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Winter break is nearly here, which means many of us will have time to unwind to the sounds of a chill indie pop album or cozy up with tales of intrigue and family drama.

For those still looking for recommendations on what to watch, listen to and read, we asked 51��Ʒ��Ƶ student leaders and club presidents for their suggestions. Interviews were edited for length and clarity.

Books

“” by Jennette McCurdy

Danielle Floyd, president, Student Government Board

I grew up watching Jennette McCurdy on some of my favorite TV shows, and I appreciated reading about her struggles as a childhood actor through her memoir. I loved meeting her when she was on campus through a event, where I got a signed copy of her book.

“” by Donna Tartt

Elizabeth Gillette, president, Bookmarked

This was my favorite book of 2022; the writing was absolutely immaculate. Tartt writes in a way that makes the reader come along with the characters as they slowly descend into madness. Her character development and layered storytelling make this novel incredible. This book illustrates that life has meaning through things that are meaningless.

Film

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Simon Sweeney, president, 51��Ʒ��Ƶsburgh Film Society

You may have heard about legendary Belgian director Chantal Akerman’s masterpiece, which topped the Sight & Sound list of the greatest films of all time. It’s worthy of the honor, a riveting exercise in patience and empathy that’s impossible to come away from without a head full of thoughts.

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Music

“” by Harry Styles

Sreya Dey, president, Songburghs

This album consists of energetic bangers to emotional, heartfelt ballads. I love listening to upbeat, lively music and this album always puts me in a better mood. I loved “Daydreaming” and “Late Night Talking” so much that I decided to arrange them for the Songburghs to sing.

“” by The Strokes

Emily Grugan, assistant drum major, 51��Ʒ��Ƶ Band

The first time I heard this album, I was hooked. Every song is unique and a great mood booster. The lyricism is fun, and the music is a great mix of alternative rock and pop.

“” by CASTLEBEAT

Ethan Herring, president, Music Production Club

This very pleasant bedroom indie-pop record makes a great soundtrack for walking through South Oakland at night. The song “Spill” is a great closer to the album, and although it is a little depressing, I'm always a fan of huge shoegaze sounds.

Podcasts

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Bea Amsalu, 2022 Spirit of 51��Ʒ��Ƶ awardee

This NPR podcast, meant for listeners in their 20s, teaches you about common “adulting” topics that you might not know (different types of credit cards and their rewards, what to do when you’re having a quarter-life crisis, finding relief from IBS). Listeners submit questions, too: navigating romantic relationships and making friends in a new city, for example. I love it; perfect for when you’re on a “hot girl walk” or just cleaning your room.

» Meet this year’s Spirit of 51��Ʒ��Ƶ winners.

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Lauren Taylor, president, Musical Theatre Club

This podcast, hosted by Josh Rosen (CGS ’22) and Valerie Davis, a 51��Ʒ��Ƶ media and professional communications major, is my favorite way to get my fix on all things theater. If you want to hear Broadway tea straight from the stars themselves (and sometimes from yours truly), give this podcast a listen. Don’t miss the “Special Interview with Analise Scarpaci of Mrs. Doubtfire” episode.

TV

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Chloe Weiss, president, Heinz Chapel Choir

When I first started watching the series, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. After giving the show some time (pun entirely intended), a show about a time traveler in a spaceship (disguised as a telephone box) is the perfect way to unwind.

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— Nichola Faina, photography by Aimee Obidzinski