Key Highlights
- Sally Jenkins discusses her entertainment preferences and recommendations.
- A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms surprises with its lighthearted tone after Game of Thrones.
- Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” is recommended for listening.
- I’m Not There praised for its mosaic-like quality.
Entertainment Preferences and Recommendations
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a prequel series to Game of Thrones, has surprised Sally Jenkins with its lighthearted tone. “It’s a great example of how to capture viewers who probably thought nothing more could surprise them,” she remarks.
TV Shows and Films
The upcoming entertainment event Jenkins is most looking forward to is the next season of The Diplomat, which she describes as a “smartest-written show in a long time.” She also recommends Project Hail Mary, asserting that there are no bad space or heist movies.
Music and Art Recommendations
Jenkins highly praises Joni Mitchell’s 2000 version of “Both Sides Now,” noting its perfect bracket between the growing up and growing old themes. For a loud song, she loves “Mr. Brightside” by the Killers, which has become a sports-stadium anthem.
Cultural Artifacts
I’m Not There is another favorite for Jenkins, appreciated for its mosaic-like quality. She also enjoys Gerard Manley Hopkins’s “God’s Grandeur,” and the sculpture of Michelangelo’s David, which she believes is “the single best portrayal of an athlete.”
Favorite Books and Writing
The best novel according to Jenkins is Ian McEwan’s What We Can Know. She also recommends Sidney Blumenthal’s multivolume biography of Abraham Lincoln, describing it as underrated despite the wealth of information about him already available.
Journalism and Literature
Jenkins frequently revisits To Kill a Mockingbird to remind herself how to build mood and apprehension. She finds Harper Lee’s opening sentence in the book “a master class,” creating tension even though the story likely turns out okay for the children.
Final Thoughts on Entertainment
For Jenkins, entertainment is not just about enjoyment but also about learning and appreciating different forms of art. From a prequel series that surprises to a sculpture that portrays athletic grace, her recommendations span various mediums and cater to both the mind and the soul.
As you navigate your week ahead, consider these recommendations as a guide to discovering new ideas and enjoying diverse entertainment. Happy reading and watching!
