Adam J. Kurtz Handwritten Life Advice

Adam J. Kurtz is one of the most "Instagrammable" illustrators I know. His handwritten quotes are perfect for your feed, not too cheesy and realistic enough. Just the motivation you need to seem like you are a "good vibes" person. 

He has written more than a couple of books and planners too  (if you count that as writing). His books covered with illustrated advice are catered, but not exclusive, to creative people. It's the type of advice a good friend gives you: positive without the bullsh-t. 

I own his 2019's 'Unsolicited Advice' planner and 'Things Are What You Make of Them. Life Advice for Creatives' book. 

'Things Are What You Make Of Them. Life Advice for Creatives.' 

This book it's a joy to read. A small, colorful book filled with Kurtz's handwritten advice. The book has chapters from how to start a project and how to manage your anxiety-driven goals. It's a short book. You can read it when you need a pick-me-up or when you feel frustrated because the world is collapsing on your shoulders. 

A good thing about the times we are living is how open people are about dealing with their stress, anxiety and depression. Nowadays, there's a wave of authors and/or creatives sharing how they deal with it. Life's hard to manage and hearing successful people talk about how they've dealt with it gives you comfort. That's what Kurtz does with this book–he gives you comfort by admitting everything sucks right now but it'll be ok eventually. 

Kurtz talks about how to tackle your goals, how to survive in a field of creatives, to stop comparing yourself to others, believing in yourself and success's tips. This book it's not the typical self-help or make-yourself-rich book, it's one where someone's actually saying "Hey! It's hard but you can do it." That's what I meant with it being "realistic," Kurtz is not glamorizing being an entrepreneur or saying all you need are these "10 Steps To Success." 

Look, we are all fearful and most of the time we stop challenging ourselves because we simply think it's too impossible, it's too hard or we're not cut out for it. All of these feelings are real, but the only thing that will set your apart from is how determined you are in achieving your goal. Either you do it or you don't, and living a what-if life it's way harder than actually doing what you want. 

Mindy Kaling Is A Must In My Book (Pun Intended)

To the people who know me know my level of obsession and true love towards Mindy Kaling. If you don't know her, let me introduce you to her: she's a writer, comedienne, director, producer, showrunner, actor and author.

You probably know her as Kelly Kapoor in 'The Office,' but more than starring as the annoying co-worker, Kaling was one of the producers and head writers of the show. Jim and Pam's relationship are Kaling's creation. In 'The Office' a lot of the actors were writers and/or producers. B.J. Novak (Ryan) and Paul Liberstein (Toby) were writers and producers too. 

During the lasts seasons of 'The Office,' Kaling got the opportunity to create her own show for Fox. 'The Mindy Project' starring Kaling was a rom-com about a gynecologist trying to figure out her love life. It quickly became one of my favorite shows. I'll review it later. 

After binge-watching her show, it didn't take me too long to buy her books. She has written two books 'Is Everybody Hanging Out Without Me (And Other Concerns)' and 'Why Not Me?'

Should you read them? um yes. Her books are not technically memoirs, they're a collection of essays about her life and/or random thoughts. Her writing style is very particular, it's as if you're reading a conversation with a funny friend (a genuinely funny friend). Her books are easy to read and put you in a good mood.  I aspire to write books like her one day.

Is Everybody Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)

First of all, the book title is the million dollar question I ask myself every day. Thankfully, I'm not as an outcast as I use to be but every now and then I feel there's a bigger conspiracy where everyone is willingly leaving me out of stuff. 

In her first book, she talks a lot about her upbringing and how she decided to become a writer. Kaling was a TV and movie geek since childhood. As a kid, she wrote plays to distract herself and read a ton of books too. After college, she wrote a play alongside her best friend called 'Matt & Ben.' A play about Matt Damon and Ben Affleck's friendship. Kaling acted as Affleck. The play became quickly successful and that's where she got discovered (more on the book). 

I love the part how she gets her job as a writer for the 'The Office' and then she goes on to describe how was the writer's room, how it worked, the process of writing an episode for the show and how the writers were "three compliments away from becoming monsters."

One of my favorite chapters is where she gives instructions for her funeral. Sounds morbid, I know, but she makes it so funny and light-hearted. I read this chapter in class and I got some laughs, not too shabby for myself.

This book is a mood lifter and it also shows that hard work pays off. Kaling's been writing as early as she can remember. 

Why Not Me?

This book is the grown-up sassy sister of her first book. Here, Kaling talks more into detail about her experience of being a showrunner, the process of creating your own show, casting, directing and how it felt being canceled by Fox by later on be picked up by Hulu. 

This one holds a special place in my heart because it came out during the period where 'The Mindy Project' was about to start its new season on Hulu. I love how much it talks about the show and its behind-the-scenes. 

In this book, Kaling delves more into confidence and how to achieve your dreams. 'Why Not Me?' is supposed to mean just what, why not me? Why can't it be me the person who achieves X or Y? Like everything in life, it all boils down into how much you believe in yourself and how much work you're willing to put in. 

What you can see from Kaling's books is how incredibly hardworking she is. As of now, she has starred in major motion pictures 'Ocean's 8', 'A Wrinkle In Time' and 'Inside Out.' Also, she wrote a screenplay for an upcoming movie starring Emma Thompson and herself about a female late night host. 

Both of her books, best-sellers by the way, are funny and easy to read. An inspiring as well because, between her jokes and pop culture references, there's always an underlying message of what you can achieve if you work for it. 

Mindy Kaling is one of the most promising figures in Hollywood. She has become, in my opinion, an incredibly prolific writer on TV as well as in movies. There's no doubt in my mind that she eventually will win an Oscar for 'Best Screenplay.' 

Have you read or watched anything by Kaling? Let me know in the comments down below! I'd love to know. 

Call Me By Your Name and Love, Simon

Call Me By Your Name 

'Call Me By Your Name' is a book about Elio and Oliver, how they meet, and their love story. It's narrated in the first person. 

Elio is the most neurotic character I’ve ever read. It was driving me insane the first time I picked the book. Now, that is over, I can understand where he’s coming from. You are reading exactly what’s going on inside Elio’s mind. To be honest, I’ve too over-think and overanalyzed every little action from my crushes. By driving myself crazy and trying to find answers: do they like me? or is it me? 

With Elio and Oliver is completely different. You start to suspect there’s a vibe between them before Elio says he’s over him and he probably hates him. So, it’s hard to tell. This entire book is reading someone’s mind and how he falls in love. 

It took me a while to finish it because of the way the book it’s written. I didn’t like the style of writing. It became too wordy sometimes, unnecessarily wordy. You don’t need to use pretentious writing in order to convey a story. Yes, I KNOW writers need to write in a certain way so they can evoke a feeling on you and work your imagination. I’ve read books before, and I’m not to keen on this author’s writing style. 

The movie... Oh, wow. Totally different experience. The movie is beautifully shot with an incredible cast. It’s extremely similar to the book, some missing details here and there (as movies do), and the big chapter when Elio and Oliver go to Rome is chopped down. It makes sense because this is an indie movie and they probably didn’t have the budget, but they were able to capture the essence of the trip. 

Armie Hammer is the perfect Oliver. Just like how I imagined it, but better. It’s less pretentious and more likable. Elio is way better too because I can’t read his mind, which makes him very quiet and observant. Elio is played by Timothee Chalamet, who I dare to say is the Leonardo DiCaprio of our generation. He’s so good. His presence on the screen is breathtaking. I can’t take my eyes of off him. The way he moves across the room, the way he kisses, how you can perceive his frustration through silent–he’s too good. 

What’s also great about the film is how beautiful the cinematography is. I want to go to Italy, stay in a house, read books, and enjoy summer with cultured people. I love how Elio was raised, among scholar parents, surrounded by books, and culture. The movie truly transported me. The book did too. 

It’s a beautiful love story. They fall in love and it’s normal. It’s not over the top or exaggerated. There’s no one reprimanding them because they’re gay, which is refreshing–you’re not anxious throughout the film. The story is about love and falling in love. It’s not about someone’s sexuality. It’s about your great first love. 

Love, Simon 

Simon vs. The Homosapiens Agenda is a great book for teenagers. They way it’s written, the tone of the book, it’s set in high school–it's a perfect match.

The book is just adorable. It’s written in first person as well. The big difference is that Simon is not neurotic. I wasn’t annoyed by Simon while reading the book. I went through it easier than Call Me By Your Name. It’s also a LGBTQ+ story, but in this case it’s a coming out story. Simon, realizes it a long the way when he stars emailing a pen pal called ‘Blue’. It’s a love story, nonetheless. 

I’d say the movie is inspired by the book. It has the premise in common because the rest of the book’s chronology doesn’t match the movie. The movie took some liberties in a lot of areas, but the characters share the same essence.

Nick Robinson, plays Simona and he was great. I was just as anxious as he was throughout the whole movie. I’m glad the movie is out (no pun intended) because it shows people how hard is for people to come out, how stressful everything becomes, especially when homophobia still exists. Movies like this help build empathy and tolerance. It can also help people who are coming out or are struggling to.

Another thing to point out about the movie, it’s a high school movie that’s not filled with clichés. Their conversations and their behaviors are realistic. No one is overly sexualized or stupid. That part was refreshing. 

Will I recommend these books? Yes. I enjoyed them both. 'Call Me By Your Name' just really stressed me out. If anybody could read my thoughts they would be stressed out too, so I’m not judging you Elio. I did a little bit, but not anymore. 

Go watch the movies. 'Love, Simon' is a heartwarming film and 'Call Me By Your Name' is a great coming of age film. I think it’s one of my favorite movies. 

Let me know in the comments if you've read the books or seen any of these movies, and your thoughts!