Spring Break Vibes for the Teachers

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

Y’all. We finally made it to Spring Break. Some of you may have already arrived at this blessed time of the year, but much of Kentucky is just now getting there.

I made a few things for my staff that I thought I’d share with you. This is all just fun, no productivity, no expectations, take some time off to recharge before the run to the end of the school year goodies.

Spring Break Vibes Playlist

Spring Break Escape Reads (Staff Edition)

Funny, Light, and Easy Wins

• The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams
  Absurd, fast, hilarious sci-fi. Zero effort, maximum payoff.

• Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers – Jesse Q. Sutanto
  Cozy mystery + chaotic grandma energy. Surprisingly wholesome.

• Guards! Guards! – Terry Pratchett
  Satirical fantasy that doesn’t take itself seriously (and you don’t have to either).

• Assistant to the Villain – Hannah Nicole Maehrer
  Workplace comedy… but your boss is an evil overlord.

Feel-Good Fiction

• Remarkably Bright Creatures – Shelby Van Pelt
  A grieving woman + a genius octopus. Sounds weird. Works perfectly.

• A Psalm for the Wild-Built – Becky Chambers
  Quiet, hopeful, philosophical without being heavy. Short and calming.

• The House in the Cerulean Sea – TJ Klune
  Pure comfort in book form. Like a warm blanket.

• The Flatshare – Beth O’Leary
  Clever, cozy rom-com without being cringeworthy.

Easy Page-Turners (Can’t Put Down)

• The Thursday Murder Club – Richard Osman
  Retirees solving murders. Surprisingly addictive.

• Dial A for Aunties
  Murder + wedding + family chaos = ridiculously fun.

• The Guest List – Lucy Foley
  Quick thriller, short chapters, very bingeable.

• Big Little Lies – Liane Moriarty
  Drama, secrets, and just enough mystery to keep you hooked.

Light Fantasy / Escapism

• Howl’s Moving Castle – Diana Wynne Jones
  Whimsical, magical, charming.

• The Lightning Thief – Rick Riordan
  Fast, funny, mythological adventure.

• Tress of the Emerald Sea – Brandon Sanderson
  Fairy-tale vibes, very readable even if you don’t “do fantasy.”

• Legends & Lattes – Travis Baldree
  An orc opens a coffee shop. That’s the plot. It works.

And, I can’t forget…

The Name of the Wind (You just knew this was gonna be on the list somewhere…)

Spring Break Binge: Hidden Gem TV Shows

“Why Have I Never Heard of This?” Tier

• Patriot
  Dark comedy + espionage + existential dread. Weird in the best way.

• Detectorists
  Two guys are metal detecting in the English countryside. That’s it—and it’s perfect.

• Mr Inbetween
  Half-hour episodes. Brutal, funny, insanely efficient storytelling.

• The Knick
  Early 1900s surgery + chaos + Clive Owen. Stylish and intense.

Smart but Still Addictive

• Severance
  Probably the smartest show that still feels bingeable. Creepy corporate sci-fi.

• Station Eleven
  Post-apocalyptic but… hopeful? Quietly brilliant.

• Devs
  Tech, determinism, and existential dread—but slow and hypnotic.

• Dark
  This one is complex—but once you’re in, you’re IN.

Easy, Funny, Comfort Binges

• Somebody Somewhere
  Low-key, heartfelt, very real. Sneaky good.

• Starstruck
  Messy dating + dry humor. Super bingeable.

• Taskmaster
  Absolute chaos. Perfect “brain off” TV.

• Better Off Ted
  Corporate satire that deserved way more love.

Fast, Addictive, “One More Episode” Shows

• Banshee
  Ridiculous premise, insanely watchable.

• The Lazarus Project
  Time-reset thriller that moves FAST.

• Evil
  X-Files vibes but modern—and actually creepy.

• Southland
  Gritty, realistic, overlooked for years despite strong reviews

Wildcards (But Trust Me)

• Legion
  Superhero show… if it were made by artists on another planet

• Made for Love
  Dark tech satire + relationship drama.

• Brand New Cherry Flavor
  Weird, gross, unforgettable.

• Years and Years
  Near-future dystopia that hits a little too close to home.

Spring Break Movie Escape List

Pure Fun (Easy, Entertaining, No Brain Drain)

• Game Night
  Way smarter than it has any right to be. Fast, funny, and chaotic.

• The Nice Guys
  Buddy comedy with sharp writing and ridiculous situations.

• Palm Springs
  Time-loop rom-com that never gets stale. Super bingeable.

• Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
  Pure adventure fun—feels like a great hangout session.

“One More Movie…” Thrillers

• Searching
  Entire story told through screens—shockingly gripping.

• The Invisible Man
  Tense, modern, and way better than expected.

• Run
  Lean, mean, and it keeps you locked in the whole time.

• A Simple Favor
  Stylish mystery with just enough humor to keep it fun.

Feel-Good (Without Being Corny)

• Chef
  Food, road trip, second chances. Just a good time.

• The Way Way Back
  Quiet coming-of-age story that lands perfectly.

• Sing Street
  Music, teenage dreams, and pure joy.

• The Peanut Butter Falcon
  Heartwarming without being cheesy.

Light Escapism / Indie Vibes

• Midnight in Paris
  Nostalgic, whimsical, easy to fall into.

• Hunt for the Wilderpeople
  Quirky, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt.

• The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
  Visually beautiful, quietly inspiring.

• Safety Not Guaranteed
  Offbeat and charming with just enough weird.

OK, that’s it. Go home. Relax. Don’t move from the couch one day. You deserve it.