Just a few of the things I enjoyed immensely recently. A book I love, but am only 5 pages into so that could bottom out quite easily, & a tv show I HATED the first 4 times I tried to watch it.
It's been a while since we exchanged recommendations on things to read, watch and listen to because we've all been very busy reading, watching and listening to things.
I have one month before seed starting season begins & I descend into my troll-friendly, rubble basement of Fred Flintstone's dreams. I won't come up until I hear the robins singing. Or Philip needs out.
I have 30 more days to indulge in entertainment so we're doing this and we're doing it right now.
It is February so I recommend you pair these selections with a snowstorm and pajamas made out of sleeping kittens.
Not sure if our tastes align or at least overlap?
SEE A QUICK REVIEW OF MY LIKES & DISLIKES HERE
Now that you know a tiny bit about my tastes you'll have a better idea of whether we like some of the same things or not.
Just kidding. There is NO predicting what people do or don't like.
Table of Contents
Books
Click the photo to buy or read a preview of the book
I've read a lot of books I was solidly unenthusiastic about over the past few months including a few I was looking forward to reading. I couldn't even finish the book Lessons in Chemistry but after some persuading I watched and reasonably enjoyed the series.
I read the first 5 pages and loved it?
Amazon rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars - 3851 ratings
Goodreads rating: 4.18 out of 5 stars — 45,869 ratings
Google Users: 95% liked the book
The Collected Regrets of Clover
I read & really enjoyed the first chapter of this book about Clover, a death doula in NYC before the preview ran out. I tried to borrow it immediately from my public library but, as is often the case, it wasn't available.
Or maybe it is. At the moment my Kobo and my library are in some sort of fight and won't talk to each other therefore I can't borrow any books.
If they don't make up by tonight, I'll pay the $16.99 to buy it.
BUY or read more about The Collected Regrets of Clover
None of This is True
The Winners
My Rating: ⅘
Amazon: 4.3 from 27,000 reviews
Goodreads: 4.2 from 310,000 reviews
Google: 87% liked this book
My Rating: 3.5/5
Amazon: 4.6 from 12,000 reviews
Goodreads: 4.5 from 103,000 reviews
Google: 80% liked this book
"None of this is True" follows the life of Alix Summer, a popular podcaster, who befriends Josie Fair, a woman with the same birthday. Josie convinces Alix to feature her on her podcast, but as their relationship deepens, Alix discovers Josie's dark secrets. When Josie disappears, Alix realizes she's become the subject of her own true crime podcast, uncovering a terrifying legacy left behind by Josie.
The third in the Beartown hockey trilogy set in a wintery, remote area of northern Sweden.
You can read it as a standalone, but it's better to have read the 2 previous books, Beartown and Us Against You.
WANT TO READ
WANT TO READ
WANT TO READ
Black author
Amazon: 4.4 from 12,000 reviews
Goodreads: 4.2 from 80,600 reviews
Amazon: 4.5 from 5,000 reviews
Goodreads: 4.2 from 24,000 reviews
Amazon: 4.4 from 27,000 reviews
Goodreads: 4.2 from 77,000 reviews
Mary Jane tells the story of a teenage girl named Mary Jane Dillard, who takes a summer job as a nanny for a wealthy family in Baltimore during the 1970s. Mary Jane's conservative upbringing clashes with the unconventional lifestyle of her employers, leading her to question her beliefs and discover her own identity.
The Berry Pickers July 1962, a Mi’kmaq family from Nova Scotia arrives in Maine to pick blueberries for the summer. Weeks later, four-year-old Ruthie, the family’s youngest child, vanishes. She is last seen by her six-year-old brother, Joe, sitting on a favorite rock at the edge of a berry field. Joe will remain distraught by his sister’s disappearance for years to come.
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store
is Set in the 1920s and 30s, The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store follows the fortunes of a group of Jewish immigrants and African Americans who live together on Chicken Hill in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.
My Favourite Book of 2023
I liked a lot of books last year but picking my favourite was easy. There was no other choice for me, it was the story of an octopus and his human friend.
At its most basic this book is about a captive, mischievous octopus and a widowed cleaning lady at a small town aquarium. The story addresses grief, loneliness and how small acts can create big change.
Television
This year 2 series that I had abandoned a few seasons ago got my attention again.
True Detective lost me after the fantastic first season with Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey. It got me back this season with Jodie Foster and Kali Reis.
Fargo lost me after the second season but I'm back for the 5th, with Juno Temple and Jon Hamm.
True Detective
True Detective Night Country, set at the edge of civilization in a small town in Alaska, is turn the lights off, cuddle in, winter storm fantastic.
Fargo
Fargo stars Juno Temple (who you might know from Ted Lasso) and Jon Hamm (who you might know from everything). This series really is a stand alone season that doesn't have much of anything to do with the original movie or series. But it doesn't matter. It's good.
This next show on the other hand I didn't like at all. No matter how many times I tried to watch it I never got past the first episode. No matter how many times I was sent a meme from the show, heard how fantastic it was or saw the cast and creators fly up and down awards show stairs - I didn't like it.
Until, last week when encouraged by my neighbour I tried it once again.
This time I gave it all of my attention. I closed my laptop, pushed my phone away and sat on the seed catalogue.
About 10 minutes in I realized my mistake.
This was funny.
How did I not realize the first 5 times around that this show was hilarious? I watched the first season within a few days and I'm now telling everyone I see about how good this show is. I don't get a lot of surprise reaction.
Telling people this show is good is like telling them having elbows is good.
Buckle up f*cklehead. It's time for the reveal.
I initially couldn't get through the masterpiece that is Succession because I was stupid.
Maybe I was in a bad mood for the past 5 years. It's possible.
But if you haven't watched Succession or tried but didn't like it - give it one last try. Without devices. And with a sense of humour.
I went in without really paying attention to what I was watching and definitely didn't pay attention to the fact that it was satirical. I was just paying attention to the fact that I hated every single thing about all of the characters.
Each and every one of them is a completely broken, car wreck of a human spewing the most outrageous, ridiculous, hilarious lines ever written for tv.
And I'm so glad I hated it. Because now, while everyone else in the world is lamenting the end of one of the best shows ever produced, *I* still have 3 seasons of it to watch.
I still hate Game of Thrones and no neighbour or amount of undivided attention I give it is ever going to change my mind on that.
Unless ... is GOT also actually hilarious?!
Now it's time for you to give your recommendations along with a couple of things you also like so we have an idea of your tastes. Feel free to mention genres I don't normally mention, like romance novels or sci fi fantasy. I don't like those things so I don't rate them, but I'm sure there are tons of other readers who are interested.
~ karen
The Expendable Man by Dorothy Hughes from the sixties! It still stands up and will have you questioning your own attitudes about society.
How about «The Measure? ». Very thought-provoking.
Have you watched "The Great" starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult?
Totally agree about "Remarkably Bright Creatures." If you haven't also listed to the audio version, I highly recommend it. Michael Urie as the voice of Marcellus is everything.
YES, YES, YES!! I wish everyone could listen to it!! LOVED IT. His voice was remarkable! I walk and listen to books. This was a wonderful listen. I highly recommend listening to Tom Lake by Ann Patchett which is narrated by MERYL STREEP and The Covenant of Water which is narrated by the author Abraham Verghese.
That WOULD be great! I'm tempted to listen to it just for that. ~ karen!
I agree about Succession, “I love you but you are not serious people” sums it up. Brian Cox never disappoints.
I read a lot of books (many rejects after 70 pages, I’m old so that’s the cutoff I give them, get going or get gone.)
Anyhoo just to inject a different kind of book, I read a lot of mystery/detective and the last 4 stars were An Honest Man by Michael Kortya, The Watchmaker’s Hand by Jeffery Deaver (silly but very fun as his are) and Flags on The Bayou by James Lee Burke (expected detective Dave Robichaux but this is not that.)
Last year I had read Miracle Creek by Angie Kim and loved it; this year her Happiness Falls was almost as engaging.
On TV we were 5/5 delighted to find What We Do In The Shadows, and 4/5, Our Flag Means Death, both from the mind of NZ’s Taika Waititi. Both shows (like Succession) require a few episodes to appreciate (I had quickly rejected in the past, my bad.)
Always happy to hear anyone’s 5/5s! And yes Remarkably Bright Creatures was a delight!
I am watching and wildly entertained by Deadloch - a murder mystery series set in Tasmania. Wasn't sure if my husband would appreciate the humor, but he's joined me for the last couple of episodes and was wheezing and weeping on the couch, he was laughing so hard. It took me a minute to get into it as well - same issue of having to realize that the unbelievable stuff coming out of the characters' mouths is HILARIOUS. The same person who recommended it to me, also recommended Our Flag Means Death so will have to check that out next. For books - The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff - which revolves around how the murder of terrible husbands can swiftly spin out of control - funny and clever.
Added Bandit Queens to my reservations (I love the library), thanks!
I love Taika Waititi's work. ~ karen!
This year I decided I am going to actually read as many of the controversial books that parents want banned both in school libraries and even public libraries. So far I am on my 5th book and have a 6th at the ready.
I am using a list provided by the American Library association and trying to work my way thru the top 10.
So far I have loved 2 of the books. I mean really really loved 2 books. The first is "Out of Darkness" a story about a young woman of Mexican descent who falls in love with a young black man. The story is set in rural Texas in the early 1900's and is based on a true event of a grade school that explodes and kills many of the young children attending. But to read about the very slow developing friendship then love that the 2 main characters go thru is just beautiful, although the ending of the book is incredibly sad. It has been controversial because some parents do not want their children to be exposed to the truth of racism in those times. I read nothing that made me think that the racism was exaggerated in the story. In fact, at times, I think it was downplayed. I would never tell either of my children that they could not read this book. I found it to be very well written and deeply moving.
The 2nd book I am not quite finished with yet. Looking For Alaska, by John Green is another book that is well written and deeply moving. The story of a group of kids at a boarding school in rural Alabama. Alaska is a troubled girl but one who everyone loved for her spirit, her spark, her ability to see the good in her friends. A girl who loves living on the edge most of the time. So the first half of the book Alaska is the glue that holds their group together. The 2nd half of the book the group has to learn to keep on living without her. The reason parents asked for this book to be removed is because there is the suggestion of teens having sex. So far there is not one single sex scene in the book, just a discussion of a few heavy petting sessions and vague references to when a few lost their virginity. There is drinking, and not once in the book do any of the main characters use drugs but again very vague references to others in the school who might. But I think what some parents are objecting to is the possibility of a suicide. As a parent I do not want to shield my child from the realities of life. I would rather them read a book like this one that speaks to the subject in a way that would actually help them understand both the desperation that leads to that sort of act and the pain and suffering it leaves behind.
As far as TV for the year goes, without a doubt, the best thing I have watched this year, or even for many years, has been 6 Feet Under on Netflix. Yes you have to have an open mind and accept that sex, drugs, alcohol and swearing are a constant thing in every single episode. But the entertainment value is a 15 out of a possible 10. And the last episode is one that many many critics have labeled as the best final episode ever shown on TV. I certainly felt it and would agree...
I rarely rewatch any TV series or movie. But 6 Feet Under is one I definitely think I will rewatch in a few years...
6 feet under had the very best series final of all time. ~ karen!
I just read The Berry Pickers last month. It's author Amanda Peters' first novel, and a great read. 👍🏼 I'd rate it 4.5 out of 5. My only complaint is Peters wrapped up the story too quickly at the end.
I know you didn’t like the novel, “A Gentleman in Moscow,” but I just loved it. I am so excited that a mini series of the same name, starring Ewan McGregor is coming out in March! Plus I am currently watching « Lupin » with my French friends - so exciting!
I didn't mind it. I read the whole thing. I just didn't love it the way others did. :/ I will absolutely watch the series. ~ karen!
Just like I finished “Lessons in Chemistry! »
Ok - I know we can't mention "A Gentleman in Moscow" here : ) - but thank you - didn't know about upcoming mini series.
Can’t wait! 😃
TV show? Loudermilk - hands down, fat and away the funniest, irreverent show I have watched in a long time.
Book? The boy who swallowed the universe. Deep, clever, witty, heartwarming, different.
I tried Loudermilk! But I didn't like it. But it seems like something I would really like. So I left it on my list, because I suspect, like Succession, I just wasn't in the right mood to watch it. So I'll try Loudermilk again one day. ~ karen!
Hi there,
I read Lonesome Dove for the first time and it was wonderful - I am so glad I listened to you.
I walk a lot and listen to podcasts and to audible books -recommending listening to Demon Copperhead (better than reading yourself and a great voice). For podcasts, please try The Prosecutors and their second podcast Legal Briefs (yes they are prosecutors and funny and educational on major cases) and the True Crime Garage Boys.They won't disturb your sleep.
On that note, many British police procedurals such as The Unforgotten and Annika - anything with Nicola Walker and CB Strike episodes (in these times before you get busy with seeds).
You are the best, thanks for everything.
I also love UK procedural drama but ran through everything Netflix had to offer before I cancelled it. What streaming service do you use? After reading your comment I thought to myself, maybe I should get Britbox.
I’m going to check out your other recommendations- if you’re a fan of Nicola Walker, your opinion is solid imho
Thanks for liking my recommendations! I used PBS passport for a number of these, but dropped off after I had seen everything I was interested in that was available. And have found them on different venues, sometimes for a limited time, but worth the search imho: of course Endeavor, then River (with Nicola), Tennyson (Prime Suspect 1973 is the new, and the old ), the Fall, Happy Valley, Line of Duty, LUTHER, Gangs of London, Broadchurch, CB STRIKE, the Tunnel, Killing Eve, the Chelsea Detective, and a series with with a brainy and beleaguered lady superintendent managing a group of grumpy but solid near-retirement Inspectors.
My cousin likes Peaky Blinders...
Just found this nice list: https://www.ranker.com/list/best-british-crime-dramas/ranker-tv and realized that I have a lot to check out still.
Also thinking about Britbox, but not Acorn. If you try it, would you let me know your thoughts?
Cheers!
Well thanks SallyB and you're very welcome. ~ karen!
My favourite of 2023 also was ‘Remarkably Bright Creatures'.
Well written and great story.
So good. It stuck with me more than anything else I read. ~ karen!
Found the same, stayed with me, was 'Where the Crawdads Sing'.
I, too, hated GOT. But I read the novels to see what would happen to some of the characters, but the author never finished writing the books. So, I watched that disaster of a series, and it was clear those writers had no clue how to resolve character arcs, plotline, themes, etc. I usually read classics (just finished The Woman in White) but I'd like to read some of your recommendations. I plan to watch True Detective soon; loved the first one.
Always enjoy your posts and humor.
Thanks Nina. I like classics too, but every time I go to reread I think ... nah, I'd rather read THIS (insert whatever new lit fiction is out). Although now that someone else has mentioned it, I'd like to read Catcher in the Rye again as an adult. ~ karen!
Yes, I want to reread it too. I've got a copy on the shelf. It was banned from high school reading lists in my day, but I read it at home, then in American literature in college. I liked it back then. What will I think of it now?
Endorse the Colin from Accounts suggestion - very good. Would suggest most things by Terry Pratchett - Witches abroad maybe. You expect it to be lame scifi whereas actually it is well observed satire on life, delivered in highly entertaining language. Have reread the classic detective series by Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham and Dorothy L Sayers recently and love the insight into different times. And most recently Dale Carnegie’s How to make friends and influence people. 1930’s but psychologically spot on. Podcasts are good if you want to also do something with your hands like seed-sowing. I recommend ‘The rest is history’ - may be a bit UK history focused but also looks at world history - JFK assassination episodes good. And ‘Richard Wiseman’s On your mind’ for psychology. My criteria are that the writing / dialogue must sparkle and in all of these it does.
Colin from Accounts is laugh out loud funny. I love Australian humor!
I occasionally listen to podcasts, but they're always about my work. I haven't found an "entertaining" one yet that holds my attention for more than a couple of episodes. I like a lot of them, but none have become "I CAN'T WAIT TIL THE NEXT EPISODE" for me. ~ karen!
Hi,
Those women write great stories. I would add P.D. James to that list of mystery writers. I love her Adam Dalgliesh series. And never forget Agatha Christie.
Oh! Also, Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael series. These take place in Medieval England. Fun to read and well researched.
Very true Nina. Also Colin Dexter for Morse, Ann Cleeves (many). If you like a spy twist with swearing and humour, Mick Herron’s Slow Horses series. Damn I read too much!!
Btw, I forgot to mention- True Detective is excellent. Jodi Foster has long been at the top of my favorite actress list.
So many of the comments here, by other readers, are intelligent and well thought out. Very good recommendations all around. I always read through them and find you all to be mostly a witty bunch from all over the globe. Thank you.
Karen, you are such a delight and I am always happy to find your blog entries in my inbox. I might not ever plant an asparagus spear or find that I live to garden but I’m happy you share your experiences with us.
Elliott the Cockatoo is pictured - little feathered angel whom I rescued from an abusive home.
Did you just take Elliott? Or was there some sort of negotiation. I'm fine with either scenario. Just curious. ~ karen!
Midsomer Murders, Murdoch Mysteries, Doc Martin, Spooks/MI5, Brokenwood Mysteries and Corner Gas to name just a few TV favs.
All time fav read? 'You Are Worthless: Depressing Nuggets of Wisdom Sure to Ruin Your Day' by Scott Dikkers (a pseudonym).
I very much enjoyed the Heaven and Earth Grocery Store but I suspect your description is for an entirely different book. (Which one I wonder?) It is not about a mysterious grocery store at all, nor about the items it sells. Now you will definitely have to read it to find out!
Yes Lorna! I was like, wait, what? I just finished that book, and enjoyed it. It is about the lives of some Jewish and Black inhabitants of a small impoverished town (in the 1930's I think?).
Yes! Sorry I've fixed the description. I have no idea how the mixup happened! ~ karen
A TV series which I enjoyed is on Apple TV, 11.22.63 and it’s not new. It’s based on the Stephen King novel of the same name. It stars James Franco and is all about going back in time & why it’s a very bad (or good) thing to try & change the past. The butterfly effect indeed has a lot of ripples. A book I had a love vs hate relationship with was I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy. I completely related to being glad about having my own mother gone. It’s a long story but not everyone is cut out to be a mother. I was somewhat put off by the author’s equivocation and how slowly she realized her own relief that her overbearing & self centered mother finally died. My own realization was by far more obvious and even though I was much younger when mom passed, (I was 14,) I felt such relief and a sense of freedom that even though I was orphaned, I knew I was safe. Finally. I’m 67 and her shadow still hangs darkly & menacingly like cigar smoke lingers long after the smoker has left. Many years of therapy cannot erase things about my mother. This book wasn’t new either. I believe it’s 2 or 3 years old by now.
I hate GoT. Loathe it. I tried to like it but the unnecessarily long and frequent sexual scenes and boring dialogue was so distracting and annoying that I had to give up. I can love historically based series & magical themes and silly situations that could never happen in reality but GoT just made me cringe. I won’t enter into arguments about politics or GoT. Religion and bad parenting are on the table. My son was the person who told me to read “I’m Glad My Mom Died.” Not because he wishes I would die but because he wants me to never die. I did not repeat the pattern of abuse but then again I was terrified that I might. A very good psychiatrist, who helped me a lot, guaranteed me that I was made of different fabric than my mom was cut from. I would not win mother of the year, I hated PTA & lots of things that perfect parents dive head first into. My sons grew into good and honest men. They tell me their secrets and like being around me. That’s a win on my rating scale.
I haven’t had time to read much. It’s been a crazy year. I honestly just try to not be an asshole and keep my house clean and work on getting more sleep. Insomnia is my curse. I finally got my living room redecorated and my artist area is mocking me. I also need to wrap a lot of items to send off to my bff and to my second son living in Tasmania. Reading is way down the list. I’ve been working on a novel forever and that’s always nagging at me.
One step at a time.
I just finished watching Yellowjackets and I was totally hooked! They're coming out with another season, too. I too have tried Succession and not been able to get into it but I think I will try again. My hubby and I really liked True Detective so I'm looking forward to the new season with Jody Foster. Where has she been???
Two high school friends and I have a little book club. Last year we read some really good books - one being Truly, Madly by Stephen Galloway which is a biography about Lawrence Olivier and Vivian Leigh. I have a whole new appreciation for old Hollywood! And understanding... we also just re-read The Catcher in the Rye because it's supposed to be totally different as an adult. It was good and yes, totally different as an adult.
I think you might appreciate Persepholis by Marjane Satrapi. It's a graphic novel about coming of age in revolutionary Iran. That book was so good and I thought the graphic part would be distracting but it made the whole experience.
Raymond Chandler novels are great - like The Big Sleep. Quick reads that will sound like Humphrey Bogart is in your head. Then you can get the B&W and watch it - after reading Truly, Madly and learning about some of the actors/actresses.
I'm currently reading In Her Shoes by Jojo Moyes. It's been a good, casual read. I like Jojo Moyes novels. And I just ordered Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. It gets good reviews and I have enjoyed some of her other books like The Bean Trees and Prodigal Summer.
Happy reading and watching!
I loved a very funny rom-com series from Australia called “Colin from Accounts.” It stars and is written by a husband and wife team. There’s only one season so far but another one is in the works. In Canada you can stream it (for free) on CBC Gem. Highly recommend!
That sounds promising! ~ karen!
Remarkably Bright Creatures was excellent, but my favorite read was When Crickets Cry. MaryJane was a fun read. I grew up in Baltimore, so I enjoyed the ties to the area. Tried watching Succession, and it made me want to slit my wrists. Needless to say I stopped and am still alive. Loved Suits.
I feel like I was supposed to add When Crickets Cry to my list but never did. Remind me again 5 times tomorrow if you could. ~ karen!