Read, Watch and Listen – April

It is time for me to share a variety of entertaining things that you might want to read, watch and listen to. This has been an incredibly busy month for me and so as we move into spring I need time to myself. Time to consume TV shows, books and podcasts.

I have got lots of TV shows on the go at the moment but some go faster than others. Maybe because they have different numbers of episodes or just because I get hooked on particular shows more than the rest.

With reading, I always like to have a couple of fiction novels on the go and a YA book, as well as a biography. For ages I was plodding along with my reading list but now I have reached the end of several at once.

As for podcasts, many of mine are only on for short seasons as they track TV series such as Bridgerton. Finding a positive podcast is always my mission and I think today’s suggestion delivers when it comes to this.

Read – What If It’s Us

Becky Albertelli is my favourite YA author and is closely followed by a couple of other greats, including Adam Silvera. Knowing that they wrote a book together, I simply had no choice but to delve into it.

An LGBTQ story flips between two characters and their take on things. Arthur is staying with his parents while his lawyer mum carries out a project in New York. Meanwhile, Ben is going to summer school to make up for some poor grades.

A chance encounter in a post office leaves them both wishing they had made a connection. Arthur tries to find a way to discover who the mysterious parcel guy is and the narrative takes on a journey of intrigue and romance.

As YA stories go, this is well told. Ben and Arthur alternate chapters so you can see their misconceptions and anxieties and you find yourself rooting for them to get together. Overall this is certainly a great YA fiction novel.

Watch – One Of Us Is Lying

After reading the first book in the series by Karen M McManus, I was thrilled to see Netflix making a series about it. Now, the second season is just as fulfilling. Telling the tale of a group of young adults thrown into a situation of bribery and murder, this story is exciting to watch.

Cooper, Addy, Bronwyn and Nate have a lot going on in their lives ever since Simon died during a detention they were all in. Now, in series two, it is Jake who is missing and eyes are firmly fixed on these four alongside Janae and Maeve. Maeve is the tech savvy sister of Bronwyn and comes in useful when trying to work out who is manipulating them.

‘Simon Says’ is texting people randomly with challenges to do. If they don’t do as requested, someone comes off worse for wear. Or maybe even dies.

I absolutely love this gripping series which reflects the adventure outlined in the book. These actors do a good job of convincing us that they are up to their necks in problems.

Listen to – Made With Love Podcast

I have just started listening to Tom Daley’s brand new podcast about things that people love doing. He begins by interviewing Shania Twain and talks about anything his guest is passionate about.

Tom switched his love of diving for a new hobby – knitting. He wanted to make a podcast that discusses positive subjects and so encourages a range of famous people to share why they love what they do.

In the episode with Greta Thunberg, she discusses why she loves activism. Her retelling how she journeyed to America by sea and came across many adversaries such as Donald Trump, is fascinating.

I think this podcast is going to continue to be uplifting and satisfying. Check it out if you are searching for something new to tune into.

Final Thoughts

So if you are looking for something fresh to read, watch and listen to, maybe have a search for one of my suggestions. I feel as though I have leaned towards YA products this time, but they are really good sources of content and you may find that they suitably grab your interest.

Please share your thoughts in the comments and consider following my blog for similar future blog posts. For another of my review posts, check out Read, Watch and Listen from February.