Zakiya N. Jamal was born in Queens, raised in Long Island, and currently resides in Brooklyn. In other words, she’s a New Yorker through and through. She holds a BA in English from Georgetown University and a MFA in Creative Writing with a concentration in Writing for Children and Young Adults from The New School. She has been published in Romper, BuzzFeed, People.com, Thought Catalog, and more. Her non-fiction essay about her "Cuban Impostor Syndrome" can be found in the Latinx anthology, Wild Tongues Can’t Be Tamed. You can find her on Twitter at @ZakiyaNJamal.
Taking a note out of Cristina and Meredith’s (Grey’s Anatomy) handbook, when I get stressed or just need a break from this crazy thing we call life, I dance. Now I don’t mean I break out into some professional choreography or anything. I just close my room door, turn up the tunes, and dance like no one’s watching (because they’re not). Well, except for that one time when my resident caught me but she just joined in so it was cool.
Honestly, it doesn’t matter if you do it alone or with someone, whatever makes you feel most comfortable. Just let loose and get your freak on because its a great release. If you need help picking some songs to freak out to here’s a playlist of my faves (currently). Have fun!
My relationship with this show was up in and down in the past. However, now as we get closer and closer (at least it seems like we are) to finding out what really happened to Ali and the whole story with A I’ve become a true fan. I can’t wait to see how everything will continue to play out. Ezra as A was definitely one of the biggest plot twists on TV last year. How the writers will one up that this season is hard to tell but looking at the previews so far, this next season will be a killer.
2. Teen Wolf (January 6 at 10/9 c)
Is it just me or does Teen Wolf get scarier with every passing season? The first half of season 3 left off with Allison, Scott, and Stiles sacrificing their own lives to save their parents, which the good doctor (or vet technically) warned them would have consequences. Meanwhile, Uncle Peter clearly has some sinister plan in motion to become an Alpha again and Scott is now a True Alpha, forming his own pack. Brining in new characters and adding more drama and mystery to the show, this next half of the season should definitely be frightening and entertaining.
3. Switched at Birth (January 13 at 8/7 c)
I’ll admit it. When I first heard about this show I thought it was absurd. Seriously, a show about two girls that were switched at birth and their parents didn’t notice for 16 years? That’s a tad bit far fetched. Even so, I decided to give the show a shot because I figured, why not? And then I got hooked. Though the switch of the two main characters, Bay and Daphne, is definitely a main factor in the show, what really makes this teen drama stand out amongst so many others is the focus on the deaf community. Daphne, who had to take a medication for an illness she had as a child that later made her go deaf, and her friend Emmett, along with their other friends who attend their high school for the deaf, shed light on a community that people don’t often talk about. Every episode has sign language in it and in the first half of this season this show pushed boundaries by having an entire episode done in sign language, thereby giving viewers a peak into what it’s like for a deaf person. Besides all these great factors the show of course has all the drama and love triangles that I can’t get enough of and I’m excited to see where Bay and Emmett’s relationship goes in this next season.
4. The Fosters (January 13 at 9/8 c)
ABCFamily has truly stepped up their game in the last few years. They have successfully put out a number of great TV shows recently and this is another one. I tried really hard not to get caught up in this show because I knew I would get hooked but I couldn’t resist. There is not one character on this show that is one dimensional. Each character is going through something; either trying to figure who they are as a person or what it means to be a part of a “unconventional” family. This show presents typical teen drama such as Mariana’s stress over her quinceañera but then digs into deeper issues like Callie’s fear of her rapist and Jude’s fear of never having a real family. I won’t even attempt to go through all the social and familial issues this show touches upon because it was truly a lot and there were only 10 episodes so far. All I can say is for every topic they covered they did it flawlessly and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
5. Scandal (February 27 10/9 c)
I just can’t even. Seriously, the writers of this show are out to kill us all. So much happened in the last episode I don’t even know where to begin. First of all, the mom is back in DC (maybe to kill Fitz; does she know he’s sleeping with her daughter?). Secondly, Fitz and Jake are now running B613 and only God knows what that means, other than Olivia’s father is now jobless. Quinn is no longer a Gladiator (thank God) and something suspicious is going on with Harrison and whoever this guy is that just came back to the US. Also, did Olivia really just let Jake walk out of her life? I’m sorry but I’m Team Jake and I do not approve of her actions. Lastly, and probably the most important thing that happened (maybe), is David now knows VP Sally killed her husband. Or at least he’ll have a very good suspicion now. I’m not exactly sure if she said anything more on the phone other than, “I have sinned,” so maybe she’s not completely caught. Yet. We’ll just have to wait and see.
6. Grey’s Anatomy (February 27 9/8 c)
Shonda must really think her fans are patient people. Someone should let her know that we most certainly are not. First of all, the promo she gave us literally tells us nothing about what’s going to happen next so thanks for nothing. I think the question that’s on everyone’s mind is: what in the world is April going to do? Truthfully, I really like her with Jackson but even so I really like her with Matthew too and Jackson had his chance. She asked him point blank in the beginning of the season if he wanted to be with her and he said no. Moving on, the other question that’s been on my mind is what did Derek tell the president? Or rather what did the president tell him? Also is Arizona really going to end things with Callie? Are Meredith and Cristina friends again now? I’m really going to need all these questions to be answered in the first episode otherwise I’m going to really upset.
7. The Vampire Diaries (January 23 8/7 c)
I love Katherine. I don’t care what anyone thinks about her, I love her and I refuse to believe she’s actually going to die. She can’t. What will the show be without Katherine? My guess is she’s going to try to do that whole soul thing and go into Elena’s body. How’s that all going to work? I don’t know. That seems to be the major focus for the upcoming episodes so I’ll just leave you with my thoughts on the whole Damon-Stefan-Elena love triangle: Team Damon all day, every day.
8. Arrow (January 15 8/7 c)
I recently got into this show and by recently I been I just binged watched the first season and caught up last week. The last episode was definitely a cliff hanger. Along with the reveal that Slade is still alive and out to get Oliver there’s the fact that Sarah and Malcolm are still alive, the “Mask” is now Laurel’s boyfriend (I guess?), and the Flash has just made an entrance (not that he knows that yet). Seriously, the writers have created a great foundation for the next half of the season. Literally, anything can happen from here. Passed on the promo it would like the main focus is the man in the mask which of course will inevitably lead to the arrival of Slade and possibly the loss of another one of Oliver’s loved ones. I’m excited to see what will happen next. All I know is with all these recent revelations, someones secret is bound to get out and soon.
9. Suits (March 6 9/8 c)
This is probably one of the longest hiatuses I’ve ever had to deal with (excluding Game of Thrones). It’s so frustrating that Suits won’t be back until March especially because it’s not easy to re-watch all of the last episodes (thanks for nothing USA). They better be giving us more than just 10 episodes for making us wait this long. If I’m not mistaken, it was originally supposed to return in January. Working past that, I can’t wait for this premiere. I love the dialogue on this show so much. Between Donna’s witty remarks, Louis’ catch phrases, and Harvey’s whole persona, the conversations are never boring. I’m interested to see how Louis is going to deal with what he found out about Mike and what Scotty has planned. Most importantly however, I really want to know what the heck Donna and Harvey do with the stupid can opener. Will we ever know?
10. House of Cards (February 14 anytime you’re ready)
Get ready to binge your heart out on Valentine’s Day. This highly acclaimed political drama that got nine Emmy nominations and three wins, will have you biting your nails with every episode. With Zoe and her team of journalists digging into the death of Congressman Russo, there’s no telling how far new VP Underwood will go to cover it up. Seeing as how he’s already killed someone I’d say there’s no limits to what Frank will do. Zoe & Co. better watch their backs and hope they get this story and still have their lives. I know I’ll be grabbing a bag of popcorn and locking myself in my room this Valentine’s Day, until I’ve finished this next season. What about you?
I love Kate Brian (aka Kieran Scott). Literally, I’ve read almost every book she’s written and I just believe she’s generally a great person. I hope to meet her in person one day but until then I’m totally happy stalking her on Facebook and Twitter.
That being said it should be no surprise that I loved Hereafter, the latest book in her newest trilogy, Shadowlands.
The premise of this trilogy (*spoilers ahead if you haven’t read Shadowlands yet*) is Rory along with her father and sister, Darcy, were killed by a serial killer who was stalking Rory. The family was supposed to be on their way to a safe haven to hide from their killer, Stephen Nells, but died before they made it. However, they don’t know this and believe that they are actually in a town called Juniper Landing. The truth, however, is that Juniper Landing is a sort of purgatory where souls go until they are either sent to the Shadowlands (hell?) or the Light (heaven?).
Rory, however, is a special case; she is a Lifer. Its her job along with the other Lifers to help these souls get to their next destination. The Lifers themselves, however, never leave unless they did something really terrible. In this second installment of the trilogy things at Juniper Landing are getting weird; there’s changes in nature that shouldn’t be happening and a lot of suspicious activity occurring including more souls going to the Shadowlands than should be.
Plot summary out of the way I thought this book was fantastic. Brian presented an interesting concept with this new trilogy and in an interesting way. Though the majority of the novel is written from Rory’s point of view there are small chapters every few chapters or so that are written from the “villian’s” point of view. In the first novel it was clearly Nell’s point of view but in this novel Brian adds more mystery by not telling us who that is until the end. Or so she leads us to believe.
I’m not sure I trust Brian enough to believe that we’ve fully solved the case in this last novel. She’s left us with a viable suspect and Rory and her friends seem to believe they’ve caught the culprit but I’m not sure I believe it. Or maybe I’m in denial. Who knows?
Sadly, we won’t know for sure until July 22, when the next and last book in the trilogy is released. That’s a book I’ll definitely be pre-ordering to be directly delivered to my Kindle as soon as it’s out.
I would highly recommend reading this book and obviously the first book in this trilogy. Amongst all the death and souls drama this novel also includes love triangles, family drama, mystery, and of course a lot twists that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Brian has continuously succeeded in writing dark and mysterious novels since the success of her Private and spin-off series Privilege books and it’s evident that she has not lost her touch.
Stars: 5 out of 5
Borrow or Buy: Definitely buy. This is a book you’re going want to read again and again looking for more clues. Unless you’re going to borrow it from a friend who you know will let you read it more than once, this is one you’ll definitely want on your own bookshelf.
In 2013 a lot of my friendships were tested. Whether it was because I hurt them, they hurt me, we just grew apart, or one of us just stopped talking to the other, my friendships were strained.
Though I lost some friends last year the ones that I kept, the ones I made an effort to keep, those or the ones that I think will be around forever. They’re my ride or dies.
I definitely made mistakes this past year and said things I didn’t mean but my real friends forgave me just as I forgave them in the same way.
As for everyone else that couldn’t move past the foolishness I say, “¡Adios!” And I suggest y’all do the same.
Life’s too short to be stressing about people who can’t let go. You can never make people like you and sometimes people are going to walk out your life no matter how hard you try to make them stay.
The point is don’t stress about what you may have lost in 2013. Instead focus on what you gained and look forward to the new friendships and relationships you’ll form in 2014.
Don’t live in the past; start living for the future.
Seriously. I can’t even drink yet so why in the world does it even matter if I’m single. Despite the fact that many people my age are actually already married, engaged, or in a relationship the truth is the majority of people in their 20s are single to mingle and I’m proud to be one of them.
2. I can kiss whoever I want.
The craziest thing I’ve heard from my single friends about New Year’s is complaints about not having anyone to kiss at midnight. Okay yeah you don’t have someone guaranteed to you for that midnight kiss but so what? Just go find a cute guy or girl and if you want it to happen make it happen. The only thing stopping you is yourself.
3. I won’t be alone
Yeah I might not have a date but I have friends and family and some people don’t have that. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a significant other to bring in the New Year with. As long as you have awesome people you can celebrate with, who cares?
4. I can do what I want
If I want to celebrate New Year’s in the comfort of my bed I can do that. If I want to go to the club and turn up I could do that too. I can do whatever I want and make whatever plans I want because I don’t have to worry about my boo trying to make plans with me or hold me down. Maybe I want to party with my girls to bring in the New Year or go to church and start the year on the right foot. Either way, I don’t have to check with anyone before I make these plans. I can just do me.
5. Going into the New Year single doesn’t mean I’ll leave the year the same way
There’s this crazy mentality that if you don’t bring in the New Year with someone you’re going to end the year alone. That is probably the most absurd thing I’ve ever heard. Going into the New Year single only means you’re open to more possibilities in the next year. Who knows who you’ll meet? Who knows what kind of awesome dates you’ll go on? Anything can happen in a year and I think the possibility of that is exciting.
That being said I hope y’all all have a happy New Year!
2013 was a great year in movies. There was a lot laughs, tears, fear, and just plain good feelings at the movies this year, which only pumps me for whats to come. Here’s my top 10 picks for movies this past year (in no particular order).
1. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
I could not wait to see this movie. I got tickets as soon as they went on sale and even made it an event for my residents (yes I’m an RA). My biggest fear going into this movie was it would not meet my expectations since this was my favorite book in The Hunger Games trilogy. However, this movie met all my expectations and more. I absolutely loved and will definitely be going to Target to get the Exclusive Special Edition DVD.
2. Fast and Furious 6
I know people are sick and tired of the Fast and Furious franchise, but I for one am still in love with it. I thought this movie was fantastic. It had an excellent balance of romance and drama as well as action and fight scenes. Paul Walker (RIP) and Vin Disel, along with their team, brought another action packed film to screen and I’m interested to see how it’ll all end in the next (and supposedly) last one. I’m especially interested in how everything is going to play out with the loss of Walker. We shall see.
3. Frozen
I can’t even begin to go into how much I loved this movie. First, let me just say that I did not think I would like this film. There was so much hype around it; everyone was talking about how good it was and how it even rivaled The Lion King and blah blah blah. I still wouldn’t go as far as saying it’s better than The Lion King (I don’t believe any Disney movie could reach that level) but it’s definitely up there on my Disney list now. This movie focuses on the relationship between two sisters (princesses of course) and how they grow apart because the elder sister, Elsa’s (Idina Menzel) secret. There’s some plot twists that definitely surprised me and overall it was a great feel good movie that made me feel like I was five again.
4. Thor: The Dark World
“I just- I can’t even- What?” That’s all that was coming out of my mouth when I left this film. I couldn’t even function. I think Chris Hemsworth is a great actor and everything but all the awards go to Tom Hiddleston. Him as Loki was one of the greatest things I’ve seen all year. His sarcastic demeanor brought a great dose of hilarity to this action filled movie. Add that to the plot twists, the tiny bit of romance, and that one scene where we got to see Hemsworth without a shirt on and this movie was definitely worth the two times I saw it in theaters.
5. Now You See Me
Bring together a few low-key actors and some well-known ones and throw in a fantastic plot with a few twists and you got an epic movie. Pretty much every character in this film was either sassy, snarky, or full of wit and it was hilarious. Besides the hilarity there was also action, car chases, and as previously stated plot twists (this was the year of plot twists apparently). Definitely a must see if you haven’t already.
6. Despicable Me 2
Usually sequels don’t compare to the first film but this year almost every sequel I saw was fantastic and Despicable Me 2 was no exception. I personally believe this film was funnier than the first and I’ve already seen it again and will probably watch it repeatedly. Between Steven Carrell, Kristen Wiig, and of course the lovable minions this movie was hilarious and great to watch. What’s awesome about this movie is that even though in theory this movie was made for kids its truly made for everyone. I saw many different versions of minions this Halloween as well as minions phone cases, t-shirts, and all types of paraphernalia. Definitely a must see of 2013.
7. Lee Daniels’ The Butler
Honestly, I’m not the biggest fan of movies that show either African-Americans during slavery or the Civil Rights movement because I often leave angry, upset, and feeling some kind of way. However, I thought this movie looked too good to just push to the side so I had to see it and I’m glad I did. Oprah Winfrey and Forest Whittaker filled their roles fantastically in this film as did Terrance Howard and Mariah Carey (for the two seconds she was in the film). Focusing on the story of a butler who worked in the White House through multiple presidencies, this film gave a different perspective of various time periods, not only showing the struggles of African-Americans but also displaying the affects of two different generations living in one household (something I think many millennials can relate to). A great movie and worth watching.
8. Iron Man 3
Admittedly, this was probably the worst Iron Man film so far, but really what can you expect from a sequel (despite what the movies previously mentioned have proven). Even so, this movie wasn’t all bad. Granted some things (like Pepper’s new and short lived super powers) were a little far fetched but it was still pretty funny and had a lot of action. Robert Downey Jr. brings his sarcastic wit back to the role of Tony Stark, hitting everyone with playful jabs while also being his handsome, charming self. His relationship with Pepper (Gwyneth Paltrow) isn’t overemphasized but instead is just a part of the film that runs in the background to the main plot. Overall, this definitely wasn’t Marvel’s best movie for 2013 but then again according the Box Office, which reports Iron Man 3 as the top grossing movie of 2013, I could be wrong.
9. Monsters, University
In a year full of sequels, Disney Pixar gave us a prequel that many of us have been waiting years for. Taking the Monsters, Inc. characters back in time to when they were college students, Pixar brought us a cute and funny film that, similar to their other movies, warmed our hearts. This movie particularly reminded me of Toy Story 3 because I think it was truly made for us kids that were kids when Monsters, Inc. came out and not for kids today. Though the movie was rated G, it portrayed a very relatable and accurate portrayal of college (something that many PG-13 movies don’t do). I personally really enjoyed this film and will probably add it to my collection.
10. White House Down
People don’t give Channing Tatum enough credit. Don’t get me wrong he’s not going to be winning an Oscar anytime soon or anything but he is talented. He knows how to bring the funny and he can definitely dance and stand his own. Add Jaimie Fox to the mix and this movie had a great balance of funny scenes and action along with a little bit of plot twist. One of my favorite scenes was when the President (Foxx) was stressed because his Jordan’s got messed up. To anyone that has ever owned a pair of J’s or knows someone who has, they know how stressed one can get when they get scuffed. Also, Tatum as a DILF was also very appealing to the eye. Though this film was certainly not one of my all-time favorites of 2013 I would still say its a must see. Whether you think its a good or bad film, I guarantee you will be laughing.
Sadly, I haven’t been able to keep up with my reading as much as I would like to since being in college. However, I still make time to read and these are the five books that I can’t wait to come out in 2014.
1. The Guard by Kiera Cass (February 4, 2014)
Yes I know this one isn’t really a book but a novella but I’m still excited (even though I’m totally Team Maxon). If you haven’t read the first two books in The Selection trilogy you should definitely look into them because its awesome. The focus is a girl named America, who is entered into this Bachelor style contest to win the prince’s heart and the throne. Filled with drama, love triangles, and threats from rebels this trilogy has it all. This new novella will show more into the life of Aspen, America’s ex-boyfriend, and give us more insight into his story. What I’m most excited about is the preview of the next and last book in the trilogy that’s supposed to be included at the end of the novella. Which brings me to number two.
2. The One by Kiera Cass (May 6, 2014)
I’m both equally excited and saddened by the oncoming release of this book. I quickly fell in love with this trilogy reading the first two books in two days and then proceeding to re-read them over and over again to this day. I will be sad to see this trilogy come to an end (fingers crossed for a spin off series) but I’m also very excited to see how it’s all going to end (Team Maxon!!!). This is definitely a book I’ll be pre-ordering.
3. Panic by Lauren Oliver (March 4, 2014)
I became obsessed with Lauren Oliver when I read her first book, Before I Fall, and her Delirium trilogy (even though I hated how it ended). This new book (already being optioned for a movie) focuses on not only a young girl but a guy as well which is new for Oliver. Based in a small town where almost nothing ever happens (I can relate) graduating seniors play a game called Panic that has high stakes and even higher payoff if you win. It’s a mystery what the game actually entails but based on Oliver’s past writings you can expect a lot of love, drama, and intrigue, as well as the unexpected. I’m definitely in!
4. Silver Shadows by Richelle Mead (July 29, 2014)
Out of all the new books coming out in 2014 this one is probably one of the most highly anticipated among young adults. Richelle Mead created this crazy, fictional world of vampires, dhampirs, and Alchemists in her Vampire Academy series (which is now being made into a movie franchise that I totally disapprove of but we’ll save that for another day). This spin off series focuses on Sydney, an Alchemist who at first hated vampires and everything to do with them, but now has become very accustomed and acquainted with them in more ways than one if you catch my drift. The last book left us with a major cliffhanger, leaving me to wonder what in the world is going to happen next. Sadly, it’ll be a while before we get the answer to that question.
5. Endless by Kate Brian (July 22, 2014)
Honestly, I haven’t even finished reading the last book and I’m already excited about this novel. Kate Brian (also known as Kieran Scott) is a master at producing series and trilogies that are made to get you hooked. From Private to Privilege to the Not-A-Blonde Cheerleader series, Brian knows exactly how to push our buttons, leaving us wanting more. Her newest trilogy, Shadowlands, is no exception. This trilogy had me hooked from book one when the ending left me with my jaw on the floor. Endless is the last book in this trilogy and I’m sure its going to be a spectacular conclusion that will probably make us wish it wasn’t all coming to end. Until Brian comes out with her next series that is.
Tina Fey is most definitely one of the funniest if not THE funniest woman in Hollywood. I loved her on Saturday Night Live (SNL) and I finally now have the chance to watch the acclaimed 30 Rock series (thanks to Netflix) even though it has now since ended.
First, Fey’s screenwriting is fantastic. Nothing proves this more than the fact that she wrote the screenplay for Mean Girls, a classic.
Fey created this awesome comedy sitcom that shows the hilarity of working on a variety show similar to SNL. Fey acts as Liz Lemon the main writer for The Girlie Show who struggles with social norms and would rather stay home watching TV and eating food then going out to the club (I can relate).
I’m not sure how much of Liz Lemon stems from Fey’s own personality but Lemon is a very relatable character. Along with Lemon and her team of writers are Lemon’s new boos, Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin), her friend and actor who I like to call crazy Jenna (Jane Krakowski), the famed movie star who joins The Girlie Show cast, Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan), and my new favorite NBC Page (I didn’t even know NBC had pages), Kenneth (Jack McBrayer).
This cast brings a lot of hilarity and funny situation that kept laughing way late into the night as I stayed up to complete the first season last night. This is definitely a show that everyone can get into and most certainly should. I give it five out of five stars.
How Long It’ll Take Me To Catch Up: Probably a week. I’m obsessed.
Do I Need to Start From the Beginning: You should. Its funny right from the start.
Zakiya N. Jamal 