Lately, I’ve been consuming cultural products like an addict. The last time I remember getting this immersed in things, and wanting to absorb them all at one time was (literally) grade school. It’s nice, because it’s creatively inspiring. But it also means I’ve been a little antisocial, and haven’t done much of anything but write, play/watch/read, and occasionally go for a walk or to the gym.

In no particular order, this summer I’ve love love loved the following things:

• Flight of the Conchords (HBO) - A hilarious show about two New Zealanders in a novelty band who try to “make it” in New York. Prior to this, I didn’t believe that a musical could ever truly engage me. (No, not even the Buffy musical episodes convinced me, despite the hype from my friends.)
• Robin Hood (BBC) - Okay, this might be a little too cheesy for some, but I’m such a sucker for the rob from the rich, give to the poor message that I was ready to accept it. The casting’s odd. The actors who play Robin and Marian seem like they would be equally at home in a twee British band like Belle and Sebastian. But still… Yay!
• My So-Called Life (DVDs) - Never saw this show when it first aired in 1994, but I felt like I understood the genesis of some of my fav teen shows better after watching it. I’m positive Joss Whedon was influenced by it. All 19 episodes are gorgeous, sensitive, moving depictions of teen craziness and obsession.
• Civ4 + expansion packs, the most addictive game on earth - Like an ever-changing game of Risk. Ugh. Nuff said.
• Stephenie Meyer’s vampire/werewolf books - Wow. She has such a fluid writing style that you forget you’re reading. I inhaled each of the three books in the series in 5 hours each, although they are all 500+ pages.
• Phillip Pullman’s books (rereading them) - Not quite as amazing as I remembered them, but still pretty great. I’m really looking forward to the movies.
• Bryan Lee O’Malley’s Scott Pilgrim graphic novels (#1-3) - Uh, indie musician boy turned bumbling superhero has to defeat 7 evil ex-boyfriends in order to become ninja courier girl’s true love? Love the premise and the quirks, like the fact that his roommate is gay and they share a bed and one of the evil guys has special “vegan mind powers.” Plus it’s set in Toronto!

Maybe you are similar? What have you love love loved this summer? What book/movie/TV show/vid game surprised you?