Happy New Year and welcome back to our monthly series of What We’re Into, an update on everything CASA staff is buzzing about! We’re here as Certified Professional Enthusiasts to keep the series going with some recommendations on movies, articles, and everything else in recent memory that pertains to our advocacy at CASA.
A new year means new content to share with you all! We are excited to bring you all the latest and greatest in 2020. So if you’re looking for something new to enjoy, look no further than this blog!
If you’re looking for a good movie or tv show, watch
The Morning Show created by Jay Carson
“The Morning Show features a star-studded cast (Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon and Steve Carell), and is about the lives of three newscasters at different points in their careers. The show begins right as the news breaks that Steve’s character, Mitch, has been accused of sexual misconduct and has subsequently lost his anchor position at a prominent morning talk show. His co-host of 15 years, Alex (Jennifer Aniston), must literally make sure the show goes on, even as she reels from the effects of the accusations against Mitch and deals with her own crumbling personal life while publicly keeping it all together. Reese Witherspoon plays Bradley Jackson, an opinionated, up-and-coming newscaster who is thrust into the spotlight (and into Mitch’s anchor chair) with almost no warning.
One of the most powerful episodes is a flashback of one of Mitch’s encounters with a new staffer who is quickly making a name for herself at the network. Some of the scenes are hard to watch (I had to skip some of the most intense parts) but it really paints a picture of how a young, hard-working woman can find herself coerced by a man in a position of power; and how quickly it can turn from a mentoring dynamic into a dark and manipulative one. The Morning Show isn’t afraid to tackle the tough realities of power-based relationships and the long-lasting effects and emotions that come with it: denial, shame, fear, anger, etc. The show is more than just about a movement—it sheds light on a very real, very unjust dynamic that still exists in so many environments today.” - Sara Blake, Communications Manager
His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman (HBO Series)
“HBO and BBC have joined forces on the television series His Dark Materials, a fantasy saga based off the novel series of the same name by British author, Phillip Pullman. The series primarily follows the adventures of Lyra Belacqua, a young girl whose past (and future) are shrouded in secrecy, danger, and destiny. With her trusty daemon, Pantalaimon, always at her side, Lyra befriends witches, armored bears, and other spectacular beings in an effort to stop the nefarious Magesterium from torturing children. His Dark Materials explores issues that CASA volunteers know all too well—the pain of separating from a parent, the confusion of being raised in foster care, the capacity for resilience that develops in neglected children. With a fabulous cast and stunning cinematography, His Dark Materials transports viewers through many mysterious worlds, all while reminding us just how incredible children can be.” - Blair Adams, Recruiting Specialist
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker directed by J.J. Abrams
“I will not spoil the movie, I promise. With that said, if you’re anything like me, you have followed the story of Rey from the very beginning in the Force Awakens. This ‘last Jedi’ is in search for her family story and her true purpose in the universe. While the final chapter of the Skywalker saga focuses on her journey towards truth and justice, we are able to see many elements of family reunification and cultural traditions reflected throughout the film. There is a profound joy as the Skywalker story comes to an end with some of our favorite characters reuniting for the very last time.” - Ishmael Behrhorst, Digital Marketing Manager
Finding the Way Home directed by Jon Alpert and Matthew O’Neill
“From Emmy winning filmmakers Jon Alpert and Matthew O'Neill along with J.K. Rowling's Lumos Foundation comes this film that shines a light on the distressing circumstances faced by more than eight million children in orphanages and other institutions around the world. Interweaving insights from families who have been torn apart, social workers who have helped reunite them and dedicated foster parents, the film strives to illustrate what it truly means to be home.” - HBO, Recommended by Donna Phillips, Controller
If you’re looking for a good read, check out
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
“This beautifully-written novel by the wonderful Ann Patchett looks at what happens to children after loss—loss of parents, loss of home and place—and how this trauma affects them well into their adult years. The consistent scene in this novel has the now-adult children sitting in a car outside the house they once lived in, gripped by their past. Their obsession and broken sense of attachment to family and home never truly allows them to grow up or grow into the individual, independent people they were perhaps meant to be.” - Callie Langford, Director of Communications
Tell Me Who You Are by Winona Guo and Priya Vulchi
“A fascinating book about race, culture, and identity in America. It began as a high school project where the authors interviewed people about their experiences (race-related). Later, they interviewed people across the country to produce this book. It provides wonderful insight on the necessary stories we need to hear about race in our country.” - Ryan Broussard, Training Specialist
Trauma Stewardship: An everyday guide to caring for self while caring for others written by Laura van Dernoot Lipsky
“This is a great book for the helpers. Her TED Talk is also amazing regarding vicarious trauma. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in learning more about trauma and caring for others.” - Melissa Wilson, Child Safety Specialist
2020 CASA Recommends January
