On Our List brings you, the reader, a little mid-month excitement: a look into the reading and watching lists of the Girls in Capes staff members.  Check out what we’re reading and watching now:

“A couple of weeks ago, my boyfriend and I rented Star Trek: Into Darkness, and the movie was great, but something else caught our attention and it was the performance of Benedict Cumberbatch as Khan. Now where had I seen this guy before? All over the internet, actually, because he’s Sherlock in the much acclaimed and beloved BBC modern adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic. So I checked out the series, and now I am obsessed. Brilliant writing, amazing performances and story arcs that expertly link the novels with the modern world. I tried not becoming a rabid fangirl and failed. The show is simply amazing. I’m not a fan of the recent movie adaptations, but they have nothing on this series. Can’t recommend it enough.”

– Lorraine Acevedo Franqui, Staff Writer

“This month has been dedicated to my immersion in the Shakespearean classic story of death and destruction: from October 30-November 3 I will be performing in Miami University’s production of Macbeth.  In case you don’t know, Macbeth is Game of Thrones in Scotland (but then again, so are a lot of Shakespeare’s history plays). It shows the incredible psychological journey of a man seeking power not just for himself but for his wife.  What I love about this show is that the Macbeths are on an even footing, for the most part.  Though I play a lady Thane, I love getting to see the journey of the principal characters as they try to navigate between murders and warfare.  Since I’m in full swing of rehearsals, I don’t have time to do any other reading or binge watching, unfortunately.”

– Christina Casano, TV & Film Writer

“I wanted to wait until all of the episodes aired, but I must admit starting Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin) is possibly the best decision I’ve made this month. Swordfighting, crazy twists and turns, philosophical and ethical exploration – and that’s just in the first couple episodes. No anime has engaged me so intensely since I watched Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. It made such a huge impression, I bought the first two volumes of the manga.”

– Feliza Casano, Editor in Chief

“I just started reading Beauty Queens, a YA novel by Libba Bray. I’m only a few chapters in, so my commentary won’t be too involved, but trust me when I say that you need to read it immediately. Following an introduction from the novel’s suspiciously invested, oppressive Corporation, the novel chronicles an ever-dwindling melange of pageant contestants as they try to survive, stranded on a desert island after their plane crashes on its way to the competition. Beauty Queens is everything I never knew I needed in my life: think Drop Dead Gorgeous with the dark humor of Glee’s first 13 episodes (you know, back when it was good) and Lemony Snicket’s deliciously ghoulish narration, grounded through Lost‘s rich world-building. Translation? Pretty much the greatest thing ever, and, when you consider its incredibly diverse cast of characters – all with different social identities! – definitely the greatest thing ever.”

– Hannah Pingleton, LGBTQ Writer

“So, I finally checked out Gravity.  With gorgeous visuals and great acting, Gravity is an intense experience that keeps you guessing about what happens next.  While I can’t reveal much, I do love the message the film gives you: to accomplish things in your life, you need to let go of things that are holding you back.”

– Janelle Smith, TV & Film Writer

“If you’re not already watching Sleepy Hollow, you, my friend, are doing yourself a great disservice. I watched the pilot the night it aired and since then I’m always looking forward to Monday nights. Ichabod Crane (Tom Mison) as a man out of time is both endearing and fascinating, and local Sleepy Hollow lieutenant Abbie Mills (Nicole Beharie) is smart and strong-willed. Together, the two of them make a brilliant team to watch onscreen, and with the current plot unfolding the way it is, I know I’ll be watching with wide eyes and bated breath for the rest of the season.”

– Gabby Taub, Fantasy Reviewer