Lily Meyer’s Sunday Picks: The Sheep Detectives, Hold Steady & More

Lily Meyer, a staff writer at The Atlantic, shares her cultural recommendations in the latest edition of the publication’s Sunday culture newsletter. Meyer highlights a peaceful detective mystery, an upcoming art exhibition, and a range of books, songs, and artists that have left a lasting impression on her.

For a gentle yet captivating viewing experience, Meyer recommends the film *The Sheep Detectives*. Initially assuming it was aimed at children, she was pleasantly surprised by its thoughtful exploration of mortality and its engaging whodunit structure. Meyer expresses a desire for more films like it, in contrast to the film industry’s current focus on sequels and prequels.

One of Meyer’s most anticipated upcoming cultural events is the *Lee Krasner and Jackson Pollock* exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met) in New York City, opening this October. A longtime admirer of abstract expressionism, Meyer is particularly fascinated by Krasner’s career trajectory, which includes her work in Depression-era public art projects and her mosaics created in the Long Island home she shared with Pollock. The exhibition will also feature works by Pollock, but Meyer is most eager to see Krasner’s contributions.

Meyer also praises Greta Gerwig, an actor whose work she admires unreservedly. She cites *Frances Ha*, a film Gerwig co-wrote and starred in, as a touchstone from her post-college years. The bittersweet ode to female friendship resonated deeply with Meyer during a time of personal transition.

Among nonfiction works, Meyer highlights *The Romance of American Communism* by Vivian Gornick. The book delves into interviews with former members of the Communist Party USA, offering a poignant reflection on belief, belonging, and sacrifice. Gornick, who grew up in the working-class Jewish Bronx, provides a nuanced look at political engagement and its lasting emotional impact.

In the realm of translation, Meyer singles out Megan McDowell, whose work she consistently admires. McDowell has translated novels by prominent Latin American authors such as Mariana Enríquez, Samanta Schweblin, and Alejandro Zambra, showcasing her impeccable taste and flawless style.

For music, Meyer shares two contrasting favorites: the soft, melodic lament *"It’s Gonna Be Easy"* by Doug Sahm, a Texas outlaw-country singer, and the lively *"Waiting Room"* by Fugazi, the Washington, D.C.-based band. She also expresses her deep connection to the Hold Steady, a band she has followed since her teens, and whose live performances she describes as akin to a religious experience.

Literature remains a cornerstone of Meyer’s cultural engagement. She revisited Chang-rae Lee’s *Aloft*, a novel she cherished in high school, and was pleased to find it equally compelling as an adult. Among her recent reads, Barbara Trapido’s *Brother of the More Famous Jack* left a strong impression, evoking both tears and laughter with its sharp narrative and emotional depth.

Meyer’s toddler introduced her to *Chirri & Chirra*, a Japanese children’s book by Kaya Doi, translated by Yuki Kaneko. The story’s gentle adventure and forest concert have become a favorite in her household.

A recent essay by Spencer Kornhaber in *The Atlantic* about singer Lizzo also left an impression, particularly the concept of the "Khia Asylum," which he explored in his writing.

Lily Meyer’s recommendations reflect a blend of nostalgia, discovery, and deep appreciation for art in its many forms.

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