"Children’s stories? Well, yes, but I found these books to be infinitely more enjoyable as an adult. In fact, I read these magical, vividly visual tales approximately every two to three years, because with each reading I discover more and more content and allusion."

"Given the current political climate, I have found myself picking up and flicking through “The Prince” on more than one occasion over the past year. It seems manipulation and questionable political conduct is very much alive and well! A fascinating study and still wholly relevant."

"My introduction to Lars von Trier, a breath of stale, musky air when I found it in 1990. A circular story in a sodden netherworld. Before his naturalism period, Lars explores studio trickery, and, as always, with guilt and repression bubbling under the surface."

"If you’re worried that you’re crazy and want to feel sane, watch this riveting documentary about artist R. Crumb and his relatives. His family defines dysfunctional. He alone found a way to channel the dysfunctionality into creativity as a unique form of visual art."

"I found this in winter 2009 in Chicago while riding the train to work at 6 a.m. to open a cafe, depressed. I didn't have money to buy recording gear. It's so undeniably real and unafraid to be sincere. To me, that is powerful songwriting."

"Outside of the previously mentioned shows, Swift is a huge fan of Game of Thrones. But this isn’t new news to longtime Swifties. Swift previously revealed that she was so obsessed with the popular fantasy show that it found its way into her music."