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 |  A blog for all things personal, informational, educational, and fun. |
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Here at my personal blog Thoughts & Things, I share a wide variety of, you guessed it, thoughts and things. Anything that sparks my interest is up for discussion. For those who are uncertain of what that might cover, I'll generally talk about reading, writing, books, movies, music, games, history, current events, and feminism. I talk about my personal emotional and health struggles from time to time. I'm also a big fan of lists. This is the place here at WDC where you can get to know me best, as I talk about the things that interest me, impact me, and amuse me. |
| At this point in time, there are endless lists of which tracks in Hamilton were the best. It's easily the biggest new musical this decade, and accessible in a way that many musicals are not, so it's no surprise that everyone has an opinion. Obviously when I say "best" I mean my own personal favourites. Every song in Hamilton is so great that it's impossible to name songs that are good or bad, you can only manage favourites. I have arranged them in alphabetical order, as I honestly can't rank them at a certain point. I have also included explanations for their appearance on the list, but I have kept it brief. 1. Aaron Burr, Sir Leslie Odom Jr. is an incredible actor and singer, and Aaron Burr is a fascinating character. It seems appropriate that he get an introductory song that gives us real information while also providing us with as many rhymes for "Burr" as possible. 2. Alexander Hamilton Being the opening track, Alexander Hamilton has to set the tone for what's to come, introduce the story, and introduce the main character. It does everything it should, and it does it incredibly well, particularly thanks to the fantastic ensemble cast. 3. Burn Burn comes into play much later in the musical, and serves as one of the solo tracks of Eliza Schuyler, Hamilton's wife. Phillipa Soo sounds absolutely incredible, and pours her heart into it. Easily one of the best solo tracks in Hamilton. (Also worth noting that there is an unrelated performance of this song by Lea Salonga, who happens to be one of my all time favourite vocalists, which is a nice bonus). 4. Helpless Phillipa Soo is probably one of the most talented vocalists in cast that is absolutely dripping with talent. Helpless is such an adorable love song that it is irresistible. It recalls early 2000s RnB pop tune duos like Ashanti and Ja Rule, while blending with a showtune feel, and it ends up as one of the best standalone tracks in the show. 5. It's Quiet Uptown It's Quiet Uptown serves up pure emotion as the Hamiltons struggle to deal with the loss of their son. The vocals are raw, and the lyrics will split your heart open. This song has personally touched me on so many levels, especially recently. 6. My Shot My Shot has become the song that basically represents Hamilton as a musical and Hamilton as a character in that musical. One of the most fun and memorable rap tracks in the show, it represents the spirit of it all in the best way. Lin-Manuel Miranda absolutely shines in this performance. 7. Non-Stop Non-Stop is easily one of my favourite ensemble numbers in Hamilton, and I think it's genuinely underrated. Each individual piece fits together flawlessly. Nothing gets me as pumped to write as hearing the exclaimed, "Hamilton wrote the other fifty-one!" 8. The Reynolds Pamphlet The Reynolds Pamphlet represents a serious turn of events in the show and in Hamilton's life, and it manages to have this dark energy, a twist in the music for a twist in the plot. It's a song that will make your heart beat faster, and give you a cool beat to jam to while it does it. 9. The Room Where It Happens Leslie Odom Jr. showcases his vocal talents once again to a song written from the perspective of a person who isn't even at the events in questions. It shows us more of Burr, and it's one of the most unique songs musically in the show. 10. Satisfied Renée Elise Goldsberry gets her big solo in Satisfied, showing off her incredible singing and rapping. This song is the epitome of unrequited love, but also of sisterly love. The lyrics will blow you away, especially when Angelica breaks down the three reasons she cannot have Alexander. 11. Say No To This Jasmine Cephas Jones also plays Peggy Schuyler, but she shines the most vocally as Maria Reynolds in her performance of Say No To This, where her voice is like that of a fallen angel. With a darker tone to it, it sets the mood perfectly for Hamilton to stray from his wife. 12. The Schuyler Sisters As both an ode to New York City and an introduction of Eliza, Angelica, and Peggy Schuyler it succeeds and surpasses all expectations. I can never not sing "We hold these truths to be self evident / that all men are created equal / and when I meet Thomas Jefferson / I'mma compel him to include women in the sequel." 13. Take a Break Take a Break is a genuine break. Amidst all of the turmoil in the plot, it feels necessary. The glimpse at Philip Hamilton feels precious. Eliza begging Alexander to take a break feels so genuine. Angelica's turmoil over whether the comma in "My dearest, Angelica" was intended or misplaced is the most relatable moment in the entire musical. 14. Wait For It Wait For It is definitely one of those special songs that has a beat so captivating that it stands on its own. The lyrics reveal more of Burr, but are also easy to relate to. I can't help but move when the song comes on. Leslie Odom Jr. is at his absolute best here. 15. Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story This song follows the death of Hamilton, and brings Eliza back into the story (after she "erased herself from the narrative" in Burn) as she tells of all the things she did in the decades following her husband's death. I die a little every time I hear her sing "I live another fifty years." 16. Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down) Yorktown represents another of the best ensemble tracks in all of Hamilton. It represents the soldiers in battle, the winning of the war, and even life on the home front to perfection. It also features Okieriete Onaodowan as Hercules Mulligan in a genuinely exciting and explosive performance. 17. You'll Be Back King George III has some of the most unique tracks in the entire musical, featuring a completely different style and tone, and a genuine bit of hilarity. Jonathan Groff's vocals are on point, and his delivery of the lines brings extra laughs every time. This is easily the best of the king's three tracks. Particularly notable is the line "I'll kill your friends and family to remind you of my love" followed by some jaunty "da da das". |
| Beginning to read feminist literature can feel a bit intimidating for those who are less experienced with it, even if they identify with feminist ideals. Even with a few books under your belt, it can feel intimidating. The "classics" of nonfiction feminism are often quite lengthy (such as The Second Sex), or perhaps more applicable to to a bygone era (such as The Feminine Mystique). It can also be hard to know beforehand if a book is a bit too academic for the casual reader--no one wants to get into a nonfiction piece only to discover it was designed to be used as a textbook rather than for pleasure reading. After reading through a number of feminist books, I have created this list (with brief explanations) of nonfiction feminism books that are suitable for anyone who is new to feminism or new to reading about feminism, whether they are a teenager or an adult. Here We Are: Feminism for the Real World Edited by Kelly Jensen Here We Are is targeted towards teenagers, but is absolutely still accessible for adults. It contains essays, lists, and comics from dozens of different people, all addressing different feminist issues. It is probably the most inclusive introductory feminist book I have ever read. It includes well known figures such as Laverne Cox, Mindy Kaling, Laurie Halse Anderson, Roxane Gay, and many more, as well as many lesser known writers. Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay Bad Feminist is a collection of essays, all written by Roxane Gay, that deal with different feminist issues. It examines her own life, the political, and the cultural, with many well thought out ideas shared within. It addresses the issue of feeling like an imperfect feminist, and it is a very accessible read, usually more casual than academic. Feminism is for Everybody: Passionate Politics by bell hooks bell hooks has been a brilliant voice in feminism for decades, and Feminism is for Everybody is a perfect example. It does get a bit academic in its language at times, but it addresses a number of feminist issues and is a short read. Despite being one of the oldest books on this list, it was incredibly ahead of its time and remains a helpful read. We Should All Be Feminists and Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Both of these books from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie are individual essays in book format, and won't take much time to read, even when read back together. The former offers many of her thoughts, adapted from her TED Talk, on feminism and how it can work for so many people. The latter offers feminist parenting advice, that is generally good advice for anyone regardless of their status with children. Men Explain Things to Me by Rebecca Solnit A fairly short essay collection, the highlight of Solnit's Men Explain Things to Me (although the entirety of the collection made interesting points), is the titular essay. Solnit describes the issue of having men over explain things to her, even if she is the more qualified party in the conversation. She is occasionally credited with coining the term "mainsplaining" although she herself states that she did not create the term and does not use it. The collection occasionally gets a little bit academic, but never becomes too overwhelming. Introducing Feminism: A Graphic Guide by Cathia Jenainati, illustrated by Judy Groves Introducing Feminism is primarily short blurbs, accompanied by simple images. It deals with the history of feminism, as well as highlighting the definitions of feminist ideas. It makes good light reading for anyone interested in having more background information on history and terminology before diving into modern concepts. |
| Where I come from, the children's author Robert Munsch is considered to be quite the big deal. I have been reading his books for as long as I have known how to read (and I can't recall a time before learning to read), and definitely still have quite a love for some of his books. I thought I would share a select few of them, in no particular order. The Paper Bag Princess I've always loved stories where princesses are the tough saviours, and this one is no exception. After being attacked, the princess goes in to save the day, uses her brains to outsmart the dragon, and then ditches the prince when she realises he's not a good dude. To top it off, we both share the first name Elizabeth. Purple, Green and Yellow This hilarious little story always had my sides aching as a child. I loved watching as a little girl grew more and more adventurous with her colouring until she became a bit too adventurous. This became even funnier to me when I got a little brother who quite enjoyed colouring on himself. Stephanie's Ponytail Stephanie's Ponytail always appealed to the nonconformist in me as a kid, and I still find it hilarious as an adult. The mayhem that ensues over the rights to a particular hairstyle just tickle me in all the right places. The ending brought me so much joy as a child. Thomas' Snowsuit As a Canadian, there is something about snowsuits that I find especially annoying. Now and as a child. Reading about a kid who never wanted to put his on was relatable. Watching his teacher and principal try to force him into with comedic results has always gotten me giggling. Love You Forever This one is perhaps one of the most obvious ones to include on such a list. Honestly, it seems to resonate with more of the adults I have known than with the children I have known. It's an incredibly touching story about the love between parent and child, and one that has grown on me with each reading. |
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I hate sad endings. They make the best stories though. I guess I'll make reading William Shakespeare my New Year Resolution for next year or something I'd write for Dear Me 2018.