Sitting deep in the foliage of cobblestone and brick, pavements and road signs, wanderers and workers there lies an old theater, known to many residents as The Fargo Theatre.
It is one of the oldest theaters in North Dakota still in operation. Dating back to 1935 the Theatre has survived the rise of television, the invention of home video, the invasion of streaming services and the fall of the video store but without strife.
The Fargo Theaters main screening room Image courtesy Emily Beck, Executive Director Fargo Theatre
During my brief correspondence with her for my last Article: Panic in the Cinema Palace, available on this website, the executive director Emily Beck addresses the industries long history, “People have predicted the downfall of cinemas several times in the last century. First, it was the invention of broadcast television. Then cable. Then video rental chains like Blockbuster. Then (of course) streaming services and COVID. The last two years have been incredibly difficult for our industry – I won’t even try to sugar-coat the challenges – but I can’t help but feel that there is a resiliency at the heart of what we do. That is thanks to people like you — people who value the experience.”
Unfortunately, people like me are rare these days. The mainstream prioritizes anything popular and everything short. It seems that the middle aged and elders are demographics that the theatre is not keeping. For decades the most prominent demographic has been teenagers.
Most big blockbusters are labeled PG-13 so that families and kids can attend.
With the Fargo Theatre, there is an annual silent film showing and ongoing classic film series.
It’s selling well. It brings the shy demographics filled with people who would often rather watch movies from home, back into the cinemas. Unfortunately for the teenage demographic, it should be noted that blockbuster entertainment (The Marvel Cinematic Universe and Star Wars for example) is not commonplace. For my generation, this theatre is a great way to explore different movies which we otherwise wouldn’t get exposure to.
The Fargo Theatre also holds many events, from musical performances to comedy shows.
n the curation and overall appeal Beck had this to state, “But these are new times with new challenges. In partnership with other cinema operators, we will keep pushing film distributors to provide long windows between a theatrical releases and streaming premieres. We will continue to work hard to give our guests the best independent, international, and classic programming available. We’ve recently upped our concessions offerings to include specialty beverages and new candies. Our marketing frequently highlights the entire experience of going out downtown and all that has to offer. Since our reopening, we’ve heard from countless guests that they missed the Fargo Theatre and the experience of seeing a movie on the big screen. While they[‘re] are challenges ahead, we remain optimistic that there will always be an audience eager for a night at the movies.”
Being as old as it is, they have preserved the feel and ambiance that it had in its prime. It’s like stepping back into history. Regardless, it has state of the art technology so that films are projected for the best performance.
If you’re in the downtown area, a good place to visit would be the Fargo theater which always has something interesting playing.
The Fargo Theaters street view Image courtesy Emily Beck, Executive Director Fargo Theatre
Music plays a major role in all our lives. Whether it was getting hyped before a sports game or wanting to relax while you play videogames, music was a to go to for many of us.
So, while we are in the early stages of the new year, let’s look back at those hit songs by our favorite rappers and the songs that got us through the past decade.
2010 was responsible for some of our desired rap songs and party hits. One of the most notorious rap albums of all time is My Beautiful and Dark Twisted Fantasy by Kanye West.
This famous record had features such as Kid Cudi, Jay-Z, Rick Ross, and Nicki Minaj. Selling 496,000 copies, this album still plays a major role in many of our lives to this day.
One of the most requested songs at parties and school events like homecoming and prom also came out in 2010.
That song is No Hands by Waka Flocka Flame. This song is favored by many.
Thank Me Later by Drake was also a major part of the 2010s. This album got 447,000 sales making it Drakes first number 1 album.
Even in 2011 Kanye West and Jay-Z were still delivering to us giving us their collab album Watch the Throne.
With Kanye’s amazing production and Jay-Z brilliant lyricism it makes it a classic album that brought in 436,000 album sales.
Along with Kanye West, Drake also brought another classic album in 2011 known as Take Care.
With Thank Me Later attracting so many new Drake fans the third studio album by drake got 631,000 first week sales.
Other albums that were released in 2011 were Live. Love. ASAP by A$AP Rocky, Cole World: The Sideline by J. Cole, Tha Carter IV by Lil Wayne, and Goblin by Tyler the Creator.
The most famous album from the 2012’s is good kid M.A.A.D city by Kendrick Lamar.
This record topped off at number 2 on Billboards 200 and in its first week it sold 242,000 copies.
Many people consider this album to be one of the greatest rap albums of all time.
Based on A T.R.U Story was also one of the more famous rap albums to come to the 2012’s.
The Album isn’t currently as popular as good kid MA.A.D city but it still has classic tracks that is still being played today.
Starships” by Nicki Minaj, Love Sosa by Chief keef, and Mercy by Kanye West were some other songs from 2012 that were blowing up the charts.
2013 didn’t disappoint with hit albums and songs either.
Yeezus is Kanye West’s most idiosyncratic album by having more unique sounding beats.
Many people thought it was Ye’s first “bad” album and due to that factor, it had his lowest first week sales at 327,000.
But it later grew on many people and for some becoming their favorite Ye album.
Nothing Was the Same by Drake was also released in 2013 and this album blew up on the billboards.
In the first week it debuted at number 1 on the US Billboard 200.
His first week sales were 658,000 copies. LONG. LIVE. ASAP by A$AP Rocky was another major part of 2013.
It had a lower count of first week sales topping off at 139,000 but it also debuted at number 1 on the US Billboard 200.
One of the biggest hit songs of 2013 was Rap God by Eminem.
With this song, Eminem set the record for fastest rap song averaging at 4.28 words a second.
2014 was kind of a drought year for rap albums with the only significant rap album being 2014 Forest Hill Drive by J. Cole.
This album is responsible for one of the greatest songs of the decade being No Role Modelz.
However, singles made 2014 with many singles like, No Type by Rae Sremmurd, Anaconda by Nicki Minaj, and We Dem Boyz by Wiz Khalifa.
2015 made up for lack of songs in 2014. In 2015 trap music became mainstream and many more trap artist were starting to get noticed.
One of the biggest trap albums of all time is Rodeo by Travis Scott. This album had many different sounds in the record.
Songs like 90210 being a slower moving song and more of a vibe song, unlike songs like 3500 also on the album.
Rodeo debuted at number 3 on US Billboards 200 and 85,000 units sold.
Other trap albums that came out of 2015 was DS2 by Future, SremmLife by Rae Sremmurd, and the Barter 6 by Young Thug; Young Thug became mainstream from this album and his rise to fame started here.
Drake, who is a more melodic and flow rapper, also got snatched into the trap music wave by releasing If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late.
He also collaborated with famous trap artist Future to create What a Time to be Alive.
Kendrick Lamar was able to prove why he is one of the best rappers of all time in 2015 by releasing To Pimp a Butterfly.
This album, which imitates the sound of the 90’s, was the biggest album of 2015. Kendrick tackled topics in the album such as racism, police brutality, and many other controversial topics.
This record won 5 out of the 7 Grammys it qualified for including Best Rap Album of the Year.
The fact Kendrick Lamar was able to come out on top in a trap music era proves why he is one of the best.
Fetty Wap had one of the greatest years for an artist in 2015 with the release of Trap Queen in 2014.
This hit song was one of everyone’s favorite in the summer of 2015 and almost everywhere you went you would hear it.
Every single year carried its weight furthering the evolution of hip hop in the last decade, however when you ask someone about their favorite year of rap music, they’ll most likely say it is 2016.
The Sound Cloud era started in 2016. Sound Cloud is a website and app where you can listen to music and create your own tracks and hope they blow up.
The first artist that comes to mind when you think about Sound Cloud is Lil Uzi Vert.
With hit songs like You Was Right, Canadian Goose, Money Longer it’s easy to say that Uzi is one of the most influential Sound Cloud Rappers.
Trap music kept getting more mainstream each single year and one reason it’s in the place where it is now is because of the large variety of trap albums released in 2016.
Young Thug released three albums alone with Jeffery, Slime Season 3, and I’m Up.
Other artist that released a major album is Travis Scott with Birds in the Trap and 21 Savage and Metro Boomin’s collab album Savage Mode.
Not only did trap artist thrive in 2016 but it was a major year for rappers like Kanye West with the release of the Life of Pablo, Views by Drake, and Untitled Unmastered by Kendrick Lamar.
Lil Yachty also thrived in 2016 by release his major hit songs One Night and Minnesota. Dram also had Lil Yachty featured on one of the biggest songs of 2016 called Broccoli.
Major songs to come out in 2016 were Black Beatles by Rae Sremmurd, No Problem by Chance the Rapper, Congratulations by Post Malone, and Bad and Boujee by Migos featuring Lil Uzi Vert.
2017 is also a year that many say is one of the greatest years for rap music. Kendrick Lamar released his hit album DAMN. which won a Grammy and holds two of his biggest songs in history which are Humble. and DNA.
Along with non-trap artist like Kendrick Lamar, other rappers that dropped where Tyler the Creator with Flower Boy, and Jay-Z with 4:44.
Trap artist had a major role in 2017 with Migos releasing their hit album Culture and Without Warning with bars from 21 Savage along with Migos Offset and Metro Boomin Producing.
2 Chainz also came through with Pretty Girls Like Trap Music and Beautiful Thugger Girls by Young Thug.
Lil Uzi Vert was one of the most successful rappers in 2017 with the release of Luv is Rage 2.
This album holds majority of his top tracks such as The Way Life Goes, Dark Queen, 20 Min and of course his most famous song in his discography, XO Tour Lif3.
This song alone has 1.3 billion streams.
Lil Uzi Vert opened the gates to the sound cloud era letting in artist like Playboi Carti, Ski Mask the Slump God, and XXXtentacion.
Playboi Carti came out with his self-titled mixtape, that holds classic songs Magnolia, Location, and WokeUpLikeThis.
Ski Mask the Slump God and XXXtentacion where a great duo and even alone they were great with Ski Mask the Slump God releasing Catch Me Outside and X releasing 17 his album that had songs like Jocelyn Flores and Save Me.
Songs that came out in 2017 include Bank Account by 21 Savage, Ric Flair Drip by Metro Boomin and Offset from Migos, I Spy by Kyle and Lil Yachty, Roll in Peace by Kodak Black featuring XXXTentacion, and Bounce Back by Big Sean.
As 2018 rolled in, a new star was brought through the gates of Sound Cloud known as Juice Wrld.
His fame grew from his two songs All Girls Are the Same and Lucid Dreams blowing up and thanks to the help of Cole Bennet from Lyrical Lemonade, his career was able to erupt.
He released his debut Album Goodbye and Good Riddance on May 23rd of 2018.
Another artist who released their debut album was producer Metro Boomin with Not All Heroes Were Capes.
This album featured, Travis Scott, Young Thug, Kodak Black, Swae Lee, Drake, Gunna, and of course his partner in crime, 21 Savage.
Kanye West was busy in 2018 releasing both his collab album with Kid Cudi Kids See Ghost and YE.
The biggest trap albums to come out of 2018 are, Astroworld by Travis Scott, Die Lit by Playboi Carti, Drip Harder by Lil Baby and Gunna, and I Am > I Was by 21 Savage.
Other notable albums are KOD by J. Cole, Swimming by Mac Miller, ? by XXXTentacion, and Tha Carter V by Lil Wayne.
As for singles in 2018, that would go to Drake. He released some of the greatest rap songs which are Gods Plan, Nonstop, I’m Upset and Nice for What.
Other singles that came out in 2018 are SAD by XXXTentacion, ZEZE by Kodak Black featuring Offset and Travis Scott, Mo Bomba by Sheck Wes, and Praise the Lord by A$AP Rocky.
2019 wasn’t impactful as other years in albums. Tyler the Creator released his number 1 album IGOR on May 17th in 2019.
Other albums to mention are Death Race for Love by Juice Wrld, So Much Fun by Young Thug, The Lost Boy by Cordae, and Drip or Drown 2 by Gunna.
Singles in 2019 where amazing for the year with every month having a new hit song by new artist that rose to the top of the charts.
Suge by DaBaby was a hit in the summer of 2019 along with other songs like Ransom by Lil Tecca, Highest in the Room by Travis Scott, and Shotta Flow by NLE Choppa.
Even though everything was shut down in 2020, that didn’t stop rappers from hitting the studio.
Lil Uzi Vert came back to rapping with his long-awaited album Eternal Atake released March 6th.
Along with Uzi, Playboi Carti came back from a long wait without music with first the single @Meh and then towards the end of the year he released “Whole Lotta Red”. This Album was considered terrible on release day but as fans kept listening it tend to grow on them.
Other albums that came out in 2020 were, The Goat by Polo G, My Turn by Lil Baby, Alfredo by Freddie Gibbs, Wunna by Gunna, and Savage Mode 2 by 21 Savage and Metro Boomin.
Two of the biggest albums in 2020 where unfortunately post humous albums being Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon by Pop Smoke and Legends Never Die by Juice Wrld.
Some major songs of 2020 that came out where What’s Poppin by Jack Harlow, The Box by Roddy Ricch, Life is Good by Future and Drake, and The Scotts by Travis Scott and Kid Cudi.
2021 was another good year of music with Drake and Kanye West battling over who has the number one album.
Drake’s Certified Lover Boy and Kanye’s Donda where a huge argument between fans.
Eventually Ye and Drake called it truths making the fans start to mutually respect each other after defending their star rapper.
Other albums that released in 2021 are Call me if You Get Lost by Tyler the Creator, The Off-Season by J. Cole, Punk by Young Thug, and the Melodic Blue by Kendrick Lamar’s cousin, Baby Keem. Lil Nas X was a major part of 2021 making two hit songs in 2021.
Industry Baby with Jack Harlow and Montero where some of the biggest songs in 2021 becoming Tik Tok hits.
Other singles that were released are Wants and Needs by Drake and Lil Baby, Rapstar by Polo G, EVERY CHANCE THAT I GET by DJ Khaled with Lil Baby and Lil Durk, and Family Ties by Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar.
With 2022 already being here and many more years near, it’s always nice to look back at the songs, albums, and rappers that got us and music to the place we are at today.
Much has been said of the decline of the movie theaters, that is a victim of streaming services like the Video Rental Stores which in my lifetime have become ‘obsolete’.
The exterior of the Fargo Theatre Image courtesy Emily Beck, Executive Director Fargo Theatre
Although almost entirely extinct, video stores have something that streaming service can never have: a tangible display of films and actual people inhabiting the library.
Instead of an algorithm recommending films, an employee may assist in finding a film for you.
Maybe it’s simply the satisfaction of seeing spines on my shelf, or being able to hold a case in my hands, feel it’s weight, admire its artwork, see myself through the reflection on disc.
After all, cinema is just a camera looking back at us. It comes full circle. Streaming Services are not all bad, however, they are a threat to movie theaters just as they were to the video rental store a decade ago.
With films being dropped on some streaming services the day of theater release, people can watch movies at the comfort of they’re own home. This is a massive problem for the many people who work at the cinemas. The cinephile’s worry of movie theater longevity is not new. During the beginning of television, there was a drastic drop in cinema attendance. It was even more extreme than what the streaming services have been causing.
Streaming Services are also tiring because so many popular and important films are spread against multiple different companies, and to have what feels like complete access, you must sacrifice money only to lose more films when contracts are ended.
With a DVD, Blu-ray or 4K UHD disc, you can watch a film without the possibility of buffering, sudden drops in image quality and never worry about loosing it to a contract subsiding.
Most importantly, you watch films that you are interested in. You seek them out, you don’t have an algorithm seek films out to please you. The Movie Theater is an even grander experience. They are built to have satisfactory viewings. Many are lavish or state of the art. They all have a universal, comfortable appeal by design.
Something unique about movie theaters that even my dearest discs don’t have is a massive screen and the communal experience. Rowdy crowds are an issue, but for myself, I’ve had more positive experiences with the audience than negative ones.
Despite having to listen to a crying baby during the 45th anniversary showing of Jaws or listen to elders argue about who is supposed to sit where during the third act of News of the World, it’s hard to compare to the two hours (and more) of awe when I saw the latest Dune adaption. It’s also great to rewatch a Hitchcock classic, Rear Window at the Fargo Theater with a live but respectful audience around me and my friend, laughing at the wit, gasping at the suspense and silent when most captivating. It’s like watching the film brand new.
The main screening room of the Fargo Theatre Image courtesy Emily Beck, Executive Director Fargo Theatre
An important factor is that money leads to what films Hollywood prioritizes. If people don’t spend any money on watching a film they are interested in, it sends a message that those movies are not a worthwhile investment, because at the end of the day, they aren’t. I don’t think movie theaters are going anywhere, I think that the true issue is what the effect of streaming services has on the types of films being released.
Most people aren’t aware that the film industry used to make a lot of money on home video releases, so much that they could make they’re money back on box office failures. Because of that they could take more risks.
Nowadays the only risks being made are from art-house or art-house adjacent companies like: A24 and XYZ pictures.
These companies are smaller and have less obligations. To call them small is an understatement however because they still have productions that cost a lot of money and often have such people attached to them as Nicolas Cage and Greta Gerwig.
Meanwhile some filmmakers have completely abandoned working with the film industry and have started a new wave of cellphone cinema that they have called The Folk Film Movement.
This is nothing new. People make films spending little to no money and post them on the internet for free.
Nowadays though filmmakers like Joel Haver for example, seem to be making a profit off this because they have gotten such a big following. Because they have almost no restrictions besides money and censorship, they are allowed to be as creative as they want.
Those filmmakers are on the fringe, still obscure but is it possible that someday they will be a big threat to the film industry?
This is to say that all the threats are still far from effecting mainstream cinemas. It’s the smaller, older theaters on the edge of town that are being threatened.
As much as anyone enjoys watching a film at their own home, I think there is a certain loneliness to it. Solitude is only cozy for a while, eventually it turns to imprisonment. With the pandemic seeming to be less of a threat, people are starting to get more comfortable leaving their homes more often.
Does this mean that a new attendance wave for theaters is on the way? It’s hard to know.
It’s possible that soon the only people going to movie theaters are going to be film lovers.
If so, the auditorium would be filled with less distractions.
I had correspondence with Fargo Theatres Executive Director Emily Beck who wrote, “Screen size, cutting-edge audio, and delicious popcorn all make a cinema visit special, but it is the audience — the collective cathartic experience — that is absolutely unique. I felt it recently at a screening of the new Spider-Man flick. The audience cheered when a certain character appeared and it felt exhilarating and exciting.” Later she explained, “We will continue to work hard to give our guests the best independent, international, and classic programming available.” Continuing, she mentioned that, “We’ve recently upped our concessions offerings to include specialty beverages and new candies. Our marketing frequently highlights the entire experience of going out downtown and all that has to offer.
Concluding her message she added in a hopeful note, “Since our reopening, we’ve heard from countless guests that they missed the Fargo Theatre and the experience of seeing a movie on the big screen. While they are challenges ahead, we remain optimistic that there will always be an audience eager for a night at the movies.”
Kara Zor-El came to Earth when she was 12 years old, because her home planet Krypton was destroyed. While on route to Earth, Kara’s pod was knocked into the Phantom Zone.
After getting to Earth, Kara was adopted by the Danvers family. Kara hides her powers, because the world already had Superman. She had to reveal her powers when her sister was in danger.
After Kara saves the plane that her sister Alex was on she became Supergirl. To maintain her secret identity Kara worked for Cat Co. Worldwide Media. Cat Co. was the media platform who named her Supergirl.
Supergirl and Superman are cousins. Kara teams up with several other DC heroes to save the multiverse. Supergirl is part of the DC Arrowverse that is on the CW. You can stream all of the Arrowverse shows on Netflix or HBO Max.
On WorldPopulationReview.com it states that North Dakota is the second coldest state in the United States.
Fargo has a .1-degree average making it the 4th coldest city in the United States and the third coldest city in the state with number 1 being Fairbanks Alaska, 2 being Grand Forks, and 3rd being Williston North Dakota.
Ice rink in downtown Fargo surrounded by lighten trees
Many people become devastated when winter comes around and they rightfully should be. Driving is treacherous and walking from your car is a misery.
All the negatives of the winter make it hard to see what there is to look forward to during the winter. However, there is a lot of activities during the winter, inside and outside, to make it as fun as summer.
FargoMoorhead.org has an abundance of activities listed on their website to make sure that you’re not inactive this winter.
One of the places to head for relaxing and fun winter activities is Edgewood Golf Course. Edgewood makes sure to keep people busy in the summer, but unlike many other golf courses, they open their grounds for people in the winter.
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are two things that they offer during the wintertime. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are both fun and relaxing ways to relieve you of boredom this winter.
Along with being fun, doing these activities also burn 420-1000 calories an hour. Edgewood Golf Course has rentals for skis and snowshoes.
Edgewood Golf Course has trails for both activities along the river and through the woods so along with having a fun and relaxing workout, you will have a great view.
But if you want to ditch the snowshoes and skis, Buffalo Sate Park and Lindenwood Park both have amazing winter hiking trails. The cold won’t bother you when you are walking through a winter wonderland.
Snow mobile in blizzard through the woods and forest
Ice is a North Dakotans worst nemesis, making us slip walking outside and slide while we drive. But ice can also be one of the ways we can enjoy the wintertime.
FargoMoorhead.org says that they “Have over 30 ice rinks scattered around the Fargo-Moorhead area.”
One of the more famous spots to go ice skating is at The Lights on Sheyenne Street. The Lights keep us busy in the summer with concerts and just having a spot to hang at.
But they have the same mission during winter with their giant ice rink.
Another way ice blesses us this winter is with the Fargo Force. Fargo Force is a local hockey team. You can see them at the Scheels Arena.
With Fargo being very flat, that doesn’t mean we don’t have any hills to sled on. One of the best ways to spend the wintertime is zipping downhill.
The best spot to sled is in Mickelson Park where you can also rent sleds there. If you want a fun and exciting way to spend a winter day with your family sledding is the way to go.
Fargo isn’t the only place with fun winter activities. Detroit Lakes is jampacked with fun outdoor winter activities.
Fargo isn’t the only place with fun winter activities. Detroit Lakes is jampacked with fun outdoor winter activities. Detroit Lakes is most famous for being a regular in most people’s summer. However, Detroit Lakes has ways to stay popping in wintertime.
Young man snowboarder running down the slope in Alpine mountains. Winter sport and recreation, leasure outdoor activities.
Detroit lakes is most famous for its ski, snowboard, and tubing resort, Detroit Mountain.
Detroit Mountain has 21 trails for dissimilar skill capabilities, from bunny hill to steep trails and trick trails in favor for snowboarders, but skiers can go on it to. If you get cold or need a brake the lounge is great spot.
It has a full bar and a cafeteria with amazing food.
The lift ticket and rental it is going to be 75.16 dollars, 3pm to close, its reduced to 65.49 dollars. If you have your own gear, you are then welcomed to bring it. You would still have to get a lift ticket 46.17 dollars and if you get there at 3pm or after its reduced to 36.50.
Detroit Mountain is one of the main reasons that people merge to Detroit Lakes during the winter. But there are many more options.
Detroit Lakes has over 250 miles of Snowmobile trails scattered all around. Bring your own or go to one of Detroit lakes many snowmobile rentals. Detroit Lakes is a very exciting place, but it can also be relaxing.
One of the most relaxing winter activities is ice fishing.
Detroit Lakes has more than 400 lakes within 25 miles of the city of Detroit Lakes.
One of the more famous things to come out of Detroit lakes is the Polar Fest.
Polar Fest is a two-week festival in Detroit Lakes filled with outdoor and indoor winter activities. Its most famously known for the Ice Palace Lighting.
The frozen sculpture magnets people into Detroit Lakes just to see the colorful lights light up the ice castle.
Even though Fargo and the whole Midwest seems to become a frozen waste land in the wintertime. Just remember that there are still many things you can do to enjoy the wintertime as if it was summer.
Over Christmas break, there have been posters hung anonymously on the inside of both the girls’ and boys’ bathrooms. These posters stem from Justin’s Break the Silence campaign.
Since Justin’s heartbreaking death in 2016, the nonprofit organization through the Dakota Medical Fund spreads awareness about mental health in schools. An example of their encouragement to break the silence is with these posters.
Dark turns, mystery, unsolved investigations, self-discovery, confusion, not being able to set the book down. Beware, these thriller novels will have you questioning everything.
Lisa Jewell’s Then She Was Gone
Lisa Jewell’s Then She Was Gone novel is a fast-paced thriller and mystery. In the beginning, the plot is revealed like many other books of this genre.
“I remember being twenty-one and thinking that my personality was a solid thing, that me was set in stone, that I would always feel what I felt and believe what I believed. But now I know that me is fluid and shape-changing.” -Then She Was Gone, Lisa Jewell
A young girl has gone missing, her family is struck with grief, and the police are at a loss for what may have happened. After years of investigation, the main character, Laurel Mack, must come to terms with the fact that her daughter, Ellie, has run away.
Everyone in Laurel’s life seems to move on, but she can’t. The effects of this are seen in her failed marriage and distance from her remaining two children.
It seems Laurel will never be the same again when she finally meets a charming man named Floyd at a café. Floyd is a single father of a small child named Poppy.
Laurel is drawn to Poppy, and for a good reason. Poppy reminds her of Ellie, her blonde hair, the way she smells, and other physical features. Dazed by these realizations, Laurel begins to start an investigation of her own. As she works to uncover facts about Ellie’s disappearance, she is shocked by many chilling discoveries.
The ending was great, and the suspense led up perfectly right until the last page. This book was one that I could not put down and found myself thinking of the characters throughout my day as they seemed to become real people in my mind through the brilliant descriptions.
I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys dark turns.
Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn had me questioning everything as my opinions of the characters constantly shifted. The book has an alternating perspective from charming Nick Dunne and his beautiful wife Amy Dunne.
“There’s something disturbing about recalling a warm memory and feeling utterly cold.” -Gone Girl, Gillian Flynn
Amy is a New York girl who had her life uprooted when Nick’s mother was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. The couple moved to Nick’s hometown in Missouri with no jobs, no friends, and for Amy, no family.
The scene is set on the Dunne’s fifth anniversary, which also happens to be the day Amy goes missing. When Nick returns home he finds his house a mess, complete with a overturned coffee table.
In the process of the investigation, Nick becomes one of the main suspects. The story develops perfectly, leaving you guessing who was truly innocent.
As the narration shifts from Amy’s diary entries and Nick’s stoic reaction to his missing wife, Gillian Flynn picks apart relationship norms, feminism, misogyny, true love, and revenge.
Even after finishing this novel, my head spun for days – in the best way. I wished for the story to continue but was only left with my imagination to guess how the character’s lives might advance with the dark discoveries that were made.
Paula Hawkins’ The Girl on the Train
Paula Hawkins’ psychological thriller The Girl on the Train was yet again another mind boggling read. As the title states, Rachel is the girl on the train. Every day she commutes from her apartment to the city, passing by tons of houses.
One house in particular always catches her eye though, there is a seemingly perfect couple, typically seen enjoying the morning on their deck.
Rachel feels as though she knows them so well that she names them Jess and Jason.
One day, Rachel witnesses something she is not supposed to – an affair. Shortly after, Jess goes missing.
Unsure what to do with the information she has, Rachel goes to the police. The police, however, have reasons not to trust Rachel’s judgement.
This book will leave you stuck wondering who is reliable. From each perspective of the characters, you will be equally convinced that they are trustworthy, but not everyone can be right in this investigation.
So, who will it be? The drunk girl on the train, the shady husband, the suspicious therapist, the odd neighbor, or an outside job?
From the movie “The Girl on the Train”. Rachel commutes to the city.
With the cold season comes the desire to stay inside, pour a hot drink, and cozy up with a novel. But what novel? Below are some novels that might just draw you in. With every book be sure to check the trigger warnings if that is something you might be worried about.
They Both Die At the End By Adam Silvera
If you are if search of a fast-paced, futuristic romance with LGBTQ+ representation, look no further. This book is guaranteed to pull people in until the very last line, leaving readers questioning their perspective on life.
The main characters of the story, Mateo and Rufus, are on death’s doorstep and have the choice between letting fear control their last moments, or live carefree with the time they have left. Adam Silvera does an exquisite job at creating a story that is filled with so much joy, and heartbreak. All in all, this novel is and always will be a top read.
Readers who are sensitive to death, gang violence, homophobia, mental illness, panic attacks, suicide, and drowning may want to stay away from this novel.
Little Women By Louisa May Alcott
The story is set in Boston through the duration and after the Civil War and follows four sisters attempting to find their way in the world while struggling to overcome poverty and societal expectations.
If you are looking for a comforting read with a strong and independent female protagonist, this is the book for you. Louisa did a wonderful job at creating such an enticing story that brought light to many problems of the time. This classic from 1869 is a must read for everyone.
Readers who are sensitive to racism, sexism, and antisemitism may want to stay away from this novel.
The Priory of The Orange Tree By Samantha Shannon
This 848-page novel is the perfect blend of fantasy, modern ideology, and romance. Although intimidating, this standalone is a masterpiece that will not leave you unsatisfied.
The story is set in medieval times where men and women hold equal positions of power that is not limited to race, sexuality, or gender. The only barrier between people is, unfortunately, their economic status. Within the pages of this book is fantastic representation all around. The only complaint you might have in the end is that there was not more to the story.
Readers who are sensitive to death, childhood trauma, racism, implied domestic violence, and drug use may want to stay away from this novel.
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