By Wisley Lau

Anime shows and analytical books, a weird combination of entertainment and enlightenment. 

TV shows for the discerning nerd

1. Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury

A delightful watch for both Gundam and non-Gundam fans alike. Witch From Mercury, or G-Witch for short, follows Suletta Mercury, a teenager who was transferred to the prestigious Asticassia School of Technology with a mysterious past with her “sister” Aerial, and a mobile suit that is definitely absolutely positively not a Gundam (which was outlawed years before)! Right after she arrived at school, Suletta met Miorine Rembran, an only child with a rebellious attitude towards his billionaire father, and in the course of the first episode, landed with the two got engaged! It’s a story filled with critiques of capitalism and war, mixed with sinister parental manipulation and a love story potentially brewing between the scenes. All episodes are uploaded to both Netflix and Youtube with Chinese and English subtitles, and plus, look out for the radio show that comes after the latest episode premieres!  

2. Spy X Family

Imagine world peace is only maintained by four family members: A father who is a master spy with many talents, a mother who works as a government official but operates as an assassin whenever needed, an adopted child who can read minds, and a dog who can foresee the future and was rescued from a terrorist plot. 

In the world of the Forgers, everything is an act when everyone is hiding their true identities from each other, but there is one thing that cannot be forged, and that is family love. 

As a comedic drama that anyone can relate to and enjoy, this show has shown widespread popularity through its print comic series and the anime TV show now in part two of its series. This show is a good boost for your relaxing weekend, and you can watch it on Netflix and Disney Plus with Chinese and English subtitles.

Books for the discerning nerd 

1. The Climate Book written by Greta Thunberg

Written by the famous Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, and co-written with the world’s best experts on the field, this climate book isn’t your average book about climate change. Filled with graphs and statistics to discuss the actual facts, combined with stunning photos depicting the effects of global warming, the book sends a clear message to readers on the severity of the issue and discusses the friction against fighting climate change. In the end, the book lands on a neutral message, so you can stay hopeful about solving climate change, but you have to earn it if you want to maintain it. 

2. Adrift By Scott Galloway

Are you a reader who falls asleep after reading five paragraphs of words? Do you get lost after finishing a chapter? Have no fear, because everybody can read this enlightening book on the United States. Compiled by Scott Galloway, an influential speaker and bestselling author, he presents the state of America, past and present, with 100 graphs. Every two pages, there is a graph accompanied by brief notes on what the graph represents. And when you read them together, they portray a single issue that has a lasting impact on the country. Whether you're an avid graph fan or just reading something to pass the time, this book is right for you!