Madeline

December 19, 2025 ~ gigicatchesair ~ Leave a comment

Good afternoon. It is I Gigi the parti poodle here to introduce this week’s blog. Not only is Dimiter missing but another one of our beloved cats has gone rogue. Madeline the British Shorthair vanished last week, and everyone is on edge. Especially Edison the Manx. He is quite wound up about the whole thing. Artemus is beside herself because she fears her sister Demeter is lost forever. We are now quite certain whoever is the kidnapper is focused on kidnapping cats. The rest of us Canis lupus familiaris are a bit more relaxed. But we certainly understand and sympathize with Edison’s concerns. The question is why is this kidnapper or perhaps kidnappers stealing cats? I shudder to think.

Earlier this week, we all went to the park to see if perhaps we could locate clues to Madeline’s disappearance. We searched around the fruit trees and the little bridge and around the climbing equipment. We were about to give up when Bruiser the Jack Russell went over to get a drink in the water dish that is set up as part of the water fountain. As he lapped up his hydration he suddenly saw something shiny at the base of the nearby bench. He let out a distressed bark, and we all came trotting over. Sure enough, there was Madeline’s nametag discarded by the foot of the bench.

“What the dickens do you think is going on?” Artemis asked as Ruffles the Bulldog hooked the ring of the tag onto his lower fang so we could all examine the evidence. Charlotte the Chow, who came from a pedigree breeder, sat on her haunches and pondered the possibilities. “Well, she said at last. “It is quite evident someone in the neighborhood is responsible. They show a pattern in the way they are abducting our neighborhood felines. “That’s what I’ve been thinking all along,” Edison the Manx said. The twin Dachshunds Tyler and Titus were so excited about this revelation they ran around chasing each other’s tails.

Later that afternoon I went and visited Bernard D. Bunny. We discussed the idea of the kidnapper or kidnappers being a local resident as we enjoyed a lovely spread of raspberry herbal tea and French cookies. We mutually agreed that a local must be the perpetrator. The next question we discussed was whether the villain was an animal or a human. As Madeline’s tag, much like Demeter’s tag was found without blood or a scuffle we are leaning towards a human. But which human and why? Until next week, I bid you Happy Holidays and adieu.

MY BOOKS

You can check out my books Chicane and all five installments of the Musicology book series Musicology: Volume One, Baby!, Musicology: Volume Two, Kid!, Musicology: Volume Three, Twist!, Musicology: Volume Four, Sweetie! and Musicology: The Epiquad on Amazon in Kindle and Paperback editions. You can also check out Musicology’s web site at www.musicologyrocks.com and vote for who you think will win Musicology!

**STREAM OF THE WEEK: THE TRAITORS (2023)-PEACOCK**

In continuing my list of streaming TV shows to watch this holiday season, here is something completely different. I wouldn’t usually recommend a reality TV program for my stream of the week. But there is something extraordinary about this one. Winner of eight Prime Time Emmys, the story premise is so good it makes for a better plotline than most Hollywood movies. The show is hosted by Alan Cumming who does a great job leading us through the twists and turns of this sometimes bizarre always entertaining romp.

Season One is set in Scotland where twenty contestants arrive at a beautiful castle. Alan Cumming welcomes them and after they settle in, they sit around a table with eyes closed. Mr. Cumming then circles the table a few times and taps three of the contestants on the shoulder. These contestants become The Traitors. The remaining seventeen players are called The Faithfuls. The object of the game is for The Faithfuls to figure out who amongst them are traitors and who are not. The Faithfuls do not know how many players cannot be trusted. Every day there is an event in which the contestants can win money to add to the pot. The total pot goes to which ever Faithfuls remain at the end of the game…if no Traitors are left in the game. But if there are Traitors left in the game at the end, then those Traitors split the pot.

Each day after the event, they hold a round table and choose one contestant to banish from the game to try and eliminate a Traitor. And each night The Traitors secretly rendezvous to choose one of the remaining contestants to “murder” or rather to eliminate from the game. The Traitors must lie, cheat and con to stay in the game and the Faithfuls need to figure out who to align with and who not to trust.

What’s great about the game is what an interesting psychological study it is. It’s fascinating, if not disturbing at times, to see how people act under these circumstances. And there is no lack of tension right up to the very end of the season. The show is based on De Verraders which is based on the party game Mafia or Werewolf. The game was created in 1987 at the Psychology Department of Moscow State University by Dimitry Davidoff. I personally wouldn’t recommend playing the game, for the sake of your psyche, but it is certainly an interesting study to watch.

Rain

December 11, 2025 ~ gigicatchesair ~ Leave a comment

Good afternoon. It is I Gigi the parti poodle here to introduce this week’s blog. With the onset of coyotes everyone has been on edge. Especially since Demeter is still missing. The rest of my neighboring pets are quite certain she was catnapped but still, there is concern a coyote may have snatched her up and run off with her. I visited Bernard who has been hiding in his warren with his sister Belle. They are quite afraid of coyotes as coyotes like them very much. I brought some tea and we sat in one of his tunnels enjoying our beverage. Bernard had French butter cookies which went scrumptiously with the tea. He was glad about the rain that came this week. He said it keeps the coyotes away as they like to find shelter during such weather.

We discussed the possibilities surrounding Demeter’s disappearance. It took most of the afternoon, but we decided the most likely scenario was Demeter had indeed been kidnapped. The only thing we couldn’t figure out was who and why. There must have been something we missed. Someone lurking around the neighborhood or perhaps at the park. Someone who had been watching her, plotting, planning, deciding her fate. But to what end? What would they want with a Persian cat? Bernard said he didn’t know. Perhaps to sell her or even something more nefarious. We both worried perhaps her sister Artemis could be at risk too. I thought we might go looking around the neighborhood during the daytime to see if we can find any place or anyone who might look suspicious.

I left Bernard’s just before dark and returned home. When I got home my novelist told me she had some bad news. Madeline the British Shorthair is missing too. I am too shocked to tell you anymore. Until next week I bid you adieu.

MY BOOKS

**STREAM OF THE WEEK: NOBODY WANTS THIS (2024)-NETFLIX**

Continuing with excellent streamers to watch over the holidays is this gem from Netflix. I am not usually a fan of romantic comedies that weren’t shot in black and white. But occasionally a sleeper will step into the spotlight and surprise me. Cleverly created for television by Erin Foster and well-acted by its cast, this witty and charming tale of mismatched sweethearts keeps you hooked.

A couple of thirty-something blonde gentile sisters named Joanne (Kristin Bell) and Morgan (Justine Lupe) do a successful frank and blunt podcast about dating. But neither one has had any long-term success whatsoever in relationships.

Then one night Joanne, who is an antagonist, attends a party and finds out one of the male attendees is a rabbi. However, she is mistaken as to exactly which man the rabbi is. She is shocked to find out he is an eligible young bachelor named Noah Roklov (Adam Broody) who has recently broken up with his fiancé Rebecca (Emily Arlook). Skeptical but curious, Joanne begins hanging out with him and they start to develop a budding friendship.

Everyone, except maybe Noah’s goofy but likable brother Sasha (Timothy Simons) do not want to see these two together in any capacity, especially Sasha’s wife Esther Roklov (Jackie Tohn). But the more Noah and Joanne get to know each other the more feelings start to develop between them. Not to mention there are quiet, subtle hints that maybe there is something not quite defined developing between Sasha and Morgan as well.

Coyotes

December 4, 2025 ~ gigicatchesair ~ Leave a comment

Good afternoon. It is I Gigi the parti poodle here to introduce this week’s blog. At two-thirty in the morning Sunday night after lying awake for hours, my novelist got up and went to the kitchen table to play a game of solitaire. Immediately after she’d finished dealing out the cards, she heard a horrible animal sound. She got up and hurried to the window to see what was making the noise. Suddenly, she spotted a coyote heading left. But she still could hear the sounds and was concerned the coyote had harmed a neighborhood dog. She ran to the bedroom and woke me up to tell me about the coyote. I sniffed and listened. I heard the creature. I barked incessantly as my novelist grabbed a flashlight and carefully went outside. When she shined the light down to the right, she was surprised to find it reflected the eyes of a second coyote standing there bathing in the streetlight! She swiftly stepped back inside, returned to the bedroom and told me the situation.

I realized then Demeter the Persian could have run into a coyote when she was out on her nightly stroll. The next day I called together Demeter’s sister Artemis, Bruiser the Jack Russell, Charlotte the chow, Edison the Manx, Madeline the British Shorthair, Ruffles the bulldog, the twin Dachshunds Tyler and Titus and of course Bernard D. Bunny. When I told them the story everyone was anxious. Was it possible Demeter wasn’t kidnapped after all but rather the victim of a prowling coyote? We all pondered the possibility. Finally, Ruffles who originally recovered Demeter’s nametag in the park said, “Wouldn’t there have been blood on Demeter’s name tag if that was the case? Artemis let out a loud sigh of relief. “Of course,” she said, tears streaming down her white fur. “And it hadn’t rained so it wouldn’t have washed off.” Edison the Manx said, “That is good to know but two problems remain: Demeter is still missing, and it is suddenly Coyote season. Bernard D. Bunny shuddered. “I cannot take any chances,” he said. “I will need to stay home and guard my younger sister Belle until the coyotes head out on their way.” The rest of us nodded in agreement. We must all be careful out there as we continue to search for the missing Demeter. Until next week, I bid you adieu.

MY BOOKS

**STREAM OF THE WEEK: THE CHAIR COMPANY (2025)-HBO MAX**

Starting last week, I decided it was a good time of the year to put the spotlight on outstanding streamers to watch during the holidays. One of the most surprisingly good shows of the year is this week’s pick: a dark horse for those who are looking for something highly entertaining, addictive, and very different. The show comes from the minds of Tim Robinson and Zach Kanin, and the season finale dropped last Sunday so you now have an opportunity to stream the entire first season. If you have passed it over or have not had the time to watch it yet, I genuinely encourage you to give this show a whirl. I will say the final scene of the final episode is downright Lynchian. Where it goes from there is anyone’s guess. To be honest, I almost gave up on the series after the first scene of the first episode which I thought was childish and annoying. But I was delighted I stuck with it because the payoff is quite good.

William Ronald Trosper (Tim Robinson) is a family man. He is married to his lovely wife Barb Trosper (Lake Bell) and has an adult daughter named Natalie (Sophia Lillis) who is planning her wedding and a high school son named Seth (Will Price). Ron has been assigned the position of lead project manager for a new mall development at his place of work Fisher Robay. The head of the firm, Jeff Levjman (Lou Diamond Philips), wants Ron to introduce himself as the lead on the project and give a speech in front of the employees to boost morale. Ron gives a solid speech and then goes to sit down at the side of the stage with the rest of his colleagues. But something terribly embarrassing happens. As Ron goes to sit down in his chair, it completely discombobulates. He lands on his back and finds himself looking up the skirt of his former fellow high school student Amanda (Amelia Campbell).

Ron is mortified by the incident and downright ticked off. He makes a gentle joke on stage to cover his embarrassment. But when the presentation is over, he hides in his office seething with anger and vowing to reign havoc on the chair company who brutally embarrassed him. He locates the broken chair in the garbage and finds the name of the company is Tecca. He starts searching for them on the internet, and his descent down a very bizarre rabbit hole begins.

Rounding out the cast are Joseph Tudisco as Mike Santini, Glow Tavarez as Jamie, Zuleyma Guevara as Brenda and Grace Reiter as Tara.

Happy Thanksgiving

November 27, 2025November 27, 2025 ~ gigicatchesair ~ Leave a comment

Happy Thanksgiving! It is I Gigi the parti poodle here to welcome you to this week’s blog. Our beloved neighborhood Persian cat Demeter is still missing. The pets in my neighborhood decided to go down to the park to look for clues this week. It was a bit of a challenge as the Dachshund twins Tyler and Titus were more interested in the climbing apparatus and swings instead of looking for our dear missing friend. We did manage to get them to focus on business after providing treats for them. We searched all around the park while it was not raining. I despise being outside in the rain. Everyone was downtrodden at not being able to find anything.

And then, as luck would have it, Charlotte the chow found something: a heart shaped metal tag with Demeter’s name engraved on it. We were stunned. Ruffles the bulldog picked it up in his teeth and we all watched it dangle off his lower fang. Bruiser, the Jack Russell Terrier, was very excited about this and began jumping up and down realizing we had found our first clue to Demeter’s whereabouts. Either her captor had taken the tag off her collar and tossed it in the park or perhaps kidnapped her and came to the park to toss the tag there to take anyone who was looking for her off the kidnapper’s track. Artemis, Demeter’s sister thought this was the place she had been kidnapped because she had noticed Demeter’s tag had started working its way loose from its split ring.

Edison the Manx was skeptical. It is difficult to get a cat or dog tag loose from a split ring. But Madeline the British Shorthair was quite certain it was possible. She admitted to catching her split ring on her claw once while playing on her cat apparatus. Bruiser suggested perhaps there was someone in the neighborhood who had been watching Demeter before stalking and kidnapping her. That we may all be in trouble. I suggested to them we all reconvene after Thanksgiving after pondering the possibilities. Until next week I bid you adieu.

MY BOOKS

**STREAM OF THE WEEK: SLOW HORSES (2022)-APPLE +**

Some Apple shows have an uncanny ability to disappoint their audience. A few of note that took a nosedive were Severance in its second season by giving away too many secrets and having no patience whatsoever referring to of course that awful snow episode, and Ted Lasso in its fourth and fifth seasons by not delivering what it hinted at starting in season one. No payoff = complete failure and little to no awards. How do two shows that started out phenomenally end up falling so hard on their faces? Foundation has had Issac Asimov rolling in his grave since episode one with insipid ideas like “feeling the math”. Are you kidding me? What scientist feels the math? The reason for these fiery crashes into mountains stems primarily from the fact that most Hollywood writers, especially those who work for Apple, though good in comedy and drama, fail miserably when it comes to niche writing like science fiction and mystery. Especially science fiction because apparently, they don’t believe in doing their research or consulting with scientists because, frankly, they refuse to understand science (see also Severance). I hate to break it to you but 99.999% of managers (Cobel) cannot come up with science of any kind. And neither could her character. Managers = traditionalists who stalwartly cling to the past. Those are not the kind of individuals who are going to discover the next scientific breakthrough.

That said, the witty, sharp, always entertaining Slow Horses is worth the watch. The show is based on the Slough House book series by Mick Herron and developed for television by Will James Smith who delivers a well-done spy show with excellent acting and solid writing. Herron came up with the idea for the books based on his commuting to work during the time of the bombings in London in 2005.

Slough House is a place where British MI5 agents go after they have either failed or embarrassed the British Intelligence service. The place is an unassuming dump of a building in London and is headed up by Jackson Lamb (beautifully played by Gary Oldman) a brilliant but chronic slob who, when called on, sends his rejects out into the field. Most recent failure is River Cartwright (Jack Lowden who is also excellent here) a young twenty something hotshot who failed in his final stages of becoming M15 and ended up shutting down a major passenger railway terminus.

Also relegated to Slough House are Sidonie ‘Sid’ Baker (Olivia Cooke), Min Harper (Dustin Demri-Burns), Louisa Guy (Rosalind Eleazar), Roddy Ho (Christopher Chung), Shirley Dander (Aimee-Ffion Edwards), Marcus Longridge (Kadiff Kirwan), and Catherine Standish (Saskia Reeves) who has known Lamb for a long time.

In Season One, shortly after River’s arrival a young comedian Hassan Ahmed (Antonio Aakeel), son of a powerful family, is kidnapped and his captors are threatening to behead him. The kidnapping turns out to be a setup by MI5 head Diana Taverner (Kristin Scott Thomas) who has an inside man on the case. But when Diana’s inside man has a major catastrophic incident, she must call on Lamb and his agents to straighten out the fiasco.

Holding a Gathering

November 21, 2025 ~ gigicatchesair ~ Leave a comment

Good evening. It is I Gigi the parti poodle and Demeter the Persian cat is still missing. The Dachshund twins agreed to host our meeting. Ruffles the bulldog was there, Madeline the white and black cat that lives next door, Charlotte the Chow, Edison the Manx and of course Artemis, Demeter’s sister who is still in shambles. Bernard D. Bunny accompanied me and the group of us discussed what may have caused her disappearance. Madeline said she thought she saw her heading down the hill that night towards the park. Artemis said it is possible as her sister loves to take night strolls by the park. The park is small. A swing set, a climbing apparatus, some trees in the back. It is usually a safe place at night, but I pointed out my novelist saw a raccoon the other day. We all shuddered at this. Sometimes there have even been coyote sightings but not recently. Edison said it might be a good idea if we were to still consider she could have been kidnapped. And the park at night would be an excellent place to disappear. Especially since there is a trail that leads through the woods which is short and comes out in a bright area with houses. We all nodded in agreement. But what to do next? We are thinking of going as a group to the park tomorrow to try and see if there are any clues Demeter may have left behind if she was there. I will keep you informed on the matter. Until next week, I bid you adieu.

MY BOOKS

**STREAM OF THE WEEK: THE PENGUIN LESSONS (2024)-NETFLIX**

Here’s a heartwarming and poignant comedy-drama told with surprising depth. The movie was directed by Peter Cataneo and written by Jeff Pope and Tom Michell based on Michell’s true-life book about the time he spent as an English teacher in 1976 Argentina. The film varies from the book somewhat as Michell was twenty-three at the time the story takes place, and the arc of the penguin is a little different.

Tom (well played by Steve Coogan) is a risk adverse misanthrope who bounces around teaching at different schools until 1976 when he ends up at exclusive boy’s school St. George’s College in Buenos Aries. The academy is a haven of sorts from the political conflict happening in Argentina. When the school is forced to close for a week due to safety, Tom and his friend, Tapio (Björn Gustafsson) a science teacher at the school, take a trip to Uruguay to pick up women in bars. Tom meets a lady named Carina (Micaela Breque) at a dance club. They spend the night and early morning dancing, talking and walking on the beach. They happen to come across a large group of penguins lying on the sand covered in oil. They appear to be dead, but one starts moving. Carina encourages Tom to save the bird, take it back to his hotel room and wash it. They do and the bird survives. Carina tells Tom she cannot stay because she is married and leaves him with the penguin. Tom then must smuggle the creature through customs and brings it back to the school where Headmaster Timothy Buckle (Jonathan Price) has specifically said the teachers cannot keep pets. Tom hides him on his balcony and day by day the penguin begins to change his outlook on life.

Rounding out the cast are Vivian El Jaber as Maria, Alfonsina Carrocio as Sofia, and David Herrero as Diego.

Demeter is Missing

November 14, 2025 ~ gigicatchesair ~ Leave a comment

Good afternoon. It is I Gigi the parti poodle and I must alert you to something most distressing. Demeter is missing! Demeter the fluffy white Persian cat who lives down the street with her sister Artemis is missing! Bernard D. Bunny alerted me of the news this morning. All the neighborhood pets are on high alert. We have a neighborhood watch here and yet our precious fluffy Persian kitty sister has disappeared without a trace. Bernard is terribly shaken about it and has hidden his sister Belle in the secret burrow. Even I do not know where the secret burrow is located. My novelist seems calm about the whole thing. She said Demeter is a curious cat and has a reputation for prowling around at night. She said she may just be hiding somewhere to get out of the rain. I am less convinced. I believe Demeter was kidnapped. I believe someone took her. But why? Who? I must know. I absolutely must. If they are willing to kidnap as beautiful a cat as Demeter, they are bound to have their eye on a gorgeous parti poodle such as myself. I will have to round up all the pets in the neighborhood and deal with this matter post haste. Until next week, I bid you adieu.

MY BOOKS

STREAM OF THE WEEK: SPEAK (2004)-Paramount+

Based on the National Book Award finalist of the same name by Laurie Halse Anderson this film is a must see for all teens. The story is about a fourteen-year-old girl named Melinda Sordino (brilliantly acted by Kristen Stewart). It is the first day of her high school year, but something devastating has happened, and Melinda is not the same girl she used to be in middle school. Her former friends Nicole (Tyanna Rolley) and Rachel Bruin (Hallee Hirsh) have ostracized her. Other students are calling her a “squealer”, laugh at her face and behind her back. All because she called 911 at a party the summer before.

But Melinda didn’t dial the police without reason. Melinda dialed the police because while she was intoxicated, a senior named Andy Evans (Eric Lively) raped her. Melinda is visibly traumatized by the event and is frightened to tell anyone what happened. Her behavior is misunderstood by her well-meaning mother Joyce Sordino (Elizabeth Perkins) and father (D.B. Sweeny), her history teacher Mr. Neck (Robert John Burke), and her new naïve social climbing friend Heather (Allison Siko). What’s worse, Rachel Bruin has started dating Andy.

Melinda finds an outlet for her pain in her art class taught by Mr. Freeman (Steven Zahn) who encourages her to be brave in her art and an ally in her biology lab partner Dave Petrakis (Michael Angarano).

The film is realistic in its portrayal of Melinda’s PTSD behavior and the way victims are often treated by those around them. It is also realistic in how predatory rapists behave: they invade their victim’s space, they use alcohol and drugs to dimmish their victims, and they isolate their victims to attack them. A lot of predatory rapists are repetitive in their tactics. Many, though not all, will plan out their rape out well ahead of time such as college men who pick out a woman in a class, often in Fall semester or quarter, charm her, groom her, and invite her to a party where they get her drinking to carry out their rape. Andy Evens is a good example of a psychopathic rapist. He appears charming at first and then shows signs of narcissism, irritation and violence. It is important to note studies show approximately 50% of repeat rapists are psychopathic.

Psychopathy is hereditary which means a psychopath has a 50/50 chance of siring or giving birth to another psychopath. It is likely Andy’s father, brother and/or uncle are/were also rapists as well. Rapists, psychopathic or otherwise, may also have abnormal white matter integrity in their brains which also have hereditary factors. Thus, it is bizarre that society traditionally blames the sane victim over the mentally compromised predator.

You can read interviews with real rapists and the way they carried out their attacks in the book The Rapist File: Interviews with Convicted Rapists by Les Sussman Sally Bordwell, and Ellen Frankfort. I am particularly fond of this one because many books on the subject will chronicle women’s stories of their attacks. It is more difficult to find books that get inside the rapist’s head. Other books of note are I Never Called It Rape: The Ms. Report on Recognizing, Fighting, and Surviving Date and Acquaintance Rape by Robin Warshaw and Fraternity Gang Rape: Sex, Brotherhood, and Privilege on Campus by Peggy Reeves Sanday.

300

November 7, 2025 ~ gigicatchesair ~ Leave a comment

Good afternoon. It is I Gigi the parti poodle, and today is our 300^th weekly blog. This is a milestone for us as we have not yet quit. My novelist often dreads Thursdays because she knows we will have to post something. It is not always her favorite activity. It is, however, my favorite activity, and like a good novelist owner I kick her with my paw and bark orders. The blog is not going to write itself, don’t you know. Bernard is always encouraging and listens to my exasperation after it is posted. Even as fall is approaching, he has continued to have tea with me in the afternoons and patiently listens to my gripes. Bernard is particularly fond of the green teacup with the gold trim and the dark pink roses painted on the saucer and inside the cup. As for myself, I prefer the white one with gold trim and violets painted on the cup and saucer. We often partake of green tea but on occasion we will try white or even strawberry or raspberry herbal. He tells me this time of year he is growing in his winter coat. He says he must change his diet as well to include twigs, greens, and tree bark. He does not hibernate, however, so we will be able to enjoy the holidays together. We have had to partake of our afternoon meetings indoors as there has been a lot of rain lately. But I do not mind sitting by the window watching the turning leaves fall and the rain drizzle down. I find it inspirational and marvelously moody. I must go now as I hear the kettle whistling and Bernard is already opening a box of French butter cookies. Until next week, I bid you adieu.

MY BOOKS

**STREAM OF THE WEEK: FAY GRIM (2006) & BROKEN ENGLISH (2007)-HBO MAX**

Parker Posey is a terrific actress known for her independent movie performances and this week I thought I’d suggest two of her feature roles. The first one is Fay Grim written and directed by the fantastic Indi writer/director Hal Hartley. The film is a continuation of Hartley’s film Henry Fool. It centers around Fay (Parker Posey) as a single mother living in the city with her teenage son Ned Grimm (Liam Aiken) who has just been expelled. Fay blames the boy’s behavior on his dead father, Henry Fool (Thomas J. Ryan), an ex-con. Apparently, Henry had notebooks he wanted to publish that contain sensitive information that could put United States security at risk. Fay just wants to live a normal life. She wants to get her brother Simon Grimm (James Urbaniak), a famous poet who used to be a garbage man, out of prison so he can help her raise Ned. That opportunity comes in the form of Agent Fulbright (Jeff Goldblum) who sends her to France to find Henry’s notebooks and bring them back to the United States.

The second movie is Broken English, written and directed by Zoe R. Cassavetes. It is a romantic dramedy about a thirty-something woman named Nora Wilder (Parker Posy) who has never been lucky in love. She is a college educated woman working as a manager at a New York City boutique hotel and does her job well. But she feels she is stuck in her position and that her life is going nowhere. She successfully put her ex-boyfriend Mark (Tim Guinne) and her best friend Audrey (Drea de Matteo) together but finds herself on an endless string of blind dates and dead ends. Her mother Vivien Wilder-Mann (Gena Rowlands, Zoe’s real-life mother) is always trying to set her up. One of her attempts is a man named Charlie Ross (Josh Hamilton) who is still clearly dating his girlfriend. Nora’s most recent dating disaster comes in the form of mohawk sporting film actor Nick Gabel (Justin Theroux) who is one of the regular guests at her hotel. After things quickly go south, she ends up going to a Fourth of July party thrown by her friend Glen (Michael Panes) where she reluctantly meets a younger French man named Julien (Melvil Poupaud) who might be the one to change her life.

Halloween

October 30, 2025 ~ gigicatchesair ~ Leave a comment

Good afternoon. It is I Gigi the parti poodle here to wish you a Happy Halloween and introduce our blog. I must say this week was far more pleasant than last. I took a trip in fact. My novelist and I went to visit relatives. I love visiting relatives because I am adored there from the time I enter the room. It is always a warm and pleasant place, like a good book. My novelist went out to do grocery shopping after we arrived, and I was able to lie on a lovely couch in a nice cozy room and chat. I don’t know if they understood what I said to them, but it was a lovely chat just the same. After we came back this week, I had the extra delight of my novelist getting her Covid and Flu shots. It is always good to see her in a little pain after she puts me through Dental Day.

With the advent of Halloween, I do feel a chill in my pompom tail. Little strangers in peculiar fashion challenged outfits will soon be knocking at my door and demanding treats. This means I will be doing a great deal of barking to reprimand them for invading my privacy and taking treats without doing tricks. My novelist loves giving these strange creatures treats. I find this peculiar behavior appalling and quite frankly heartless as I must work to earn my treats. They merely ring the doorbell and are rewarded. An absolute disgrace. At least my novelist does not require me to wear a costume. How gauche would that be? Anyhow, I hope everyone has a delightful Halloween and until next week I bid you adieu.

MY BOOKS

**STREAM OF THE WEEK: WEAPONS (2025)-HBO MAX**

Rounding out our Halloween movie picks is this week’s choice, a thriller with an unusual twist. The tale was written and directed by Zach Cragger and is told from different points of view throughout the story, creating a smart and riveting atmosphere.

One night at exactly 2:17AM, seventeen kids who all hail from one classroom burst out of their houses with their arms pointed down like airplane wings and ran away, disappearing into the night. All save one: the eighteenth student Alex Lilly (Cary Christopher). Alex is a quiet and unassuming boy, who sits at the back of the classroom by himself. While other kids run to catch the bus or get to class, he walks slowly to wherever he is going. The town, of course, blames the teacher Ms. Justine Gandy (Julia Garner) for the children’s disappearances. Especially Archer Graff (Josh Brolin) whose son Matthew (Luke Speakman) is one of the missing children. He claims Justine is a witch. Marcus Miller, the principal, has Justine take a forced leave of absence until things settle down. In the meantime, Archer decides to conduct his own investigation

Justine goes against Marcus’s wishes and attempts to conduct her investigation as well. She starts by going to Alex’s house in hopes of talking to the boy and his parents. Meantime, she finds some solace with a policeman named Paul (Alden Ehrenreich) who is not exactly a perfect guy. Paul has a run in with a local drug addict named James (Austin Abrams) who may have answers to where the children have gone.

Also featured are Scarlett Sher as the narrator and Amy Madigan as Aunt Gladys.

Dental Day

October 23, 2025 ~ gigicatchesair ~ Leave a comment

Good morning. It is I Gigi the parti poodle here to introduce my blog. Let me tell you this has been a most harrowing week. Every year the most hostile of events happens: Dental Day. Dental Day is where I am suddenly snatched off my novelist’s comfortable mattress at some unholy morning hour, put in my novelist’s car, forced to hear her growl and literally scream at traffic whilst I am driven in terror to the vet’s. Whilst there, I am set on a cold hard counter while the nurse gives my novelist a breakdown of the procedure. This stranger then takes me out of my novelist’s arms into a dreadful back room where my gorgeous front leg is shaved, a needle is painfully stuck into it, and after a while everything slowly goes dark.

When I come to, the nurse who took me into the land of horrors, is enthusiastically petting me. I slowly realize I am incarcerated, lying on a towel in some sort of stark minimalist cage. I have no idea what has happened or where I’ve been and my mouth feels like a feral kitten was shoved inside. There is numbness in the back of my jaw. I can feel the film of some gel on my eyeballs of all places, and I can hardly keep my lids open. My novelist is nowhere to be found. I lie there, groggy, terrified, and alone. If that isn’t shocking enough, suddenly, a plastic tube I didn’t realize was shoved down my throat is pulled out. Half the day has somehow gone by.

Then somewhere, sometime later, maybe in the midafternoon I am taken back to the room where it all began, and my novelist is there waiting for me. I have no idea how to respond. The creaky whining sounds I make seem foreign and I am confused. I just want her to hold me and get me out of this prison. She carries me as…Him pays them, pays them, mind you, for torturing me! My novelist carries me out to the car and sets me on a blanket on her lap. She holds me till we get home. She is most gingerly with me, no longer the maniac who screamed and yelled at traffic that morning. After we get out of the car, I retire to the office and collapse on my pillow near the window. I stay there most of the day sad, groggy, confused and in pain. I refuse to eat, refuse to leave the office until bedtime when my novelist puts me on the bed, opens my mouth and injects some sort of liquid between my teeth and I find some sort of relief from the pain and fall asleep. At least Dental Day is over for another 363 days. I shall try to forget about it for now and hope I am not emotionally traumatized. Until next week, I bid you adieu.

MY BOOKS

**STREAM OF THE WEEK: THE SUBSTANCE (2024)-HBO MAX**

Just in time for Halloween, this highly imaginative, highly innovative film is finally streaming on HBO Max. If you haven’t seen it yet, you really should. Inches from perfection this is a phenomenal tightly put together stunner of a movie that would have made Stanley Kubrick proud. Brilliantly and meticulously directed and written by Coralie Fargeat, had the third act starting with the moments after Sue’s bathroom scene up until its brilliant last shot been less over the top it would have been a masterpiece. Someone should have figured out at some point that this was no longer a horror film but rather a work of art and gone less for comical gruesomeness during the climax and more for a poignant message. Had that happened, it would have been the best film of the year and one of the best for years to come.

Exercise celebrity Elizabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore in a fearless well-deserved Oscar nominated and Golden Globe winning performance) is great at her job. Except that she has hit her fifties. Her producer Harvey (Dennis Quaid who is deliciously vicious here) wants a newer, younger star. He callously takes her to lunch on her birthday and fires her over a large bowl of shrimp. Understandably upset, Elizabeth gets into a car wreck shortly after and meets a young handsome Male Nurse (Robin Grier) who slips her a note in her coat pocket with a USB file for The Substance, a way to a younger better self. Skeptical at first, Elizabeth throws the drive into the trash. But upon finding out there is an audition for someone to take her place, she recovers the drive and decides to go through with it. She contacts The Substance (voiced by Yann Bean) who provides her with an address. Shortly after, she receives a small package in the mail. Inside is a keycard with a number on it in bold print.

Heading to a sketchy part of LA and into some sort of hidden doorway that only opens halfway, Elizabeth finds a rather modern small facility where a locker matching her keycard number has a package in it. She takes the package home, opens it and follows the instructions. This DNA kit leads to the birth, as it were, of Sue (Margret Qualley, in a stunning performance that for some inexplicable reason did not garner her a Supporting Actress Oscar nomination) a younger version of herself and from that point on, chaos begins.

The film rightly won an Oscar for Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling for Pierre Olivier Persin, Stéphanie Guillon, and Marilyne Scarselli.

An Experiment

October 16, 2025October 17, 2025 ~ gigicatchesair ~ Leave a comment

Good afternoon. Gigi the parti poodle here to introduce this week’s blog. For the past several days my novelist and I decided to conduct a small experiment. We wanted to know which types of MBTI personality types are most likely to write which types of genres. We thought it might help writers to know where their strengths lie. For instance, if you started off penning a comedy and suddenly hit a bout of writer’s block, could changing the genre or partnering the genre to something in your wheelhouse be of help? The idea came about when my novelist, who is taking a writing class in science fiction thought about a time in college when she remembered one of her literature professors who was teaching from the novel The Left-Hand Side of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin had mentioned that Sci-Fi writers were a niche group. My novelist, who had always thought this to be true, wanted to prove the theory. And so, she began looking up sci-fi writers and their corresponding personality types and started to see a distinct pattern. She then decided to pose the question to AI and came out with the same list as her save for one author. And that author was in the same quadrant as most of the other writers. And so, I proposed that we try this with all genres, and this was what we discovered:

Action: ESTP, ENTP, ISTP, INTJ, ESTJ

Dramas: ENFP, ISFJ, INFJ, INFP, ENFJ, ESFJ

Thriller: INTJ, ENTP, INFJ, ISTP

Horror: INFJ, INTJ, INFP, INTP, ISFP

Comedies: ENFP, ENTP, ESFP, INFJ

Romantic Comedies: ESFP, ENTP, ENFJ, ENFP, INFP

Fantasy: INTJ, INFP, INFJ, INTP, ISFP

Science Fiction: INTJ, INTP, ENTP, INFJ, INFP

Mysteries: INTJ, INFJ, ISTJ, INTP, ENTP

Broken down by type the list would look like this:

ESTJ: Action

ISTJ: Mysteries

ESFJ: Dramas

ISFJ: Dramas

ESTP: Action

ISTP: Action, Thriller

ESFP: Comedies, Romantic Comedies

ISFP: Horror, Fantasy

ENFP: Dramas, Comedies, Romantic Comedies

ENFJ: Dramas, Romantic Comedies

INFP: Dramas, Horror, Romantic Comedies, Fantasy

INFJ: Dramas, Thriller, Horror, Comedies, Fantasy, Mysteries

ENTJ:

ENTP: Action, Thriller, Comedies, Romantic Comedies, Science Fiction, Mysteries

INTJ: Action, Thriller, Horror, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Mysteries

INTP: Horror, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Mysteries

It bothered us greatly that no genre came up for the ENTJ. We thought this was odd. And so, we decided to also ask AI to give us a more in-depth answer for each personality. Here is what it came up with:

ESTJs—often called “The Executive” in MBTI theory—bring structure, clarity, and purpose to their writing. They tend to favor genres that reflect their values: tradition, leadership, and practical impact. Here’s a breakdown of the genres ESTJs often gravitate toward:

Genres ESTJs Often Write

• Historical Fiction: ESTJs appreciate order and legacy. They often write stories grounded in real events, emphasizing discipline, leadership, and moral clarity.

• Political Drama & Legal Fiction: With their strategic mindset and respect for systems, ESTJs excel at crafting narratives around governance, justice, and institutional conflict.

• Military Fiction & War Memoirs: Their affinity for hierarchy and duty makes them well-suited to stories of command, sacrifice, and tactical decision-making.

• Nonfiction (Leadership, Business, History): ESTJs often write to inform or instruct, especially on topics like management, civic duty, or historical analysis.

• Mystery & Procedural Crime: They enjoy logical problem-solving and structured storytelling, often favoring detective fiction with clear resolutions.

Why These Genres Fit ESTJs

• They value clarity, structure, and purpose in storytelling.

• ESTJs often write with a moral compass, emphasizing justice, tradition, and leadership.

• Their writing tends to be organized, direct, and impactful, often aiming to educate or uphold societal values.

If you’re crafting an ESTJ character or channeling their mindset in your own writing, think in terms of legacy, leadership, and logic.

ESFJs—often called “The Caregiver” or “The Provider”—bring warmth, empathy, and social insight to their writing. They’re drawn to genres that explore relationships, community, and emotional growth. Based on recent analyses, here’s a breakdown of genres ESFJs often gravitate toward:

Genres ESFJs Often Write

• Romance: ESFJs excel at capturing emotional nuance, interpersonal dynamics, and heartfelt connection. They often write stories that explore love, loyalty, and the complexities of relationships.

• Slice of Life & Contemporary Fiction: With their focus on everyday experiences and social harmony, ESFJs often write character-driven stories that reflect real-world challenges and triumphs.

• Young Adult (YA): ESFJs are drawn to coming-of-age narratives that emphasize friendship, identity, and emotional growth.

• Poetry: Their sensitivity to emotion and rhythm makes them natural poets, especially when expressing themes of love, loss, and beauty.

• Fantasy & Science Fiction (with emotional depth): While not always their primary genre, ESFJs may write speculative fiction that centers on relationships and moral dilemmas.

• Biographical & Inspirational Nonfiction: ESFJs often write to uplift and connect, sharing stories of resilience, kindness, and personal transformation.

Why These Genres Fit ESFJs

• They value emotional resonance, social connection, and uplifting themes.

• ESFJs often write with a strong moral compass, emphasizing empathy, loyalty, and community.

• Their stories tend to be accessible, heartfelt, and character-focused, often aiming to comfort or inspire.

ISTJs—often called “The Logistician” or “The Inspector”—bring discipline, structure, and realism to their writing. They tend to favor genres that reflect order, tradition, and logical progression. Based on recent insights, here’s a breakdown of genres ISTJs often gravitate toward:

Genres ISTJs Often Write

• Historical Fiction: ISTJs love accuracy and legacy. They often write stories grounded in real events, emphasizing tradition, duty, and moral clarity.

• Science Fiction (Structured & Realistic): They enjoy speculative worlds with consistent rules, especially those that explore technological systems, governance, or ethical dilemmas.

• Crime & Mystery: ISTJs excel at logical problem-solving and structured storytelling, often favoring detective fiction with clear resolutions.

• Drama: They may write emotionally grounded stories that explore family, responsibility, and societal roles.

• Dystopian Fiction: ISTJs are drawn to cautionary tales that explore the breakdown of systems and the consequences of disorder.

• Psychological Fiction: Their introspective side may lead them to write stories that explore internal conflict, trauma, or moral ambiguity.

• Nonfiction (History, Psychology, Law): ISTJs often write to inform or preserve knowledge, especially in areas that require precision and depth.

Why These Genres Fit ISTJs

• They value accuracy, structure, and realism in storytelling.

• ISTJs often write with a clear moral compass, emphasizing justice, responsibility, and perseverance.

• Their stories tend to be methodical, grounded, and purposeful, often aiming to educate or uphold societal values.

ISFJs—often called “The Defender” or “The Nurturer”—bring empathy, tradition, and emotional depth to their writing. They’re drawn to genres that reflect human connection, moral values, and the quiet strength of everyday life. Based on recent insights, here’s a breakdown of genres ISFJs often gravitate toward:

Genres ISFJs Often Write

• Historical Fiction: ISFJs love exploring the past, especially stories that honor legacy, family, and cultural continuity.

• Mystery & Cozy Crime: They enjoy structured storytelling with moral resolution, often favoring gentle mysteries over gritty thrillers.

• Fantasy (Character-Driven): ISFJs may write fantasy with strong emotional arcs, focusing on loyalty, friendship, and personal growth.

• Young Adult (YA): Their sensitivity and insight into emotional development make them natural YA writers, especially stories about identity, belonging, and resilience.

• Classic & Literary Fiction: ISFJs often admire and emulate timeless works that explore human nature, ethics, and quiet transformation.

• Psychological Fiction: Some ISFJs write introspective stories that explore mental health, trauma, and healing, often drawing from personal experience.

• Self-Help & Inspirational Nonfiction: Their nurturing nature often leads them to write books that comfort, guide, or uplift others.

Why These Genres Fit ISFJs

• They value emotional authenticity, moral clarity, and personal connection.

• ISFJs often write with gentle wisdom, focusing on healing, loyalty, and quiet courage.

• Their stories tend to be intimate, reflective, and deeply human, often spotlighting unsung heroes or everyday resilience.

ESTPs—often called “The Dynamo” or “The Entrepreneur”—bring a bold, action-oriented energy to their writing. They thrive on excitement, sensory detail, and fast-paced storytelling. Here’s a breakdown of the genres ESTPs often gravitate toward as writers:

Genres ESTPs Often Write

• Action & Adventure: ESTPs love adrenaline and movement. They often write stories packed with physical challenges, daring escapes, and high-stakes confrontations.

• Thrillers & Crime Fiction: Their sharp observational skills and love of tension make them natural at crafting suspenseful plots, especially those involving deception, chase scenes, or psychological manipulation.

• Romantic Comedy & Drama: ESTPs are charismatic and socially intuitive, which translates well into witty banter, flirtatious dynamics, and emotionally charged relationships.

• Urban Fantasy & Supernatural: They enjoy blending real-world grit with fantastical elements, especially when it allows for stylish combat, clever protagonists, and rule-breaking magic.

• Satire & Dark Humor: ESTPs often have a mischievous streak and enjoy poking fun at societal norms, authority figures, or pretentiousness through sharp, irreverent writing.

ESFPs—often called “The Entertainer” or “The Performer”—bring charisma, emotional vibrancy, and sensory richness to their writing. They’re drawn to genres that allow them to explore relationships, dramatic tension, and the thrill of the moment. Based on recent insights, here’s a breakdown of genres ESFPs often gravitate toward:

Genres ESFPs Often Write

• Romance: ESFPs excel at capturing chemistry, emotional highs and lows, and the drama of love. Their stories often feature passionate characters and dynamic relationships.

• Drama & Contemporary Fiction: They enjoy writing about real-life situations with emotional depth, especially stories that explore identity, friendship, and personal growth.

• Young Adult (YA): ESFPs are drawn to coming-of-age narratives filled with social dynamics, self-discovery, and vibrant emotional arcs.

• Fantasy (Character-Driven): While not always focused on world-building, ESFPs often write fantasy that centers on bold, expressive characters and magical experiences.

• Comedy & Satire: Their playful nature and social intuition make them great at writing humorous, witty, and socially observant stories.

• Memoir & Personal Essay: ESFPs often write from experience, sharing vivid stories that connect emotionally and inspire others.

Why These Genres Fit ESFPs

• They value emotional immediacy, sensory detail, and relatable characters.

• ESFPs often write with flair and spontaneity, favoring stories that entertain and connect.

• Their writing tends to be expressive, engaging, and socially attuned, often spotlighting personal transformation or relational drama.

ISTPs—often called “The Virtuoso” or “The Craftsman”—bring precision, pragmatism, and a love of mechanics and action to their writing. They tend to favor genres that allow for exploration, problem-solving, and physical or tactical engagement. Based on recent insights, here’s a breakdown of genres ISTPs often gravitate toward:

Genres ISTPs Often Write

• Action & Adventure: ISTPs thrive on movement and challenge. They often write stories featuring survival, exploration, or combat, with protagonists who rely on skill and instinct.

• Thrillers & Espionage: Their analytical minds and love of strategy make them natural at crafting suspenseful plots involving deception, puzzles, and tactical maneuvering.

• Science Fiction (Tech-Focused): ISTPs enjoy exploring how machines, systems, and innovations shape human experience—especially in gritty, realistic settings.

• Mystery & Detective Fiction: With their problem-solving mindset, ISTPs often write stories centered on logic, deduction, and uncovering hidden truths.

• Military Fiction & Tactical Drama: Their respect for skill, hierarchy, and precision often shows up in stories about elite units, covert missions, or battlefield strategy.

• Survival & Wilderness Fiction: ISTPs are drawn to stories where characters must rely on resourcefulness and physical prowess to overcome nature or isolation.

Why These Genres Fit ISTPs

• They favor hands-on protagonists who act decisively and solve problems under pressure.

• ISTPs write with clarity, realism, and technical accuracy, often avoiding emotional excess.

• Their stories often emphasize individualism, autonomy, and mastery—themes central to ISTP psychology.

ISFPs—often called “The Adventurer” or “The Artist”—bring sensitivity, aesthetic depth, and emotional authenticity to their writing. They’re drawn to genres that allow for personal expression, beauty, and introspection. Based on recent insights, here’s a breakdown of genres ISFPs often gravitate toward:

Genres ISFPs Often Write

• Poetry: ISFPs are deeply attuned to emotion and sensory detail, making them natural poets. Their work often explores love, nature, identity, and fleeting moments of beauty.

• Romance & Contemporary Fiction: They write emotionally rich stories that focus on relationships, personal growth, and the quiet drama of everyday life.

• Fantasy (Lyrical or Character-Driven): ISFPs may write fantasy that emphasizes wonder, emotional journeys, and symbolic landscapes rather than rigid world-building.

• Young Adult (YA): Their empathy and introspection make them well-suited to coming-of-age stories that explore identity, belonging, and emotional resilience.

• Memoir & Personal Essay: ISFPs often write from experience, sharing heartfelt reflections on life, love, and transformation.

• Artistic or Experimental Fiction: They enjoy pushing boundaries with form and style, often crafting stories that are visually or emotionally evocative.

Why These Genres Fit ISFPs

• They value authenticity, beauty, and emotional depth.

• ISFPs often write with a gentle, introspective voice, focusing on personal meaning and aesthetic experience.

• Their stories tend to be intimate, expressive, and quietly powerful, often spotlighting the inner lives of characters.

ENFJs—often called “The Protagonist” or “The Teacher”—bring passion, empathy, and visionary depth to their writing. They’re drawn to genres that explore human connection, transformation, and moral complexity. Based on recent insights, here’s a breakdown of genres ENFJs often gravitate toward:

Genres ENFJs Often Write

• Fantasy (Epic or Allegorical): ENFJs love crafting symbolic worlds that explore good vs. evil, personal growth, and societal transformation. Their stories often feature chosen-one arcs, moral dilemmas, and emotionally resonant journeys.

• Romance & Drama: With their emotional intelligence and insight into relationships, ENFJs often write stories that explore love, sacrifice, and interpersonal dynamics.

• Science Fiction (Social or Ethical): ENFJs may write speculative fiction that critiques society, explores future ethics, or imagines transformative change.

• Mystery & Psychological Fiction: They enjoy unraveling human motives and exploring inner conflict, especially when it leads to redemption or revelation.

• Classic & Literary Fiction: ENFJs are drawn to timeless themes of justice, identity, and human nature, often writing with philosophical depth.

• Biography & Inspirational Nonfiction: Their desire to uplift and guide others often leads them to write about real-life heroes, change-makers, or personal growth.

• Webtoons, Manga, and Comics: ENFJs often enjoy visual storytelling that blends emotion, action, and character development.

Why These Genres Fit ENFJs

• They value emotional depth, moral clarity, and transformational arcs.

• ENFJs often write with a visionary voice, aiming to inspire, connect, and elevate.

• Their stories tend to be character-driven, philosophically rich, and socially conscious.

ENFPs—often called “The Campaigner” or “The Visionary”—bring imagination, emotional depth, and boundless curiosity to their writing. They’re drawn to genres that allow them to explore ideas, challenge norms, and connect deeply with readers. Based on recent insights, here’s a breakdown of genres ENFPs often gravitate toward:

Genres ENFPs Often Write

• Fantasy (Whimsical or Philosophical): ENFPs love magical worlds that explore identity, morality, and transformation. Think The Alchemist or Harry Potter—stories that blend wonder with meaning.

• Young Adult (YA): Their empathy and idealism make them natural YA writers, especially stories about self-discovery, rebellion, and emotional growth.

• Science Fiction (Speculative or Social): ENFPs enjoy imagining future societies and technologies, especially when they challenge norms or explore human potential.

• Romance & Drama: With their emotional insight and love of connection, ENFPs often write stories that explore relationships, passion, and personal evolution.

• Adventure & Magical Realism: ENFPs are drawn to genre-bending tales that mix reality with fantasy, often with quirky characters and unpredictable journeys.

• Memoir & Personal Essay: Their introspective side often leads them to write about their own experiences, especially when it helps others feel seen or inspired.

Why These Genres Fit ENFPs

• They value authenticity, imagination, and emotional resonance.

• ENFPs often write with a playful, visionary voice, exploring what could be rather than what is.

• Their stories tend to be character-driven, philosophically rich, and emotionally vibrant.

INFJs—often called “The Advocate” or “The Mystic”—are deeply introspective, idealistic, and emotionally attuned. Their writing often reflects a desire to explore meaning, morality, and transformation. Based on recent insights, here’s a breakdown of genres INFJs often gravitate toward:

Genres INFJs Often Write

• Fantasy (Symbolic or Philosophical)

INFJs love crafting allegorical worlds that explore good vs. evil, destiny, and inner transformation. Their stories often feature chosen-one arcs, spiritual journeys, and moral dilemmas.

• Literary Fiction

They gravitate toward introspective, character-driven narratives that explore psychology, relationships, and existential themes.

• Science Fiction (Ethical or Visionary)

INFJs may write speculative fiction that critiques society, imagines utopias/dystopias, or explores consciousness and identity.

• Mystery & Psychological Fiction

With their love of hidden meanings and emotional depth, INFJs often write stories that unravel motives, trauma, and redemption.

• Memoir & Personal Essay

INFJs often write to process emotion and share insight, especially around healing, growth, and purpose.

• Poetry

Their sensitivity to language and symbolism makes them natural poets, especially when expressing themes of love, loss, and spiritual longing.

Why These Genres Fit INFJs

• They value depth, symbolism, and emotional truth.

• INFJs often write with a visionary, reflective voice, aiming to heal, inspire, or provoke thought.

• Their stories tend to be layered, philosophical, and emotionally resonant, often spotlighting transformation and inner conflict.

INFPs—often called “The Mediator” or “The Idealist”—bring emotional depth, imagination, and a strong sense of personal meaning to their writing. They’re drawn to genres that allow them to explore identity, morality, and transformation, often through lyrical prose and introspective characters. Here’s a breakdown of what INFPs often write:

Genres INFPs Often Gravitate Toward

• Fantasy (Mythic, Symbolic, or Whimsical)

INFPs love crafting magical worlds that reflect inner journeys, moral dilemmas, and archetypal themes. Think The Chronicles of Narnia or His Dark Materials—stories that blend wonder with philosophical depth.

• Young Adult (YA)

Their empathy and introspection make them natural YA writers, especially stories about self-discovery, emotional growth, and rebellion against conformity.

• Literary Fiction

INFPs often write character-driven narratives that explore existential questions, emotional nuance, and the beauty of everyday life.

• Poetry

With their sensitivity to language and emotion, INFPs frequently express themselves through poetry—often exploring themes of love, loss, nature, and longing.

• Memoir & Personal Essay

INFPs write to process and share their inner world, often crafting deeply personal reflections on identity, trauma, healing, or purpose.

• Magical Realism & Speculative Fiction

They enjoy blending the surreal with the real, using metaphor and symbolism to explore psychological or spiritual truths.

• Romance (Idealistic or Bittersweet)

INFPs often write love stories that emphasize emotional connection, authenticity, and the tension between fantasy and reality.

Why These Genres Fit INFPs

• They value authenticity, emotional resonance, and symbolic meaning.

• INFPs often write with a lyrical, introspective voice, aiming to connect, heal, or inspire.

• Their stories tend to be intimate, imaginative, and morally rich, often spotlighting transformation and inner conflict.

ENTJs—often called “Commanders” in MBTI theory—tend to gravitate toward genres that reflect their strategic minds, bold vision, and desire to influence systems or provoke thought. Based on recent insights, here are some genres ENTJs are often drawn to as writers:

Genres ENTJs Often Write

• Science Fiction & Dystopian: ENTJs are future-oriented and love exploring systems, power structures, and societal evolution. Sci-fi and dystopian genres let them build worlds that critique or reimagine political, technological, or corporate systems.

• Thrillers & Political Intrigue: With their love of strategy and high-stakes conflict, ENTJs often excel at writing tightly plotted thrillers, especially those involving espionage, leadership struggles, or corporate warfare.

• Historical Fiction: ENTJs appreciate the lessons of history and may enjoy reinterpreting pivotal moments through a modern lens, especially when leadership, revolution, or innovation is involved.

• Nonfiction (Leadership, Sociology, History): Many ENTJs channel their analytical strengths into nonfiction, especially works that explore leadership theory, social systems, or historical analysis.

• Fantasy with Political Depth: While not always drawn to whimsical fantasy, ENTJs often enjoy writing epic fantasy with complex political systems, power struggles, and moral ambiguity—think Game of Thrones over Harry Potter.

Why These Genres Fit ENTJs

• They allow ENTJs to explore power dynamics, challenge norms, and propose visionary alternatives.

• ENTJs enjoy structured storytelling with clear goals, rising tension, and decisive outcomes.

• They often write with a purpose—to persuade, provoke, or lead readers toward a new understanding.

ENTPs—often called “The Visionary” or “The Debater”—are imaginative, intellectually agile, and endlessly curious. They thrive on novelty, subversion, and pushing boundaries, which makes their writing bold, genre-bending, and idea-driven. Based on recent insights, here’s a breakdown of genres ENTPs often gravitate toward:

Genres ENTPs Often Write

• Speculative Fiction (Sci-Fi, Dystopian, Utopian)

ENTPs love exploring “what if” scenarios—alternate futures, radical technologies, or societal upheaval. Their stories often challenge norms and provoke thought.

• Satire & Dark Comedy

With their wit and irreverence, ENTPs excel at poking holes in institutions, ideologies, and social conventions. Think Catch-22 or American Psycho.

• Fantasy (Unconventional or Meta)

ENTPs enjoy twisting tropes, breaking the fourth wall, or creating chaotic magical systems that reflect philosophical or political ideas.

• Thriller & Conspiracy Fiction

Their love of complexity and layered plots makes them natural at crafting stories involving secrets, manipulation, and intellectual cat-and-mouse games.

• Philosophical Fiction

ENTPs often write stories that explore abstract ideas—identity, freedom, morality—through allegory or surrealism.

• Graphic Novels, Manga, and Experimental Formats

They’re drawn to hybrid forms that let them play with structure, visuals, and nonlinear storytelling.

• Nonfiction (Manifestos, Essays, Polemics)

ENTPs often write to challenge, persuade, or provoke—especially on topics like innovation, politics, or cultural critique.

Why These Genres Fit ENTPs

• They value intellectual stimulation, novelty, and subversion.

• ENTPs often write with a playful, provocative voice, aiming to entertain, challenge, and inspire.

• Their stories tend to be idea-driven, structurally inventive, and thematically bold.

INTJs—often called “The Mastermind” or “The Architect”—bring strategic depth, intellectual rigor, and visionary thinking to their writing. They gravitate toward genres that allow them to explore systems, ideologies, and transformation through tightly structured narratives. Based on recent insights, here’s a breakdown of genres INTJs often write:

Genres INTJs Often Gravitate Toward

• Science Fiction (Hard, Dystopian, Philosophical)

INTJs love exploring future systems, ethical dilemmas, and technological evolution. Their sci-fi often critiques society or imagines radical change.

• Fantasy (Epic or Political)

They enjoy building complex worlds with intricate power structures, moral ambiguity, and strategic conflict—think Mistborn or A Song of Ice and Fire.

• Thriller & Psychological Fiction

INTJs excel at crafting layered plots with intellectual tension, manipulation, and high-stakes decision-making.

• Philosophical & Literary Fiction

Their introspective side leads them to write stories that explore existential themes, identity, and the nature of truth.

• Historical Fiction

INTJs often write about pivotal moments in history, especially when they can analyze systems, leadership, or ideological shifts.

• Mystery & Crime

With their love of logic and deduction, INTJs often write cerebral mysteries with strategic pacing and minimal emotional excess.

• Nonfiction (Strategy, History, Psychology, Philosophy)

They frequently write to inform or persuade, especially on topics that require deep analysis and structured argument.

Why These Genres Fit INTJs

• They value intellectual depth, strategic complexity, and thematic precision.

• INTJs often write with a visionary, analytical voice, aiming to challenge, reveal, or reshape.

• Their stories tend to be idea-driven, tightly plotted, and morally layered, often spotlighting transformation through insight or power.

INTPs—often called “The Architect” or “The Thinker”—bring analytical depth, abstract imagination, and philosophical curiosity to their writing. They gravitate toward genres that allow them to explore ideas, challenge assumptions, and construct intricate systems or theories. Based on recent insights, here’s a breakdown of genres INTPs often write:

Genres INTPs Often Gravitate Toward

• Science Fiction (Hard, Philosophical, or Speculative)

INTPs love exploring futuristic technologies, alternate realities, and abstract concepts like consciousness, time, and identity. Their sci-fi often includes complex systems and thought experiments.

• Fantasy (Intellectual or Metaphysical)

They enjoy building intricate worlds with unique rules, often using magic or myth as metaphors for philosophical or psychological ideas.

• Philosophical Fiction

INTPs frequently write stories that explore existential questions, moral ambiguity, and the nature of truth, often through allegory or surrealism.

• Mystery & Psychological Thrillers

With their love of logic and deduction, INTPs often craft cerebral mysteries or thrillers that hinge on puzzles, secrets, and internal conflict.

• Literary Fiction

They gravitate toward introspective, idea-driven narratives that explore human nature, societal structures, or intellectual dilemmas.

• Nonfiction (Philosophy, Psychology, Science, Systems Theory)

INTPs often write to analyze or explain, especially in fields that reward deep thought and abstract reasoning.

• Experimental or Postmodern Fiction

Their love of breaking conventions and exploring meta-structures often leads them to write nonlinear, genre-defying works.

Why These Genres Fit INTPs

• They value intellectual depth, abstract exploration, and structural complexity.

• INTPs often write with a detached, analytical voice, aiming to provoke thought, reveal patterns, or challenge norms.

• Their stories tend to be idea-driven, layered, and unconventional, often spotlighting internal conflict or systemic critique.

We found these insights fascinating and hope sharing them with our readers was enlightening if not helpful. Until next week, I bid you adieu.

MY BOOKS

**STREAM OF THE WEEK: CITIZEN X (1995)-HBO MAX**

Of all the films HBO has produced, this is amongst their finest hours. The movie was released on HBO in 1995 to great critical acclaim and won a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy for Donald Sutherland’s fantastic supporting acting performance. In fact, I would say the film stands toe to toe with both The Silence of the Lambs and Memories of Murder. After watching the recent HBO film Mountainhead a couple of days earlier, it is heartbreaking to see how movies in general have severely declined in quality.

The movie is based on the book The Killer Department: Detective Viktor Burakov’s Eight-Year Hunt for the Most Savage Serial Killer in Russian History by Robert Cullen which is about one of the most notorious and prolific serial killers of the 20^th century. I wanted to choose a terrifying movie with the advent of Halloween coming on. And so, I chose one of the bloodiest, coldest, most calculating leviathans of them all: bureaucracy.

In the USSR in 1982, while workers are harvesting a collective farm, the body of a child is found. The body is taken into the morgue to be inspected by new forensic specialist, Viktor Burakov (Stephen Rae, who turns in a phenomenal performance that should have won him a Golden Globe and an Emmy and shockingly he wasn’t nominated for either). Burakov demands the police search the woods around the farm and they come back with seven other children’s bodies. Burakov realizes he has a vicious child molester and serial killer on his hands and goes to the members of the provincial committee for crime for help. But when he asks for computers, manpower and a press release to warn the public of the danger, they refuse. After all, to admit there is a serial killer in the USSR, is to admit they have a problem thought unique to the decadent western world. However, his commanding officer Col. Mikhail Fetisov (Donald Sutherland) the head of the provincial committee for crime knows Burakov is right. He promotes Burakov to detective and puts him in charge of the case. As there has never been a department of such in the USSR, it is named The Killer Department.

The tenacious Burakov works diligently on the case as more bodies of young people start to show up. He pleads and begs with the members of the provincial committee for crime to help him start watching the train stations where he believes the culprit picks up victims and takes them to the woods to kill, rape and mutilate. Burakov and Fetisov find themselves in a long, drawn-out fight to cut through red tape as they bring in psychiatrist Dr.Alexandr Bukhanovsky (Max von Sydow) to help them fight to bring down an elusive blood-thirsty monster. Rounding out the cast are Jeffrey DeMunn who is superb in his Emmy nominated roll here and Imelda Staunton who plays Burakov’s wife.