Thrillers, Nicole Kidman, Memoirs & Tribal Police
A rapid fire round up of shows and books from the last few weeks!
Well, I’ve taken some time away to take a break and also to celebrate my ten year anniversary with my husband in Mexico. But that doesn’t mean the books and TV shows were put on hold, in fact, I have a lot of catching up to do. So I thought I would do a rapid fire of sorts to get all caught up on things.
Books
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
I definitely recommend this book. I am extremely picky about thrillers, as I find many of them tiring and predictable. But this one is worth even the length of it (and at 500+ that means a lot). A young girl goes missing on a campground where her brother also went missing years ago. Family, class, wealth, mystery, it’s all there and it’s divine.
Ambition Monster by Jennifer Romolini
This memoir is about how ambition can come from childhood trauma (which I so get) and also how ambition will eat us up in our adulthood. Romolini tells her story of growing up in a wild home, a lot of crummy relationships, and my favorite, working in journalism during the girl boss era. I enjoyed this one, and I think if you like memoirs, this is a good one to pick up. I listened to this on audiobook and it was read by the author.
The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugindes
I have wanted to read this for a while, because I feel like it’s talked about a lot and also just enough not that I was curious. But I struggled with this one? I felt like it took a beat for things to click with me. I’ve finally decided that the point of this book is that no one is out to help girls and instead girls and their pain/feelings/existence is merely a show for everyone to watch. And if that sounds depressing, it’s because it is! I do have on my list to watch the film adaptation of this, but I need a break before I do.
Negative Space by Gillian Linden
I think this might be more of a novella, but it is quite lovely. Our main character is a teacher during pandemic times, navigating the times, motherhood, and witnessing a confusing interaction between student and fellow teacher. I actually wish there was more of this. And also I loved how this author portrayed the kids; they were funny and real, which was just fun. No complainants on this!
In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado
My second memoir and also another great one. I know there was a lot of talk about this, it’s very beloved by many and rightfully so. I think this held up to a lot of the praise I was hearing about it. The author is a fantastic writer and I enjoyed her analysis and integration of research and media on same-sex domestic abuse. It weaves in well with her experience. I listened to this on audiobook and it was read by the author.
Television Shows
Dark Winds S1 & 2
Set on the Navajo Reservation, our main characters are the tribal police. Mysterious things happen, crime needs to be solved, and it’s set in the 70s--which all a great formula. I enjoyed Season 1. A great development of characters and interesting storyline. I loved the portrayal of the Navajo people and also I want to visit the Arizona deserts after watching because it’s so beautiful and different from PNW. I also loved the little romance that happens, but I think the show should have given them a little more time together.
Season 2 was not for me, though. I am not a fan of character destruction, and without giving away too many spoilers, the main character goes on such an uncharacteristic kick that I actually loathed him in any scenes! It just didn’t add up for me.
Still, I recommend giving Season 1 a shot and if you just kind of look past some things, I think Season 2 is fine.
Kevin Can F*** Himself Season 1
Our main character is an unappreciated, fed-up Allison, wife of a silly man child, think Kevin James-type (which is actually who this show was inspired by). In one scene you’re following things from Kevin’s view, everything is bright and silly, there’s a laugh track, jokes made at Allison’s expense. In the next, everything is darker with a more sinister air, as Allison begins to plot her murder of the husband who does everything to destroy her. It’s dark, creative, and interesting! I love the female friendship that develops. I love how it makes you think back on all those sitcoms where gender stereotypes were heavy, and realize just how sinister some of the shows really were. I haven’t gotten to S2 yet, but I look forward to it.
The Perfect Couple
I think I’m incapable of not watching any limited series/streaming movie that stars Nicole Kidman. I can’t help it! But this was not bad! It was perfect entertainment for our flight to Cancun. A young woman is marrying into a rich, mysterious family when tragedy occurs the night before her wedding. It’s dark and moody. Family secrets are exposed (my favorite) and all the women in this show are phenomenal actors! Dakota Fanning is playing a role she was made for; I have loved Eve Hewson since watching her in Bad Sisters. Truly a lovely cast! I only had a little complaint that had to do with the ending as I just didn’t feel a strong enough connection between Kidman and Hewson’s characters, but I get what they were trying to do. Still a good watch!
Secret Lives of Mormon Wives
I have finished this and I think I have more to say on this than just a quick paragraph! This was a wild show, and as an ex-mormon I just have so many thoughts!!!
That’s all for now! See you again soon!!
I just started watching Kevin Can F Himself, I'm about 4 episodes in! It's such a creative concept for a show, it's unlike anything I've ever watched before. I've never heard of that Ambition Monster book you mention, but it sounds really interesting. I might just have to add it to my reading list!