Bruce Handy

Book cover of Hollywood High. Text says, "Library Staff Recommendations Hollywood High: A Totally Epic, Way Opinionated History of Teen Movies by Bruce Handy Adult Nonfiction Journalist Bruce Handy takes a stab at documenting the chronology of the teen film industry. Beginning with the inception of the word "teen," Handy gives the reader an in-depth look into the roots of being a young adult in the history of the United States and how the demographic had its influence upon Hollywood. Each chapter is devoted to a different film: Mickey Rooney's Andy Hardy, Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon's Back to the Beach, James Dean's Rebel Without a Cause, and Molly Ringwald's Pretty in Pink all make an appearance. Handy's book reads as part essay/part gossip magazine with many behind-the-scenes facts relayed about each film. Movie enthusiasts will surely enjoy revisiting the films of their youth. - Nicole

The local library recommends Hollywood High: A Totally Epic, Way Opinionated History of Teen Movies by @brucehandy.bsky.social in their enewsletter.

Five favorite picture books The Interpreter/La Intérprete by Olivia Abtahi, illustrated by Monica Arnaldo (Kokila, 40 pages, ages 5-8). Cecilia has two jobs: being a kid and interpreting for her Spanish-speaking family. Blue …

A kid interpreter, a fox with a mystery, a chicken-dinosaur, a balloon tragedy with a happy ending, and a cranky Crow: five of my favorite picture books this year. @brucehandy.bsky.social @juliekuo.bsky.social kidsbookaday.com/2025/12/28/f...

Thanks so much for including Balloon!

The Re-Assemblage of Joseph Cornell Wes Anderson and Jasper Sharp teamed up to recreate the artist’s famous Flushing studio—only this time it’s at a Gagosian gallery in Paris.

From Flushing to Place Vendome: Wes Anderson and curator Jasper Sharp have exactingly recreated the artist Joseph Cornell’s basement Queens studio—part Santa’s workshop, part hoarder’s paradise—in Paris. I learned what went into making this massive, wonderful mess:

www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...

He could have bought so many friends with that money.

oh word

Aw, thanks so much! I hope your kids enjoy them. Working with Enchanted Lion is great.

Cool optics bro

Feliz! ❤️

Nice company for Balloon!

I wrote an op-ed about Bruce Springsteen’s breakthrough moment in the context of aspirational 1970s male rock stardom (I.e. what he meant to doofy normcore teenage boys like me)…

www.nytimes.com/2025/10/26/o...

I talked comedy and politics and cowardly networks with Dick Smothers.

www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...

Whoa, shit! 😳

Just caught this lovely “Briefly Noted” that ran in last week’s New Yorker. Thank you anonymous critic! The last line summarizes the book way better than I ever have.

So glad you’re liking it. It’s true I give Steig short shrift—even though Dr. De Soto is an all-time fave—but I hope to make up for that lapse with an upcoming project!

As bad as the Sphere Wizard of Oz might be it’s still impressive people are traveling to Las Vegas and paying $200 a ticket to see an 86 year old movie

LA gave the resistance “skateboarder🛹 dude”, DC added a “sub sandwich🥖launcher”!

Beautiful bit of wordsmithery by @brucehandy.bsky.social

Thanks!

Opinion | I’ll Have My Resistance on a Roll. Hold the Mayo.

I delve deeply into the sociopolitical symbolism of submarine sandwich throwing as protest…

www.nytimes.com/2025/08/31/o...

Trump’s Proposed Face-Lift for Federal Buildings What if the President practiced what he preaches when it comes to his own very classy holdings?

Reposting this in “honor” of White House’s proclamation on federal architecture.

www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...

It’s true! Mea culpa!

So glad you’re enjoying the book! It definitely has some holes,though, and that’s one.

@brucehandy.bsky.social's Hollywood High. Incisive look at pop culture through lens of teen movies. Serious, critical analysis. Underpinnings of teen life/psychology told in Handy’s signature voice: Humor w/reportage. Great read for pop culture, movie buffs, academics.
#popculture #teenmovies

Opinion | The Coldplay Concert Shame Is Something to Celebrate

Shame is a goid thing… says my wife. www.nytimes.com/2025/07/21/o...

It’s funny because it’s true.

Helen in the LA Times!

link.latimes.com/view/6532ace...

Opinion | Brad Pitt, Whom So Proudly We Hail

I have addressed a topic of national concern.

www.nytimes.com/2025/07/05/o...

Sadly, no, but she’s amazing and I do give the movie some props!

Ps: glad to find you here! I always enjoyed your posts on the late Twitter