Have you seen anything good lately? Mr. Magpie and I always talk about how we’re living in the golden age of television thanks to the content scramble amongst various streaming services. We’ve come a long way from the set of Central Perk. The production value on so many of these series is unbelievable — it almost feels like an embarrassment of riches! I’m thinking specifically of that Hugh Grant and Nicole Kidman murder mystery miniseries on HBO, “The Undoing.” It watched like a proper Hollywood studio movie — glossy, gorgeous, with high caliber actors and incredibly written and produced plot twists. Shows like that have been coming hard and heavy for the past few years and thank God for them, as we’ve needed the distraction during the pandemic. Recently, Mr. Magpie and I watched “Sex Education,” which I want to be very careful about caveating (see next paragraph). It is a show ostensibly about the sex lives of teens in a rural part of England and yet it is really about building empathy, healthy relationships with yourself and others, and self-awareness. The writing — especially the design of the characters — is unbelievable. There were many bits that I paused and re-watched in wonder. These are the roundest characters I have ever encountered in a film or TV show. They are dynamic; they breathe; they surprise; they disappoint; they are complex and weird and human and at the end of the day they remind me that we are all striving for affection, and how tender-hearted and love-deserving that makes us. The only other texts that have left me feeling so deeply for its characters were Ann Patchett’s novels. She is a (the?) master of character study, and I still feel a pang when I think about Maeve and Danny from The Dutch House (more on that here) and Franny from Commonwealth (more on that here). “Sex Education” forges similar allegiances between the viewer and its characters — even ones we initially dislike! I still think of them and worry over them and have to remind myself that this is just a show. But what a tremendous feat, to inspire such loyalty and love in an audience. I also must note the acting is exquisite, especially Gillian Anderson (yes, Gillian Anderson!), who is a revelation in her role as a therapist and mother.
All that said, let me flag that there are many parts of the show that viewers will find explicit, challenging, and/or triggering, as it grapples — head on! — with sexual assault, abortion, mental health, LGBTQ+ struggles, infertility, fetishes, and more. There are also parts of the show that feel gratuitous and over-the-top, designed for shock value rather than substance (I think). Please proceed at your own caution!
Over the past year, I also enjoyed the second season of “Emily in Paris,” “Only Murders in the Building,” the Stanley Tucci food show, “Lupin,” “Mare of Easttown,” “White Lotus.” (These shows are not for everyone, so you might do some recon before launching in, especially the last two listed.) On my list to check out: “Dickinson” and “Nine Perfect Strangers” (did not care for the book but still game to try the show). We watched but were less impressed by the second season of “Ted Lasso” (so sad, as Season 1 was easily the best thing I watched earlier in the pandemic; the second season seemed to become too aware of its own Ted Lasso-ness and felt mawkish) and “Succession” has more or less run its course for us. We have not yet been able to get through all of the current-season episodes of “Succession” because it also has become too self-aware (especially in Kendall’s strange and stilted corporate speak) and too repetitive of the same family dynamic. We tried to watch “Squid Games” but weren’t into it? We are the outliers there, I know. And season three of Aziz Ansari’s “Master of None” was beautifully shot and artful but lacked the warmth and levity of previous seasons and just left us feeling depleted. (The first two seasons are among my absolute favorite things I’ve ever watched on TV!)
I feel less rosy on the movie front. I think the best film I watched last year (and we watched a lot!) was “Dune,” which took me by surprise, as I’m not normally into the fantasy/sci-fi genre. We had friends decry the movie as “preamble” — “nothing happened!” — but I felt the acting, the set design, the music, the pace, the suspense, the drama were all incredible. I can’t wait for the sequel. Otherwise, once I got beyond the hair in “The Last Duel” (no, really — Landon and I kept breaking into laughter about Ben Affleck’s horrific bleached blond hair, which reminded me of 1990s Sisqo?, and Matt Damon’s strange matted mullet-mutton chops pairing), I thought that was excellent, too. The narrative design was brilliant and well-positioned within the context of recent-year gender politics and the “me too” movement. The film is set in Medieval times and traces an apparently true story in which a knight challenged a squire (and former friend) to a duel after the squire was accused of raping the knight’s wife. The interesting thing about the movie is that it presents the same story from three different perspectives: the knight, the knight’s wife, and the squire. Perhaps most telling is that there is no disagreement in these stories that the knight’s wife was, in fact, raped. But the details and the embellishments and omissions are stirring and the movie unfolds brilliantly despite the fact that we are more or less watching the same story three times in a row. Jodie Cormer (the wife) was a breath of fresh air — I could not take my eyes from her! Trigger warning about the rape scene, which was difficult to watch once but even worse three times in a row.
Finally, I had high hopes for “The Power of the Dog,” which won Best Picture at the Golden Globes and is getting a lot of Oscar buzz, but I found it disappointing and confusing. The movie is set in 1925 Montana, when two ranchers meet a widow and her son during a cattle drive. One brother marries the widow and the other develops a strange, fraught relationship with the son. (Spoiler alert — if you intend to watch, please skip the rest of this paragraph.) Most of the praise I’ve seen of this movie seems to stem from its shocking ending, where the movie transforms from a psychological drama to a suspense/thriller. We spend 7/8ths of the movie wondering about the intense, homoerotic relationship between Phil and Peter, and then the rug is pulled from beneath us and the entire dynamic (both of the film and of the relationship between Phil and Peter) changes in an instant. From a technical standpoint, I agree that this is impressive sleight of hand. I was surprised. But, like, so what?! Is the point simply to defy genre and dazzle us with a surprise ending? If so, it feels like the first 7/8ths of the movie is an elaborate mis-direct with a lot of dangling loose ends. Why, for example, did we spend time during that strange scene where Kirsten Dunst and her new husband are dancing in a wheat field? I cannot for the life of me guess at the intent of that scene within the context of the ending, and almost feel that my time and empathy were wasted in the name of a shock finale? I also feel that the “twist” relies on the leanest, most improbably thin sequence of events. It almost felt like someone had read that anthrax came from diseased meat hide and then loosely thrown together an absurd chain of events that might enable a vindictive person to use that fact as a means to murder. So many strange circumstances had to happen for that outcome to be achieved (i.e., Peter had to be interested in animal dissection and then happen to come across the dead cattle, then Kirsten Dunst had to drunkenly give away hides by a random and unannounced visit — the only of its kind in the movie –, then Cumberbatch had to have an obsession with making rope AND had to have an open wound on his hand…). Ah! It felt clumsy and deliberate, as if we could see the strenuousness of the creative arc. Finally, there was a mismatch I felt, or a misfire, on the subject of masculinity and sexual orientation in this movie. The film seemed to suggest it would interrogate the myths and problems of the cowboy figure, and yet? We are left to assume that the motivation for Phil’s murder can be found in the film’s opening lines: “For what kind of man would I be if I did not help my mother? If I did not save her?” It felt like something was off when asking “what kind of man would I be” and dabbling with themes of masculinity and sexual orientation and then not taking that question anywhere at all and in fact reifying the classic “man protects woman” trope. I know I’m coming down hard on this movie and perhaps it’s a testament to the film’s unusual and genre-defying twists. But I left the movie feeling like I’d been taken for a ride, and not a fun one. I’d been asked to exercise the full gamut of my emotions to empathize with the characters and look for meaning, and then felt like someone yelled: “GOTCHA!” at the end.
Anyhow, that movie elicited some strong reactions from me and I’m anxious to watch something else. What’s on your list? What are you watching?
Post-Scripts.
+Loved your responses to this post on movies I can re-watch ad-finitum.
+Books that were helping me out of my reading slump, but have still not hoisted me all the way out…any new suggestions?
+How do you make time to read?
+Literary life raft and, related: footholds.
Shopping Break.
+This dress is right up my alley for everyday wear, with a pair of furlanes — love the fit and interesting pattern.
+Right now, all I want to wear is a simple tortoise headband.
+If you are looking for an inexpensive pillow insert, I have to encourage you to check out Pillowflex. I’ve actually had occasion to buy several different brands in euro sham size pillow inserts (FYI, buy a 28 x 28 pillow for a 26 x 26 sham — always size up so you get a fuller look) because we’ve moved our queen bed from the primary bedroom to the guest room and are setting up a makeshift extra bedroom in the basement level for guests at Mr. Magpie’s 40th Birthday Dinner this weekend. Anyhow, I have been a flurry of activity trying to get things sorted and ironed so our guests will be comfortable. This brand is the best for decorative pillow inserts — much fuller and better at holding shape than other brands of similar or lesser price. I wouldn’t recommend these for sleeping pillows (for that, we have been loving these for an inexpensive option for guest bedrooms and these and these for a more expensive, better quality option for every night use.). But for the decorative euro shams?! They are perfect! They look full, dramatic, plush. Love.
+On a related note, I have some of these hemmed shams for the Euro size pillows and they look fabulous though are a bit of a bear to iron because of that hem, which ends up wrinkling/flopping over quickly anyhow. But, I wanted some extra to complete the set-ups of the guest bedrooms and noticed that they were sold out in white! In a pinch, I ordered these super inexpensive, similar-style shams — $17 for a set of 2 (!) — and they truly look the same! They are probably not as soft or high quality and may not hold up as well, but again, I use the Euro shams more to style the bed than to sleep on, so this was an inexpensive, overnight fix and I was thrilled with results.
+I have such a soft spot for white blouses like this — adore the interesting details.
+Perfect card to have on hand the next time a friend shares good news!
+Just added one of these monogrammed LS polos to my cart for Hill. Perfect transition-to-spring find.
+This shearling coat is straight up fabulous. Also love the look of this one, which I’ve seen on many street style starlets.
+This gingham rug would be perfect in a nursery.
+This popular striped half-zip is on sale!
+S&L inspired lamp for $60!
+I know a lot of you loved this seagrass sorting basket — perfect for recycling paper or also organizing toys! When I saw this smaller divided basket, I thought of you, too. Good for even smaller toys/organization in a bathroom.
+I’m in love with this little watercress water jug and the radicchio version, too. I would use them to display cut flowers/herbs in our kitchen, or style on a shelf! Beyond adorable.
+PSA for my fellow moms with traditional clothing tastes for their LOs: Lil Cactus is currently available at Zulily (a flash deal site — free to join), and they have a great, unfussy gingham romper for a little boy. Hill had these in a few colors. Only $17! I found these were great if I knew he was going to get into something messy, like eating a popsicle or crawling through dirt/sand. If they get stained, less heartache! They also have a sweet bishop-style dress on offer for little ladies for $21 — a sweet and not-too-expensive option for Easter/spring affairs! I like the bigger scale ginghams in pink and blue!
+This ticking stripe quilt would be adorable in a little boy’s room and only $30! Could also double as beach/picnic blanket! Finish with these cute rope lamps! Would be so cute if you have boys sharing a room: to twin beds with one of these lamps for each boy! Maybe use these as side tables?!
+I can’t stop thinking about this wall art. It is SO good. I am seriously contemplating it for my office. I’ve always thought I’d want one of these by Paule Marrot…both would work well together actually. Ahh!
+Fresh kicks for your little man.
+Love the color and cut of these pants.
+This Moses baby basket is spendy but a thing of art. Doubles as room decor. Gorgeous!
I’m so thrilled to hear praise for Dune here! A lot of people find it strange, but my husband filled me in on the books’ history and that it’s essentially the precursor to what we know now as science fiction. After I had that context, the story made more sense and became even more impressive to me.
If you have any interest in movie scores (I’m a bit of a soundtrack nerd, but appreciate not everyone is), it’s worth watching the short “extra” on how Hans Zimmer created the music (also on HBOmax, I think). SO unique, so inventive, and helps you see why the music and sounds of the film grab and hold your attention as much as they do.
Oo this sounds fascinating! Thank you! I am actually intrigued by the topic of movie scores — Mr. Magpie and I were just saying how much they add to a film, and whenever we see a film has an original score, our estimate/appreciation of the film immediately doubles. Ha!
This is 100% not the point of your post, but since you mentioned Ann Patchett, have you read her latest book of essays? Came out last November, and it’s ~ glorious, ~ especially if you are already a fan of hers. Also – her bookstore (Parnassus) in Nashville is exquisite, if you are ever in the area. And their Instagram and literary newsletter (Musings) are how I have survived the last couple of years. 12/10, HIGHLY recommend.
Hi Joy! I have not yet read it but it is already on my Kindle. I think I’ll tackle that one next — thanks for the vote!! I absolutely love her!!
xx
I forgot to add a show earlier. HIGHLY recommend the BBC version of “Ghosts” which is about a couple that move in to an old house in the English countryside and the woman can see and hear all the ghosts in the house, but no one else can. CBS made a US version and it is not good but the BBC version is great.
Oo haven’t even heard of this! Thank you!
Seconding Station Eleven — just finished it and it is really sticking with me. I liked the book, mostly because of the messaging that art goes on after the world ends (it’s about life after a terrible pandemic, and I really appreciated the idea that the post-apocalypse isn’t all just cannibalism and rape), but I thought the show–just wow– a much more complex and feeling take on what art can do. Love love loved it.
Thank you for the upvote, Aileen! Definitely intrigued!
Want to give a late, 10/10 plug for Yellowjackets, which my husband (half-begrudgingly) and I (rapt) finished last night. Oh my lord what a show! Slices of it — traveling high school sports team, the clique-elision/wide net of these teams, the fraught intricacies of high school friendships—are familiar; the majority (surviving a plane crash in remote Canada, cannibalism, cults) is not. The cast, which is split into the ‘96 high schoolers and their present day (surviving) counterparts, is incredible and the new/old pairings are so completely right. It is…DARK. But very funny and enthralling and the scenery is a magic unto its own.
Catching up on blog posts over here and I CANT BELIEVE you’re the only person who recommended Yellowjackets! I agree with every word you said. You have to be in the mood for a dark show, but I loved it. Can’t wait for season 2.
!! So many great upvotes in the comments section! I have a lot of viewing to do…
Very intrigued by this! I saw it made a bunch of “best tv shows of 2021” lists! Thanks for sharing your thoughts here!
xx
Book Rec: ” Mary Jane” by: Jessica Anya Blau
I work at a small indie book store in MN and this has been one of my favorites to sell. Fun, you’ll laugh, and cry, but feel good after reading. Worth checking out!
Thank you so much! It sounds incredible and I love the idea of you enjoying its recommendation at your workplace!
xx
Oh, and we liked the realness of Lenox Hill. The New York hospital reality which was very good
It is totally crazy how few of the shows recommended in the comments section I’ve even heard of! Thank you and all other Magpies for the votes!
The Great, on hulu, is amazing! It’s a “sometimes” true story of the rise of Catherine the Great. It’s AMAZING. In some ways, reminds me of Circe in tv form, though of course totally different genres?
Oooo! You know I love Circe — thanks!
xx
I’m shocked noone has recommended two on Netflix which are both outstanding!
1. My Octopus Teacher – such a great show on the life of an octopus and you will be amazed at how smart they are and all the things you will learn in this movie! Fascinating. I know it doesn’t sound like it, but it really is good!
2. Penguin Town – a clever, witty, charming story of penguins. Very well written! Relaxing and enjoyable watch!
We have started Yellowstone twice and gave up both times, for several reasons. I want to sit down and enjoy a show and with Yellowstone I keep saying, who is that person? How do they fit into this? Got quite far the second attempt, but just really found it to be such an effort to try and understand who was who and what that part meant. I want enjoyment, not work. Love Kevin Costner, but not the rest. I’m probably the only person who couldn’t get through it! Plus it is a big time commitment!
Hi! I have heard such good things about the octopus movie — didn’t it win a few awards last year?? I have been meaning to watch. Thank you!!
I could not agree more about TYOTD. When I told my husband that it won best picture, he was stunned. I am shocked because I kept waiting for something to happen, and then the conclusion was just odd and a huge let down. It felt like a waste of 2 + hours of my life. Currently looking for a new great series to watch, so thank you for this. I’m pumped for Ozark to start and it sounds like I need to buy another streaming service to watch Yellowstone 😐
Thank you!! I’m relieved someone agreed here, as I have been baffled by its critical reception! I am now also curious about Ozark!! I did try Yellowstone but we didn’t find it as sticky as others. Now I’m wondering if I should revisit, though!
xx
Oh! And that are reminds me of an artist I’ve been following on insta for awhile, waiting to pull the trigger on a piece for our living room or dining areas…
http://www.marcycookart.com/collages
**art. I’ll take my second cup of coffee now, sheesh.
These are GORGEOUS!!! Thank you for introducing me!
xx
Re books: I just started Sea Wife (can’t remember if you’ve already read it), but I’m about 50 pages in and hooked by the writing style (dual narration) and constant subtle hints that something *bad* has happened.
Thank you so much for the book rec, Erica! Wrote it down! LMK what you think when you get to the end!
If you want something on the lighter side, try “The Kominsky Method” on Netflix with Michael Douglas. Another vote for “Yellowstone”, and we also enjoyed “Longmire” which originally aired several years ago but kept us on the edge of our seat. For detective/police drama, check out “Bosch” on Prime Video — we loved it!
My own selfish indulgence is “The Crown” – hubs isn’t interested but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it and find myself researching events/people on my own after watching.
Good luck! 🙂 xo H
Thank you so much, Heidi!! Love these upvotes; had not heard of “Bosch” before but that sounds fun/different from our normal viewing material!
xx
Books that have gotten me over a reading slump: The Idea Of You by Robinne Lee is so good I can’t recommend enough (even better if you go in blind!); I second TJR’s The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and her newest book Malibu Rising; A Sky Painted Gold by Laura Wood is a lovely lighter read.
Thank you so much for all of these! Many of you have rec’d the Lee book as a delicious escape in particular!! Thank you!
xx
Ditto The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo from another Rebecca! 🙂
Reading it right now and thoroughly enjoying.
I need to read this!
Have enjoyed so many of those on your list. A couple of recent TV favorites include Harlem and The Sex Lives of College Girls.
Hi Sofia! Adding both of these to my viewing list! I’m intrigued by the SLCG show because I LOVE MINDY KALING!
xx
We watched and loved the movie Coda on Apple+, have to disagree about the second season of Ted Lasso. I thought the characters became more complex and there was more conflict. I’m looking forward to season three. Always love your recommendations!
Hi Martha! Interesting point on Lasso — I appreciate the pushback as it prompted me to reflect a bit more. I do agree that the characters were more dynamic this season! Thank you so much for the Coda rec! Will check out for sure!
xx
My husband and I binged the full 4 seasons of Yellowstone over the holiday break and I feel like you and Landon would really enjoy this one too, especially because you’ve spent time in Montana! It has western Succession vibes. Some of the plots are over the top (especially as the series progresses) but Kevin Costner is an incredible anchor for a top-notch cast and the scenery is its own character. The first episode is 90 mins and occasionally moves a little slow but stick with it because it will suck you right in.
Another show I loved but watched on my own is Love Life, on HBO Max– it’s so cute and the first season will give you nostalgia for pre-covid NYC. (The second season is also excellent but incorporates the pandemic a bit so trigger warning for that!)
I did not really enjoy Nine Perfect Strangers- I had to force myself to finish it honestly. The cast was so incredible and I kept thinking they deserved better than this!
Upvote for Yellowstone! Can’t wait to start 1883, which is the prequel.
Hi! I hadn’t heard about the prequel situation — intriguing!! xx
Thank you, Gina! I need to revisit Yellowstone. We watched most of the first season back when it first came out and we didn’t find it as sticky as everyone else. I’m not sure why. Sometimes it’s just a lifestage thing; maybe we had a lot going on and just didn’t feel like it. I want to tune back in, though, because my parents have watched every season and are hooked.
Thanks for the “Love Life” upvote, too! That sounds right up my alley!
xx
Are you a Mindy Kaling fan? The recent watch that I think we’ve enjoyed most wholeheartedly was “Sex Lives of College Girls,” written by Kaling. The four main characters – college suite mates – were each dynamic and well-developed, with different issues and hurdles for their first semester of college. It was a fun show with depth and I think it handled important issues (not every issue it tackled, but many) with real nuance. I recommend!
I LOVE Mindy! Huge fangirl! I loved her recent series “Never Have I Ever” (!), “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” and have watched the Mindy Show at least two or three times from start to finish. Will for sure tune into this. I don’t know how I missed it! Thank you for the note!
xx
Two words: STATION ELEVEN. Hands down, the best show I’ve seen in years. I’d say it is worth reading the book it’s based on first, just because it’s also terrific, but it’s not a prerequisite for the show. Fair warning, it is heavy and emotional and I cried a lot, but at the same time, there is a certain gentleness to the show that makes you feel protected in a way. I could go on for ages, but I’ll stop there.
I tried to watch the Last Duel but stopped halfway through- I just felt like Matt and Ben never fully inhabited their characters and I was just watching Matt and Ben play Medieval dress-up the whole time. And Jodie Comer is such an incredible actress that it seemed like a waste to put her in a fairly one-note “wife” role.
Seconding Station Eleven! It reminded me of “Lost” a little bit. Parts of it are set in Chicago.
We also blew threw “Girls 5Eva” – Tina Fey produced – a comedy about a 90s girl pop group that reunites. Funny!
Whaaa — how did I not hear about the Tina Fey situation?! I’m a major fangirl of hers for many reasons, one of which is that she is a UVA grad like mah-self! :). I have daydreamed about meeting her at some point. Just writing that down here in case it helps manifest. Haha 🙂
Thank you!
xx
OO thanks for the Station Eleven upvote. Wow! High praise!
You know, I agree actually with you on the critique of The Last Duel. It wasn’t just the hair. Both of them felt superimposed into the film. It just didn’t all mesh/click well. I still think the structure was really interesting and Jodie riveting to watch.
xx
Station Eleven is a must watch! My husband and I both adored the book (though read it years ago, pre-Covid) and the TV adaptation was more than we expected it could be. I was so bummed when it was over!
Thank you for weighing in!!
We finally worked through Ozark in time for Season 4 to be launched this weekend, and I am so glad we did. The characters are SO INTERESTING.
By myself, a big fan of Insecure as well!
Current (wonderful) book: The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell
Thanks, Elizabeth! Lots of Ozark fans here!! I’ve never watched but want to try!
xx
Loved Insecure – such a great show especially since it’s also written, directed and Issa Rae also acts in it! I love her awkwardness and the last episode really got me in the feels. Highly recommend The Crown if you haven’t seen any of it! Amazing acting and production. I just finished reading The Paper Palace which I thought was very good but I know it’s polarizing? Also really enjoyed The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, it really kept me on my toes.
I really loved Insecure too–particularly the female relationships. I am looking forward to Bridgerton (surprisingly loved the first season, but unsure about a season focusing on the brother I hate) and Barry.
Hi Heidi – I’m also looking forward to Bridgerton. It was such an interesting source of controversy last year and there was some great conversation about it here on the blog, especially focusing on the non-consensual sex scene with the Duke (!). The costumes and set are so fantastic and I love the arch tone of the show in general.
xx
Thank you, Marcella! I hadn’t even heard of “Insecure”? So many good recs in the comments section! I am excited to dig into so many of these…
I started Paper Palace and thought the writing was strong. Then a friend mentioned what was going to come later in the book and I didn’t feel up to reading on that subject, so I put it down for the time being. May revisit as I have multiple other friends who raved about it!
xx
We appear to be in a wholesome tv place currently! Just watched season two first two episodes of the new All Creatures Great and Small. Also almost all the way through watching a show called Still Standing, which profiles struggling small Canadian towns and is part stand up comedy, part interviewing interesting local residents. Sounds super random but we like it! On the not so wholesome front, our fallback when we don’t have a lot of time or can’t decide on something is…The Challenge. Yes, formerly the Real World/Road Rules Challenge. *Embarrassed face emoji* There’s an entire channel devoted to it on Pluto tv so we just plug into whichever season (sometimes SUPER old ones) is playing and watch the train wreck for a while 🙂
I can’t remember if I’ve already recommended Apples Never Fall in the comments here already…but it was probably my favorite book of 2021. I listened to it so I could enjoy the Aussie accents. I know you mentioned you didn’t enjoy Nine Perfect Strangers, but this next Moriarity is MUCH better. More like some of her earlier works. I also recently enjoyed Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand (AMAZING story), Goodnight Beautiful, Small Things Like These (maybe save for next Christmas season?)
Hi! My parents recommended the “All Creatures” one and I’m curious to give that one a try. Sounds lovely. NO judgement on The Challenge! I wrote this below but please never feel you have to caveat! There is a place for everything!
Thanks also for the book rec; I know you mentioned enjoying the Aussie accents. I actually downloaded that one on audiobook on your previous rec but haven’t gotten to it. It’s so strange — in NYC, I was always listening to an audiobook. I found more occasions to listen then, whether walking around, doing dishes, ironing. Here I just haven’t gotten into a pattern yet! Thanks for the nudge.
xx
Oh! And thanks for the other books recs, too!! I always write them down!
xx
Haha, thanks for making this a safe space for my MTV guilty pleasures! Also thanks for your recent children’s book recommendations. We got The Wall in the Middle of the Book and The Digger and the Flower from the library and both were hits! Also got When Dinosaurs Came with Everything on another rec and it was cute, too, in case you have a dinosaur lover at your house 🙂
Oh yay! I love those books!! Adding the dinosaur one to my list!
xx
Same as the two of you, we enjoyed T. Lasso, the S. Tucci show in Italy, Lupin and The Undoing. By myself I watch Project Runway, Selling Sunset..(haha…I know…) and Say Yes to the Dress…old or new episodes, I never tire of it.
Hi Nancy! Twinning on a lot of these picks! No judgement whatsoever on SYTTD! We all have those comfort shows. A totally necessary category of enjoyment. Our comfort shows are The Office, House Hunters, Great British Baking Show, Queer Eye, and Seinfeld. Just so comforting to put on and relax to.
xx
Some great books that you won’t be able to put down (depending on your mood)
Cozy, historical fiction, perfect for a cold weekend read with a hint of mystery: The Lost Apothocary
Fun, fake lovers trope romance: The Devil Wears Black, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Bat sh**t crazy: The Push, Too Late (Huge trigger warning here, read authors note prior to reading) ,
Dark and Edgy: The Paper Palace, A Good Marriage
Next up for me: Thriller read: The Arrangement (Supposed to be great, can’t put down type of read)
I LOVE the wall art mentioned today. I want it badly, but a bit out of this teachers budget 🙂
thank you for all your content, ALWAYS look forward to reading!!
I am now neurotic about my stroller brake because of The Push. Haunting!!
Thank you SO much for these book recs, Diana! I actually immediately downloaded The Arrangement on your rec to take with me on a little getaway tomorrow without my children. Just what I was looking for 🙂
And thank you, truly, for the generous note! I’m so glad we’ve found one another!
xx