As the weather gets cooler, it is the perfect time to bundle up inside with your favorite form of entertainment. Here are some of the Searchlight Staff’s favorite movies, books, tv shows, and music albums!

Movies

The Blind Side follows the story of Michael Oher, a homeless teen taken in by one of the football coaches at his high school. “It’s heartwarming and makes me cry every time.” -Soph Brownsword

Erin Brokovich: Based on a true story, Julia Roberts plays the role of the main character “showing how womens’ appearances does not dictate their brains, determination and ability to provoke change” -Kathryn Maclean

Dead Poets Society demonstrates a new English teacher at an all-boys private school, who uses non-traditional methods to teach students English, as well as many life lessons. “I’m really passionate about English, and this movie encompasses all of the ideals that surround English, specifically how English is a very interpretive and insightful subject. The teacher, played by Robin Williams, portrays a role that reminds me of my sophomore year English teacher, too.” -Kristyn Dentremont

Books

Catcher in the Rye: A favorite at Walpole High, “the Catcher in the Rye is a very simple book at its surface, but when you really analyze it, it uncovers the universal message on how childhood is temporary and the adult life is harsh and unforgiving” -Liam McDonough 

The Hate You Give: Inspired by the Black Lives Matter Movement, this book follows a 16-year-old girl who witnesses her best friend get shot and killed by a police officer. “It perfectly describes the life of those who struggle everyday because of discrimination and violence.” -Isabelle O’Connell     

Tv Shows

Gilmore Girls displays the relationship between a single mother, Lorelai Gilmore, and her daughter Rory growing up in their small town where everyone knows each other. “I become obsessed with it every fall because it is the perfect show to watch on a nice fall weekend” -Katie Gillis

Madam Secretary: When a CIA analyst gets appointed as Secretary of State, the series follows main character Elizabeth McCord with funny commentary as well as realistic political ideas. “My family and I watched this over quarantine and it is just so funny and entertaining. It has a perfect mix of continuing a story line but also making each episode unique.” -Grace Ryan

Music Albums

Tickets to My Downfall by Machine Gun Kelly: “The songs are upbeat and fun to listen to in the car” -Farrell Raeke

Kids See Ghosts by Kid Cudi and Kanye West: “The album is a collaboration between two of my favorite artists. It’s only like seven songs so there’s no filler and all of the songs are so well-produced and basically perfect” -Toby Moses

Red by Taylor Swift: “Every album by Taylor is fantastic but Red has so many of her best songs” -Annie Cameron