Read, Watch, Listen (February)

Every month I love to talk about what I had the chance to read, watch and listen to. Recommending books and TV shows or movies is a big part of what I do on my blog, Podcasts tend to be things that I listen to in the bath or when I am driving around. Hopefully, some of the things I review will make you interested enough to look them up.

Read: Dash and Lily by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

This third novella is following the same format as the first couple, where each chapter is told by Dash and Lily alternatively. I think I am right in saying that every Dash chapter is written by David and the Lily ones are penned by Rachel.

Dash has gone to university in England, studying at Oxford, while Lily has taken out a year to expand her dog walking business and doggie Instagram, which has become incredibly successful. To surprise him for Christmas, she has deserted her close family and flown to bed down on her cousin’s sofa in London.

The comforting references to English Christmas festivities and traditions are funny when described by these American teenagers. I really like them and the way that these two explore some of the typical aspects of Christmas and compare them to what happens in New York, which is their home.

What I especially like about these books is how intelligent Dash and Lily are and how thoughtful and reflective they seem. You hear their inner worries and pondering as they negotiate their relationship and wrestle with career options, dislocated families, and everyday stuff.

Watch Happy Valley

I came late to the party with this one. I overheard two friends talking about Happy Valley and they sounded so fascinated that I just had to check it out. First, I looked up the original series from 2014 and soon I was hooked.

It is very rare that I watch episodes of anything back-to-back but I viewed all three seasons in a fortnight. I was even able to watch the last ever episode when it came onto BBC One on Sunday evening.

Catherine is a mid-fifties police woman from Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire. Her daughter had been attacked by a manipulative Tommy-Lee Royce who ended up being the father of Catherine’s grandson. This gripping crime drama is a cleverly scripted piece of TV magic conjured up by writer Sally Wainwright. With a disturbed family at its heart, the narrative is fast and easily draws you in.

The characters are so interesting and realistic. Played by the impressive lead, Sarah Lancashire, her police sergeant is gritty and skilful. Her nemesis is played by James Norton and her sister by Siobhan Finneran (of Downton Abbey fame).

I don’t want to give anything away but this is a five star series which is so brilliantly written and acted. Definitely go and watch it from the beginning.

Listen to: Happy Place Podcast with Fern Cotton

I love dipping in and out of this podcast because it is full of positivity. Fern Cotton used to be a Radio One DJ and TV presenter but now spends a lot of time writing mental health books and making this fantastic podcast.

Recently I listened to an episode with Sara Cox and I have heard many celebrities discussing what makes them happy and how they stay motivated. Fern has such open conversations and is keen to share ways to build stronger mental health. I love it.

I am looking forward to the newest episodes which involve Joanna Lumley and Shania Twain. If you get the chance, have a listen to this brilliant podcast which is available on Spotify, Apple podcasts and all the usual providers.

Final Thoughts

I hope that I have managed to get you interested in one or more of these suggestions. Happy Valley is outstanding television and Dash and Lily is a brilliant YA book to unwind with. If you can’t find a good book to get into, you can count on Dash and Lily to cheer you up. Fern Cotton has a soothing podcast with bounding positivity to improve your mood.

Thank you for taking the time to read my article. For more TV reviews, check out Two TV Shows Worth Watching on my blog. You may also find my thoughts about House of the Dragon interesting. If you enjoyed my Read, Watch, Listen post then perhaps drop a comment or even follow my blog.

Read, Watch, Listen Again

Every now and then I love to share what I am currently reading and enjoying as well as something I am watching and listening to. As November looms, it may feel like the right time to snuggle up on the sofa with a good book or TV show. You may want a new podcast to zone into when you are going for a run or, like me, whilst having a bath. Or maybe you need something to send you to sleep. Here are my suggestions for things to read, watch, listen to if you are looking for stimulus.

If you missed my October instalment, it is here. Last time I mentioned the funny paramedic TV series, Bloods, as well as a very nostalgic book, The Former Boy Wonder. I also spoke about the Dragoncast podcast which accompanies House of the Dragon.

Read: Normal People by Sally Rooney

I am incredibly late to the party with this one. Having seen the BBC series, I wondered whether I would appreciate the book as much. It was a lot to live up to.

A rich Irish girl who is antisocial and oozes confidence alongside an intelligent yet rugged guy who has met his match. Hiding the fact that he is attracted to his mother’s employer’s daughter, we witness the intriguing story or Marianne and Connel unfold.

The book is amazing! I found it weird that Sally doesn’t use speech marks but soon got used to that style. I can absolutely see why people rave about her writing. It is fascinating how she shapes a story in short chapters which are insightful, captivating and built around social challenges.

Watch: The Watcher on Netflix

When I first came across the advert for this I was instantly attracted because of Jennifer Coolidge, who recently appeared in The White Lotus. Later on I found out that Ryan Murphy had scripted this series based on real life events. I had to watch it for those reasons.

When a couple moved out of New York to the suburbs and bought a dream home, they quickly found themselves freaked out by the neighbours and some unusual occurrences. A letter arrived which was threatening and overshadowing, signed by someone who called themselves ‘The Watcher’.

I am half way through and loving the mix of scares, comedy and general weirdness. I cannot predict who The Watcher is but I am having fun trying to identify this menacing character.

Listen to: Calm

I have been using the Calm app for quite some time as a way to ease myself to sleep at night. I heard about it from a friend and have found it full of so many soundscapes, stories and relaxation pieces.

Sometimes I play some light piano music or raindrop sounds while I sleep. Other times I hear great sleep stories told by brilliant readers like Tamara Levitt or celebrities like Kate Winslet and Harry Styles. I suggest trying a free trial and seeing what you think. OK so it isn’t quite a podcast but it is a fantastic resource for those of us who struggle to get to sleep.

I take a nap a few times a week while listening to one of the half an hour nap stories.

Putting It Together

I hope your Autumn started well. It is incredibly warm in England which is worrying as it is meant to be cool by now. Climate change is definitely messing with our weather. So my way of distracting myself is keeping busy with books, TV shows and podcasts. I would love to know your thoughts on those I suggested. Thank you for taking the time to read my post.

Read, Watch, Listen 4

Before I start my holiday I thought I would do one of my update posts regarding a good book, TV show and podcast that I am currently enjoying. I am a book lover and hoping to read a whole book in the next fortnight as well as reporting back on my travels around Europe.

It is worth noting that a few of us bloggers have clubbed together to start a monthly set of articles about greener living and widening knowledge about climate change. I will look forward to plenty of engagement with these posts as we need to start an open dialogue about tackling climate change.

Back to the books…

Five Tuesdays In Summer By Lily King

After impressing me with her brilliant ‘Writers and Lovers’ which I previously reviewed, I was intrigued to see her set of short stories being published and quickly snapped it up.

Although I am not far in, I already like the strong personalities coming through is these heartfelt stories. From a bookseller’s love for his employee to a widow escaping on a seaside holiday with her daughter, the settings are fairly varied and definitely intriguing. More to come on this later on.

Love Victor (Disney Plus)

I love Becky Albertalli’s books so it was no surprise that I have fell in love with this series on Disney Plus. In its third and final series, I was happy to see Steven Canals directing an episode too (the writer of Pose FX).

The brilliant Victor (played capably by Michael Cimino) has explored his sexuality in a sensitive way and the surrounding characters are fun, interesting and well acted. The soundtrack is cute and the whole feel of the show is supportive, entertaining and feel good. Produced by the actor who portrayed Simon in the ‘Love, Simon’ movie, Nick Robinson also pops up occasionally.

Making the Cut Podcast

Davina McCall and her partner, Michael Douglas, have presented this fascinating podcast ever since lockdowns began. They cover everything from TV shows to make up, fitness to theatre and comedy to travel.

They only mention things that they like so you won’t hear negative reviews here. I discovered Ted Lasso because of these two and their life hacks are useful indeed. Davina talks a lot about gut health and Michael gives great insights into history and documentaries.

I am a massive fan of this brilliant podcast and totally recommend checking it out. Their relationship is great and you feel like you are part of the conversation in every episode.

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