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Read, Watch, Play: Female Empowerment, Darcy, & Fresh Starts

Diana Nguyen
August 25, 2013, 11:00 AM
sundayfundayopenerPhoto: Courtesy of Two Door Cinema Club; Sony Pictures Classics; The Riveter.
It's Sunday FUNday again, which means it's time for another R29 editor to share the new books, TV, movies, and music that have her (or him!) excited for the week ahead. Today, Diana Nguyen, our senior editor, is stepping up.
A mild case of viral meningitis has kept me out of the loop recently, but there's nothing a little women-empowering journalism, a campy Austen-filled comedy, and a synthpop jam won't cure — yes, even a fever, headaches, and endearing-yet-hypochondriac R29 desk mates. My prescription for a happy, healthy Sunday, right this way...

Read: The Riveter Magazine
It's no shocker: In a world where breaking news can travel in less than 140 characters, print — and specifically, long-form journalism — has been struggling to compete. Well, new blood has entered the arena. Started as a $2,000 crowd-funded project by Missouri School of Journalism graduates Kaylen Ralph and Joanna Demkiewicz, The Riveter is a new print and online publication of original columns and personal essays for women, by women.

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The mag is only one issue in, but its debut definitely makes a stand. Pieces of note: An empowering, Lean In-esque column by Joanna Scutts about the dismal number of female editors in the industry and a provocative essay on how much importance women put on age. "There’s an addictive nervous energy in feeling like you’re too young for what you’re doing," writes Gabrielle Lipton. "As if it’s illegal." Interesting, no? And, if you have the time, read this interview with the founding ladies on Poynter. Are you a woman? Writer? Both? This read will make you proud.

Watch: Austenland
I have no shame in admitting this: A big reason why I love Pride and Prejudice is thanks to the stubborn, ruggedly handsome, hopeful romantic known as Mr. Darcy. Sure, Austen's literary commentary on the mundane, trivial life of early 19th century English society is fascinating, poignant, and ahead of her time. But — it's Pemberley's finest who has set the bar so high that no modern-day man — or even fictional heartthrob (Edward Cullen, who?) — will ever live up to expectations. Yes, I fully embrace the spinster-chic life of a single lady in the city, thanks.

Though, I'm much more realistic than Austenland's leading lady, Jane Hayes, played by Kerri Russell. A prototypical single woman searching for epic love in a hopeless place, she has such an unhealthy obsession with all things Austen that her 21st century suitors leave little to be desired. Thus, like any real Austen fan should never do, she forfeits her entire savings to fly to England and role-play like she's living in Austen's era (think LARP but with love triangles and stage coaches). Sure, it lacks any real depth or life-changing takeaway, but Russell brings back a little bit of the neurosis that made Felicity so relatable — which deserves a watch in of itself. And, in the end [spoiler alert!], girl gets boy — with her dignity intact. What else could an Austen groupie ask for?
Play: Two Door Cinema Club's "Changing Of The Seasons"
Whether you're just getting out of a relationship or excited for falling leaves and chilly temps, "Changing Of The Seasons" is the perfect song for these transitional times. With the help of French producer Madeon, the Irish trio has created a happy, electro-heavy anthem that will leave you closing out the summer in dance. It's bittersweet, but worth the listen!

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