Getting Married, Belgium Beers & Polynesian Music
Issue #99
Happy Tuesday,
And welcome to the Cultural Reads newsletter with book, music, and movie recommendations from around the world.
I have some more news, I got engaged last week! After almost stepping on the only venomous snake in the Netherlands, I got down on one knee and got a “yes!” This was the real reason I got the travel tripod, but of course I couldn’t let anyone know yet.
In this newsletter: Members Club, Books About Bookstores, Belgium Beers, Power of Women, Polynesian Music, South African Documentary & Mexican Videos.
🥳 Cultural Reads Members Club
After 4 years of writing Cultural Reads, I’m launching a paid segment.
Alongside the free newsletter, paid subscribers will get a biweekly deep-dive—like 11 Food Movies You Need to Watch—plus access to a growing member page with global music playlists, secret posts, the full archive, and more.
It’s $5/month or $50/year. That’s $1 per paid newsletter, not counting the extras.
I’ve got tons of ideas, but I’d love to hear yours too. Just tell me what you’d love to see—and I’ll make it happen.
📕 11 Books about Bookstores
Book lovers usually love bookstores.
So, what better setting for captivating novels than these magical spaces?
Discover these 11 intriguing books about bookstores.
🍺 The Best Belgium Beers
Belgium is famous for chocolates and waffles — but its real crown jewel? Beer.
In my opinion, the best in the world.
Belgians have been brewing (and drinking) beer for centuries. Back in 500–1500 AD, it was actually safer than drinking water.
Which beers stand out — and what stories do they tell?
Find out in this post about the best Belgium beers.
📗 The Power of Women (Worldwide)
There’s nothing better than finding a book that fits your passions perfectly — like The Power of Women.
Romanian photographer Mihaela Noroc travelled through over 60 countries, capturing not just stunning portraits, but also powerful lessons from the women she met — about hard work, resilience, survival, and finding joy and purpose.
📻 Vaiteani (Polynesia)
Every heard a song from Polynesia? If not, start here.
Vaiteani is a duo made up of Vaiteani, born and raised in Tahiti—an island deep in the South Pacific—and her French partner, Luc.
Their sound blends dreamy Polynesian folk with smooth pop and a touch of electro. It’s lush, hypnotic, and often sung in Tahitian. A true cross-cultural gem.
🎞️ !AITSA (South Africa)
In the South African Karoo desert, scientists have built the largest telescope in the world. But this desert is also home to the ancient Khomani San people, who have a deep spiritual connection to the sky and stars.
!AITSA beautifully weaves together the stories of the Khomani and the scientists, blending their unique perspectives on life and the universe. The desert, with its vast rocks and ancient drawings—some over 6,000 years old—could hold more than just art; they may be a spiritual map, a way for the Khomani to connect to life beyond our world.
The stunning visuals and exploration of existential questions left me mesmerized, and opened my eyes to a topic I knew little about. You can rent it here for $8.
📷 Mexico City Instagram
If you’d like some beautiful, artistic and soothing videos of Mexico city, exploring stores, colors, and neighborhoods, you have to check out Louie James’ Instagram profile.
Unclassifieds
Email me if you're interested in a free unclassified ad for your book, song, newsletter, article, or company. Commissions may be earned from the links in this post.
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So happy for you, guys! And sorry about the snake, but, as we say here in Brazil, "com emoção ou sem emoção?", i think com emoção is better hahaha
Congratulations, Thomas!