The Weekly Wow List: 2/13/26

Do you have some extra time off due to Presidents’ Weekend? Well, we’re here to help you fill it with another round of weekly staff picks!

A close-up portrait of a woman wearing a pink headscarf, with a colorful watercolor background featuring shades of blue and green.

Finding My Way: A Memoir by Malala Yousafzai

In her recently published memoir, Malala explores becoming an independent adult and finding her way (she obviously chose the perfect title) while going to college and joining the adult world. While she experiences universal struggles, she also has many that are compounded by her past experiences. Malala’s writing is smooth and enjoyable, and she does a wonderful job reading the audiobook herself. This memoir gives you a window into her life and how her past, her culture, her family, her stage of life, and the world, are all combining to inform the person she is today. I enjoyed listening and appreciated as she shared this information about her life, and was sad when the book ended. – Mary Ecklund

A lineup of colorful Muppet characters sitting on display, with columns and soft lighting in the background.

The Muppet Show

Is the new Muppet Show special dated and corny? Sure. Is it also winsome, funny, charming, and exactly what America needs right now? 100%. Musical guest Sabrina Carpenter proves an unsurprisingly good fit with everyone’s favorite felt-covered friends as they attempt to revive the variety show format they last used in 1981. Allegedly, if the folks at Disney consider this outing to be successful enough, it will be ordered to a full series. Fingers crossed that we get to raise the curtain on The Muppet Show many more times soon. – Sean Farrell

Close-up of a man with a beard and a hat, looking intently at the camera, with a blurred background of trees.

Train Dreams

Train Dreams, much like the Denis Johnson novella it was adapted from, is a somber story that really stays with you. The acting—especially Joel Edgerton as the central character, Robert Granier—is subtle but powerful, capturing the weight of a life shaped by isolation, loss, and moments of connection. The film moves at a thoughtful pace, and its tone fits the story well, creating an atmosphere that draws you in.

The subject matter is heavy, but the writing, acting, and cinematography come together to tell this complicated story beautifully. While it’s not a light film, Train Dreams is moving and memorable, especially for viewers who enjoy character-driven stories with strong performances. – Erin Brown

A bright, glowing white light emanating from a dark background, creating a gradient effect with shades of blue.

Cerulean by Danny L Harle

Hyperpop producer Danny L Harle continues putting out irresistible twee techno on his latest LP Cerulean. With guest vocalists Dua Lipa, Caroline Polachek, PinkPanteress, MNEK, Oklou, and Julia Michaels, he continues to evolve and refine the sound that made him famous amongst dance music lovers, crafting an album of pure pop pleasure. As much fun in headphones as it is blasting out of nightclub speakers, this is certain to rank among the year’s best electronic albums. – SF

A colorful animated character with large eyes and a green body, surrounded by a dark, misty environment with other characters in the background, creating a playful and vibrant scene.

High on Life 2

The sequel to the outrageous 2022 alien-invasion shooter promises more ridiculous fun. Fans of the original should have a blast, though detractors are unlikely to be swayed by the simplistic gameplay and crass humor, but if you count yourself among the former (as I do), get ready for several hours of enjoyable silliness. – SF