Whether you’re in need of a gift for your favorite bookworm or are looking for a new series to binge-watch over the holiday break, creators from Northern Virginia have your back.
Book
Life Dust by Pam Webber
In 1971, an engaged couple is separated when Andy is deployed to lead reconnaissance missions in Vietnam, while Nettie stays behind in Northern Virginia to work as a nursing intern. The pair struggle to adjust to the separation and grapple with unforeseen challenges brought about by their roles in the war.
Music
“No Hay Ley” by Kali Uchis
The Alexandria-born singer is back with her first solo track in two years. The song blends Latin house music with early-2000s pop influences, making for an exuberant, irresistible dance anthem. In the chorus, Uchis declares, “En el amor no hay ley” — roughly translated, “In love, there is no law.”
Book
The Red Widow by Sarah Horowitz
This page-turning true crime book, written by a professor at Washington and Lee University, dives into the complexities of sexuality, politics, and power by recounting the true story of Marguerite Steinheil. In Paris circa 1890, the “femme fatale” used a series of affairs with high-power individuals to carve out a place for herself in high society — no matter the destruction she left behind.
TV Show
Transformers: EarthSpark
Prepare to meet a whole new species of Transformers, the Earth-born Terrans, in this new animated series on Paramount+. The Malto family will face off against the villainous half-cyborg scientist Mandroid (voiced by Alexandria’s own Diedrich Bader) to protect their Transformer friends from danger.
Book
Greater than a Tourist: Great Falls, Virginia by Lillian Stroup
If you’re new to the area, this born-and-raised Great Falls native gives the inside scoop on the best things to do and see around the town. From finding a way around Great Falls Park’s entrance fee to spooky urban legends, this guide can help you understand the community on a deeper level than many travel books.
This story originally ran in our December issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
