Category: Podcast

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

A yacht plays a big part in season two.

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.

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.

Photo from my Apple Books library

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.