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What I've Been Reading, Watching And Listening To // January

What I've Been Reading, Watching And Listening To // January

Posted on: Sunday 13 February 2022



Okay okay I know, it's not January anymore and I am maybe a little late in deciding that I wanted to start this series, but the perfectionist in me wouldn't let me start a new series without starting at the beginning of the year (despite the perfectionist inside me hating that I'm starting it late, but what can you do?).


I used to write a little monthly series similar to this, and I'm not sure why I stopped really because they were some of my favourite posts to write and I suppose the fact that I've been reading a lot recently has inspired me to start sharing this sort of thing again. I already write book recommendation posts every now and again so I definitely expect there to be some overlap, but I do like to document everything I've read, good or bad.


So without further ado, here's what I've been reading, watching and listening to in January:


R E A D I N G :


The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes // This was a slow burner for me, but once I got into it I was really into it. It's based on the true story of a group of women in 1930s Kentucky who set up a horseback library that aims to deliver books and education to the harder to reach members of their community. It documents their difficulties along the way including some major opposition and discrimination against their efforts. I feel like it challenges peoples' perceptions of other people based on their own biases and although a lot of the prejudices in the book would be outdated today, the concept of judging people based on their character over anything else is still very relevant. A four star book for me (it's very rare anything gets a five!)


Ghosts by Dolly Alderton // Ghosts documents the changes that happen as you enter your thirties, from changing friendships, relationship breakups, aging parents and everything in between. On the surface it sounds very much like fluffy chick-lit, but it delves a lot deeper than that, definitely makes you think and has an almost cyclical feel to it. I gave this one four stars too.


The Catch by T.M. Logan // This was such an easy read; short chapters really make it easier to fly through a book don't they? It's about an overprotective father who thinks there may be something not quite right about his daughter's fiancé and the lengths he goes to to try and uncover something. I felt like it took a while to get going and could definitely have been a shorter book so I only rated it three stars, but at the same time I was pretty hooked by the end and absolutely flew through it.



W A T C H I N G :


Anne / ITV // I love a good drama documentary because I always think it's important to learn about and gain a better understanding of real life events and they're a pretty easy way to do so. Anne is the story of a mother who lost her son in the Hillsborough disaster and the subsequent fight for justice. I didn't know heaps about the Hillsborough disaster before watching this and it was definitely very sobering seeing all the real footage and photos. I'd definitely recommend it, but a warning that's it's (obviously) really quite heavy watching.


Four Lives / BBC // Because what was I just saying about heavy drama documentaries? This one is about the serial killer and rapist Stephen Port and how he was convicted. It highlights a lot of police failings within the case and if you don't mind the heaviness it's also worth a watch! 


Made in Chelsea / All4 // Because I always have to have at least one trashy TV show in my life at any given point I decided to pick up where I left off with Made In Chelsea many many moons ago so there is plenty for me to catch up on. No, it's not any good and no, I wouldn't necessarily recommend it, but it fills my mindless telly hole and is excellent for not having to really concentrate at all.



L I S T E N I N G :


Athletico Mince // I've tried to delve into the podcast world a few times before and never really managed to get into anything, but my new commute meant I really wanted to get stuck into something and this is the first podcast I've stuck with. Hosted by one of my favourite comedians Bob Mortimer alongside Andy Dawson, it's very loosely a 'football' podcast, but there is very little football and what there is in there is light and humorous rather than actual football chat. It's a difficult one to describe, but it's essentially a lot of rambling and if you like Bob Mortimer then you'll like this!


Change The Show by Miles Kane // One thing I want to get better at doing this year is listening to different music, which is a completely unrelated fact to me listening to this because I've been listening to Miles Kane for years, but just wanted to get it out there (mainly to hold myself accountable to it). Anyway, despite seeing mediocre reviews for this album online, I really like it. It has a very retro vibe to it and I feel like he's sort of 'found' his musical style properly rather than just experimenting like I feel he has done previously. Much recommend if you're into retro-laid back-indie, which is the best I'm going to do at describing it I'm afraid. 


What are you recommendations from the last month?

Amy x

Comments

  1. Four Lives is on our watch list, I think we have it recorded already waiting. It sounds so interesting (and sad).

    Corinne x
    https://skinnedcartree.com

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    1. It's definitely an interesting watch! And also really sad xx

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  2. As I'm a Liverpool fan, I knew a lot about the Hillsborough disaster before watching Anne, but I have never felt so emotional watching a drama in my life, so beautifully acted! x

    Lucy Mary

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    1. My other half is a Liverpool fan too, I imagine it's even more poignant for you! x

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  3. I've seen Anne being advertised a lot but haven't gotten round to watching it yet! Something I need to check out soon since i like drama's based on real events. I totally get wanting to start a series in january, i have that same issue, but happy to see you posting about it! looking forward to the next! x
    jasmine ♡ minae

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    1. Would definitely recommend it! Thanks for reading :)

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  4. I haven't watched MIC in ages, this makes me want to watch it again!

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