I’m usually a big fan of April. I always welcome it with open arms, but lately life has been so hectic I didn’t even realize it was April until it came and went.
I’m currently working on my finishing project for school, which means soon I won’t be a student anymore. Will probably be feeling very existential, relieved, and bittersweet at the same time. Check back in the future months to see how I’m doing as a real adult.
Here is a moodboard for my April.
And here is everything I enjoyed this month.
books
Either/Or by Elif Batuman: I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think this is even better than The Idiot. Selin is a wonderful protagonist to read; she’s just so stupid and clueless and naive and smart. I see myself in her so much, the way she questions everything around her, which may be why I also can’t help but pity her.
I was going to do the subtle, monstrous thing where you figured out what you were doing and why.
This is also one of the funniest books I have read in a while, and I think the reading experience is so much better as a Turkish person. Selin and I share hometowns, which makes me feel even closer to her. I love her infinite introspections that seem to either lead nowhere or end with an ironic message; it’s as if the more she’s trying to figure life out the more lost she is. Aren’t we all?
Why was it that, when you got to a routine or boring scene in a movie, you didn’t panic or despair? In a movie, the number, duration, and meaning of scenes were determined in advance. You just had to wait it out. Theoretically, I supposed, this was true of real life—certainly, the number and duration of scenes weren’t infinite—but there was always the chance it would just end without anything happening at all.
Vivienne Westwood by Ian Kelly: I had this book for a while, and convinced myself to finally read it because my finishing project is on Vivienne Westwood. I have always been familiar with Westwood and her work, but this book has really put into perspective just how much impact she had on the world. She’s literally a part of history. I can’t say I’m a big fan of biographies, and this book didn’t change my opinion on them, but it was fun nonetheless.
films
Project Hail Mary (2026): Very disappointed to admit the book is kind of better! I think the film definitely develops on the areas that the book was lacking in my opinion (like the humor) but in the process sacrifices the best parts of it (like Rocky’s character, and the fun science). I loved the visuals, I loved Ryan Gosling and Sandra Hüller and Rocky. I had so much fun and I cried a lot. Can’t really ask for more than that from this to be honest.
The Drama (2026): The more I sit on this, and the more I see the discourse around it, the more I appreciate this film. I wasn’t a big fan of it at first, I didn’t feel especially moved by it, but seeing how people interpret it has put things into perspective. I think film as an art form should be able to talk about things such as school shootings, without being censored. And I’m glad this film does that because it offers great commentary on moral policing (especially within the political left) which has gone out of control. Having no empathy and no remorse makes you a worse person than someone learning from their mistakes!
Yellow Letters (2026): I’m still not sure how I feel about this film. It’s very relevant and relatable, and I got so overwhelmed by emotions while watching it. I liked the idea of introducing the cities like characters. But it is weirdly vague about the political issues it’s handling; like it’s trying to cater to everyone. The dialogues sometimes sounded like they were translated from a different language, and I don’t like that it felt like it was made for a German audience, despite being fully in Turkish. It insists upon itself, if I may. White Europeans will watch this, nodding their heads, agree with what it’s saying (although unclear), maybe even give it a few awards, and move on with their lives.
Roommates (2026): Pleasantly surprised by this, it was so fun! I’ve never had a roommate so I can’t even imagine how insufferable I would be. This will be a staple in future sleepovers.
tv shows
Currently watching the new season of Euphoria and it’s so bad I might give up at any point. Why is everyone either a stripper or a pimp? How does any of this conflict serve the characters?
Finished the second season of Running Point, it’s fun and requires just the right amount of attention when you’re tired and want something to watch while you eat dinner.
Just started watching Beef season 1!
music
Currently obsessed with Slayyyter. Worst Girl in America is one of the best albums that came out recently and I just can’t stop listening to it. If you see me stomping down the street just know DANCE… is playing in my headphones.
Also listening to a lot of Tame Impala, about to see him in concert in a couple days! The thought alone of listening to Let It Happen live gives me chills.
for next month…
Feeling very embarrassed by how little I did this month, but I’m giving myself grace! Hopefully I can read more and watch more films in May.
Very excited to watch Michael, The Devil Wears Prada 2, Die My Love, and Dead Man’s Wire.
Started reading Waking the Moon by Elizabeth Hand, and I was kind of spooked so I put it aside for now, but hopefully I will force myself to finish it because it’s actually really good so far!
see you next month!
love, asli
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