Sweet Friends,
I am running a day late and a dollar short with my 10 Media Faves: 10 on the 10th, 10.2019. The word FAVORITE in Whitney’s prompt threw me for a loop. My favorite everything changes with the wind! A book can be my favorite until I read a better book. A movie can be my favorite until I see a more entertaining movie. Can I get an amen?
With that being said, this is going to be a list of books, movies, podcasts and shows I really, really like – right now.
10 Media Faves: 10 on the 10th
Keep in mind, as you look over this list. These are my favs of the day. They could be completely different with the next book I read, next movie I see, podcast I listen to and TV show I watch.
Fave Books (Right Now)
My lifetime favorite books include the Adventures of Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, the Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank. But here are some books that have spoken to me lately.
-
The Girls at 17 Swann Street by Yara Zgheib
[source]
Haven’t finished this one yet, but only lack a few minutes. Hoping for a happy ending. This book hits close to home. 4.0 out of 5 stars on Goodreads
Anna Roux was a professional dancer who followed the man of her dreams from Paris to Missouri. There, alone with her biggest fears – imperfection, failure, loneliness – she spirals down anorexia and depression till she weighs a mere eighty-eight pounds. Forced to seek treatment, she is admitted as a patient at 17 Swann Street, a peach pink house where pale, fragile women with life-threatening eating disorders live. Women like Emm, the veteran; quiet Valerie; Julia, always hungry. Together, they must fight their diseases and face six meals a day. [source]
-
When All is Said by Anne Griffin
[source]
This book reminded me of a cross between The Five People You Meet in Heaven and A Man Called Ove. If you liked either or both of those, you will enjoy this book. I cried, I laughed, I cried. 4.08 out of 5 stars on Goodreads
This is the story of Maurice Hannigan, who, over the course of a Saturday night in June, orders five different drinks at the Rainford House Hotel. With each he toasts a person vital to him: his doomed older brother, his troubled sister-in-law, his daughter of fifteen minutes, his son far off in America, and his late, lamented wife. And through these people, the ones who left him behind, he tells the story of his own life, with all its regrets and feuds, loves and triumphs. [source]
-
The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth
[source]
Part mystery, part contemporary family story. Told from the perspectives of several of the characters. I found myself empathizing with each. 4.0 out of 5 stars on Goodreads
From the moment Lucy met her husband’s mother, Diana, she was kept at arm’s length. Diana was exquisitely polite, and properly friendly, but Lucy knew that she was not what Diana envisioned. But who could fault Diana? She was a pillar of the community, an advocate for social justice who helped female refugees assimilate to their new country. Diana was happily married to Tom, and lived in wedded bliss for decades. Lucy wanted so much to please her new mother-in-law. [source]
Fave Movies (Lately)
PC and I used to go to the movies once a week. Whether there was anything worth watching or not! But we have become a little more selective in our old(er) age. We saw a movie today, his pick, “Jexie,” and it was atrocious. I have never heard so much cussing since I graduated from high school. With popcorn, a hot dog and large drinks, we paid $40+ for 2 hours of ‘entertainment.’ Wish I had popped some microwave popcorn, boiled my Prince a hot dog and we had watched anything, anything at all, here at home. Bottom line, “Jexie” is not on my list of favorite movies, now or ever. But these are some recent faves. And “Silver Linings Playbook,” which is several years old but a great choice for this time of year.
-
“Brittany Runs a Marathon”
[source]
Very loosely based on a true story. Comedy, Drama
Brittany Forgler is a hilarious, friendly, hot mess of a New Yorker who always knows how to have a good time, but at 27, her late-night adventures and early-morning walks-of-shame are starting to catch up to her. When she stops by a Yelp-recommended doctor’s office in an attempt to score some Adderall, she finds herself slapped with a prescription she never wanted. Forced to face reality for the first time in a long time, Brittany laces up her Converse and runs one sweaty block. The next day, she runs two. Soon she runs a mile. Brittany finally has direction–but is she on the right path? [source]
Great sound track. Comedy, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Romance
Jack Malik (Himesh Patel, BBC’s Eastenders) is a struggling singer-songwriter in a tiny English seaside town whose dreams of fame are rapidly fading, despite the fierce devotion and support of his childhood best friend, Ellie (Lily James, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again). Then, after a freak bus accident during a mysterious global blackout, Jack wakes up to discover that The Beatles have never existed… and he finds himself with a very complicated problem, indeed. [source]
[source]
Funny, Thought-provoking. Comedy, Drama
Legendary late-night talk show host’s world is turned upside down when she hires her only female staff writer. Originally intended to smooth over diversity concerns, her decision has unexpectedly hilarious consequences as the two women separated by culture and generation are united by their love of a biting punchline. [source]
Fave Podcasts (This minute)
I have been slow to jump on the podcast bandwagon. Not sure why exactly. I love listening to Audible versions of books. Have just begun trying out a few different podcasts, though. So, these really aren’t favorites at all, necessarily, because I don’t have much to compare them with. Listening to these on Stitcher when I work on art projects or on my drive across the mountain to help with Lucia.
-
“Fatal Voyage: Diana, Case Solved”
Do you remember where you were when you heard the news the Princess Diana had died? I think a lot of gals my age remember because she was such an icon for all of us. My phone rang while shopping in Walmart, both of my daughters crying on the other end. They choked out the words that Diana had died in a terrible crash. It was a Sunday morning. I went back home right away. Where were you?
[source]
A wild car chase comes to a tragic end in a Paris tunnel. Inside the crumpled wreckage, the most famous woman in the world. A decade of inquests by French and British authorities found the same outcome: “wrongful killing” at the hands of a drunk driver, complicated by a tail of paparazzi. However, 22 years later, unanswered questions point to something far more sinister. Diana: Case Solved is a 12-part audio documentary that follows Princess Diana’s fatal voyage and sets out to answer one question: What really happened that fateful night? Former Detective-Sergeant Colin McLaren returns to the scene to uncover a decades-long conspiracy of secrets and speak to the one man who will blow the case wide open. [source]
-
“Do It Scared” with Ruth Soukup
Had just started my Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone series when I came across Ruth Soukup’s blog and podcasts. Was looking online for research to back my notion that it is good for us to stretch ourselves by trying something new and slightly uncomfortable.
[source]
Created to help you face your fears, overcome adversity, and create a life you LOVE, this new brand new podcast (which officially launches TODAY!) is based on the idea that courage doesn’t mean we are never afraid, but that we dare to take action despite our fear.
This podcast is equal parts inspiration and tough love, complete with practical, easy-to-implement tips and interviews with some incredible authors, influencers, and women who have dared to do it scared in their own lives. [source]
Fave Shows (At the Moment)
Could almost pass on this category all together because when we are in between seasons of “Bacherlor/Bachelorette”, the TV just serves as background noise. We don’t really watch much. Listening to “The Voice”, listening to whatever comes after that because we can never find the remote. On some Tuesdays, I will purposely seek out “This is Us” but not with the same enthusiasm as “Bachelor”. Summers we listen to Reds baseball, falls we watch NFL football and cheer on our fantasy football teams. Here are a couple of shows we have enjoyed in the last few years.
-
“Peaky Blinders”
I think it was my brother who recommended this show to us. We have watched 4 seasons thinking that the show was over when a fifth season was recently announced. Not sure who could be left to play out the rest of the story…loosely based on the lives of a band of Irish gangsters. Seems most of the main characters are dead = this is not a show for the feint of heart. Available on Netflix and Amazon Prime.
[source]
Britain is a mixture of despair and hedonism in 1919 in the aftermath of the Great War. Returning soldiers, newly minted revolutions and criminal gangs are fighting for survival in a nation rocked by economic upheaval. One of the most powerful gangs of the time is the Peaky Blinders, run by returning war hero Thomas Shelby and his family. But Thomas has bigger ambitions than just running the streets. When a crate of guns goes missing, he recognizes an opportunity to advance in the world because crime may pay but legitimate business pays better. Trying to rid Britain of its crime is Inspector Chester Campbell, who arrives from Belfast to try to achieve that goal. [source]
Receives a 97% from Google users, and 91% on Rotten Tomatoes.
-
“A Million Little Things”
This show has just begun it’s second season. I do intentionally seek it out on ABC on Thursday evenings.
[source]
It has been said that friendship isn’t one big thing, it’s a million little things. That is certainly true for a group of friends from Boston who bonded under unexpected circumstances. Some have achieved success, others are struggling in their careers and relationships, but all of them feel stuck in life. After one of them dies unexpectedly, it’s just the wake-up call the others need to finally start living. Along the way, they discover that friends may be the one thing that can save them from themselves. [source]
Receives a 96% from Google users.
These 10 on the 10th posts are fun to write. Looking forward to next month when we share our 10 favorite gifts to give. That must mean Christmas is coming!
Your Turn
What would be on your list of 10 Media Faves? Have you read, listened to or seen any of these items on my list? Heading over to link up over at Whitney’s blog, The Perfectly Imperfect Mama. Anxious to check out everyone else’s list.
Thanks for stopping by, today, lovelies. Wishing everyone a peaceful weekend.
Hugs and kisses,
I remember I was at brunch when we heard the news that Princess Diana had died in a crash. She was such an icon and it was such a horrible tragedy. My mom just told us about Peaky Blinders and we are going to start that after we finish Succession this weekend!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Okay, I need to check out Succession. Haven’t heard of it. Hope you like Peaky Blinders. Prepare for plenty of violence but the story is good.
I think these 10 lists are fun and insightful… it’s neat to learn what someone likes to watch/read/listen to etc.
Greatful for the books, because I don’t read much anymore. I tend to get too obsessive about reading…too impatient and want to read nonstop till I see how it ends (rather than just enjoying the process).
Looking forward to viewing “Yesterday.” It’s been on my list since the previews were released.
Do you have a Spotify account? It might be fun to share playlists. 😊
I would love to share Spotify playlists. I am new to it and have only one playlist! But if you want to share, I will get busy and create some. Was just thinking today that I miss music in my life. Used to use my iPod a lot, maybe I need to put it in the car so I have my faves in there, too.
Just finished “The Girls at 17 Swann Street.” Somehow I think you might like that book. I listened to it on Audible. Starting a new book this week.
Hope you like “Yesterday.” We both enjoyed it and the movie about Bruce Springsteen. Can’t think of the name now but it was cute, too.
I am dying to see the “Yesterday” movie. We rarely go to movies anymore, so hopefully we can catch it on the tv. I’ve been intrigued by the “Million LIttle Things” tv show, but haven’t watched that yet ether. I’m trying to catch up with “This is Us” on Hulu right now.
I watched “This is Us” tonight and felt like I got caught up again. The first episode for the season really threw me for a loop because it featured kids I wasn’t familiar with. Hope you will try “A Million Little Things”. It is very good. Grab a bucket of popcorn at your closest theater, bring it home and watch “Yesterday” on HBO if you have it.
Hi, Leslie! Loved the post! I put Brittany Runs a Marathon and Late Night on my list of movies to put in my Netflix queue. I saw Yesterday and loved it. I’ve even put it in my Netflix queue to watch again at home! Thanks for the recommendations! I also put Do It Scared on my list of podcasts to try. I’ve listened to a few, but haven’t yet found any that I’m a die-hard about. Sounds like a fun link-up!
If you come across a new favorite podcast, please share. A lot of them seem to be directed toward younger gals and feature younger gals. Maybe we need to create one for those of us who are a bit more seasoned! So glad you like Brittany. XO
I really enjoyed ‘Yesterday’, it was an easy watch and it was filmed about an hour and a half from where I live so it was fun to see places we recognised from a weekend break that we took there a couple of years ago.
I remember waking up the Sunday that Diana died to see the headlines in the newspaper that she had been in a car crash and then when we turned on the tv we discovered she had died. I was so sad for her poor young sons. There have been so many documentaries by so many different points of view over here but I hadn’t heard of that podcast.
Can you believe that I haven’t watched any Peaky Blinders or even Downton Abbey? Am I the only Brit who hasn’t?!
We tried Downton Abbey and didn’t care for it. Have been tempted to check out the movie but seems like we should watch the show first. Peaky Blinders is plenty violent but we enjoyed the story. PC and I are both a large percentage English-Welsh-Irish-Scottish so enjoyed a series about our ‘homeboys’. Ha!!
Diana’s death was so sad for her sons. I think she raised them well as they seem to be good guys. And both seem to have been very close to their mum.
How fun that you have visited the area where Yesterday was filmed!! Someday I am going to get over there to see your beautiful country.
I can relate, my faves change with the wind too! I blame it on my Gemini birth sign, lol! I read the Mother in Law and enjoyed it. I have found that I love Podcasts that tell stories rather than ones that are about becoming a better version of myself. So I’ve been zipping through several, I get so hooked! It’s like a book from audible but it’s free!
xo,
Kellyann
Which podcasts are you listening to? I think I probably like the ones that tell a story better, too. The Diana podcast has been so interesting. And there is one about Natalie Wood’s death. Might try it next.
Thank you for the book recommendations- adding a couple to my list! Yeah for A Million Little Things! 🙂
Thank you, new friend, for coming by! I will return the favor and visit your blog right now. Glad you found a couple of book suggestions to save. I am always looking for well-reviewed titles to share with my virtual book club gals.
Hi Leslie,
If a movie is not on Netflix, Amazon, or Hulu I’m not seeing it…totally get that.
Here are some current media favs of mine, alhthough like you mine change:
Outlander
Handmaid’s Tale
The Gamechangers (movie, coming to Netlix 10/16)
Forks Over Knives (documentary)
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (hysterical!)
Goliath
Big Bang Theory…any time, any season
Have a marvelous day!
I have watched the first season of Handmaid’s Tale and read the book. Then started the second season and something happened that I became very sad watching it. Need to give it another go. The Gamechangers? Will check it out!!
Thank you for the suggestions.
I just recently saw Yesterday and it is a cute movie, maybe not my favorite rock band movie that has been out lately, but worth watching! I enjoyed the Mother In Law. I really like the Rise Together podcast… loved it so much I listened to all of the old ones, too. It took me awhile! It has a lot of great relationship, self improvement tips!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Thank you for the podcast suggestion. Will check it out tomorrow. Sure makes driving the 20 miles to help with Cia more enjoyable.
Ooo! I really want to read The Girls at 17 Swann Street now! I struggled with an eating disorder for a few years in college. It took a long time for me to love my body. I watched Late Night and loved it! Such a great and funny movie!
I would love to know more about your eating disorder. Do you talk about it? Would you consider reading this book and doing a joint review of it with me? It has been 45 years since I had anorexia and I still don’t know exactly what prompted it. The deep underlying stuff. But this book reminded me of the pain and the compulsions I had around food and eating. Let me know if you would be interested in teaming up for something together.
Oh thanks for the suggestions here!
http://www.ruthyannie.com
We were just discussing where we were when things happened or we heard about them, and I don’t remember hearing about Princess Diana dying! I do remember talking about it afterwards but I had known about it by then. I love A Million Little Things too!
You were probably just a baby when Princess Diana died. I think you are around my daughters’ age. The podcast has been really interesting.
I do want to see Yesterday and Brittany Runs a Marathon looks really good too. I LOVE the show A Million Little Things.
-lauren
Great post Leslie, I might indulge in some of your reading picks!