Modern Classics With a Twist

Books, tv shows and all of the other legends of lifestyle.

I need to begin this newsletter by saying I watched with horror what was happening in Minnesota this past weekend. My heart goes out to all of my Minnesota friends, readers and good-hearted humans that live there and have to exist with this unlawful tragedy and tension all around. I hope you’re all hanging in there.

We enjoyed the blizzard this past weekend. We’re not really snow people, but it was beautiful and still and the world came to a pause. My husband and I were shoveling most of Sunday because we hoped to stay ahead of the snow (epic fail) but then we’d go inside and another few inches would fall in an hour or so. Still, we had fun out there and enjoyed the crisp (frigid) air along with the dogs who galloped over the snow drifts. My kids built giant igloos. Inside, I parked myself in front of the fireplace and finished Pachinko by Min Jin Lee. Yes, Pachinko. The book from 2017.

Pachinko has earned its place as one of my top 3 favorite novels of all time. I’m not sure what book it pushed off the list, but it’s definitely number two or three. The other two are The Secret History and The Great Gatsby. Still, it got me thinking about modern classics, and how I would like to pick up some of the beloved contemporary novels that I’ve missed. For example, I’ve always wanted to read a novel by George Saunders considering he’s a celebrated modern classic novelist, so now I’m a quarter into Lincoln in the Bardo. (I’m also listening to Strangers by Belle Burden, which is excellent and may go down as a classic in New York cultural society at least.)

I would put a few other novels on my “modern classics” list: The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai, Americanah by Chiamanda Ngozi Adichie, Beloved by Toni Morrison, Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (Tovah!), The Dutch House by Ann Patchett (Bel Canto is not my favorite although it’s brilliant too) and Normal People by Sally Rooney. I think Demon Copperfield should be on this list, but it wasn’t my favorite Kingsolver; that award goes to The Bean Trees and The Poisonwood Bible. Yes, many of these were bestsellers too, but I picked them because of the imprint these novels made on me—and larger society. They are books whose characters we will never forget, if we read them, who stirred in each and every one of us the sense that there was so much left to feel and learn in this world.

In the nonfiction category, my absolute favorites are Katherine Boo’s lyrical Behind the Beautiful Forevers, The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion (although everything she writes is a classic), Michelle Zauner’s Crying in H-Mart and Jeannette Walls’ The Glass Castle. Would any of these make your list of modern classics memoirs?

Modern Classics in Television & Movies

As far as television shows go, most of my modern classics picks would harken back to some of the best comedies of the last twenty years: “The Office,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Thirty Rock.” You know what else I’d put on my modern classics list: “Gilmore Girls.” I didn’t begin watching it until I had a 10-year-old who was obsessed with it, but it’s such a sweet television show that will last the test of time. Two more picks: “Fleabag” and the dramas “My Brilliant Friend” and “Mad Men.” I could rewatch those shows on repeat.

There are too many modern classic movies for me to narrow it down, but the ones that jump out are “Out of Africa” (thanks, mom), “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” “Fargo,” “Good Will Hunting,” “The Shawshank Redemption” and “Grease.” Yes, the latter will remain in my top ten for my entire lifetime. I wanted to be Sandy when I was little, and would reenact her transformation from sweet and innocent girl into a leather-wearing rebel for my relatives when I was six. “Tell me about it, stud!” HA!

Home & Fashion Classics

As far as lifestyle products, a few of my modern classics include the Capri Blue candle from Anthropology. I think I’ve received half a dozen of these over the last ten years and the smell transports me straight into a warm Italian summer. The Farmer’s pitcher from the artisans at Farmhouse Pottery in Vermont is a staple on my kitchen counter, and it’s so delightful to pour water from rather than fill a glass from the sink. I will hold on to this for decades. Lastly, you need to try these Lands End sheets. According to New York magazine, filmmaker Nancy Meyers’ daughter, Annie Meyers-Shyer, says, her family has used these babies since 2018 upon encountering them at a vacation home in the Hamptons. “They’re cool and warm all at once. They’re so soft, they’re so luxurious. They wash so well.” I LOVE them!

Also, these amazing throw blankets from ChappyWrap, made by Vineyarders and named after Chappaquiddick Island. They are so beautiful and chic. I have two of them now, including that blue striped one you see below left, and I get so many compliments about them.

I had to include three modern classics in the fashion category, and you’ll quickly see these aren’t necessarily awards for the most chic. These are modern classic pieces that I turn to again and again. One are Eberjey pajamas. They are so gosh darn expensive, but I love my set that I was gifted. They’re soft and luxurious and I feel like I’m sleeping amid clouds. My friend Kelsa and I became obsessed with the Dudley Stephens fleece turtleneck last winter. I’m obsessed with how warm these keep me on these cold blustery days. I wore it at the gym this morning, and the checkout girls needed to know where it was from! LOL.

Lastly, this rouched bathing suit from J. Crew looks great on everyone— the town pool, playing with kids at the beach, spa days where you’re in public moving around in a suit. Any place where you want a little more coverage but still want to look chic. I’ve ordered different colors over ten years, and it never fails me. Highly recommend.

I’m so curious what everyone else thinks. What would you add to your list of modern classic novels or lifestyle products? Have you read Pachinko or Lincoln in the Bardo? Do you think they’re deserving of their place in the New York Times list of 100 Best Books of All Time? Oh goodness, and what did everyone read on the snow day, if you had one? I’m heading out to walk two dogs in the snow and ice. Wish me luck. xo