By Allyson Dickman>Senior>Journalism>University of Maryland
Winter weather can get you down. Seriously, five feet of snow and you haven’t left the dorms in days, what’s a college student to do? Check our favorite books, movies and music from the winter season, sure to help you keep the “winter blues” at bay.
Books:
The Help, By Kathryn Stockett – Topping the charts for weeks, this novel may be more of telling of our parent’s generation, but is an emotional journey juxtaposing the emotional journey black and white culture of the American south in the beginning of the Civil Rights era.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series, by Rick Riordan – Sure, these books are written for the middle school reading level, but those of us missing the comfort of a Harry Potter novel may just find the right combination of mystery, magic, myth and action in this series.
Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, by Stieg Larsson – This international best seller is for any avid reader. It’s a family saga that combines murder, love and mystery into one easy to read turn pager.
Lost Symbol, by Dan Brown – The third installment to Angels and Demons and The Da Vinci Code, this adventurous mystery will get history buffs, crime solvers and the religiously curious enthralled. If nothing else, you get to spend a few days reading up on your favorite characters from Brown’s first novels.
Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang, by Chelsea Handler – If you love her show on E!, you’ll love Handler’s third book. This is another hilarious compilation of essays about her sexcapades, living with a boyfriend, her career and her family will keep you laughing for days.
Movies
Avatar – There’s not much more to say about Avatar that hasn’t been said already. The multi-award winning film not only entertains, but defined a new stage in the film industry. Three hours of blue people feels like nothing with the amazing cinematography and story line.
The Crazies – This flick promises a new twist to your every day zombie movie. A disease takes over the people of a small town, turning citizens into killers and forcing the uninfected to try to find a way to escape, unharmed.
Shutter Island – Scorcese, Dicaprio . . . enough said? This long anticipated thriller will give you goose bumps and have you on the edge of your seat. Dicaprio plays a detective investigating a missing insane asylum patient, but has he learns the secrets of the place, he not only becomes trapped, but begins to lose his mind, too.
Valentine’s Day – Sure it’s a chick flick, but it’s also on celebrity overload. Julia Roberts, Bradley Cooper, Taylor Lautner and Jessica Biel are just a few who star in this romantic comedy that will sure to have you laughing and “awwww”ing. Let’s not mention that Roberts was paid $500,000 per minute she appears in the flick.
Up in the Air – The award-winning film starring George Clooney and Anna Kendrick as they travel around the country for work. But on their journey together, both face the realities of their job and their lives, and may not be as happy as they thought they were with what they see.
Music:
The Blue Print 3, Jay-Z – Veteran artist who helped shape and mainstream hip-hop does it again with his new album, featuring the number one hit single “Empire State of Mind” with Alicia Keys.
So Far Gone Mix Tape, Drake – Drake, formerly known by college students for his role as Jimmy Brooks on the show Degrassi, is now becoming popular for his music. We love “Forever” and “Best I Ever Had.”
The Fame Monster, Lady GaGa – Everyone loves her, or at least is fascinated by GaGa’s clothes, performances and voice. But the fascination doesn’t stop there – her album has us rockin’ out to songs like “Bad Romance” and “Poker Face” everywhere we go.
Play On, Carrie Underwood – The American Idol star has taken country as mainstream as Taylor Swift. Carrie Underwood’s second album is an enjoyable combination of dance beats, small town America ballads, and love-gone-wrong revenge songs.
The Colossus, RJD2 – Embrace a different kind of chill. Innovative hip-hopper and Mad Men theme-song composer RJD2 dropped his fourth album, The Colossus, January 19. Laying intricate melodies atop hip-hop beats, the 33-year-old native Oregonian constructs crafty compositions that are equal parts soulful, soothing and intriguing.
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