antichrist. The headmaster, Arthur Parnassus, is a mysterious and charismatic man whose deep care for the children challenges Linus’s preconceived notions about danger and difference.
As Linus spends more time on the island, he sees beyond societal labels and fears, recognizing the children’s innocence, humor, and resilience. The bonds he forms with the children and Arthur lead him to question his own life choices and the rigid system he has always upheld.
The House in the Cerulean Sea is a beautifully crafted tale emphasizing acceptance, family, and the importance of looking beyond appearances. T.J. Klune’s gentle humor and heartfelt storytelling make this an uplifting and comforting read, inviting readers to embrace kindness and discover that sometimes, the most unexpected places can feel like home.
Where to buy? The House in the Cerulean Sea is available to purchase at all reputable booksellers.
Problemista
Problemista tells the story of Alejandro (Julio Torres), an immigrant from El Salvador who dreams of becoming a famous toy maker and landing a job at Hasbro in New York City. Living with more roommates than we could count, Alejandro finds himself working at a cryogenic facility.
This place offers terminally ill artists a chance to freeze themselves in the hope that “sometime in the future, scientists can find a way to unfreeze them.” Legally, the facility’s services border on euthanasia, yet their business model thrives on the promise of future resurrection. At the facility, Alejandro is in charge of monitoring the body of an artist named Bobby (RZA), who’s famous for his egg paintings.
One day, Alejandro accidentally unplugs one of the power sources keeping Bobby’s cryo tube working, and he gets fired. This puts his dreams and immigration status at serious risk. But fate steps in, and Alejandro finds himself on an unexpected adventure with Elizabeth (Tilda Swinton), Bobby’s enigmatic wife.
Elizabeth tasks Alejandro with hunting down Bobby’s missing egg paintings for an exhibition, setting him off on a quest that could be the key to solving all his problems, including securing an immigration visa to pursue his aspirations at Hasbro.
Problemista isn’t your typical movie. It offers a heartfelt look at chasing dreams despite all the obstacles. It’s about resilience, finding friendship in unexpected places, and sometimes embracing our inner ‘problemista’ to navigate life’s challenges. This film isn’t just a story; it’s a whimsical journey into Julio Torres’ brilliant mind, filled with wit, whimsy, and an unyielding spirit.
Where to watch? Problemista is available to stream on Max.
Gentleman Jack
Gentleman Jack is a captivating historical drama that brings to life the story of Anne Lister (Suranne Jones), a pioneering woman of the 19th century who defied societal norms with her ambition, intellect, and unapologetic love for women.
Set in the early 1830s in Yorkshire, England, this HBO series, created by Sally Wainwright, is based on the real-life diaries of Anne Lister, which were written in a secret code and meticulously detailed her daily life, business ventures, and romantic relationships. Anne is a charismatic landowner who returns to her ancestral home, Shibden Hall, determined to restore its financial health.
Anne embarks on a series of entrepreneurial ventures, navigating the male-dominated world of business with confidence and shrewdness. Her unconventional lifestyle and attire earn her the nickname “Gentleman Jack” among the locals. The series delves into Anne’s personal life, particularly her passionate relationships with women. Central to the story is her romance with Ann Walker (Sophie Rundle), a wealthy heiress who becomes Anne’s lover and life partner. Their relationship is portrayed with sensitivity and depth, highlighting the challenges they faced while striving to live authentically in a repressive era.
Gentleman Jack skillfully blends historical accuracy with modern sensibilities, making Anne Lister’s story relevant and inspiring for contemporary audiences.
Where to watch? Gentleman Jack is available to stream on Max.
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