Happy Friday, Wildcats! Falvey Library is delivering you another semester of Weekend Recs, a blog dedicated to filling you in on what to read, listen to, and watch over the weekend. Annie, a graduate assistant from the Communication department, scours the internet, peruses the news, and digs through book stacks to find new, relevant, and thought-provoking content that will challenge you and prepare you for the upcoming week. 

Photo by Dino Reichmuth on Unsplash

Happy end of the semester, Wildcats! Summer break is finally here! For the last Weekend Recs of the semester, I decided to go with some summer-themed recs to help kick off summer vacation, whether you’re enjoying some R&R, traveling to exciting places, or continuing to work hard. Regardless of what your plans are for the next three months, I hope you’re able to enjoy the nice weather and some quality time with your friends and family.

If you have 3 minutes and 43 seconds…and need a song for a summer drive with the windows down, listen to “Jackie and Wilson” by Hozier. As a big Hozier fan, I’m definitely biased, but I think this song radiates good vibes and a little bit of nostalgia.

Bonus: for more summery vibes, check out Spotify’s collection of summer playlists to suit your taste. This 2000s playlist is my personal fave.

If you have 22 minutes…and love The Office, watch “Beach Games” from season 3, available in Falvey’s DVD Collection if you’re still on campus. While this Survivor-inspired episode is sometimes forgotten, it’s perfect for the summer.

Photo by Marko Kelecevic on Unsplash

If you have 1 hour and 48 minutes…and want to belt your heart out to Abba, watch Mamma Mia!, also available in Falvey’s DVD Collection for those on campus. What’s better than a movie that features ABBA hits, Meryl Streep, and a summer in Greece? Arguably, nothing.

If you have 1 hour and 55 minutes…and need some ’00s nostalgia, watch High School Musical 2, the ultimate summer break movie. I might be biased as a 2000s kid, but this is arguably the ultimate summer break movie.

If you have 2 hours and 30 minutes…and are a Marvel fan, watch Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 in theaters. Even though this series closer is set to pack a punch (probably right to your heart, if you’re a fan), the Guardians movies are known for their well-incorporated humor and amazing soundtracks, which is certainly perfect for the summer.

If you have 7 hours…and are a fan of Grease, watch Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, the new prequel series. The series takes places 4 years before the events of the original and introduces a new set of Pink Ladies into Rydell High (with some fun familiar names and nods to the original).

Bonus: if you want to watch the original first, watch Grease, available in Falvey’s DVD Collection.

If you have 9 hours…and like the coming-of-age genre, read Hula. Set in Hawai’i, his 2023 recent release is a generational coming-of-age tale that centers Hawai’ian culture and family. It’s also a great way to celebrate National Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Annie Stockmal is a graduate student in the Communication Department and Graduate Assistant at Falvey Library.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In Up, Ellie said, “Adventure is out there.”

Happy Monday, Wildcats! Right now, you’re likely bogged down with finals and end-of-the-semester work. It’s necessary, but it’s not exactly a time of great joy. But, adventure is out there. In a little over a week, when summer break begins, you’ll be free to enjoy some time outside of the stress of academia. Enjoy it! Go find your adventure.

To students, Falvey wishes you a manageable finals week and a happy break! To our Senior Wildcats, happy graduation! We’re confident you’ll do great things.

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Monday, May 8

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | The Math Center in the Learners’ Studio, Falvey Room 204 | Free

Tuesday, May 9

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | The Math Center in the Learners’ Studio, Falvey Room 204 | Free

Wednesday, May 10

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | The Math Center in the Learners’ Studio, Falvey Room 204 | Free

Thursday, May 11

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | The Math Center in the Learners’ Studio, Falvey Room 204 | Free

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

Photo by Nik on Unsplash

Today, May 8, is Reward Yourself Day. With finals upon us, I don’t doubt that we’re all working hard. Today, perhaps after you’re done studying or done with work, treat yourself to something that makes you happy, whether it’s a tasty treat, a new pair of shoes, or a walk in the park. You deserve it!

Fittingly, National Mental Health Awareness Day is Wednesday, May 10. Feelings of stress and being burnt out are certainly common during finals, and if it’s your last year here, you might be feeling sad to leave or anxious to start the next chapter in your life. Take some time today (or even just this week) to prioritize your mental health. If you’re struggling, talk to someone in your support system and utilize Villanova’s health and well-being resources.

Saturday, May 13, is Brunch for Lunch Day. If you’re looking for something to do with your friends or family for the end of the semester, enjoy some avocado toast, crepes, bottomless mimosas (if you’re of age), or any one of your go-to brunch staples. Personally, I’m partial to french toast.

This Sunday, May 14, is Mother’s Day. If you’re feeling grateful, celebrate your maternal figure, whether that’s your mom or another positive female role model in your life. On a personal note, I’m endlessly grateful to my mom and all of the women who helped raise me. If you’re a mother or a maternal figure to someone, we at Falvey thank you.

Annie Stockmal is a graduate student in the Communication Department and Graduate Assistant at Falvey Library.

Happy Friday, Wildcats! Falvey Library is delivering you another semester of Weekend Recs, a blog dedicated to filling you in on what to read, listen to, and watch over the weekend. Annie, a graduate assistant from the Communication department, scours the internet, peruses the news, and digs through book stacks to find new, relevant, and thought-provoking content that will challenge you and prepare you for the upcoming week. 

Photo by Lorenzo Herrera on Unsplash

Whether they were your formative years or simply a blip in your life, the ’90s are a decade wrapped up in nostalgia, even if you weren’t born yet. Personally, I only spent a few months in the ’90s, obviously none of which I remember, but I still find the 90s to be influential today (even if the early 00s are replacing their vintage fashion status).

With finals approaching and burnout rearing its ugly head, these ’90s themed recs will hopefully give you a healthy dose of nostalgia without the pressing weight and anxieties about current events. So, (temporarily) forget about your stressors and turn off your brain for a short-while and enjoy some lighthearted nostalgia.

If you have 3 minutes and 48 seconds…and love pop anthems, watch the music video for “…Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears. Although it’s nearly impossible to narrow the ’90s down into one rec, as there are so many amazing choices, Britney has stayed relevant for nearly three decades, and this video is incredibly iconic.

Bonus: check out the ’90s genre on Spotify for playlists to fit your tastes. Personally, I think the All Out ’90s playlist has a pretty solid mix, and I’d totally recommend the ’90s Rock Anthems playlist (or simply any ’90s album from No Doubt, Nirvana, and Hole).

If you have 22 minutes…and are a fan of Friends, watch “The One with the Embryos.” It has the perfect balance between plotline and comedy to make it an overall enjoyable watch, even when you’re stressed out. (If you haven’t seen Friends, start from the beginning).

If you have 26 minutes…and miss the time when learning was fun, watch an episode of The Magic School Bus. My personal favorite was (the very unhinged) “The Magic School for Lunch.”

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels

If you have 1 hour and 37 minutes…and want to watch the quintessential ’90s rom-com, watch Clueless, available online through Falvey. This quotable classic is a perfect watch if you want to de-stress and enjoy a lighthearted movie (or if you just like Alicia Silverstone and Paul Rudd).

Bonus: if you like more serious romances, watch Titanic, available in Falvey’s DVD Collection.

If you have 1 hour and 52 minutes…and hate Sea World, watch Free Willy, available in Falvey’s DVD Collection. This movie tells the story of Jesse, a troubled child in foster care, as he forms a bond with a lonely captive orca whale and sets out to release him back into the ocean. Fun fact: it was also one of my favorite movies as a kid.

If you have 2 hours and 6 minutes…and want to shed some tears, watch Good Will Hunting, available in Falvey’s DVD Collection. As opposed to some of the film bro movies, this film is a beautiful depiction of a man coming to terms with his emotions and trauma with the help of a dedicated therapist. The platonic chemistry between Robin Williams and Matt Damon is enough to leave you (or me, at least) teary eyed.

If you have 5 hours…and want to read a 1990s and 2010s hit, read The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Yes, the movie that had a monopoly on semi-inspirational quotes for nearly a decade is based on a novel by Stephen Chbosky. Following Charlie as he navigates high school as a grief-stricken wallflower trying to find his place, this late 90s book is filled with friendship, trauma, and healing.

Bonus: for more ’90s book recs, check out this list.

If you have 10 hours…and like eerie horror-thrillers, watch the first season of Yellowjackets. Set between two time periods in 1996 and 2021, this show follows a soccer team that crash lands and ends up stranded for months in the Canadian wilderness and the aftermath of their gruesome ordeal. Not for the squeamish, the show contains some horror staples, such as gore, cannibalism, and cult rituals. Yet, it leans into ’90s nostalgia and features some recognizable faces from the 90s, including Christina Ricci, Melanie Lynskey, and Juliette Lewis. If you end up enjoying it, the second season is currently airing, with its 6th episode airing this Sunday.

Annie Stockmal is a graduate student in the Communication Department and Graduate Assistant at Falvey Library.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In The Ersatz Elevator, Daniel Handler or, rather, Lemony Snicket wrote, “If we wait until we’re ready, we’ll be waiting for the rest of our lives. Let’s go.”

Happy Monday, Wildcats! When we’re about to do something difficult and stressful, it’s natural to not feel adequately prepared, to not feel ready. For some of us, that describes finals, a predictably stressful occurrence that leaves us drained. For those who are graduating, this is even more true, as it can sort of feel like you’re jumping into the unknown.

But, if we wait until we feel totally ready, we’ll be waiting forever. Let’s go, Wildcats. And remember, Falvey is always here to help make your last days of classes and finals easier, whether it’s a quiet place to study, help from our subject librarians, or some stress relief from our stress-busting events.

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Monday, May 1

Mindfulness Monday | 1-1:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free & Open to Villanova Students, Faculty, and Staff

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Tuesday, May 2

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Wednesday, May 3

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Thursday, May 4

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Friday, May 5

Falvey Library’s Stress Busting Open House: Blow Your Worries Away | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Front Entrance, Falvey Library | Refreshments Served | Stress-Busting Activities

Sunday, May 7

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

Wednesday, May 3, is Sun Day, and fittingly, today is Melanoma Monday. Although the holiday is technically about the solar energy for infrastructure, enjoying some time in the sun can also give our minds and bodies the energy we need. It gives us a vitamin D boost and, when combined with fun activities or relaxation, helps to relieve stress (and with finals quickly approaching, we could all use some stress relief). But, while you’re soaking in some rays, remember to apply a generous amount of sunscreen, no matter your skin color or predisposition for sunburn. Not only will this help you prevent melanoma and other skin cancers, it’ll keep your skin looking younger for longer.

As you may already know, this Thursday is Star Wars Day, celebrated annually on May (the) 4th (be with you) as a play on words. If you’re a Star Wars fan, today is the perfect excuse to make some time to dive into to Star Wars universe. If you’re looking to watch (or rewatch) the films, you can start your journey here at Falvey with Stars Wars: Episode IV–A New Hope, available in our DVD Collection. For more, check out the entirety of Falvey’s Star Wars collection. For my personal celebration, I’m planning on finally starting the 3rd season of The Mandalorian.

Photo by Laura Pratt on Unsplash

Feeling stressed? Thursday is also National Renewal Day, a day dedicated to self-help and self-care. Although it might be difficult to fully embrace renewal with finals coming up, take some time to do something that relieves your stress today, whether it’s taking a long shower, sunbathing outside, or watching your comfort show. Need some extra help? Swing by Falvey on Friday, May 5, for some fun activities and tasty treats at our annual Stress-Busting Open House. (Details can be found here).

Need a portable meal while studying for finals? Friday, May 5, is National Hoagie Day. If you’re feeling in the spirit, stop by Wawa or your go-to local deli to enjoy this Mid-Atlantic delicacy.

Annie Stockmal is a graduate student in the Communication Department and Graduate Assistant at Falvey Library.

Happy Friday, Wildcats! Falvey Library is delivering you another semester of Weekend Recs, a blog dedicated to filling you in on what to read, listen to, and watch over the weekend. Annie, a graduate assistant from the Communication department, scours the internet, peruses the news, and digs through book stacks to find new, relevant, and thought-provoking content that will challenge you and prepare you for the upcoming week. 

Photo by Riley McCullough on Unsplash

Even to those who never played sports, there is something uniquely compelling and inspirational about sports fiction. Movies like Rocky, Remember the Titans, A League of their Own, and The Blind Side move us. They make us root for the underdog and feel the valor of the victory (or the crushing weight of their defeat).

As we quickly approach the end of the semester and (the dreaded) finals season, we could probably all use a little extra motivation to push us through. This weekend’s recs will feature some sports fiction recs to spark some positive thoughts and determination.

If you have 4 minutes and 5 seconds…and need the perfect song to get you into game mode, listen to the quintessential “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor.

Bonus: for some more motivation, watch “Sweet Victory” from SpongeBob Squarepants.

If you have 9 minutes and 15 seconds…and want to watch a breakdown of the movie magic (and athletic feat) of the triple axle scene in I, Tonya, watch this Vanity Fair video.

Bonus: if you’re looking for a sports movie packed with dark humor, true crime, and drama, watch I, Tonya, my personal favorite sports film. Although it’s technically nonfiction, as it follows real-life world class figure skater Tonya Harding, the film plays with its dramatized nature and (somewhat) one-sided narrative.

If you have 10 minutes and 44 seconds…and need an end-of-the-semester motivation boost, watch this video ranking some of the best sports movie speeches. One of the best (and most cliche) aspects of sports movies are its motivating speeches, and these are some of the most memorable.

Photo from Carol M. Highsmith on Wikimedia Commons

If you have 1 hour and 47 minutes…and love 80s movies, watch Field of Dreams, available in Falvey’s DVD Collection. This late 80s film stars Kevin Costner as a humble farmer who turns his cornfield into a baseball field to allow the ghosts of famed baseball players to play the greatest American past time.

If you have 1 hour and 48 minutes…and think race car driving is a sport, watch Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, available in Falvey’s DVD Collection. Starring Will Ferrel and Sascha Baron Cohen, this racing film adds just the right amount of comedy to the inspirational, underdog narrative sports films have perfected.

If you have 2 hours and 4 minutes…and want to add some romance to your queue, watch Love and Basketball. This 2000s classic follows Monica and Quincy from childhood to young adulthood, bonding through their love of basketball. If that’s not enough, Love and Basketball also features an amazing cast, including Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, Kyla Pratt, Alfre Woodard, Dennis Haysbert, Regina Hall, and Gabrielle Union.

If you have 7 hours…and prefer books, read Trophy Son by Douglas Brunt, available through interlibrary loan. This novel dives into the crippling perfectionism and high expectations placed on athletes through tennis prodigy Anton’s journey to navigating the pressure from his overbearing father and finding himself.

Bonus: for more book recs, check out this list of some popular sports fiction novels.

Annie Stockmal is a graduate student in the Communication Department and graduate assistant in Falvey Library.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In Little Women, Louisa May Alcott wrote, “Be comforted, dear soul! There is always light behind the clouds.”

Happy Monday, Wildcats! With just a few weeks left, the semester is quickly coming to a close. With the stress of papers, projects, and exams (and the impending threat of finals), it might seem like there’s a dark cloud looming over your head.

But, be comforted, dear Villanovan. The black cloud will disappear, and light will shine through. For many of us, that light is summer break, but it could simply be a vacation, a lower workload, or, if it’s your last year here, graduation. So, push through the clouds and look forward to the light.

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Monday, April 24

Mindfulness Monday | 1-1:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free & Open to Villanova Students, Faculty, and Staff

St. Catherine of Siena Research Award Symposium | 3:30-4:45 p.m. | Room 205 | Free & Open to the Public

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Tuesday, April 25

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Wednesday, April 26

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Ida B. Wells Lecture Featuring Michael G. Hanchard, PhD | 5-6 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | Free & Open to the Villanova Community | Light Refreshments Served

Thursday, April 27

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Friday, April 28

2023 Falvey Scholars Award Presentation & Reception Ceremony | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | Livestream Available Here | Free & Open to the Public | Presentation Schedule Here

Villanova Gaming Society Meeting | 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | Free & Open to the Public

2023 Concept Recognition Ceremony | 3-4:30 p.m. | Larson Kelly Auditorium (Room 132) and Atrium, Driscoll Hall | Free & Open to the Public | Register Here

Sunday, April 30

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

Wednesday, Apr. 26, is Denim Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness of and educating people on sexual assault and sexual violence. Wearing denim on Denim Day is encouraged to fight against victim blaming and show support for SA victims and survivors. To learn more about the (disgusting) statistics of sexual violence, check out RAINN’s statistical guide here. Villanova’s sexual assault resources and policy information can be found here.

Photo by Rosalind Chang on Unsplash

For any Marvel or DC fans, Friday, Apr. 28, is National Superhero Day. If you’re a superhero enthusiast, today is your day to celebrate all-things superhero, whether its comic books, movies, TV series, fan edits, or anything in-between. Since it’s the end of the semester, which is basically synonymous with more stress, I’ll probably watch one of my go-to lighthearted comfort superhero flicks, like Thor: Ragnarok or Shazam! If you want to learn more about DCDE’s Marvel comic book collection, check out Christoforos Sassaris’ blog post here.

For those who enjoy this yummy drink, Sunday, Apr. 30, is National Bubble Tea Day. So, if you’re looking for an off-campus treat, swing by your go-to boba spot or try out a new place. Although I’m not a big fan of bubble tea, I’ve heard good things about Yi’s Boba in Ardmore.

Feeling colorful? National Tie Dye Day is also this Sunday. To celebrate, throw on your favorite tie dye piece or, if the weather is nice, tie dye (or if you want a slightly edgier look, bleach dye) something you want to liven up. As a (pun intended) diehard tie dye enthusiast, I will definitely be wearing a baggy tie dye t-shirt in celebration.

Annie Stockmal is a graduate student in the Communication Department and Graduate Assistant at Falvey Library.

Happy Friday, Wildcats! Falvey Library is delivering you another semester of Weekend Recs, a blog dedicated to filling you in on what to read, listen to, and watch over the weekend. Annie, a graduate assistant from the Communication department, scours the internet, peruses the news, and digs through book stacks to find new, relevant, and thought-provoking content that will challenge you and prepare you for the upcoming week. 

Tomorrow, Apr. 22, is Earth Day, a day for celebrating our planet, raising awareness about climate change and climate injustice, and taking concrete actions to create a more healthy environment, whether it’s picking up trash, planting a tree, or taking political action for environmental justice. As climate change has gained a more significant place on our societal agenda, the Earth Day conversation has changed from learning the three Rs (reduce, reuse, and recycle, in that order) to discussing divestment from fossil fuels (including on Villanova’s campus) and sustainable practices.

In celebration of Earth Day, this weekend’s recs share some educational and interesting environmental content to help you get in the Earth Day spirit.

Photo by Elena Mozhvilo on Unsplash

If you have 2 minutes and 26 seconds…and don’t know the history of Earth Day and how it came to be, watch this video from The History Channel.

Bonus: if you want a comedic recap of the history of the actual earth, watch the Internet classic “history of the entire world, i guess” by bill wurtz.

If you have 10 minutes and 11 seconds…and don’t know how climate change disproportionately affects working class communities and people of color, watch this video. This is why “climate justice” is important, as it’s not just about the environment.

If you have 15 minutes…and want to learn how you can be more environmentally friendly at college, check out this article. Sometimes, it feels impossible to live environmentally friendly on a college campus, as you’re not in full control of your food, housing, and more, but these tips might help you make a small difference.

If you have 27 minutes and 42 seconds…and are inspired by Greta Thunberg and her climate activism, watch this interview where she discusses her book and her thoughts on the climate change conversation (and has some fun with Russell Howard).

If you have 1 hour and 26 minutes…and want to watch something for Earth Day that won’t stress you out too much, watch The Lorax, available in Falvey’s DVD Collection. Although it’s catchy songs and colorful animation might distract you, this dystopian climate fiction (cli-fi) film follows a boy living in an environmentally desiccated city as he tries to find and plant a real, living tree. Plus, it features Zac Efron, Danny DeVito, Taylor Swift, Ed Helms, Betty White, and Jenny Slate as voice actors.

If you have 1 hour and 32 minutes…and like solution-oriented documentaries, watch 2040, available online through Falvey. This documentary follows a filmmaker around the world as he searches for innovative ways to combat climate change.

If you have 4 hours…and have a free Saturday, take part in Villanova’s Earth Day of Service from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mendel Lot. If you’re interested in participating in some hands-on work to help better the Villanova environment, register here.

Bonus: for more Villanova-centered ways to celebrate Earth Day, check out these Villanova Earth Week activities and events

Photo by Noah Buscher on Unsplash

If you have 6 hours…and want to learn more about suburban wildlife, read Marzluff’s Welcome to Subirdia, available online through Falvey. We’re used to hearing how our suburban sprawl is horrible for the environment, and while it does have very real environmental consequences, this book discusses how some animals are actually adapting to and even thriving in suburban environments. It also gives some practical tips for making suburban neighborhoods more hospitable.

If you have 7 hours…and haven’t read this environmental studies classic, read Silent Spring by Rachel Carson, available at Falvey. This book famously called attention to the dangers of pesticides and sparked the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Annie Stockmal is a graduate student in the Communication Department and Graduate Assistant at Falvey Library.

Photo courtesy of Boston Globe

On Friday, Apr. 14, I made my way to the John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts to attend Sunday in the Park with George, the final production in Villanova Theatre’s 2022-2023 season. I entered the show with high hopes and left with high praises.

Certainly a striking way to end the 2023 season, this critically acclaimed musical was created by esteemed musical theater composer, Stephen Sondheim, whose repertoire includes the (in)famous Sweeney Todd, and James Lapine. A powerhouse pair, after Sunday in the Park with George, the duo went on to create Into The Woods, another beloved musical.

Sunday in the Park with George brings French painter Georges Seurat’s paintings, including his famous pointillist painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, to life, with some creative liberties, of course. The musical follows two Georges, one posed to be Georges Seurat himself and the other a modern artist inspired by Seurat, juxtaposed by their counterparts, Dot, Seurat’s mistress and model, and Marie, modern George’s grandmother.

Sunday in the Park with George grapples with legacy and with human connection, with getting swept up in creating something beautiful without stopping to look at the real beauty around us, and Villanova Theatre’s production brought this world of art to life with excellent casting, musical performance, and set design, which transforms the stage into Seurat’s world of dots, light, and color.

The performers in Villanova’s production were lively and engaging with stellar vocal performances. Ryan Skerchak (as George) gave a frustratingly accurate portrayal of a preoccupied artist wrapped up in his own world, and Taylor Molt (as Dot/Marie) gave an endearing and compelling portrayal of falling in love with someone who refuses to be swept away with it (and an absolutely hilarious yet heartwarming portrayal of an old woman). The entirety of the cast truly brought Seurat’s art and Sondheim and Lapine’s vision to life.

For more on Villanova Theatre’s production of Sunday in the Park with George, including the amazing cast and crew, check out the virtual playbill here.

Want to hear from the Dramaturg, Sloan Elle Garner? Check out the production’s Dramaturgy website here for a glimpse into her vision and inspiration, the show’s production and behind-the-scenes content, content information (including a glossary), and more.

If you’re looking for something fun to do on campus this weekend, I would highly recommend seeing Sunday in the Park with George for its closing weekend. If you’re in the mood for a post-show drink (for those of-age) and an interesting discussion with the Sloan Elle Garner, you can attend the Apr. 21 show and stay for the post-show Drinks with the Dramaturg. Tickets are available here.

Annie Stockmal is a graduate student in the Communication Department and Graduate Assistant at Falvey Library.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In The Lorax, Dr. Seuss wrote, “Unless someone like you cares an awful lot, things aren’t going to get better. They’re not.”

Happy Monday, Wildcats! With Earth Day approaching this week, I want to leave you with some words of wisdom. Although it may seem futile, as climate change unarguably is too big for one person to combat, your actions matter, and your actions can make a difference. Don’t let the futility stop you from caring.

This goes beyond climate change and environmental justice. If you care about something, if you want to see a change in the word, keep caring and let that caring shine through your actions.

THIS WEEK AT FALVEY

Monday, April 17

Mindfulness Monday | 1-1:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free & Open to Villanova Students, Faculty, and Staff

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

The Senghor-Damas-Césaire Lecture for Africana Studies featuring Kris Manjapra, PhD | 5-6 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | Free & Open to the Public

Tuesday, April 18

Publish Your Research in Veritas, Villanova’s First Peer-Reviewed Undergraduate Journal | 4-5 p.m. | The Center for Research and Fellowships, Garey Hall (Top Floor) | Open to Villanova Students |

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

2023 Literary Festival Event: Steph Cha | 7 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | Livestream Available Here | Free & Open to the Public

Wednesday, April 19

Bridging Cultures: A Celebration of Arab and Palestinian Music | 4 p.m. | Connelly Center Cinema | Free & Open to the Public

Writers and Editors, Ethics, and Craft: A Conversation with the 2023 Irish Studies Heimbold Chair Mary O’Donoghue and Irish writer Lisa McInerney | 4 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | Free & Open to the Villanova Community | Light Refreshments Served

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Alfred F. Mannella and Rose T. Lauria-Mannella Endowed Distinguished Speaker Series Lecture featuring Peter Spina on “The Italian Heritage of American Popular Music” | 7 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | Free & Open to the Public

Thursday, April 20

Poetic License Exhibit Launch and Open Mic Celebration | 4 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | Free & Open to the Public | Light Refreshments Served

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 4-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

Friday, April 21

Villanova Gaming Society Meeting | 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Speakers’ Corner | Free & Open to the Public

Sunday, April 23

The Learners’ Studio/Center for Speaking and Presentation | 3-9 p.m. | Room 301 | Free

HOLIDAYS THIS WEEK

Photo by Margot RICHARD on Unsplash

In celebration of National Poetry Month, today, Apr. 17, is International Haiku Poetry Day. A Japanese form of poetry, Haiku poems are 3 lines with a 5-7-5 syllable pattern. If you’re feeling creative, try out some haiku poetry yourself. For some inspiration, check out Falvey’s haiku resources here.

As some of you may already know, tomorrow, Apr. 18, is Tax Day, but did you know that it is also National Exercise Day? So, to work off some of the stress of doing your taxes with some healthy movement (and bonus points if you take your workout outside).

Saturday, Apr. 22, is Earth Day, a day for celebrating our planet and helping to protect it. So, today, whether you sign some petitions, call your representatives, plant a tree, or pick up litter, try to do something for the environment.

Want to get outside and enjoy the weather this weekend? Sunday, Apr. 23, is National Picnic Day. Whether your perfect picnic is accompanied by a group of friends, your family, or a good book, today is the perfect excuse to get outside and soak up some vitamin D (with sunscreen, of course).

If you’re more of an indoor, air conditioning person, Sunday is also Movie Theater Day. If you’re feeling cinematic, swing by your local movie theater and relax with a movie.

Annie Stockmal is a graduate student in the Communication Department and graduate assistant in Falvey Library.

Happy Friday, Wildcats! Falvey Library is delivering you another semester of Weekend Recs, a blog dedicated to filling you in on what to read, listen to, and watch over the weekend. Annie, a graduate assistant from the Communication department, scours the internet, peruses the news, and digs through book stacks to find new, relevant, and thought-provoking content that will challenge you and prepare you for the upcoming week. 

Photo by deepigoyal on Unsplash

I don’t know about you, but if you’re anything like me, you probably had a Greek mythology phase, perhaps sparked by an interest in Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series, Wonder Woman, Hercules, or maybe from this interactive book that tempted many a kid wandering around a bookstore. (And maybe you’re still in that phase, if you study the Classics). With their dramatic gods, ferocious monsters, and heroic champions, Greek myths make for captivating, animated tales that have stood the test of time. Greek mythology inspires countless movies, shows, and novels that we’ve come to love.

This weekend’s recs share some fun Greek myth analyses, retellings, adaptations, and other Greek-myth-inspired fiction.

If you have 53 seconds…and ever had a Percy Jackson phase, watch this teaser trailer breakdown to the upcoming Disney+ adaption, Percy Jackson and the Olympians. If you were a fan of the book series (and seriously let down by the film adaptations), you’ll be happy to know Rick Riordan is heavily involved in this adaptation, as a writer and executive producer.

Bonus: if you’re a fan of the book series, watch this trailer breakdown for some details you may have missed.

If you have 6 minutes and 45 seconds…watch this video about the story of Medusa. Once considered a monstrous villain, Medusa has had a positive resurgence in the past few years as misunderstood and even heroic.

If you have 15 minutes…and have ever wondered who your godly parent is (for all the PJO fans) or which Greek god you’re most like, take this quiz. While there is an official PJO godly parent quiz, in my opinion, this one is better, and it includes minor gods and goddesses.

Photo by Nils on Unsplash

If you have 35 minutes and 24 seconds…and want a comical breakdown of Greek mythology, watch this video. If you’ve ever wanted Greek myths to be told like your friend would recount a story to you, this is for you.

If you have 2 hours and 10 minutes…and like superhero movies with a Greek mythology flair (or simply enjoyed the first film), watch Shazam! Fury of the Gods in theaters. In this sequel, Billy and his family fight against (without spoiling anything) powerful Greek mythological women. The film features some fun nods to Greek myth including Manticores, Cyclopes, Harpies, Minotaurs, and more, and, as with the first film, is a heart-warming found-family story.

Bonus: if you want to watch another DC Greek-myth-inspired film, watch Wonder Woman, available in Falvey’s DVD Collection.

If you have 6 hours…and love Greek retellings, read The Penelopiad. This Margaret Atwood novel is a witty retelling of The Odyssey told from the perspective of Penelope, the wife of Odysseus.

If you have 8 hours…and ever wondered what the story behind the constellations and other celestial bodies in our night sky, read this book, available online through Falvey. As a kid, my favorite was always the myth of the Draco constellation, which can be seen in early summer.

If you have a free weekend…and haven’t read them yet, read Madeline Miller’s The Song of Achilles and Circe. When it comes to Greek myth adaptations and retellings, Madeline Miller’s books reign supreme in recent years and for good reason. Looking for a review of these books? Check out Falvey GA Ethan’s Winter Break Reading reviews for The Song of Achilles and Circe.

Annie Stockmal is a graduate student in the Communication Department and graduate assistant in Falvey Library.