Latest news with #Strout
Korea Herald
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Summer reads: What we are reading at The Korea Herald
Here are some summer reading recommendations from The Korea Herald. Kim Hoo-ran Culture desk editor "Tell Me Everything" by Elizabeth Strout Many of the main characters in Elizabeth Strout's previous novels converge in "Tell Me Everything,' the Pulitzer-winning writer's latest book. While the book starts with a declaration that this is the story of Bob Burgess, a lawyer inhabiting many of Strout's works, 'Tell Me Everything' takes its time, meandering through seemingly disparate episodes and memories before those little 'diversions' all come together to tell a shocking story. The narrator observes the characters closely from a distance with cool detachment. There is a no-nonsense, straight-to-the-point, terse tone to the novel that may have something to do with Maine, the setting of this and many other Strout novels. All of Strout's 10 books feature main characters who reappear in successive works, either independently or together, interacting at some level. A summer vacation might be an opportune time to read the author's other novels, all a study in relationships. Lee Sun-young Content desk editor "The Hole" by Pyun Hye-young 'The Hole' follows Ogi, a once-successful professor whose life is shattered by a car accident that kills his wife and leaves him almost completely paralyzed. With only his eyes to make sense of the world, he is at the mercy of his increasingly sinister mother-in-law. The novel builds an eerie, claustrophobic atmosphere, leaving much unsaid, which is exactly what makes it so unsettling. Now is an especially good time to read this book, as director Kim Jee-woon, known for his masterful work in 'I Saw the Devil,' 'The Age of Shadows,' and 'A Tale of Two Sisters' is currently developing a film adaptation in collaboration with a Hollywood production team. Park Ga-young Culture desk reporter "The Longest Night" by Luly This book by Luly, the winner of the 21st Munhakdongne Children's Literature Award, is written for children but resonates with a much wider audience, making it a perfect choice for the entire family. While children will find the story cute and captivating, adults may find themselves moved to tears by its tender portrayal of love and the bond between unlikely friends. The book follows Noden, the last white boulder rhinoceros, and a young penguin hatched from an abandoned egg, as they embark on a poignant journey across the desert in search of the sea, facing countless challenges. With its engaging narrative and warm illustrations, it is also an excellent resource for Korean learners looking for a book that is both accessible and rich in storytelling. An English edition is currently in preparation. Shin Ji-hye Content desk reporter "Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI" by Yuval Noah Harari Bestselling historian Yuval Noah Harari takes us on a fast-paced journey through the history of how humans share and spread information. Harari's main point? Information is not just about truth — it's about connection. For thousands of years, humans have bonded over stories and these shared beliefs helped build tribes, religions, nations and empires. Whoever controlled the flow of information usually held the power. Now, it is not just humans telling the stories. AI is starting to decide what we read, watch and believe — and that could change everything. The real danger, Harari says, is not just that robots might take our jobs or go rogue. It is that we might lose our ability to shape our own stories — and with it, our sense of meaning and freedom. Kim Jae-heun Culture desk reporter "Media Technology, Emerging K-pop" by Lee Jong-im The COVID-19 pandemic changed how we connect, and this book dissects the role media and pop culture played in bridging isolation. From K-pop's explosive global presence to the rise of fan-targeted digital platforms, the book explores how intimacy between singers and fans has increasingly become a commodity. With sharp insight, the author traces how technology, once a tool for emotional connection, now drives hyper-commercialized fandom culture. A compelling read for those curious about the evolving dynamics of pop culture, technology and emotion in a post-pandemic world. Hong Yoo Culture desk reporter "Educated" by Tara Westover "Educated" is a powerful memoir by Tara Westover, who was born to survivalist parents in rural Idaho and grew up isolated from mainstream society. Denied formal education for much of her childhood, Westover taught herself enough to be admitted to Brigham Young University, eventually earning a doctorate from Cambridge. Her story is one of resilience, transformation, and the complex ties of family and identity. Told with raw honesty and poetic insight, the memoir challenges ideas of truth, learning and self-invention. With ongoing conversations around misinformation, ideological divides and the value of education, "Educated" remains as urgent and relevant as ever. Westover's journey reminds us of the power of learning not just to inform, but to liberate. Park Yuna Culture desk reporter 'Recipe for Daughter' by Gong Ji-young Korean novelist Gong Ji-young tells her daughter how she gets by in life by sharing 27 recipes woven with her own stories. Her recipes are never difficult to follow — such as bulgogi rice bowl, aglio e olio pasta, apple pie, spinach salad, tenderloin steak and bean sprout soup to cure a hangover. Whenever I need comforting, I open this book and randomly choose a recipe I am drawn to. Let's say it's an apple pie — prepare thinly sliced apples and spread evenly in a gratin dish. Sprinkle over ground cinnamon and crumble mixture by combining flour, butter and sugar. Bake in a preheated oven at 220 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes. 'As you gently blow on a hot bite of apple pie and take your first sip of warm tea, you will find yourself thinking — Oh! something good is going to happen to me!' the author writes to her daughter. Park Jun-hee Culture desk reporter "The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter — And How to Make the Most of Them Now" by Meg Jay My transition from being a teenager to my 20s was a big leap — from a student who sat in the very first row of the classroom to someone diving into self-discovery, exploring various career paths, trying to build a foundation for the future and even thinking about finding a partner to share it all with. Since much of our 20s are often a whirlwind of change, marked by uncertainty, an in-between feeling of not quite being a kid but not fully an adult either, the book offers 20-something readers something to think about their age. Hwang Dong-hee Culture desk reporter "The Age of the Filiarch" by Ysra (Lee Seul-ah) Author Lee Seul-ah introduces a brand-new type of family in her refreshingly original debut novel 'The Age of the Filiarch' — not a patriarchy, not a matriarchy, but a filiarchy — a made-up term from filia (Latin for 'daughter'), where daughters run the household. Sharp, witty and delightfully playful, this autobiographical novel follows a girl born into a family ruled by her grandfather. But over time, she rises to become the head of the house -- through her writing. She founds an indie publishing company, employing two people: her mom and dad. As the family's main breadwinner, she becomes both the financial and emotional center of gravity, sparking a quiet domestic revolution that's equal parts subversive and charming. Can this daughter-led transformation bring happiness to all? The novel made waves upon release, with English translation rights already sold. Lee is also set to make her screenwriting debut with a drama series adaptation currently in development. Lee Jung-youn Culture desk reporter 'Why Fish Don't Exist' by Lulu Miller The book begins with science but gracefully transforms into a warm, personal exploration of how to love oneself. Blurring the lines between novel, essay and scientific thesis, the book transcends genre and theme. Tracing the life of 19th-century scientist David Starr Jordan, the author uncovers both the brilliance and the dark contradictions of his work. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the journey is less about Jordan and more about the insights the author gains along the way. While the question in the title can be answered scientifically, the true meaning of the book lies beyond logic. It challenges the way we categorize the world for convenience, suggesting that such classifications may be arbitrary. It urges us to reconsider the boundaries we impose on ourselves and others, and offers the comforting idea that meaning can emerge from even destruction and loss. Lee Yoon-seo Culture desk reporter "Dopamine Nation" by Anna Lembke We've never lived in a time of such constant, instant gratification — driven by social media, binge-watching, online shopping and more. In "Dopamine Nation," psychiatrist and addiction expert Dr. Anna Lembke delivers a timely message about the risks of living on autopilot in this age of overindulgence. Blending neuroscience with real patient stories, she reveals how leaning into discomfort rather than avoiding it. This can help us feel more grounded, present and fulfilled. With practical strategies such as dopamine fasting and finding meaning through moderation, this book is a useful guide for anyone feeling lost in compulsive habits and searching for a more intentional way to live. Moon Ki-hoon Culture desk reporter "How Democracies Die" by Daniel Ziblatt and Steven Levitsky Skipped this when it first dropped in 2018 — a big mistake. Picked it up after Trump's comeback, and it turns out these Harvard professors were actually being optimistic. The authors warn that democratic backsliding often begins when voters see opponents not as rivals but as existential threats, and, in doing so, willingly vote away democracy itself. The biggest insight here is that democracies rarely fall to dramatic coups; more often, they erode from within, as elected leaders slowly dismantle norms and institutions. Feels like parts of the free world have already speed-run past some of the worst-case scenarios. Essential reading for understanding how we got here.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Yahoo
Teacher no longer at West Springfield school after ex-students bring allegations of sexually charged exchanges
SPRINGFIELD — At 17, she told a trusted teacher at Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative that she just wanted a father. Hers had died in the waters of the Connecticut River in 2013, according to published reports. She was a small child then. Her mother had her own struggles, and the girl ended up in foster care. Kenneth Strout, a kindly information technology teacher, offered to be a father figure to her, according to records filed in Springfield District Court. And she was glad, until the tenor of the relationship changed in her senior year at the West Springfield trade school, which serves seven districts. Strout, of Monson, has been charged with two counts of annoying or accosting a member of the opposite sex, after two former students came forward to the the West Springfield police. The Republican has interviewed both of the alleged victims, but will not identify them to protect their privacy, given the allegations. The younger student, now a freshman at Western New England University, said the comfort that Strout offered to 'treat her like a daughter' quickly took a turn. 'He drove me home a number of times, telling me he had permission from the school, which was apparently false, and one time he brought me through a car wash and asked me to take my clothes off,' she said during an interview with The Republican. He began asking for nude pictures. She declined, according to a police report obtained by The Republican and interviews with the 19-year-old. After she went to school administrators and was encouraged to leave the matter alone, she said, she began poring through yearbooks to contact other female students to determine whether they had similar experiences with Strout. 'I cannot believe I was the first one he did this to. There had to be others,' she said. 'I just didn't want to be silent and have this happen to anyone else.' She has since blocked him on social media, she added. One other former student, who moved to Florida and is now 21, shared that she had unsettling exchanges with Strout on social media apps after she and her family relocated. 'He started messaging me on Snapchat, TikTok, all my social media. Until I blocked him,' the woman said during an interview on Thursday. She shared several text exchanges, including a shot of Strout's nude torso and face while he was in the shower, among others, and her responses. 'What are you in college for? Your (sic) the only student I've ever wanted to see naked fyi,' he wrote, according to the exchange provided from the second woman. 'That's a little weird Mr. Strout don't u think? Like I was very much underage in ur (sic) class ... jail bait,' she responded. 'That's awesome you want comp sci ... I know and I never said anything when you where (sic) my student,' Strout responded, according to the messages shared with the newspaper. 'I'm sorry if it's weird or uncomfortable. I will stop,' he said. The messages were sent under the handle 'TikTok Dad,' which also aligned with the torso shot the 21-year-old alleged victim shared. A lawyer for Strout, who pleaded not guilty to the charges earlier this month, said his client plans to fight the charges. 'This has all been overblown, and it will play out in court,' said Boston attorney Kenneth H. Anderson. The defense attorney also confirmed Strout no longer works at the school. 'It was a mutual decision,' Anderson said. A call placed to the school was not returned on Thursday. The younger alleged victim told West Springfield Police Detective Nicole Hebert that she felt she had been manipulated by Strout. 'She said she just wanted a dad,' Hebert wrote, and that Strout said if the girl lived with him, 'he wouldn't be able to control himself,' according to the report. The police report adds that Strout asked her to 'send him pics' after she turned 18, and she conceded to send one in a bra. He said he found her 'sexually attractive' after she turned 18 last year, the report notes. Certain staff rallied around Strout when he was placed on a three-week suspension, according to the police report. It was a misunderstanding, some said, warning not to ruin Strout's reputation. Springfield District Court Judge Danielle Williams released Strout on his own recognizance but ordered him to have no contact with the victims, plus a mandate for him to stay away from children under 16 without supervision, barring his own children and stepchildren. Read the original article on MassLive.
South China Morning Post
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Meet The Social Network star Jesse Eisenberg's wife, activist Anna Strout
The Social Network star Jesse Eisenberg is gearing up for a busy year. He's kicking things off by doing the rounds of Hollywood's awards season in support of his new film, A Real Pain , which follows two cousins in Poland as they uncover their heritage in honour of their late grandmother . It's a film close to Eisenberg's heart: he wrote, directed and stars in it. Perhaps more important, Eisenberg, 41, is of Polish heritage and revealed last year that he'd applied for – and has now been granted – Polish citizenship. As reported by Variety, he also noted that A Real Pain was shot on location in parts of Poland to which he has a family connection, such as Lublin, Warsaw and Krasnystaw. He shares this Polish connection with his wife, Anna Strout, whose family is originally from Łódź and who also applied for Polish citizenship. But Strout isn't just Eisenberg's other half. The activist is a force of nature in her own right, rallying support for survivors of domestic violence and channelling her mother's legacy of advocacy. Here's what we know about the behind-the-scenes star. What does Anna Strout do? Anna Strout at the Vanity Fair 2019 Cannes Film Festival party. Strout has worked in Hollywood as a producer and crew member on films such as Don't Say a Word (2001) and The Emperor's Club (2002). But according to IMDB, her last movie project was in 2011. More recently, Strout has been engaged in philanthropy and activism. She spends a great deal of time volunteering at and organising fundraisers for Middle Way House. Located in Bloomington, Indiana – Strout's hometown – the institution is a shelter for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. Anna's mother, Toby Susan Strout, was an executive director of Middle Way House and would take Anna to marches, rallies, community meetings and city hall press conferences, where she could become involved in advocacy first-hand. What age is Anna Strout? Jesse Eisenberg, Anna Strout and producer Robert Stein at the 2005 Independent Spirit Awards after-party, Santa Monica, Los Angeles.
Fox News
07-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Jesse Eisenberg says he feels 'most comfortable' living in Indiana after leaving 'unstable' Hollywood
Jesse Eisenberg has no regrets over his decision to leave Hollywood and embrace a quieter life in Indiana. During a recent interview with CBS News, the 41-year-old actor explained why he joined the growing list of celebrities who have moved out of Tinseltown. "I lived in Indiana for the last decade on and off," the "Social Network" star said. "That's where I feel kind of most comfortable. I'm not somebody who wants to surround myself in an industry that just feels kind of unstable to me." Eisenberg recalled that he and his wife Anna Strout previously spent a lot of time in her hometown of Bloomington, Indiana, which he described as "one of the great American cities." The pair first began dating in 2002 but called it quits in 2012. Eisenberg and Strout rekindled their romance in 2015 and tied the knot two years later. "We've been going back there for the last 20 years just to visit," he said of their trips to Bloomington. Eisenberg told CBS News that the couple initially moved to Indiana to care for his late mother-in-law, Toby Strout, after she fell ill. "Then we had a kid and then the pandemic hit," said Eisenberg, who shares son Banner, 7, with Strout. "So we wound up being there for several years." While living in Bloomington, Eisenberg and Strout worked as volunteers at the domestic violence shelter Middle Way House, where Toby had served as an executive director. "During the pandemic, there was no acting work, obviously," Eisenberg said. "And so I was just volunteering every day at the shelter." The "Zombieland" actor, who launched his professional acting career at the age of 16, said that working at the shelter was "the happiest time of my life." "I was painting walls and fixing garbage disposals and it was like — it was the first time I had, like, a real job," he said. "It sounds strange to say that, but at 38 years old was the first time I had a real job. And I just loved it so much. I loved being able to accomplish something where there was no critique of it, you know what I mean?" He continued, "I could be active and working and helping and doing something that's really contributing nicely, but not in a way where I was receiving praise, which somehow sometimes feels like it negates the contribution or receiving criticism, which hurts because it's criticism. And so it's just like this amazing feeling. I tell my wife all the time, it's the first time I felt like if I never got another acting part, I would be OK in this world because I like doing things." "I'm not somebody who wants to surround myself in an industry that just feels kind of unstable to me." "It was kind of like revelatory for me to have a real job at that age and love it," he said. Eisenberg is currently gearing up for the 2025 Academy Awards after receiving a best screenplay nomination for penning the script of his movie "A Real Pain." The New York native also directed the buddy-road comedy drama and co-starred alongside Kieran Culkin, who was nominated for best supporting actor. While speaking with CBS News, Eisenberg noted that his life in Indiana also affords him more time to concentrate on writing screenplays, rather than competing for acting gigs. "I like to keep as many feet outside the door of the entertainment industry as possible, so I don't feel like I'm somebody constantly trying to pound the pavement and knock on doors and get jobs," he said. "I just don't want to be that person. It doesn't fit me. So being in Indiana from, like, a professional perspective was really great because it made me feel like, you know, if I'm not working now, that's fine." "And I have this other life and I could write during the day," he added. "And so, being in Indiana allowed me to have, like, an extra foot outside the door of the entertainment industry that in a way that was really comfortable."
