1. Born a Crime

I never followed Trevor Noah's career. Not his stand-up comedy, not his Daily Show. That's probably why I didn't jump on the book when it first came out.

For some reason, I always wanted to read it, though. Maybe because I found the book title interesting. (It alludes to the fact that he has a black mother and a white father. During the apartheid period in South Africa, having sex with someone of a different race was against the law. So Trevor was literally born a crime.)

Better late than never. I finally read it, and I was SHOOK!

It takes tremendous talent to tell some of the most horrific stories one can imagine with the perfect amount of humor and sensitivity.

Even if you don't like heavy topics (racism, poverty, domestic violence etc), this book has plenty to offer. It contains the funniest, most epic poop/turd story I have ever seen.

Trust me, this is a book you don't want to miss. 

2. Unstoppable: My Life So Far

Being a tennis fan for more than twenty years, I'd read this no matter what.

It did not disappoint. 

I particularly enjoyed the first half of the book, which focused on Sharapova's beginning days. In her own words, it was as much her story as her father's story. It's amazing how a young man (back then her father was only in his 20s) could leave everything behind and take his daughter to a foreign country without any money, any English skills, or anybody he knew. The sheer determination was unbelievable.

I also enjoyed the gossipy bits spread throughout the book. In particular, she talked about her infamous feud with Serena Williams. I don't want to spoil anything, but I can say that Sharapova treated the subject with candor and class. She didn't say anything about the Dimitrov-Williams-Sharapova love triangle, and everything remotely gossipy had to do with tennis. 

3. Beartown

On the surface, this is a story about a town that's crazy about ice hockey. I don't watch ice hockey at all. Why bother?

Well, it was the latest novel from the author who brought us A Man Called Ove.

Yep, I decided to give it a try simply because of that.

I'm so glad I did. It's not very often a book can give me physical reactions. This one left me gasping for air quite a few times. It's that powerful.

Will have to write a proper post about this book later. (Please push me if I get lazy.) 

4. Santa Clarita Diet (Season 2)

For a minute there, I felt the rhythm was a bit off, and the show didn't seem as morbidly funny as its first season. My worries were quickly wiped away.

Once again, I binged the whole thing. Can next year be here already?

5. Rise

This show is loosely based on a true story. Without giving away too much, I'll just say that many critics compare it to Glee. The similarities are certainly there, except in Glee, they are doing popular music, whereas in Rise, they are doing theater.

If you are interested in themes like nurturing talent, chasing dreams, finding your value, choosing your own path, fighting for equality etc, you will mostly like this show.

BTW, nobody managed to answer my question. The show is none other than Rise.

6. Cardi B's debut album - Invasion of Privacy

Cardi B has been dominating music charts left and right since she dropped her debut single last summer.

With so much anticipation, she could easily crack under the pressure. Surprisingly, her debut album exceeded most people's expectations. It certainly seemed to tickle critics' fancy, as I saw nothing but positive reviews from major media outlets.

I'm not head over heels in love with the album as most critics seem to be, but I have to admit that overall, it is pretty enjoyable.

My favorite tracks are Get Up 10 and Thru Your Phone. 

The former is her true story, how she went from being a stripper to being a reality TV star to being a chart-topping hip-hop artist. The latter is... Well, who knew she could sing like that？

7. Nicki Minaj's two new singles - Chun-Li and Barbie Tingz

Both songs are FIRE, but if I have to choose, I like Barbie Tingz a teeny tiny bit more.

Not that she needs to prove anything, but I think it's pretty clear that Nicki is still the queen of rap. Cardi B doesn't even come close.

I'm anxiously waiting for Nicki's fourth studio album (she's been hinting that for more than a year). Hurry up already! 

8. AJR's album - The Click

AJR is an indie pop band consisting of three brothers. They've had a few minor hits in the US, but I don't think they are well-known elsewhere. Certainly not in China.

I was only familiar with their singles Weak and Sober Up. After I heard them in an interview and found all of them smart, well-spoken and down-to-earth, I checked out their album The Click.

SCORE! Every track is single worthy!!!

My absolute favorite is a song about friendship.

I'm soooo gonna send it to my best buds when they need a pick-me-up. :)

9. Lil Dicky & Chris Brown - Freaky Friday

https://v.qq.com/txp/iframe/player.html?vid=o00263pd3t3&width=500&height=375&auto=0

Granted, this song is very gimmicky, but hey, a genius idea is a genius idea. 

I'll never be a Chris Brown fan (his personality rubs me the wrong way), but I can't deny his obvious talent. Dude sure is a triple threat (sing, dance, rap)!

10. Bad Wolves - Zombie

https://v.qq.com/txp/iframe/player.html?vid=k0602cfe9ym&width=500&height=375&auto=0

One of the best-known anti-war anthems out there. Also one of the best known songs from The Cranberries.

On the day when Dolores O'Riordan (lead singer of The Cranberries) was scheduled to participate in the recording of this new version, she unexpectedly passed away. What a cruel and sad coincidence.

And just as this new version was getting popular, the US launched air strikes on Syria. You can fill in the blank yourself: what a ____ coincidence.

On a lighter note, this song will be included in Bad Wolves' debut album that's soon to drop. Gotta have something to look forward to, right?

P.S. Also check out this song (it has nothing to do with English, but man, what a pleasant surprise) ↓

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