Read, Watch and Listen (October edition)

It is finally Autumn and rusty leaves are beginning to fall gently from the orange and yellow trees. This morning I realised that I forgot to produce a ‘Read, Watch and Listen’ post in September so perhaps I will do a double whammy in October.

This is the monthly article where I share something great that I am reading, a brilliant TV show or movie and a fascinating podcast.

Let’s not waste time and get straight into it. Let me know if you have found any of my suggestions relevant or interesting.

Read ‘Endgame’ by Omid Scobie

Now I may have mentioned being given this book by my Mum for Christmas but I kind of started it and left it for a while as work annoyingly took over my life.

Having restarted reading it recently, it is well worth sharing how relevant this book is. Covering the Covid period, end of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign and tumultuous relationship between the Windsors and Sussexes, this book is interesting and insightful.

Omid used to be a royal reporter working from the palaces and touring with several of them. I was worried that he might be one-sided but, in fact, he is a combination of supportive and cutting. His book seems to look at controversial issues from both sides. He definitely doesn’t hold back any punches.

Watch ‘The Rings of Power’ on Amazon Prime

As the second series comes to an end, it is worth reflecting on this megalith of a TV programme which unpacks the early years of characters such as Gandalf and Galadriel.

In my opinion, when the first season came out the pace was weird and the story seemed clunky. As it reached the last few episodes, the writers seemed to get their stuff together and the narrative started to flow nicely.

The second series is far better. The writers’ room have drank some coffee and woken up to what we (the Tolkien lovers) want to see.

With Adar gathering Orcs and threatening the Eleven kingdom, Galadriel taking lots of risks and dwarf kings succumbing to the magic of one of the great rings, this season is spectacular and more rewarding for viewers.

With the growing threat of dark powers harnessed by Sauron and Gandalf wondering through the desert with two halflings, there is plenty going down.

I totally recommend giving The Rings Of Power a watch but you need to be invested as season one is harder to get your head around than the latest series, which is much much better.

Listen to ‘Scene Stealers’ Podcast

Recently I followed Tobias Turley after seeing him in Mamma Mia on the West End. I noticed he loved movies and was beginning a podcast with his TikTok mate Henry Calvert.

Stene Stealers Podcast

I thought it might be worth a listen because they both love film history and musical theatre. Each episode of Scene Stealers discusses movie, TV and theatre news. Last week they had interviews with the cast of the latest Marvel series, Agatha Again, for example.

Although it is in its early days, this podcast is blossoming and definitely one worth checking out. The two guys are humorous and knowledgeable, with great contacts in the business we call Show.

I suggest giving them a listen, especially if you like to know the latest entertainment news.

And Finally…

I really appreciate you reading about some of my latest TV, book and podcast recommendations. Perhaps you have a brilliant show that you would like to suggest in the comments.

Hopefully something on my list catches your attention and if not, then perhaps it would be worth looking at my previous lists:

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog.

Read, Watch and Listen (August)

It is finally August and the Summer is in full swing, thunderstorms and all. That means it must be time for me to share something I am enjoying reading, watching and listening to.

If you missed my last instalment, check this out:

Read, Watch and Listen (July)

Now, find out more about my recommendations for August.

Read ‘Our Missing Hearts’ by Celeste Ng

This book has had me riveted since I began it last week. It is all about a family torn apart by a law to protect America from cultural influences.

A boy called Bird (otherwise known as Noah) lost his Mum after she was involved in a protest against PACT. This law outlawed Chinese influence in the USA (I am no expert on this but there does appear to have been a PACT movement in the 1990s).

Bird lives with his father in University accommodation as they were harassed in their old home when Mum’s association was revealed.

Subtle messages on scraps of paper led Bird to start trying to find out where his Mum had gone.

I have not finished the novel yet but it is another success for Celeste Ng. Her style is fairly unique as she flips from past to present tense with ease. She is a clever writer who explores prejudice with a carefully plotted story.

I totally recommend checking out this wonderful book.

Watch ‘Those About To Die’ on Amazon Prime

I noticed this series was trending at Number One on Amazon and I wasn’t certain if it would interest me. Then, finding out that Anthony Hopkins starred as a Roman Emperor, I decided to watch an episode. I instantly loved it.

I am still early on in watching this series but I really like its pace, mix of gruesome and funny, and the grandeur of Ancient Rome.

It explores the sport of racing chariots at a stadium not unlike the Colosseum. Betting is involved and treachery as well as political volatility.

It is too soon for me to review in detail but it certainly has started strong.

‘Miss Me’ on BBC Sounds

I have probably mentioned this podcast before as I love listening to Miquita Oliver and her best friend – Lily Allen.

This week, David Harbour filled in for his wife (Lily) and it was hilarious. It always is.

The Meaty Drop is a weekly episode where they discuss things going on in the world and then Listen B&tch is a weekly Q and A. This week the topic for the questions was Lily Allen herself. I laughed as I heard her hubby and best friend answering a range of questions about her.

This podcast covers everything from race, politics, the entertainment industry, social media… The list goes on.

I totally recommend checking out Miss Me which is also available around the world, not just in Britain.

And Finally…

Thank you for taking the time to read my recommendations for a book, TV show and podcast to get hooked on in August.

Have you listened Miss Me yet?

Read, Watch and Listen (June)

After a week off from work, I should feel refreshed but I feel unusually worn out. Home renovations take a lot of energy. However, I am pleased to have made time to watch some TV, listen to a few podcasts and do some reading.

If you missed last month’s recommendations, check them out below:

Read, Watch and Listen (May)

Now here are my thoughts on a great book, satisfying TV show and informative podcast.

Read – The Fell by Sarah Moss

I may have mentioned this book before, back when I first bought it. It intrigued me because it focused on Covid times when lockdowns were happening.

The lead character wanted to explore the hilly countryside around her home but she stayed later than the curfew and her teenage son realised she was missing.

Despite being a practised hill walker, Kate was caught up in a blizzard and injured herself. Matt was worried and emergency services were called in.

Including viewpoints from an elderly neighbour and a rescue worker, this narrative is well told.

With short chapters and great storytelling techniques, this book is thought-provoking and satisfying to read.

Watch – The Idea Of You (Prime Video)

OK this isn’t a TV show but it is a movie available on Amazon Prime and not in cinemas, so it still counts.

Lately, the streaming platform has been coming up trumps with both brilliant TV series and self-made films.

‘The Idea Of You’ sees a 40 year old mother fall in love with a 24 year old lead singer of a band called Austin Moon.

Yes this is a Cougar film but I feel women are given a hard time for dating younger men while men date younger women all the time.

Anyway, it follows the development of a love affair which ends in lots of media criticism for Anne Hathaway’s character, Solene. Meanwhile the English singer, Hayes (played by Nicholas Galitzine) is teased by bandmates about his interest in a mother figure.

I was charmed but this production and can see why it got to Number 1 on the Prime Video chart.

Listen to Making The Cut Podcast

After six months away from the microphones, Davina McCall and her partner Michael Douglas are back with another fantastic run. This podcast has always been my favourite because it reviews so many useful things honestly.

For those of you unfamiliar with Davina, she presented Big Brother for eleven years, was originally an MTV host and now reunites long lost family members as well as judging the UK version of The Masked Singer.

Michael was her hair stylist for years and has a successful salon business as well as TV presence on leading shows such as This Morning on ITV.

The banter between these two is funny and captivating. I feel as though I am sat around a kitchen table with them, having a cup of tea and a natter.

And Finally…

Maybe one of my recommendations has grabbed your interest and you will try one of them out. I try my best to take a good example of a TV show (or movie), a book and a podcast (or soundtrack) each month for your consideration.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. Please consider following me for future similar content.