the read. watch. listen. list #1
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One thing I’ve always enjoyed chatting about with you over the years is what we’re all obsessed with. There’s so much out there that it’s always fun to see what’s caught someone’s fancy! I’ve been engrossed in quite a few things this month so I thought I’d share… and here you have it! The read. watch. listen. list…
*Trigger warning* One book I mention below discusses suicide and death. There are also discussions about counselling. If this is difficult for you, please proceed with caution, or feel free to skip entirely. Lots of love!
Reading
What You Are Looking for is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama
If you’re looking for a cozy book about the joy of books, this one is definitely it. I can’t stop thinking about it since I finished, and I’m wondering how long I have to wait before I can read it again (realistically I’d like to get through a few more in my TBR Pile before I do, but I’m tempted!). It’s got a similar vibe to Before The Coffee Gets Cold in that each chapter is focused on a different person, but they all end up at the same library though some circumstance or other.
Someday Maybe by Onyi Nwabineli
When you’re crying on public transport, it’s probably a sign that this book has moved you… and move me it did. The subject matter is heavy and quite dark at times but so beautifully written. This book was heavy but beautiful. The protagonist, Eve, is trying to cope with everything after her husband died by suicide. An angry mother-in-law, family members who don’t quite understand her pain and all the ups and downs that grief bring. I laughed, I cried, I felt every moment and I’m chomping at the bit to read Onyi’s next novel!
Yinka, Where is Your Huzband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn
I finished this book quite recently, and while it was entertaining, I didn’t totally love it. The premise was amusing and it was some good lighthearted fare, but the end felt a little rushed. I also guessed the ‘who’ pretty early on. Yinka has just learned that her cousin is engaged and she’s determined to find a date so her aunties will stop asking her when she’s getting married… but life never is that easy. Classic rom-com vibes and great if you’re after something easy.
Watching
Palm Royale (Apple TV)
They had me at Kristin Wigg to be honest, but the 60s fashion and the witty writing absolutely sold me on this show. It follows Maxine, a new-to-town woman looking to make her entrance into the upper echelons of Palm Beach society. There have been lots of twists and funny moments and Kristin Wigg is so annoyingly endearing that I can’t help but root for her. I have a sneaking suspicion that I know one of the twists that may come (I gasped out loud when my brain worked it out!) but I’ve been so entertained by all the drama!
Much Ado About Nothing (PBS)
When I lived in New York, I used to work at Shakespeare in the Park - recently a clip from one of their shows came up and I discovered the whole production had been filmed for PBS! So one Sunday evening, while I baked some lemon drizzle, I put my earphones on and watched it. What a laugh!
Mr. Malcolm’s List (Netflix)
Early 00’s rom-com meets the Regency era was not a combo I realised I needed until I watched this movie. Girl meets boy, boy rejects girl, girl gets her best friend to trick boy into falling in love. I have some vague recollection of seeing the adverts when it originally came out in 2022, but I missed the boat. Zawe Ashton was particularly delightful and it was lovely to see Frida Pinto back on my screen (where has she been?).
Listening
The Rest Is History
It all started with my husband and the Titanic… I’ve been obsessed pretty much since like 1992 (yes even before Kate and Leo!) so when my husband mentioned a podcast he liked had done a 6 part deep dive into the Titanic, I was curious. Reader, it did not disappoint! They took such a fascinating look at the landscape during which the ship’s disastrous voyage occurred; I learned lots of cool details I hadn’t been aware of before! I’ve also started delving into the back catalog a bit as well to see what else they’ve discussed!
Cowboy Carter by Beyonce
I was excited even before this album came out and it’s still getting airtime too. I’ve never been a huge country listener aside from Dolly Parton (I always have time for Dolly) but I loved how Bey wove in so much history and music appreciation. There were so many elements I really enjoyed. I think it’s fair to say that I enjoyed her music when she was hitting the pop charts but since she’s started doing more concept albums and experimentation (basically since Lemonade…), I’ve really become a fan.
The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology by Taylor Swift
It’s me, hi, I’m the Swiftie it’s me… and really, I’ve enjoyed listening to this album so far! There are some skips for me and some bops but I find it so interesting experiencing how Taylor’s artistry has changed. I’ve only really listened to TS since Red and even then, not religiously, but she’s taking over more and more of my brain space (and my WhatsApp - Jess, Michelle and Emily, I’m looking at you!) Am I seeing her Eras tour later this year? Sure am. Do I hope she adds a few TTPD tracks to the set list? Absolutely.
What’s on your read.watch.listen list this month? Tell me in the comments!