Read, Watch and Listen (November)

It is time for me to share some of my recommended reading, viewing and listening again. I think I actually forgot to write a Read, Watch and Listen post in October but I may just squeeze two in this month to make up for it.

This week I wanted to share an Apple TV Plus show that is in its third season and a new, fascinating Joanne Harris book. Also, I recommend a wonderful podcast about Bees and sustainability.

Read ‘Broken Light’ by Joanne Harris

As a big fan of Joanne Harris’ writing, it will come as no surprise that I am currently immersed in her latest novel. This one is about a middle aged woman experiencing the menopause. For her, the menopause goes hand in hand with a special power.

Joanne has a way of getting inside a character’s head in a way that we end up rooting for them. Bernie Moon, when hearing about the murder of a woman in her local park, unlocks a teenage memory that awakens her ability to shine a light on male aggression.

I am a third into this book but totally fascinated, as usual. It is hard for me to go into detail without giving too much away.

Suffice to say, check out a sample for yourself and see if it takes your fancy.

Watch ‘The Morning Show’ on Apple TV Plus

I always look forward to this epic show about two TV News anchors who have experienced working with exploitative men.

Now in its third season, Alex (Jennifer Aniston) and Bradley (Reese Witherspoon) are back with more drama. Alex now has an evening hard-hitting interview show and Bradley is presenting the early evening News. Bradley’s brother has a secret which could mean trouble for her and Alex develops a fondness for the billionaire who is buying the TV network.

Brilliant TV with a gripping storyline.

Listen to the ‘Queen Bees’ podcast

I may have mentioned this one before a while ago but it is still one of my favourites. Jane Horrocks (from Absolutely Fabulous) and Ester Coles (from Enola Holmes) talk about Bees and related subjects. They often have celebrity guests or experts on sustainability and nature join then for chats.

Jane and Ester lived together when they were students and often share a giggle. They discuss all sorts but generally their podcast relates to nature and ways to garden, keep bees and look after the environment.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully these three suggestions have interested you and you may consider checking one of them out. ‘The Morning Show‘ is gritty and comes in series of ten episodes. Broken Light is currently available in Hardback and on kindle. Queen Bees podcast is easy to access on all good podcast apps.

You may also want to check out Read, Watch and Listen (September) and consider following my little blog for similar future content.

The Morning Show – Hollywood But Satisfying

When you think about ‘The Morning Show’ you probably know that it was Apple TV Plus’s flagship show when they started streaming TV shows last year. Yes, it was massively hyped but I have nonetheless become a huge fan.

On a basic level, it was fun to see Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston reunite on screen. I hadn’t seen them together since Reese played Rachel’s manic sister in ‘Friends’. But there was more to the show than just these two screen legends. It was a programme packed with dilemmas and challenging topics.

This duo are full of energy, emotion and envy.

‘The Morning Show’ is about a big budget breakfast TV programme which is run by a fictional TV company in New York, called UBA. At the beginning of the first series we find Alex Levy (Jennifer Aniston) presenting alongside Mitch Kessler (Steve Carell) as part of an established anchor team. Quickly this apparently strong partnership is destroyed as it comes out that Mitch has mistreated several women.

Reese’s character is a rural reporter for a local TV channel and soon becomes popular with The Morning Show’s boss. As the Mitch drama opens the door to more complaints about male misconduct in the company, Bradley Jackson (Reese) gets her foot in the door of the TV breakfast show and starts to rattle things further.

I like the fact that Apple only release one episode a week, like in the old days. Currently the second season is bringing a new episode out every Friday and so far I am loving it. It really makes you think about workplace relationships and shines a light on some serious issues that we might otherwise turn our backs to. The script delivers every time and, even though it is fairly glamorous, it digs deep into modern attitudes and pressures.

If you have an Apple TV Plus membership then definitely check out ‘The Morning Show’ as it is gripping and covers lots of contemporary problems. Reese and Jennifer really do lead a talented cast as they act out some very difficult stories.

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