Just a few of the things I enjoyed immensely last month. Other than the bag of Frito corn chips I polished off this morning.
Because it's winter and you're stuck inside, it's dark out at like 3 o'clock and they're all the perfect accompaniment to flannel pajamas.
I try VERY very hard to download books from the library onto my Kobo (Libra) but sometimes waiting 2-28 weeks for a book I want to read seems torturous.
Yes, I've switched at least partly, to using an e-reader. I know. BOO. HISS. I made the switch when certain books I wanted to read were ONLY available as downloads.
After years of thinking of e-readers as miserable soul sucking inventions not unlike electronica or the office cubicle, I have not changed my position one bit.
I still prefer to read a book-book. I actually, genuinely enjoy the book more.
BUT the e-reader wins when it comes to reading while falling asleep because you can turn all the lights off in the bedroom and read by the glow of the plastic object.
Table of Contents
Books
Click the photo to buy or read a preview of the book
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow
The Vanishing Half
Black author
I'm about ¾s of the way through this book and I'm loving it. I liked, Zevin's previous novel The Storied Life of A J Fikry, but it was one of the few books where I actually, for some unknown reason, preferred the movie adaptation which is available to watch for free if you have Amazon Prime.
I knew this kind of thing happened but to read about it was amazing, alarming and eye opening.
Washington Black
Black author
The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo
Not your average slave trade book with some of the most perfectly crafted sentences I have ever read. Beautiful, beautiful writing.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo has a premise that I had NO interest in. But something compelled me to read it and I'm glad I did.
It's an easy read perfect for a night on the sofa or laying on the beach.
Horse
Pulitzer prize
I Have Some Questions For You
Pulitzer finalist
Go ahead and TRY to stop me from reading this. It's next on my list when I finish Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow.
Coming February 21st
I don't know when I'm going to read this. I just know that i am.
Movies
I'm more of a television show enjoyer than a movie enjoyer. But these movies I LOVED.
The Menu
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
Triangle of Sadness
Television
The Last of Us
I haven't watched this. It's my weekend plans. By all accounts (from snobby tv critics to regular folk) this adaptation of the Playstation video game The Last of Us is genius.
That 90's Show
I watched every episode - but mainly top see the cameos from the cast of the original That 70's show.
Loot
I love Maya Rudolph. If you do as well that's the only reason you need to watch Loot.
If you have recommendations leave them below in the comments because there is ZERO chance everyone is going to like everything I do.
And the more tv, movie and book recommendations the better. We still have a bit of winter ahead of us.
Juni
Is Peacock available where you are? I didn't want to get another streaming service, but Peacock harbors a couple of my favorite comfort sitcoms (Parks and Rec, and Brooklyn99), AND now they have Poker Face which I just started watching and LOVE.
I've been reading on a Kindle for years and years, and every once in a while, when I've picked up a physical book to read, I've found myself automatically trying to look up a word I'm not familiar with by tapping it. It doesn't work.
Katy K
I do that same thing...then I giggle at myself, then I get funny looks because if I'm reading a physical book, I"m usually in a waiting room. I actually prefer physical books, but the e-reader is convenient for reading in bed when one's husband can't stand the lights on...
Sheri
Glad to hear a thumbs up for Poker Face. I've loved pretty much everything I've watched with Natasha Lyonne in it. Even her SNL sketches were top notch! lol
Jennifer
I just finished the audio book of Women Talking by Miriam Toews. I wasn't sure what to expect, or if it would be really dark, but it is incredibly beautiful. It is narrated by August, the minute taker, and everything is from his perspective. I found it to be less about the attacks on the women than struggles with meaning, culture, and faith.
Karen
This is the one time I want to see the movie before I read the book. :) But my friend's daughter is part of the cast so I'm very excited to see it. ~ karen!
Anna
The movie is incredibly beautiful. And difficult. The performances are phenomenal.
Cindy
How cool! Looking forward to watching this young woman's career.
CJ
Book - The Forest of Vanishing Stars. Historically based with lots of fiction interwoven. Really good. Another book - Peace Like a River. My English major husband could tell you all about the anatomy physiology of these books, but for me, I don't care why they speak to me and often don't know why they speak to me, but they do.
Karen
Love historical fiction CJ. :) ~ karen!
Catherine Powers
I agree with literally everything-but Glass Onion was barely a shadow of the first film. I adored Triangle of Sadness and the Menu. I don’t know when you’d have the “free” time, but try and see Banshees of Inisherin. Thanks for your brilliant sense of humor, by the way!
Karen
Hi Catherine! I tried Banshees of Inisherin 3 times before I decided it just wasn't for me. And I might be the only person who preferred the Glass Onion. I know the first one was a better movie, but there was something about Glass Onion I loved. ~ karen!
Laura
Did you read Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau? That was a good one. Also, Nettle and Bone by T Kingfisher.
You hit a lot of my favorite reads here.
Karen
I'll have a look and add them to my never ending list, lol. ~ karen!
Leenie
I too got a KOBO. The kids give me lots Indigo cards, so I put the whole shebang on one and now I have way more books to read! A gift that keeps on giving (borrowing from the library) Plus I don't disturb the hubby when I read in bed.
Karen
It took me a LONG time to get used to it. I mean, genuinely it took me about 10 books before I could finally enjoy a book on it. ~ karen!
Linda Row
I really enjoyed Horse. I also read Fayne by Ann-Marie MacDonald. Excellent and with some surprising twists.
Karen
I like Ann-Marie MacDonald but I haven't read Fayne. I'll have a look. :) ~ karen!
Laura Parker
How did I not know she published another book? Thank you so much. I love her.
Baba
Karen, you must read Geraldine's book, "Year of Wonders: A Novel of the Plague". I have read the book six times and still consider the book one of my all time favorites and I have read all of her books. After each reading, I make a note about the time of year and what is going on with me, my husband and our children. Nothing in my life compares to the struggles of Anna Firth and for this I am thankful.
Laura
This is one of my favorites too!
Karen
Oh! Well that sounds like a recommendation I'd like to read. ~ karen!
Natalie Carmolli
I wish I could sit in a coffee shop with you and talk about your read-and-watch list! I have been on a kick of reading Pulitzer finalist books. I just finished Telephone by Percival Everett...amazing. I read two Geraldine Brooks novels last year; I'll have to put Horse on my list. I"m going to add your entire list to my library holds. (I got the e-reader argument, I've had two, but I do still love a physical book.) And yes, The Last of Us is genius, especially episode 3. Once you get to that episode, let yourself relax into it. It's worth it. I'll probably rewatch it so I can let my guard down and enjoy it more. Loot was so good, too, can't wait for the next season. Man, I wish we lived closer to each other or even in the same country, lol. Love your blog!
Karen
Thanks Natalie! Don't worry. Even people in my own country, my own town, can't peg me down for a coffee 😆. Especially once gardening season arrives. I was surprised by how much I liked Loot! But I could honestly watch Maya Rudolph do anything. ~ karen!
deb
Vir Das, comedy specials on Netflix. Looking for Jane - a book-book.
Karen
Thanks Deb! ~ karen
Lynn
I agree with you about real books vs reading something on your phone or tablet. I NEVER thought I would opt for downloaded books but one of the kids said I should look into our local library about downloading books and now I am hooked. LOTS of books that I don't want to buy but would still like to read. My book is always in my pocket to be taken out whenever needed. I still LOVE real books best but confine my purchases to authors I adore!
Cindy
The English, on Amazon Prime .
It's amazing, spectacular.
kelle
100% agree! This one took me by surprise in so many ways and just outstanding!!!
Karen
I'll have a look! ~ karen!
Leenie
Agree!!! scenery is fabulous!!
Cindy
The English on Amazon Prime. It's six episodes for the full story. Amazing, just amazing.
Karen
Thanks! ~ karen
Quatorze
Thanks for the recommendations. I’ve been looking for something to read. Can’t wait! Now, here’s some for you:
The Downstairs Girl. Stacy Lee
The Four Winds. Kristin Hannah
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time.
Mark Haddon
Quatorze
Catherine Powers
All great recommendations! Adored the Curious Incident👍👍👍❤️
Karen
Thanks! ~ karen
Terry
A cold good morning to you. Reading “Looking for Jane” and loving it. Normally I dislike books with multiple timelines but this seems perfectly balanced between them with likeable protagonists in all 3. On my iPhone borrowed from the Library, as you say. Free and immediate, as you say. Reserve book books too but I’ve come to accept eReading. Love gentle mystery programs (no more CSI for me). So Vienna Blood on PBS (a cheap Prime channel) is our current favourite. Stay warm you two (Phillip of course and you.)
Karen
It. Is. Cold. This morning. And Vienna Blood doesn't sound all like it leads into a gentle program, lol. ~ karen
Penny
Why do you find it necessary to say 'black author'?
Cinder
Wondering this also..?
Linda Row
Useful information if you're trying to support black authors.
Anna
February is Black History Month in the United States and many libraries have challenges or features to encourage folks to read books by Black authors.
Karen
Hi Penny! Because it's black history month and it helps identify the author as black for anyone wanting to specifically support black authors. ~ karen!
Sande
I’m in your camp as far as ‘book books’ go, but it’s much easier on your nose when you fall asleep and that piece of plastic hits you awake!
Lynn
Ain't it the truth!
Randy P
Not much of a reader myself, but a BIG fan of Doc Martin, Corner Gas, Murdoch Mysteries, Midsomer Murders, Shetland a literal plethora of other British and New Zealand police dramas.
Deb
Love, British TV, you have to watch Derry Girls on Netflix, if you want a huge laugh. The only thing with them is that the seasons are not long enough.
Karen
Doc Martin was a fantastic show! And I see you throwing the Canadians in there too. ;) ~ karen!
Shelly
LOVE Doc Martin! We bought the series on Amazon Prime and re-watch all of the time. Always picking up little "asides" that we missed the first time viewing. Bonus is the beautiful scenary.
Karen
It's all so good! I'll miss it. ~ karen!
Beth
Oh, The Night Circus! Yes, you have to read it!
Catherine Powers
YES! Wonderful book!
Karen
Loved it. :) ~ karen!
Sher
I can’t see any of the book pictures to click
Karen
Hi Sher. It might be that they didn't have time to load. Have you tried again? ~ karen!