Don’t get caught out at your first party by admitting you’re not up-to-date with the classics. Here’s our must-do list of box sets and books to keep you cool
ESSENTIAL BOX SETS
Breaking BadTerminally ill chemistry teacher cooks crystal meth to provide for his family. It just gets better.
Twin PeaksDavid Lynchs trippy telly masterpiece is an early nineties classic. Who killed Laura Palmer? Find out for yourself.
The West WingWalking while talking in the White House. A must for anyone remotely interested in politics.
Mad MenClassy television following a classy-on-the-surface ad exec Don Draper in the 1950s into the 1960s. Don is grand, but its the Peggys and Joans we adore.
The SopranosIf you havent, you must. The drama of mob boss Tony Sopranos life makes for excellent, morally ambiguous telly.
The WireIf you havent seen it youre probably sick of hearing about it. Its all true. Do yourself a favour and become one of the devotees.
TremeNew Orleans, post Katrina. Its a classic.
Six Feet UnderEach episode opens with a death, appropriately enough for a drama about a family of undertakers.
ESSENTIAL BOOKS
4 ingredientsby Kim McCosker - Quick, simple and easy meals.
I lick my cheese and other notes from the frontline of flatsharingby Oonagh OHagan – Because you really should prepare yourself.
Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenanceby Robert Pirsig – Read it and get all philosophical about life man.
White Teethby Zadie Smith – She finished the novel in her final year at Cambridge. Not to make you feel inadequate or anything.
Bad Scienceby Ben Goldacre – Everyone should understand the basics of scientific research. This gem will give you plenty of ammo when someone starts spouting off about the latest developments according to the Daily Mail.
How to Be a Womanby Caitlin Moran – Read it and never, ever apologise for being a feminist again.
ESSENTIAL COLLEGE MOVIES
The Social Network– Watch and weep . . . . or get all inspired to become Zuckerberg 2.0.
Legally Blonde– Surprisingly funny this one about a blonde who charms her way into Harvard.
The Wonder Boys– An English professor with writers block in the middle of a personal and professional crisis.
Good Will Hunting- Genius janitor meets bereaved therapist. Growing and learning with MIT as a backdrop.
Higher Learning- Interesting take on race relations at a modern day university by Boyz in the Hood director John Singleton
