The books, movies, tv shows and other perfectly archaic ways I'll be entertaining myself this month. This is a Tik Tok free zone.
I take pride in the fact that I know how to spell Tik Tok, yet do not engage in it. Makes me feel hoity-toity to be above all that drivel and more interested in the academic pursuits in life like reading and Instagram.
After last month's publishing of 12 things to read, watch & listen to I realized that this kind of thing is USELESS if you don't know what my tastes are.
So here's a quick review of things I DO and DO NOT like in no particular order.
Table of Contents
Love
Books
TV
Movies
Geek Love, A Prayer for Owen Meany, The Book of Negroes, Lonesome Dove, Middlesex, A Man Called Ove, Little House on the Prairie series
Shameless, Sex in the City, Doc Martin, Call the Midwife, anything with Chris O'Dowd, Please Like Me, Downton Abbey, VEEP
The Menu, Women Talking, Parasite, Jojo Rabbit, Sing Street, any horrible Hallmark Mystery Movie, The Princess Bride
Don't Love
Books
TV
Movies
Remains of the Day, A Gentleman in Moscow, self-help books, American Dirt, Where the Crawdads Sing
You, Game of Thrones, Grey's Anatomy, Fleabag, Westworld, Better Call Saul,
Titanic, Hamilton, Everything Everywhere All At Once, Banshees of Inisherin, Avatar, Deadpool, Where the Crawdads Sing (omgsoawful)
So now you know a tiny bit about my tastes, which like yours are probably all over the place and nonsensical.
Books
Currently Reading ... and LOVING. More than loving. I'm admiring it.
My plan was to read a different book next. Then reader Librarian Nancy alerted me to this book: Remarkably Bright Creatures. The tale of Tova, a widow who takes a night shift janitorial job at an aquarium after her husband dies.
There she befriends an imprisoned (his words) giant Pacific octopus named Marcellus who narrates parts of the story.
Stop rolling your eyes at a narrating octopus. I had the same reaction, but the chapters that are told through the eye of the octopus are the chapters I most look forward to now.
I'm not sure I've ever been so instantly enchanted with a book. I'm currently ⅓rd of the way through so I shouldn't officially recommend it but if you are a fan of literary fiction I think there's very little chance you'll feel anything but love for Remarkably Bright Creatures.
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow
Once There Were Wolves
The story of two childhood friends who develop video games.
★★★★★
A biologist releases 12 grey wolves into the Scottish highlands in an attempt to revive the ecosystem.
★★★☆☆
I'VE READ IT
I'VE READ IT
As you might remember I started this book last month. I finished it and loved it.
I never thought I'd say this about a book that's based on gamers and game developers but ...
I can now 100% recommend it.
A Christmas gift from Fish Pedicure, Once There Were Wolves is yes, about wolves.
The writing is beautiful and I always looked forward to cracking it open again at night but I would have been happier with the book if they'd just left it at wolves and the ecosystem. Instead they dilute that plot with romance and murder. Just gimme the wolves and the environment please.
But don't listen to me. Goodreads readers LOVE it. (4.2 stars from over 60,000 ratings)
Even with my complaints I wholeheartedly recommend it.
Horse
The Museum of Extraordinary Things
Lessons in Chemistry
WANT TO READ
WANT TO READ
WANT TO READ
HORSE was supposed to be the next book I read after Tomorrow & Tomorrow & Tomorrow. Instead I went with a reader recommended book.
I may be disappointed by this novel from Alice Hoffman because this genre is one of my favourites. Circus folk.
It'll be hard to beat my favourite, GEEK LOVE.
Set in 1960s California; Lessons In Chemistry is the brilliant, idiosyncratic and uplifting story of a female scientist whose career is derailed by the idea that a woman's place is in the home - something she most definitely does not believe - only to find herself the star of America's best-loved TV cooking show. (from Goodreads)
Movies
These are the two I've watched in the past month that I LOVED.
Women Talking
At the beginning of the pandemic I shared a video made by a grade 9 student about the effects of Covid isolation on mental health. The 15 year old girl who wrote, directed and acted in the video is the daughter of a television director I worked with a lot when I was a television host.
Two years later this Etobicoke School for the Performing Arts student is starring in a critically acclaimed, Academy Award nominated feature film. So how'd that happen?
That end-of-school project ended up getting millions of views on Youtube. It struck a chord with a lot of people - one of those people being Canadian director Sarah Polley.
In fact, Sarah Polley liked Liv's video so much they developed an online friendship which led to Sarah asking Liv is she would be interested in auditioning for a movie she was making.
Liv auditioned, and landed the role of Neitje in the award winning movie Women Talking about a group of ultraconservative Mennonite women who after years of physical, mental and sexual abuse by the men in their community finally decide to start talking about it.
Make time to watch this movie.
I have watched (or really, really tried to watch) all of the best picture nominations for 2023.
Women Talking is the one I'll remember in years to come.
We Have a Ghost
This is just a fun, ridiculous popcorn movie. It's no Ghostbusters but it's an easy and enjoyable watch.
Television
The Other Two
The Other Two, being the siblings of a newly manufactured child pop star. What happens when you're in your 20s and your 13 year old brother becomes the biggest thing since Justin Bieber? Hilarity, that's what.
Hacks
A legendary, but on the downslide, Vegas comic tries to reinvent her act to stay relevant. She is an absolutely and perfectly AWFUL human being. Which is always fun to watch. But the real reason to watch is for the character Kayla.
Poker Face
A new murder mystery every episode starring Natasha Lyonne as a woman who can instantly tell if someone is lying. I think I'd get bored with multiple seasons of this, but the first season was really good.
You can see the February list here.
As always add some of your recommendations below. It's also helpful if you include some other things you like or don't like.
In conclusion, yes, I really did hate Game of Thrones.
SJ
Love Hacks! Also everything Chris O'Dowd. Before Doc Martin, Martin Clunes in Mary & Washington. Undertaker uses a dating service who suggests he avoids revealing his job. Funny and sweet.
Karen
I wasn't aware of Mary & Washington, I'll look it up. LOVE Doc Martin, such a great supporting cast too. ~ karen!
SJ
"Unforgotten" and anything else with Nicola Walker; also "Criminal"
Angela
Resident Alien is soooo silly. Waiting for season 3.
brenna
Since you're down with the musings of octopuses (yes, I googled the correct plural for octopus) you should check out My Octopus Teacher on Netflix. It's a gorgeous documentary about an Octopus and his human friend. I'm not usually the emotional type but I got a little misty about this one.
Karen
LOL!! I started it when it first came out and then I just thought it was an almost ... uncomfortably closer relationship ... and I couldn't watch it anymore. I'll try again! ~ karen
Kat
Really? I was sure it was octopi...
I feel a little let down. Not enough pies in life as is...
Maria
WHAT?! No mention of Luther??? I know it just came out, but you’ve had 3 days! Have shared your love letter to him with MANY friends and family in anticipation of the movie!
Karen
Maria! I watched it Friday night! And it was good! But even WITH Idris, it isn't something I'd go recommending. Mainly I base my recommendations on this: Did I pause the movie or show before walking into the kitchen to get more chips. If the answer is no then I know it isn't spectacular enough to recommend. I'm very scientific about it. 😆 karen!
Lorie
Just re-read The Spoon Stealer by Canadian author Lesley Crewe. It’s absolutely delightful😀
Karen
I've just added it to my want to read list. Thanks! ~ karen
Marilyn Meagher
Chris o’Dowd 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕
Karen
SUCH a charmer. ~ karen!
Carrie
Karen If you like a dark comedy, try Bad Sisters!
Karen
My hairstylist recommnded that to me. She said I'd love it. A few people have told me that actually. I tried it but just didn't get into it. However, it's one of those that I've kept on hold because it could have just been my mood. I'll try it again. ~ karen!
Cindy Kay Marlow
The wait for my library's Lessons in Chemistry ebook is 289 people deep (estimated 151 days). It must be good, but I'm not that patient. I'll wait until it's a classic.
Karen
That's the worst. It makes your heart sink a little for every day you have to wait for a book from the library, lol. ~ karen!
Pat
I broke down and bought it. I should have waited, I don't get the hype there just wasn't much there IMO. I've discovered I seldom like books with colorful 60's advertising-look covers. I loved Geraldine Brooks' Horse and will read just about anything by Jane Smiley.
Stacey
Hi Karen, just to increase your anticipation for the read, "Lessons in Chemistry" was hands down the best book I've read so far this year. Thank you for the other recommendations!
Karen
Oh! That's exciting. PLUS I just had 2 books delivered to me courtesy of Simon and Schuster. So it's been a BIG book day around here. ~ karen!
marlies
karen, just when i think mondays are set in stone, your email arrives and opens a door to new books! thank you for your constant surprises!!
Karen
I'm shaking things up. Basically I'm a revolutionary. ;) ~ karen!
Librarian Nancy
Glad you’re enjoying Remarkably Bright Creatures. I loved The Night Circus as well and hated Where the Crawdads Sing. The Museum of Extraordinary Things is on my list! I am a book blogger and I do book reviews for a few publishers, as well as a librarian, so I’m always interested in others’ likes /dislikes.
Karen
My high school guidance counsellor determined I should be a Librarian. Blogger hadn't been invented yet. Remarkably Bright Creatures is so good. Thanks! ~ karen
Ann Randleas
I also felt it was a wonderful book, and enjoyed the octopuses story immensely. Have to disagree with you on Crawdads though. Loved the book! Horse was wonderful
Beth
To quote you, "ohmygod" I HATED Everything, Everywhere all at Once'. I think you had to be chemically altered at a high level (with the substance of your choice) to get through it. We tried twice. Beer did not help. That said, I loved your book recommendation George Washington Black. The audio version was great while working in my studio.
Thanks and I will check out your other books.
Karen
Oh good! It was a very interesting and different take on the subject matter. And so beautiful written. ~ karen!
Deb from Maryland
We are 99% aligned with our likes and dislikes. I am more into urban fantasy books then circus folk. I recommend the Darynda Jones Charlie Davidson series (urban fantasy), Louis Penny's Gamache series and Elly Griffiths' Ruth Galloway series (both mysteries). :)
Jeanne
Louise Penny's Gamache series are the best. I love all the quirky characters in Three Pines, and the relationships Inspector Gamache creates are so enjoyable.
Susan MacIsaac
I love 3 pines and the characters. I Could read Louise Penny all day, every day.
Sam
I’m SO glad to find someone else who hated GOT. I got about halfway thru the first audiobook before I realized that I actively hated nearly every character.
Karen
Nope you're not alone. It's the two of us. 😆 ~ karen!
Ei Con
‘The Museum of Extraordinary Things’ kindle download from (US) Amazon is on sale today (3/13) for $1.99.
Karen
EXCELLENT! ~ karen
KimW
I have to admit that I am an EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE stan....but I flippin' HATED the original AVATAR so bad that I deliberately skipped it in my "I Watch All The Best Picture Nominees" project this year (and I'm a MOVIE BLOGGER, y'all). So I'm with you on that, at least.
There is one asterisk there, though - I don't know if you also avoid Youtube along with Tik Tok, but there is a Youtube channel run by some guys at a visual effects studio in Los Angeles where they periodically have three guys watch through various movie clips and discuss the visual effects in them (good AND bad), discussing how they happened and were made. I have learned SO MUCH from them, and it's been fascinating; the very first video of theirs I learned was about the movie DUNE, where they picked a handful of scenes and compared them to the 1984 adaptation. I came away knowing a hell of a lot more about visual effects and how they're done today - and how much more of an achievement they were in the past before we had computers that could do stuff.
Deb from Maryland
Kim - what is the channel name? I would be very interested in watching. :)
Karen
It's funny because I could appreciate EEAAO and that it was visually amazing, I just didn't feel fulfilled in any way at the end. ~ karen!
Darlene
Loved The Night Circus...not so much the follow up.
Randy P
Thanks for sharing another small peek into the world that is Karen. I can honestly say that I agree and disagree with your chosen picks and pans of TV and movies. And that's a great thing to know and enjoy. It's part of what makes life interesting.
Erika
Where the Crawdads Sing is an awesome book. Did not watch the movie because I find the original book is always better.
Mona
I also loved Where the Crawdads Sing! The movie was great as well!
Debbie
I laughed at the Banshees of Inisherin on your hate list. I started watching thinking that I'd see the beautiful Irish landscape and had to turn it off! Couldn't put myself through that! One show you have to check out is Daisy Jones and the Six on Amazon Prime. I am loving it and solidly recommend.
Karen
Daisy Jones is on my list Debbie! I gave Banshees several, sincere attempts but ultimately just couldn't do it. ~ karen!