Exploring Pittstop’s favorite shows, books and music.

Right now, Cassandra is…

Watching: Mr. Robot on USA

After the series took home two awards at the Golden Globes this year I started binging the series immediately. The doe-eyed lead, Rami Malek, plays a socially awkward computer programmer on the verge of anarchy. Led by mentor (Christian Slater) that goes by the altar ego ‘Mr. Robot’, a series of heart pounding events unravels week by week. This series is incredibly smart and uniquely intense. It might even make you question the society you live in. You have time to catch up on Season 1 & 2 before the third airs in 2017!

Reading: Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh

I recently attended a reading hosted by one of my favorite authors, David Sedaris. After the show, he told us that this new novel by Ottessa Moshfegh was the best book he’s ever read and that we all needed to buy it. I was not disappointed. The debut publication by Moshfegh centers around a struggling young woman looking for an escape from her downward spiraling life. The story, set in a New England prison, is unexpectedly captivating and extremely well written. If you can stomach the sadness and suffering, you’ll find charming wit and self-discovery in retrospect.

Listening to: A / B by Kaleo

This Icelandic rock band is my new obsession. They mix blues-rock with cinematic folk in this awesome album that I can’t get enough of. They’re everything that is now with a little bit of what was. If you love The Black Keys, Hozier, Jack White, or The Artic Monkeys you’ll probably love these guys too. They’re touring with The Lumineers and stopping in Pittsburgh, so check them out!

Right now, Amanda is…

Watching: This is Us on NBC

There are two major things to love about NBC’s new heartwarming drama. 1. It’s full of unexpected twists. 2. It features our favorite city. The fourth episode airs on Tuesday, so make sure you catch up OnDemand or online.

Reading: Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll

This is the first novel I’ve read in a long time that made want to stay up all night reading. If you enjoyed Gone Girl and Girl on the Train, add this to your reading list ASAP. The book received mixed reviews, so let me warn you: be prepared to hate the narrator and almost all of the other characters around her. The story is definitely dark and twisty, but it addressed real issues and kept me captivated. Lionsgate and Reese Witherspoon snatched up the movie rights before the novel even debuted.

Listening to: Signs of Light by The Head and the Heart

My favorite band released their third album in September, and it did not disappoint. If you’re a fan of indie folk, or you’re looking for music to help you unwind, give this album a listen. It’s the perfect background music for a long drive or a long workday. The title track, Signs of Light is my favorite song on the album!

What are you watching, reading and listening to? Comment below!