When you get this, I’ll be in surgery. Don’t worry, it should be minor, but it means I’ll be a little slow to reply to comments. However, I thought it would be fun to have an open thread where we can share the best thing we’ve read and/or watched lately.
I’ll start! Best thing I’ve read recently (well, listened to, since it was an audiobook) was Rebecca Makkai’s I Have Some Questions For You. (Such a good literary mystery! And great on audio.)
The best TV series I’ve watched is Fleischman Is in Trouble on Hulu (stunningly good, loved it, immediately bought the book.) The best movie I’ve watched is She Said, which is about the Harvey Weinstein scandal/crimes and the two New York Times reporters who broke the story. So compelling and well-acted. It’s streaming on Peacock.
I've listened to a chunk of Lessons in Chemistry on audiobook and I've enjoyed it so far! But my library loan ran out lol so I'm waiting to get it back. I have the book in print but I liked the audio so I'll wait. :)
I audibled it too...love the reader. I'm to impatient to wait for libby to get me my library book and too slow at listening to finish one before they pull it! ugh...Hope all goes well for you! And if zombies don't scare you...check out HBO's The Last of Us! It's amazing.
I was *so* dubious about watching Shrinking (wasn't a huge Jason S fan), but the whole ensemble is A+ terrific together, and the show has so much heart. Ted Lasso creators/writers/co-stars have done it again.
I just finished reading Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan, and it was a 5 star read, for sure. Now I'm reading Kelley Armstrong's new release, Haven's Rock. I love her books.
As for TV, I just finished the Netflix series I am a Stalker and while it's not the best true crime TV, it was research for a book I'm writing and I did learn some things and get a few ideas. Hubby and I are binge watching a ridiculous Aussie TV series from the mid-00s called Sea Patrol, about the Australian Navy. It's entertaining light TV, and it's fun to poke holes in the plot based on things our son (a member of the Canadian Navy) has told us about his job.
I have Mad Honey on my shelf but haven't gotten to it yet. I'm glad to hear it was a 5 star read! :) And I like light TV at night before bed. That's when we end up watching things like PBS cooking shows. Soothing.
I love New Girl! I watched it back when it was originally on, but I started a rewatch a few months ago and put an episode on here or there. Such a delightful show.
I'm almost finished The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer. It's a debut out in early May and I'm so impressed. I very nearly stayed up way too late last night trying to finish it. Definitely recommend!
Love & Saffron by Kim Fay is a little warm hug of a book. Your interest in cookbooks and such should make this an especially appropriate read for you, though I'd call it the grace note in a story primarily about friendship and the courage to make the choices closest to your heart.
I have this one on my shelf! I've heard such great things about it. I love a book about friendship and I love books about food, so I bet you're right that it will be a good fit for me. I'll save it for when I need a hug! :)
I am re-reading Hench by Natalie Zina Walschots, because it is just SO good. It turns the whole superhero genre on it's head in the best moving, funny, impactful way. We are really enjoying The Last of Us. If you have Hulu, try Better Off Ted and Life in Pieces. We watch those whenever we want to laugh out loud. We tried The Company You Keep with Milo Ventimiglia (on ABC and Hulu) and it was good with a strong supporting cast (always a good sign).
Best book I read this month was The paper palace- this is one of those books that will stay with you forever. It was a pageturner ! Last month my fave book was The No Show by Beth Oleary, so cute! And if you're looking for a short very quirky story, The Grownup!
For TV, last year I watched Virgin River - so cheesy but cute and background, and my sister in law recommended Heart of Dixie - a little older, but on FreeVee (a prime app I think) and we've been watching it, again, one of those so bad it's good can't stop watching things.
I'm all for a so bad it's good show lol. And I'm scared of The Paper Palace. I've heard it's so good but super gut-wrenching, so I think I'd have to be in a certain mood to take it on.
Best thing I've watched recently is The Law According to Lidia Poet, a new show on Netflix based on the true story of Italy's first female lawyer. It's part mystery-of-the-week, part feminist rallying cry, part romance. And it's dubbed REALLY well, so you don't have to read any subtitles!
We've also been enjoying 1923, the second prequel to Yellowstone (which I can take or leave). If you haven't watched 1883 yet, it was far and away the best series of television I have ever watched. Beautifully acted and so well-written! Both stream on Paramount Plus.
I've done some comfort re-reading lately, specifically Tessa Dare's Girl Meets Duke series and a couple of favorites from Lisa Kleypas's Ravenels series. Aside from being superbly-executed historical romances, these titles are all narrated in audio by the inimitable Mary Jane Wells, whose voice is -- to me -- truly perfect. A little gravelly, highly elastic, never cloying.
Wow, the best series you've ever watched? That's high praise! I haven't tackled any of the Yellowstone ones yet but that's good to know. I feel like the 1883 one was filmed here in Ft. Worth but I might be getting that wrong.
OOh, that's good to know about the audio narrator. I listen to audiobooks all the time, but I haven't listened to much historical romance that way. But if I find a narrator I like, I'll follow them to almost any book.
I hope your surgery went smoothly and your recovery goes well, Roni!
TV wise I’m currently bingeing Justified— a crime drama series featuring a U.S. Marshal who has his own way of doing things (imagine that lol). I had no idea the series is based on Elmore Leonard’s stories until yesterday. While I’m not calling it the best, it is the one that’s got me going back for more right now. Fleischman is on my list!
As for books, the best thing I’ve read lately is Emma Straub’s This Time Tomorrow and I have not yet recovered—heartwarming, heartbreaking and magical all at once.
In search of a comfort read full of rich setting descriptions and family saga that I knew would end well, I read a Susan Wiggs—The Beekeepers Ball. It hit all the right notes for me.
Again, sending you all the best wishes for your recovery!
Thanks, Dana! I'm feeling pretty good today. And This Time Tomorrow was my favorite book of 2022. I loved it so much. I need to check out The Beekeepers Ball.
I watched Fleishman is in trouble this weekend... so good! Thanks for the recommendation. Another great watch is Bad Sisters on Apple TV+. That one sucked me in last weekend- lots of plot twists!
I have been rereading all of Sarah J Maas’s books. Throne of Glass Series. ACOTAR. Now onto Crescent City. I introduced my daughter to them late fall, so I wanted to read as well so we could talk about them.
As for watching, I’m late to Ted Lasso, but the characters have captured my heart. Love it!
The Last of Us is amazing! Scary, but beautiful. Fully enjoyed Emily in Paris, and now binging Saving Grace. Loved the book Lessons in Chemistry :)
I've listened to a chunk of Lessons in Chemistry on audiobook and I've enjoyed it so far! But my library loan ran out lol so I'm waiting to get it back. I have the book in print but I liked the audio so I'll wait. :)
I audibled it too...love the reader. I'm to impatient to wait for libby to get me my library book and too slow at listening to finish one before they pull it! ugh...Hope all goes well for you! And if zombies don't scare you...check out HBO's The Last of Us! It's amazing.
I am so not a fan of libby!!
Best book: Shortcake by Katana Collins. Laugh out loud, protective bothers, roudy family - and the mail character is a red head like me!!
TV -Fire Country on CBS, Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal on Netflix
And I’ll give you my favorite podcast: Let’s Go To Court (comedy crime!!)
Fire Country is on my list! Thanks for sharing, Shortcake looks a like a fun read 👍
Ooh, I haven't heard of that podcast. I'm going to have to look it up! I like comedy crime ones (like True Crime Obsessed.)
ps. Hope all goes well with the surgery and recovery.
thank you! Everything went well and I'm feeling pretty decent today.
I’m late to the party but I just started Yellowstone!!
Nice! I've heard so many good things about it but I think I'm one of the few people left who hasn't seen it lol.
Really loved the book “Underland” (nonfiction). Forever re-reading all of Tiffany Reisz.
Agree with others: The Last of Us is fantastic and so is “Shrinking” on AppleTV- so smart and hilarious
I was *so* dubious about watching Shrinking (wasn't a huge Jason S fan), but the whole ensemble is A+ terrific together, and the show has so much heart. Ted Lasso creators/writers/co-stars have done it again.
Agreed! So much heart
I'm watching Shrinking too and enjoying it! And reading Tiffany Reisz is always a win. :) I'm going to have to check out The Last of Us.
Best reads: I devoured Scarlett Cole's two rock star series. They were just that freaking good.
Best viewing: The Last of Us is phenomenal storytelling
Ooh, another vote for The Last of Us. I'm going to have to check it out.
It is so good. Pedro Pascal is worth it even without the strong writing and other amazing actors.
It is a tie The Divine Doughnut Shop by Carolyn Brown and The Road to Me by Laura Drake.
I enjoy Laura Drake’s books—thanks for the reminder, as I’ve yet to read this one!
Ooh, anything with a doughnut shop sounds good lol.
Because I Could not Wait for Death
that's quite a title!
I loved the pilot for *The Company You Keep* with Milo Ventimiglia. When *This Is Us* ended, he brought the crew to his new show. ABC/Hulu
Ooh, I haven't heard of that one. I'll have to look it up.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
I just finished reading Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan, and it was a 5 star read, for sure. Now I'm reading Kelley Armstrong's new release, Haven's Rock. I love her books.
As for TV, I just finished the Netflix series I am a Stalker and while it's not the best true crime TV, it was research for a book I'm writing and I did learn some things and get a few ideas. Hubby and I are binge watching a ridiculous Aussie TV series from the mid-00s called Sea Patrol, about the Australian Navy. It's entertaining light TV, and it's fun to poke holes in the plot based on things our son (a member of the Canadian Navy) has told us about his job.
I have Mad Honey on my shelf but haven't gotten to it yet. I'm glad to hear it was a 5 star read! :) And I like light TV at night before bed. That's when we end up watching things like PBS cooking shows. Soothing.
I just finished a 5 volume audio series "Antique Lover's Mysteries" by Deborah Morgan. It was great.
nice!
My most recent read wasJane Austin's Pride and Prejudice (for the 5th time😋)
And the lastest series has been New Girl!
I love New Girl! I watched it back when it was originally on, but I started a rewatch a few months ago and put an episode on here or there. Such a delightful show.
I definitely like it. This will be the 2nd time for me too
I'm almost finished The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer. It's a debut out in early May and I'm so impressed. I very nearly stayed up way too late last night trying to finish it. Definitely recommend!
Ooh, good to know! I'll keep an eye out for it when it comes out.
I am in love with You Made A Fool of Death with your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi! Gorgeous prose and amazing characters/story/relationships.
Last of Us is incredible.
Nice! I've heard that book recommended on a podcast but I haven't read it. Glad to hear it was good!
Love & Saffron by Kim Fay is a little warm hug of a book. Your interest in cookbooks and such should make this an especially appropriate read for you, though I'd call it the grace note in a story primarily about friendship and the courage to make the choices closest to your heart.
Just listened to this on audio yesterday! Such a treat. Can we please please return to old fashioned letter writing?
Right? I just started following a Substack that features letters from the past. It's called Letters of Note https://news.lettersofnote.com/
I have this one on my shelf! I've heard such great things about it. I love a book about friendship and I love books about food, so I bet you're right that it will be a good fit for me. I'll save it for when I need a hug! :)
Just finished watching The Law According to Lydia Poet and loved it. And I really enjoyed reading The Empress.
Ooh, haven't heard of that show. I'll have to look it up. :)
I am re-reading Hench by Natalie Zina Walschots, because it is just SO good. It turns the whole superhero genre on it's head in the best moving, funny, impactful way. We are really enjoying The Last of Us. If you have Hulu, try Better Off Ted and Life in Pieces. We watch those whenever we want to laugh out loud. We tried The Company You Keep with Milo Ventimiglia (on ABC and Hulu) and it was good with a strong supporting cast (always a good sign).
Ooh, thanks for the recs! And one of the podcasts I listen to loved Hench but I haven't read it. I'll have to check it out.
Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Best book I read this month was The paper palace- this is one of those books that will stay with you forever. It was a pageturner ! Last month my fave book was The No Show by Beth Oleary, so cute! And if you're looking for a short very quirky story, The Grownup!
For TV, last year I watched Virgin River - so cheesy but cute and background, and my sister in law recommended Heart of Dixie - a little older, but on FreeVee (a prime app I think) and we've been watching it, again, one of those so bad it's good can't stop watching things.
I'm all for a so bad it's good show lol. And I'm scared of The Paper Palace. I've heard it's so good but super gut-wrenching, so I think I'd have to be in a certain mood to take it on.
Wishing you a speedy and complete recovery, Roni!
Best thing I've watched recently is The Law According to Lidia Poet, a new show on Netflix based on the true story of Italy's first female lawyer. It's part mystery-of-the-week, part feminist rallying cry, part romance. And it's dubbed REALLY well, so you don't have to read any subtitles!
We've also been enjoying 1923, the second prequel to Yellowstone (which I can take or leave). If you haven't watched 1883 yet, it was far and away the best series of television I have ever watched. Beautifully acted and so well-written! Both stream on Paramount Plus.
I've done some comfort re-reading lately, specifically Tessa Dare's Girl Meets Duke series and a couple of favorites from Lisa Kleypas's Ravenels series. Aside from being superbly-executed historical romances, these titles are all narrated in audio by the inimitable Mary Jane Wells, whose voice is -- to me -- truly perfect. A little gravelly, highly elastic, never cloying.
Wow, the best series you've ever watched? That's high praise! I haven't tackled any of the Yellowstone ones yet but that's good to know. I feel like the 1883 one was filmed here in Ft. Worth but I might be getting that wrong.
OOh, that's good to know about the audio narrator. I listen to audiobooks all the time, but I haven't listened to much historical romance that way. But if I find a narrator I like, I'll follow them to almost any book.
I hope your surgery went smoothly and your recovery goes well, Roni!
TV wise I’m currently bingeing Justified— a crime drama series featuring a U.S. Marshal who has his own way of doing things (imagine that lol). I had no idea the series is based on Elmore Leonard’s stories until yesterday. While I’m not calling it the best, it is the one that’s got me going back for more right now. Fleischman is on my list!
As for books, the best thing I’ve read lately is Emma Straub’s This Time Tomorrow and I have not yet recovered—heartwarming, heartbreaking and magical all at once.
In search of a comfort read full of rich setting descriptions and family saga that I knew would end well, I read a Susan Wiggs—The Beekeepers Ball. It hit all the right notes for me.
Again, sending you all the best wishes for your recovery!
Thanks, Dana! I'm feeling pretty good today. And This Time Tomorrow was my favorite book of 2022. I loved it so much. I need to check out The Beekeepers Ball.
I watched from Scratch (Netflix) based on Tembi Locke memoir. I plan to purchase the book soon it gave me all the feels.
Nice! I have that one on my watchlist but haven't watched it yet. :)
I have been reading ARCS. The best : Something Spectacular by Alexis Hall & Bewitched by Laura Thalasssa
I watched Fleishman is in trouble this weekend... so good! Thanks for the recommendation. Another great watch is Bad Sisters on Apple TV+. That one sucked me in last weekend- lots of plot twists!
I recently watched Black phone on Prime and was pretty impressed! I totally recommend
READ "Good Girl Fail" (review in progress) but I also recommend
Series Extraordinary Attorney Woo~I hope u see it <3 (netflix) ~Couples Therapy on showtime was really good as well!
I can't find a GOOD audiobook (shrugs)
Good luck on surgery~
I have been rereading all of Sarah J Maas’s books. Throne of Glass Series. ACOTAR. Now onto Crescent City. I introduced my daughter to them late fall, so I wanted to read as well so we could talk about them.
As for watching, I’m late to Ted Lasso, but the characters have captured my heart. Love it!
Wishing you a smooth recovery!
Nice, glad to hear the narration is good. I haven't read Spark Joy yet.