Throughout the academic year, Melinda Giampietro, Options Founder/President, will share some of her favourite things in her monthly Founder’s Feature. Melinda loves reading, data, research, and following academic and adolescent news around the world.
May Books of the Month
I had a little extra time off in March and April for family events, which meant I got to do a lot more reading than usual.
I have four, very different, book recommendations:
Broken Country, by Clare Leslie Hall
A powerhouse of a book, I enjoyed Broken Country’s winding narrative and twisted connections between characters. I read it in one sitting on a long-haul flight. This is the perfect travel book. It’s short, paperback, and has a big font.Â
Blue Sisters, by Coco Mellors
This book broke my heart bit by bit. I loved the story of three sisters surviving the first year after their fourth sister’s death. Not only did it make me really wish I had a sister, but it was also a gentle reminder of how past traumas affect present-day decisions (and usually negatively). I found myself talking aloud to the characters as they were making horrible choices. I appreciated the realness and unresolved struggles in the story.
The Favourites, by Layne Fargo
This was a unique read for me. It is a novel about ice dancing and all its politics, drama, and history. It was a very quick, entertaining read, and I found it interesting to learn about a sport I know nothing about. It also explores the double standard for female athletes and the darker side of competitive sports.
The Hunter, by Tana French
I will read anything Tana French writes. I suggest beginning with The Searcher, as this book sets the stage for The Hunter with the same characters and small-town Irish setting. Every time I read one of her novels, I underline Ireland on my travel bucket list.
May Cookbook of the Month
Molly Baz’s More is More is definitely a visual sensation. It is based on her philosophy about levelling up a dish; she focuses on taking good dishes to great dishes by adding that something extra, hence her theory “more is more.” She argues that most cooks don’t use enough salt, fat, fresh herbs, or acid. I like and appreciate the uniqueness of her flavour combinations. Some good recipes to try are: Halloumi, Cuke, and Walnut Spoon Salad, Rigatoni with Creamed Leeks and Chive-y Bread Crumbs, Crispy Salmon with Coconut Rice and Crackle Sauce, and Dilly Beans and Burrata with Frizzled Shallots. I can’t wait to try a few of her desserts, too. I’ll start with Salty Coffee and Peanut Slice Cream and Maple Ricotta Munchkins.
May Podcast of the Month
I’m a selective listener of the Call Her Daddy podcast. I have a lot of respect for Alex Cooper and her rise to podcast domination. I recently listened to the Ed Sheeran episode. I’ve always really liked Ed’s humility and commitment to his craft. Near the end of the episode, he talks about what he wants his legacy to be. He hopes to inspire children to follow their passions. He encourages them to NOT have a Plan B, so they are forced to commit wholly to Plan A. He also sends the message that no one starts out great, and he emphasizes that you can teach yourself almost anything. I want all our Options’ students to listen to the last few minutes of this conversation.
May Event the Month
Did you know that only 4% of venture capital in Canada goes to women-owned businesses? Over the last 22 years, The Forum has supported more than 18,000 entrepreneurs (including me!) by unlocking access to the wisdom and financial and social capital they need to thrive. More women entrepreneurs equal a financially healthier Canada. On April 25th, I attended The Forum Pitch Finale. As a new board member of the organization, it was so fun to see all the hard work come to fruition and witness the team exceed our fundraising goals. Overall, $1.3 million was raised. Congratulations to Lianna Genovese, the Founder and CEO of @imaginablesolutions – a company enabling independence for those with mobility limitations through assistive devices – who won the pitch competition.Â
May Procrastination Distraction of the Month
For someone who prides themself on being an executive function pro, I admit to sometimes struggling to focus and motivate myself to get things done. This usually occurs on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. I know in my heart that I should just check off a few easy tasks off to avoid the Sunday scaries. What am I doing instead? Watching NPR Music Tiny Desk Concerts. Recent favourites include Sandbox Percussion, Illuminati Hotties, Megan Moroney, and girl in red. It is so fun to hear some of my favourite artists and even more fun to discover new ones across so many genres of music. They are short and just the break I need!
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