what i’m reading, watching and listening to: april

Over the past month, I have not done as much traveling as normal so I’ve taken this opportunity to dive into several great books, discover new podcasts, and have a few good Netflix binges. Here are some of the things that I’ve read, watched and listened to recently.

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READ
when life gives you lululemons, Lauren Weisberger

The Devil Wears Prada is one of those chick flicks that I could watch time and time again so when I spotted this book, which is part of the series, in the library, I decided to give it a chance and I’m so glad that I did.

When Life Gives You Lululemons features Emily (Miranda Priestly’s previous executive assistant) who has been working in Hollywood as an image consultant to the stars, but recently, Emily’s lost a few clients. When Karolina Hartwell, a gorgeous former supermodel, is arrested for a DUI, her fall from grace is merciless. In Karolina, Emily finds her comeback opportunity. But she quickly learns Greenwich is a world apart and that this comeback needs a team approach. So it is that Emily, the scorned Karolina, and their mutual friend Miriam, a powerful attorney turned stay-at-home suburban mom, band together to not only navigate the social land mines of suburban Greenwich but win back the hearts of the American public.

I was expecting this book to be an easy read but I did not expect to be as entertained as I was. This book actually made me laugh out loud. This is the perfect beach read.

Rating: 5/5

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READ
the great alone, Kristin Hannah

I was excited to read this book as soon as I spotted it in Barnes & Nobles a few months ago. Kristin Hannah is one of my favorite authors (I highly recommend Winter Garden as well) but what made me particularly excited about this book is that it’s set in Alaska, which is on the top of my list of dream vacation spots.

The Great Alone features Ernt Allbright, a former POW, who comes home from the Vietnam war a changed and volatile man. When he loses yet another job, he makes an impulsive decision: he will move his family north, to Alaska, where they will live off the grid in America’s last true frontier. Thirteen-year-old Leni, a girl coming of age in a tumultuous time, caught in the riptide of her parents’ passionate, stormy relationship, dares to hope that a new land will lead to a better future for her family.

Hannah’s ability to describe the different landscapes of Alaska were truly spectacular. I felt as though I was there, and could see the amazing beauty and harsh country.

There is also a powerful story here. Hannah dives into the human psyche, expressing thoughts and emotions with biting realism.

Rating: 4.5/5

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READ
all the light we cannot see, Anthony Doeer

I was hesitant to read this book at first. I have read so many books that take place during WWII that I’ve started to avoid them altogether.

All the Light We Cannot See tells the story of a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War II.

I decided to give this book a chance since it had received such high praise, and because quite frankly there were limited options the last time I stopped at the library. Overall, I am glad that I read it.

This book is beautifully written. The author is gifted at using words to paint pictures of what is going on throughout the story. I also enjoyed the fact that although it took place during World War II the focus was on different personalities, values, and responsibilities instead of the military activities in the war.

However, I think the book fails at storytelling. I found the author’s frequent jumps back and forth in the time period to be distracting. Now I think that a certain amount of time-shifting in a book can work, say if a character is thinking back to a previous time in their lives or to recall earlier events in the plot, but only if it adds to the storyline. But Doerr shifts from year to year for no apparent reason that couldn’t have been accomplished had the events been presented chronologically. The result is a book that is fragmented, difficult to follow and while incredibly well written and is visually impressive, doesn’t flow and impossible to extricate any sort of plot from. I found myself confused and flipping back and forth in an attempt to try and sync my understanding of the story with the timeframe and where the characters fit into both.

Rating: 3.5/5

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LISTEN
stuff you should know

I cannot recommend this podcast enough. I listen to it every night before going to sleep. The hosts, Josh and Chuck use this platform to educate people on common things and how they work. The show covers a variety of topics from the fields of science, history, urban legends, and pop culture.

Some of my favorite episodes include Alexander Hamilton: Most Influential American?, Navajo Code Talkers, Why There Aren’t So Many Hotel Fires Anymore, North Korea: What’s the Deal, and The Collar Bomb Heist.

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LISTEN

bobbycast

I recently discovered this podcast when one of my favorite singers, Jessie James Decker, was on the show. After listening to her episode, I fell into a rabbit hole and this podcast quickly became one of my favorites.

Bobbycast features in-depth interviews with songwriters, producers, and artists in Nashville that reveal the stories behind the biggest songs, candid anecdotes and personal stories. This podcast gives a behind the scenes look on Nashville’s music scene, and has given me a new perspective on country music overall. The host, Bobby Bones is an on-air radio personality, a past winner of Dancing with the Stars, and currently serves as a full-time mentor on American Idol.

Some of my favorite episodes include Trisha Yearwood Made More Money Singing Backups + First Tour Ever was Opening for Garth Brooks, The Inspiration Behind Famous Band Names, and Chris Stapleton.

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WATCH
green book

This is one of the best movies that I’ve seen in a long time. I loved this movie so much that I saw it twice in the movie theaters which is saying something because I hardly ever go to the movies.

Green Book tells the story of Dr. Don Shirley, a world-class African-American pianist, who is about to embark on a concert tour in the Deep South in 1962. In need of a driver and protection, Shirley recruits Tony Lip, a tough-talking bouncer from an Italian-American neighborhood in the Bronx. Despite their differences, the two men soon develop an unexpected bond while confronting racism and danger in an era of segregation.

If the sole purpose of watching this movie is to see Mahershala and Viggo’s performances then that is enough reason. However, I also think that it’s an unbelievably well written story. It balances a serious story in a dark time in American history with a charming sense of humor that somehow goes well together.

Rating: 5/5

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WATCH
you, available on Netflix

If you’re looking for your next binge worthy show, this is it. This show isn’t particularly good but it is so entertaining. So many things happen in the first three episodes alone that you come out of it feeling as though you’ve watched 100+ hours of television.

You tells the story of a male bookstore manager who crosses paths with an aspiring female write. A charming yet awkward crush becomes something sinister when the writer becomes the manager’s obsession. Using social media and the internet, he uses every tool at his disposal to become close to her, even going so far as to remove any obstacle –including people — that stands in his way of getting to her.

I’m already looking forward to the next season.

Rating: 4/5