Savanna Cowles  |  Contributing Writer

Books

“The Elementals” by Francesca Lia Block

Why you should read it: It’s a mystery, suspense and love story tied together in one.

“The Elementals” is a coming-of-age tale about a girl’s first year at UC Berkeley in the wake of her best friend’s disappearance there a year earlier. As Ariel Silverman tries to solve the mystery of her friend, she becomes involved with a strange group of people who lead her to the truth.

Music 

Artist: Banks  

Song: “Waiting Game”

Album: Goddess

Why you should listen: Not only is she fresh to the music scene and an LA native,

Banks’ soulful voice gives a new vibe to indie rock music.

Artist: Broken Bells

Song: “Control”

Album: After the Disco

Why you should listen: Formerly of the Shins, singer-songwriter, vocalist and guitarist

James Mercer teamed up with Brian Burton of Danger Mouse to create Broken Bells, an

indie rock duo with a splice of electronic music mixed in.

Movies

Film: “Stuck in Love”   

Starring: Greg Kinnear, Lily Collins, Jennifer Connelly, Logan Lerman and Nat Wolff

Why you should watch: It’s free on Netflix.

Based on a family who has experienced a divorce and an acclaimed author who can’t let go of his ex-wife, the Borgens learn the truth about love, loss and heartbreak.