The Monthly Media Catchup: Everything I Read, Watched & Listened To | May 2020
May was the month that I finally completed my English Literature degree. And how did I celebrate? By reading, of course!
But, seriously, the novelty of being able to read off-syllabus whenever I want is one I’m not sure will ever wear off and it’s been made even more exciting by the UK’s unseasonably warm weather. Waking up, heading straight to the garden with my book and taking breaks inside whenever I got too warm to watch an episode of Sex and The City? Maybe I could get used to this whole lockdown thing…
Books
mr salary by Sally Rooney | ★★★★*
After watching Normal People, I needed another Sally Rooney fix. Luckily, I’d ordered this short story after finishing her first and second novels last year and hadn’t got round to reading it. Mr Salary is about Sukie, who is returning home to Dublin, and her relationship with Nathan, a family friend she moved in with when she was a teenager because of difficulties at home. In typical Rooney fashion, it’s simple but endearing and explores the dynamics of a romantic relationship that is complicated due to external factors. I really enjoyed it and have since ordered two more books from this collection of Faber Stories by other authors, as I love the idea and the beautiful covers.
exciting times by naoise dolan | ★★★★*
Naoise Dolan has been compared to Sally Rooney, largely because she is an Irish millennial writer, I think, but perhaps also because, like Rooney, she writes about romantic relationships so well. Exciting Times follows Ava, who is living as an expat in Hong Kong and teaching English as a foreign language, and her weird living arrangement/relationship with a banker, Julian, as well as her romantic relationship with Edith. It’s witty and hilarious and almost every sentence carries socio-political commentary, but it is done in a way that somehow feels cleverly subtle. The commentary is largely focussed on being Irish and how this affects her experience of being an expat, as she is expected to teach Anglo-English as opposed to Irish-English, as well as the feminist politics of accepting money/housing off a partner, which I found really interesting. I absolutely loved this book and really recommend it. 4.5 stars.
I feel bad about my neck: and other thoughts on being a woman by nora ephron | ★★★*
I picked this collection of essays up on a weekend when I was feeling a bit off and couldn’t really get into any of the books I was trying to read. This one was perfect. These essays were written late in Ephron’s life and they are mostly interested in ageing as a woman. An essay that stands out to me in retrospect was actually about Ephron’s huge, rent-controlled, bougie apartment in New York, however, which provided me with at least a day of dreaming about living there. Like Eprhon’s most well-known novel, Heartburn, this collection of essays didn’t blow me away, but I devoured them in, basically, a day, as they’re such easy reading and can be a real tonic when you’re feeling a bit crap. But I don’t necessarily subscribe to the deification of Ephron, purely because there are other writers whose craft I admire more (see the next review) and I don’t think the topics Ephron discusses are anything revolutionary, although I enjoy how she manages to discuss everything with humour and a certain light-heartedness that really translates to the reader.
changing my mind: occasional essays by zadie smith | ★★★★*
Zadie Smith is my favourite non-fiction writer that I’ve read, even though her fiction, whilst I admire the writing hugely, is not my go-to. The precision, structure and self-awareness in her non-fiction writing is something I can only aspire to and I read and re-read every word in this collection so closely to try and get my head around how she does it. I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s just pure, natural genius.
The essays in this collection range from cultural commentary and reviews to personal essays to literary analysis. The only reason I’ve knocked a star off is because, at times, I had no awareness of the topics she wrote about, and I think the intended reader should have had some, and it did also feel that these essays had just been thrown together, rather than carefully curated. If this was a writer who hadn’t perfected her craft, I don’t think I would have enjoyed it at all. But the reason it took me almost 2 months to read is not down to lack of enjoyment but because I just really wanted to sit with and savour every sentence. My favourite essays were ‘Dead Man Laughing’, in which she discusses an almost universal experience, the death of her father, without cliche but in a way that is meaningful and uniquely touching, as well as her essay on ‘Rereading Barthes and Nabokov’. I want to include an excerpt from the latter that I think will resonate with everyone who has studied English Literature:
‘It’s probably for the best that [Nabokov] didn’t live to see the kind of post-Barthes (and post-Foucault) campus criticism that flowered on both sides of the pond during the eighties and nineties. Wild analogy; aggressive reading against the grain and across codes and discourses; a fondness for cultural codes over textual particulars. You remember the sort of thing:
The Trans-gendered Suitor: Refractions of Darcy as Elizabeth’s True Sister in Pride and Prejudice.
Daisy, the Dollar, and Foucault’s Repressive Hypothesis: Portraits of Sexualised Capital in The Great Gatsby
Please Sir, Can I Have Some More: Bulimic Rejections of Self in Oliver Twist.
I’ve written a lot of essays like this. And found it a wonderful thing, to feel so free. The novel was mine to do with as I wished, to read upside down, back to front or in entirely anachronistic terms. That kind of freedom makes writers of readers, liberating us from the passive and authoritarian styles we are taught in school (Hard Times = British education system in Victorian England). When we read instead in an active way we get to reinscribe dusty old novels into our own interests and cocnerns. There is a joy in getting someone to hand us their butterfly so we can spend twenty pages making the case for its being our giraffe.’
Some people call this collection of essays pretentious, and one GoodReads reviewer said Smith seemed like she was ‘trying to be erudite’. But having read and listened to every interview of hers I can get my hands on, I think she really is just very clever and you can’t take that personally - just enjoy and appreciate that we are lucky enough to live during the same time as her. Ok, I’m done! Read Zadie Smith!
kartography by kamila shamsie | ★★★*
I bought this novel after seeing Kamila Shamsie in conversation with Jeanette Winterson way back in 2017, having read Shamsie’s fantastic novel, Home Fire. Kartography is one of her earlier novels, one that I’ve been recommended when I’ve mentioned to people that I love Home Fire and, although I enjoyed it, it didn’t hit quite the same as Home Fire. It’s set in Karachi, the city in Pakistan where Shamsie is from and I think part of the reason I didn’t enjoy it as much as Home Fire is because I’m not aware of the political goings on in Pakistan as much as I am of those in the UK and America, which is no fault of Shamsie’s, only my own. But I also think that this novel is very different to Home Fire, in that, whilst it’s interested in political commentary, it’s centred on a love story, between two young adults, Raheen and Karim, whose parents swapped fiancees before they were born, yet remain best friends. There is a mystery behind this fiancee swap that is eventually revealed at the end of the novel but the main storyline is that of Raheen and Karim and their relationship. It’s definitely worth a read, as Kamsie’s signature wit and humour is there, if not as much in Home Fire, and it is a beautiful portrayal of Shamsie’s home town. I also learnt a lot about Pakistan, its history and its politics, so it was definitely worthwhile, but sometimes I was a little bored with the love story narrative. 3.5 stars.
Trick Mirror by jia tolentino | ★★★★*
I feel as though I’m late to this book, although I’m sure Jia Tolentino would have much to say about the idea of being ‘late to a book’ and how this idea has been constructed by an obsession with keeping up, bred by social media and, inevitably, the capitalist society we live in. I’m sure she’d say it much better than that. This was the first book, alongside Kartography, I read after completing my degree and it has made me so excited about the reading opportunities I have now my ‘reading for fun’ books aren’t limited to those I can read just before bed. This essay collection interrogates what it means to live in the contemporary world, from using social media, to reality TV, to campus sexual assault, to big fancy weddings and so much more. Tolentino has an incredible mind and her voice, skeptical yet thoughtful about the trivial and the serious, is one that I am so glad that exists within journalism. I can’t wait to read more of her work.
TV
sex and the city (SKY) | ★★★★★
I had 3 goals for lockdown: 1. get into tea, 2. watch Sex and the City, 3. learn to do a headstand. I’ve managed the ones that don’t require me to leave my bed and/or pull out a yoga mat. Sex and the City was the PERFECT quarantine watch. It’s essentially a rom-com spread out over 6 seasons with great 90s style (my favourite era for fashion), and commentary on sex, relationships and being a woman that is partly still relevant now and I’m sure was revolutionary when it was created. There are certainly problematic elements and it is a reflection of the time it was made in every way (the good and the bad) but I think as long as we acknowledge the issues it has and educate ourselves to ensure our beliefs are not the same as some of the ones the characters adapt, then we can appreciate the show for what it is. And what it is is a celebration of friendship in the very aspirational context of four women, some of whom barely work, who have lots of money, and make the most of the New York they are living in. Fuck Big, Aidan is ok, but, as usual, Samantha was right in choosing Smith Gerrard. He’s the only man I really like in the series. My favourite moment from the entirety of the 6 seasons is pictured below (Samantha is such a gem):
little fires everywhere (AMazon prime) | ★★★
This is TV series was developed by Reese Witherspoon’s production company, based on a book of the same name. I haven’t read the book, as I prefer this kind of plot-driven narrative in TV format, rather than in a novel, but I was excited about the series anyway, as I loved Big Little Lies. I binged it in two days and I thought the first few episodes were gripping and provided a brilliant commentary on race and class in America. The last couple of episodes, particularly the last one, however, became so far-fetched and disengaged that it’s tainted my memory of the show. It’s definitely worth a watch as the first few episodes live up to my memory of Big Little Lies, the ending, however, does not.
Film
sex and the city 1 and 2 (netflix & amazon prime) | ★★★★
Obviously once I finished watching the series, I watched both of the films. I’ve watched them before but they’re much better when you know the characters and their back stories. They’re not as good as the TV show, because they’ve adopted a kind of Hollywood glamour that the TV show, rightfully, didn’t have and they are also cliched in a way that the TV show generally wasn’t. But it did make me think that every long TV show with a big fan base should follow up with two movies that aren’t quite as good as the show to provide closure for its viewers. Gossip Girl 1 and 2 anyone?
little women (2019) (Amazon Prime) | ★★★★★
I promise I’m not going to rave about Little Women again (you can read my review, which, in short, says I love it so much, here). But I’m including it on this list to provide the very important news that it’s now available to buy on Amazon Prime and I have obviously bought and watched it, and loved it just as much on a third viewing.
mystic pizza (netflix) | ★★★
This was my only Netflix party watch of the month! It’s a classic rom-com featuring Julia Roberts about three sisters who are navigating relationships with different men. It’s nothing revolutionary but definitely a cosy, easy watch. Plus, I’ll watch anything that features Julia Roberts
he’s just not that into you (Netflix) | ★★★
Another easy rom-com! I do feel as though that this film has got the formula for a rom-com down to a tee, but it’s not one that I regularly re-watch and I think it would be more interesting and relevant, like most things, with more diversity.
joan didion: the center will not hold (netflix) | ★★★★
I always knew Joan Didion lived a fascinating life but I didn’t really know what it entailed. This documentary did a great job of filling me in and it was, indeed, fascinating. I’d recommend reading this New Yorker article after watching the documentary.
Podcasts
table manners | ★★★★
This podcast has been recommended to me so much but, for some reason, I’ve resisted it up until now. Actually, I tried to listen to the episode with Haim a couple of months ago but gave up when I realised that making a podcast with 5 people does not work. I’ve finally gotten into Table Manners this month, anyhow, after listening to their recent episode with Florence Pugh. I’ve listened to a few other episodes since then and I really enjoy Jessie and Lenny’s dynamic and I think they do a great job of making their guests comfortable enough to talk openly with them. Other episodes I’ve listened to so far include those with Emilia Clarke (this one was also great), Dolly Alderton and Antoni Porowski.
individual episodes i enjoyed:
Articles
I’ve been reading lots of articles from all my usual sources this month but I’ve also really gotten into Penguin’s features section - see below for my recommendations from Penguin and some of my other favourite publications and sites.
Curtis Sittenfeld interview: what would Hillary have achieved without Bill Clinton? | Sunday Times
Don't worry, I live with all these books: the socially distant joy of reading outside | Penguin
I Don't Know How To Say This But... I Miss Feeling Hot | Man Repeller
A bow and a courtesy: how Jane Austen's age of social distancing reflects our own | Penguin
music
There’s no playlist this month as I’ve pretty much exclusively been listening to Joni Mitchell, but I would really recommend this Guardian article on where to start with Joni Mitchell, as I think she’s the perfect artist to be stuck in your house with, as well as to take along on your daily walks.
you might also like…
The Monthly Media Catchup: Everything I Read, Watched & Listened To | March 2020
Anything marked with a * is an affiliate links.
The world might be ending, but I’m still consuming as much “stuff”, if not more, during this very weird period. I imagine April’s MMC is going to be a mammoth one, as I seem to have just settled into being able to relax and watch films/TV and read for pleasure (and for uni - what is “a degree” again?) Whereas March was mostly spent, for the latter part, trying to navigate what’s going on through long walks and video calls, and for the former, actually being quite busy and doing things in the real world- what a concept!
Despite this, I have managed to read, watch and listen to a decent amount during March and I hope you find something you might like in this blog post to keep you entertained in your home for the coming weeks/months, so staying in becomes less of a challenge to your mental health and more of a challenge to yourself of ‘how much great stuff can I consume during this time?’
Books
All Over Creation by Ruth Ozeki* | ★★★★
The first book I finished for uni this month was this novel. It’s books like these ones that make me thankful for my degree, as I never would have picked All Over Creation up otherwise. It follows a family in Idaho, of which the elderly parents are potato farmers, and their attempts to navigate the growing popularity of genetically modified food. It educated me a great deal on this topic but it’s also a brilliantly gripping story, exploring romantic relationships, race, motherhood, among other topics. Ruth Ozeki is definitely an author I want to read more of.
Women Against men by storm jameson* | ★★★★
As I mentioned in last month’s Monthly Media Catch Up, I’m writing my dissertation on the inter-war writer Storm Jameson, so I’ve been reading more of her work this month. This book is made up of three short novels. The final one, A Day Off (which I reviewed when I first read it last year) is my favourite and was the stimulus for my dissertation on the use of clothing in her literature. It’s a day novel that is so rich as it explores the thoughts of a working-class, Northern woman wandering around London. It’s symbolism is rich and the social commentary is so clever and discrete. The other books in the collection didn’t grip me as much but I still enjoyed them, as I do all of Jameson’s writing.
love in winter by storm Jameson* | ★★★
Another Jameson novel! This one is the sequel to Company Parade, that I discussed last month. It’s particularly concerned with the protagonist’s romantic relationships, which I found boring at times, but still generally enjoyed the novel because all of the characters are well-developed and complicated and, not to sound like a broken record, but her social commentary is so uniquely presented and enjoyable.
my friend anna By rachel deloache williams* | ★★★
This is the only book I read outside of uni this month! I’m glad I chose this one, as it provided an experience of total escapism. A true story written by a friend of Anna Delvey’s, who was convicted of fraud in 2019 after moving to NYC and pretending to be a German heiress to scam socialites (and non-socialites, like Rachel), out of lots of money. Hearing the story from Rachel’s perspective is fascinating, and I loved being sucked in to the New York lifestyle that is a million miles away from my life, and seeing how Anna manipulated it.
Whilst Anna is clearly the perpetrator in this situation and Rachel the victim, I did find that Rachel was too concerned with using this book to exonerate herself from any criticism (i.e. that she used Anna for her money) with constant passages about how hard it was on her, mentally and financially, that added nothing to the story apart from justifying herself. Of course, it’s understandable how difficult this situation would have been for her, but I would have enjoyed more self-awareness in the writing. Although, it was, at times, interesting for it to have been written in this way, as it really made it feel more like a fictional story with complicated, fallible characters.
tv
the bold type (Amazon Prime) | ★★★★★
I haven’t managed to watch anything new on TV this month, simply because I was, at first, busy and, later, too overwhelmed by the news to be absorbed into a new world on screen (I have a much worse attention span when it comes to watching as opposed to reading). So, I’ve been re-watching my favourite TV show, The Bold Type. I first encountered it last summer and it has since become my favourite show. Following the lives of three twenty-somethings working at a Cosmopolitan-esq magazine, it has that easy-to-watch aspirational quality, whilst also being very up-to-date when it comes to socio-political conversations about sex, race, gender, politics and so much more.
film
emma | ★★★★
My final trip to the cinema pre-quarantine was to watch this simply lovely film. I love how many period films based on classic literature with great costuming are being made at the moment, not least because it has made me realise that this niche is my favourite kind of film. Whilst it did not live up to my beloved Little Women, it had the same ‘figgy pudding film’ (i.e. twinkly and cozy) quality that I can easily get lost in. The casting was great (I’ll watch anything that involves Johnny Flynn) and the costumes were inspired!! I’m truly obsessed with the silhouettes of those dresses and I couldn’t care less if they are historically accurate or not.
Four Weddings and a Funeral | ★★★★
One goal of mine during lockdown is to watch all of the film and TV that I should have already watched. I’m not talking The Godfather and The Matrix (I have and will never watch either or any other films of that kind) but films I have never seen but will undoubtedly love. I started with this one that has been on my list for so long and I’m embarrassed to say it took me 21 years to watch. Watching this whilst doing a jigsaw was the best Sunday I’ve had in a while and it definitely lived up to what I expect from a 90s Richard Curtis film.
podcasts
Off Menu | ★★★★
I’d listened to a few episodes of this podcast in the past with guests I already liked but this month I’ve dived into the deep end and have become completely obsessed with it. Comedians James Acaster and Ed Gamble interview guests about their dream meals and whilst this is kind of interesting, it’s the humour that goes with it that makes the podcast so great and such a tonic at the moment. I recently listened to the episode with Catherine Cohen, who I hadn’t heard of beforehand but is absolutely hilarious. So I’d say start with that one, unless there’s another guest who you know of and particularly like.
honourable mentions:
articles
I thought I’d introduce a specific section in the MMC for articles, rather than clumping them together with podcast episodes. But I won’t be doing an individual review for each of them because I’m only mentioning the ones I enjoyed, as I can’t remember the ones I disliked (unless I really hated them, in which case, I might mention it.)
This will reveal that I read the Sunday Times Style in disproportionate amounts, as well as Man Repeller - sometimes The New Yorker, although, apparently, not during the beginning of a global pandemic. Here’s hoping I can get through the big pile of New Yorkers next to my bed during the middle of a global pandemic.
Anyhow, here are the articles I read during March, some of them are related to the C-word (how sad that this no longer means Christmas!), most of them aren’t:
Love is Blind’s Jessica and the gendered history of the ‘Hot Mess’ | The Sunday Times Style (Charlotte Edwards)
This meditation mania makes me anxious | The Times (Laura Freeman)
Who’s Still Swiping on the Dating Apps? | Man Repeller (Edith Young)
Should We Still Be Shopping? Leandra and Harling Discuss | Man Repeller (Leandra Medine and Harling Ross)
Verified Strangers | Vogue (Lena Dunham)
Bougie London Literary' Woman’s Lockdown Diary | Vice (Imogen West-Knights)
I’m 27 & Was Hospitalised with Coronavirus | Refinery29 (Jessica Morgan)
The death of Shukri Abdi: ‘She was failed when she was alive and she’s still being failed now’ | Gal-dem (Nimo Omer)
The Best Dressed of 2020 Awards Season, Illustrated | The Mancunion (Alex Bikard)
Social Distancing: This is Not a Snow Day | Medium (Asaf Bitton)
music
This month’s playlist is mostly feel-good songs, old favourites and those I have recently discovered. It includes what would have been Iceland’s Eurovision entry (I now hate it as I’ve listened to it, and learned the dance, 100 times too many), a bop from Dua Lipa’s new album and the best David Bowie song for dancing around your room when you feel like you’re going to implode due to over-exposure to your family/partner/child/self.
you might also like…
The Monthly Media Catchup: Everything I Read, Watched & Listened To | August 2019
August has well and truly been a month of rest, mostly spent at home snuggled up on the sofa or in bed, ending with a dreamy week in Corfu. I’ve managed to get through some great books as well as a whole lot of TV shows that I’m genuinely sad to see the back of. I feel like having a month off everything (kind of) has meant I’ve watched every TV show that exists that I like because, despite the amount of trailers and first episodes that I’ve watched, I can’t seem to find any new ones that I click with, so recommendations are welcome! Anyway, here’s everything I read, watched & listened to during the month of August…
books
My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite |★★★★
I bought this book despite my self-imposed book-ban at the beginning of August and immediately began reading it, something I don’t often do, as my many unread books sat on my shelves will vouch for, hence the book-ban. What I’m trying to say is, this book really appealed to me. Some of my favourite literature is written by Nigerian novelists and much of it explores female relationships. Plus the title and the front cover are undoubtedly intriguing. The novel follows the life of a woman whose (wait for it) sister is a serial killer- she kills all her boyfriends. I found the plot to be slow but I enjoyed it for its writing style, its complicated female characters and, best of all, its short chapters, because god knows I am SO much more likely to read a book regularly if its chapters are short- I have commitment issues. 3.5 stars.
Available to buy on Amazon.
Whisper Network by Chandler Baker | ★★★★
I asked my mum to pre-order this book for me for my birthday back in January, after hearing Pandora praise it on The High Low, and I was obviously very confused when it arrived on its release day in July. After a few days, I remembered where it came from and added it to my pile of hardbacks to take on holiday with me, because they are too big to be carried around in my bag during day-to-day life. This book is a great ‘poolside read’. Following the lives of four female lawyers working for a company in which a man they know to have a history of sexual assault is about to become CEO, it’s very Big Little Lies: four complicated woman with issues going on in their personal life become entangled in a murder investigation. It’s a real page-turner and, as many critics have commented, feels like a reaction to the #METOO movement, exploring the nuances of sexual assault and why many women don’t report it.
Available to buy on Amazon.
Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman | ★★★★★
I adored this novel, perhaps even more than the film, which usually wouldn't be so much of a statement, because I am firmly books≥films, but after watching this film I wasn’t sure a novel could capture its vivid scenery, colours and feeling, but it really did. It’s one of those novels that you know every single word has been carefully thought about and this attention to detail really pays off because each sentence flows through to the next so beautifully. It’s narrated by Elio, a 17 year old boy living with his family in the Italian countryside, who becomes infatuated with the man, Oliver, his father, a well-known professor, takes in over the summer, in order to help him improve his academic work. It encapsulates the feeling of intoxicating love and infatuation so incredibly and I was moved so much by this novel. It’s definitely being added to my half of fame of books and I cannot wait for its sequel to be released this October!
Available to buy on Amazon.
The Mars Room by Rachel Kushner | ★★★
The plot of this novel really drew me to it, it takes place in a woman’s prison in California and sets out to explore the ‘absurdities of institutional living’, and let’s be honest, so did its pink and red, very well-designed, cover and the fact it was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2018. However I put off reading it for a while as I’d heard a lot of reviews from people who just couldn’t get to grips with it. After reading it, I can definitely see where they were coming from. It doesn’t really have a plot and I felt like it didn’t allow me enough time with the protagonist, Romy, to really feel for her and her struggles, and it allowed even less time with the seemingly more interesting prisoners. I mean, maybe this was the point of the novel and I’m sure it would be an interesting one to analyse, just not to read for pleasure. Despite this, it wasn’t a slog and I got through it pretty quickly. But I wouldn’t rush to recommend it, unless you’re a die hard fan of Orange Is The New Black, then you’ll probably really like it. 2.5 stars.
Available to buy on Amazon.
TV
I’ve watched a whole lot of TV this month so I will try and keep these reviews as short and snappy as possible…
Jane The Virgin | ★★★★★
I lied. This isn’t going to be short and snappy. I could write an entire blog post about Jane The Virgin- no, I could create an entire blog dedicated to it. This beautiful, hilarious and unique series ended this month and I am going to miss saving the new weekly episode for whenever I most need it. The plot line sounds ridiculous (it is and that’s the best thing about it) so bare with me: Jane is a devout catholic who, despite being in a committed relationship, does not want to have sex before marriage. However, she is accidentally, artificially inseminated and becomes pregnant. The story continues from there and follows Jane’s life for five seasons and one hundred episodes. Its form is based on the Latin American telenovela, which means its very exaggerated, with lots of twists, fairytale endings and villains. But it’s also completely down to earth and explores very real topics and isn’t afraid to be political. It’s an absolute gem of a TV show and nothing can make me smile, cry or laugh quite like it. Please go and watch it- if you don’t believe my raving review, it has an 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Jane The Virgin is available on Netflix.
Big Little Lies | ★★★★★
I finished season 2 of Big Little Lies this month and it really proved itself as an incredible piece of television. It started off a little slow but that really served to make the ending more impactful. It deals with motherhood, grief and abuse of all kinds in such an intense yet sensitive way that it’s hard not too feel overwhelmed whilst watching it, which is the reason I can never binge-watch it. Each episode feels like a work of art, from the cinematography, to the soundtrack, to the outstanding acting and cast. Nicole Kidman’s performance was particularly brilliant this season and I was so moved by her story, whilst Meryl Streep’s character was so frustrating, I often had to turn the TV off, yet I also found myself sympathising with her, which goes to show how brilliant her portrayal and character is. I may not have enjoyed every moment of this season but it’s impossible to give it anything less than a 5 star review, because even the slow parts seem intentional looking back, and it is this impeccable attention to detail that makes Big Little Lies so great.
Big Little Lies Season 2 is available on Sky.
Gossip Girl | ★★★★★
I finished re-watching Gossip Girl for the third (or fourth?) time this month and I feel ridiculous giving it a five star review but it just has to be done! It’s so bad that it’s good and despite its cringe-worthiness, the story line is generally compelling. It’s my ultimate easy watch, especially when I’ve finished all of my other series, and I always go back to it. I love how unattainable the characters lives are to me as well as the New York lifestyle it portrays. It’s also really nostalgic for me as I first watched the series when I was 13, staying up all night during my summer holidays binge-watching it, and I think it’s what made me fall in love with NYC. Definitely worth a watch if you’ve never seen it before, or if you have because it’s so re-watchable.
Gossip Girl is available on Netflix.
GLOW | ★★★★
GLOW stands for the ‘Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling’ and that’s what it’s about- the cast of a female wrestling TV show set in the 80s. The third season was released this month and I enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed the first and second seasons. It’s nothing mind-blowing but it’s generally funny, sometimes moving and it can be politically relevant at times too which usually makes for the most interesting episodes; I particularly liked it’s exploration of relationships this season.
GLOW is available on Netflix.
Years and Years | ★★★★★
Years & Years didn’t initially appeal to me because it all sounded a bit intense and overwhelming, which isn’t generally what I want out of a TV show, but after watching the trailer and feeling at a complete loss for what to watch on a Friday night, I decided to give it a go. I’m so glad I did. Years & Years follows the lives of the Lyons family as each episode jumps ahead a few years, ending in 2030, portraying the effects of a dystopian world (or is it just our world?) in chaos on this particular family. The thing about this TV show is that it’s easy to watch (the Northern accents and its Manchester setting make it seem somewhat normal) but it’s also completely overwhelming. It’s plot is unbelievable but also very, very plausible. The more episodes I watched, the more terrifying this series became and it really made me feel the urgency of the problems in the world around us, specifically the rise of the alt-right and the refugee crisis. I sobbed at Episode Four like I’ve never sobbed at a TV show before and I really couldn’t shake off the feeling it left me with for some time. I think this TV show is a necessary watch and one that I won’t forget about any time soon.
Years and Years is available on BBC iPlayer.
Films
I promise we’re nearing the end! Especially because I only watched two films this month (excluding Flushed Away which I won’t review well, because, it’s obviously worthy of 5 stars and more)…
BlackkKlansman |★★★★
I finally got round to watching this film! It’s set in the 1970s when a black man who is working in the investigations department of his local police force, Ron Stallworth, responds to a Ku Klux Klan advert, asking for more information, only to be immediately phoned back, meaning he must pose as a white man. A white man who also works in the investigations department (Adam Driver, who I love and adore) then attends the KKK meetings, posing as Ron, whilst Ron continues to speak to the KKK members over the phone. This film was slow and most of its action took place right towards the end of the film, which (much like Big Little Lies) only made it more impactful. It was the sequence at the end of this film though, with clips of the racist Charlottesville terrorist attack that took place in 2017 that really left a mark on me, as it emphasised how, much like they did in the 1970s when this film was set, people underestimate how much racism is still present within our society. (NB: I looked into it after and this film is based on a true story and so many of the crazy details from the film did actually take place, which makes it far more interesting and scary).
BlackkKlansman is available on Sky.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood… | ★★★
Maybe I would have rated this film higher if I had any awareness of the Manson Murders before watching it but, alas, I did not, and I came out thinking that the film had no plot line whatsoever. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed it, the incredible cast, the portrayals of Los Angeles in the 70s, the clothes, but three hours is a long time to watch a film that seems like it has no plot. I’m not sure if not knowing about the Manson Murders is one of my many blips in historical knowledge and that everyone else knows about them, but I r do wish I knew before watching the film, at least, that Sharon Tate was murdered and that the film’s trailer/descriptions would have advertised how integral this fact is to understanding the it. Anyway, watching it with that knowledge might be a totally different experience, but without it, it’s just great outfits, great actors, oh, and a great soundtrack, with no plot, which can’t really warrant more than a 3-star review.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood… is in cinemas now.
MUSIC
I though I’d share my monthly playlist this month too (seeing as I actually made one). My music taste is beyond varied and sometimes I just listen to the same old stuff, but here are some of the new songs I listened to this month:
Phew! We’re done. My short and snappy reviews were not so short and snappy this month. But I think there are some great recommendations in this blog post so I hope you find something you like from it!
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The Monthly Media Catchup: Everything I've Read, Watched & Listened To | March & April 2019
Some links used are affiliate links which means I earn a very small amount of commission if you purchase an item.
Top: Shrimps X Warehouse Collection
Jeans: Vintage (similar here)
Necklace: Missoma
Hello! May has arrived and I’m bringing you a bumper edition of the Monthly Media Catchup. I spent most of March writing essays and crying about them so I didn’t get a chance to consume very much interesting media, hence why I’m combining the two months. However April was mostly spent reading, watching and listening to lots of wonderful things, so here’s all of the books, films, TV and podcasts I spent my time with during the months of March and April. There are some seriously good recommendations in this one, if I do say so myself (especially in the TV category)…
BOOKS
(all of these books were read as part of my English Literature degree)
The Normal Heart by Larry Kramer | ★★★★
This is a play about the outbreak of the AIDS crisis in New York City, how the world ignored it and how many gay men suffered as a result. It was heartbreaking and emotionally overwhelming to read and I can see why it was able to affect so much changed when it premiered. I’d really recommend reading this as a form of education and to understand how detrimental the AIDS crisis was and is, but also because it’s a fantastically gripping play.
Black Like Me by John Howard Griffin | ★★★
In this memoir, a white man tells the story of how he disguised himself as a black man and made his way through the American south in the 1950s in order to expose the discrimination black people faced. It was uncomfortable to read and it doesn’t feel politically correct anymore, despite the amount of change it affected when it was published in the mid-late 20th century, which is why I’ve given it 3 stars.
A Day Off by Storm Jameson | ★★★★
I read this book as part of my Modernism module, which I haven’t been enjoying that much as I struggle to find anything too interesting in plots surrounding the day to day lives of middle/upper class white people. This one was different though and not only because the protagonist is working-class. I loved how Jameson used clothes as symbolism and there were so many other aspects like this that made it an interesting and gripping novel.
The Lonely Londoners by Sam Selvon | ★★★
This book about the Windrush Generation is a timely reading but its casual misogyny really did date it. I enjoyed it in many ways but I feel quite indifferent towards it, the epitome of a 3 star review.
Gifted by Nikita Lalwani | ★★★
Another book that kind of epitomises a 3 star review! This is definitely a 3.5 where The Lonely Londoners was a solid 3 but again, there’s nothing that hugely stands out to me when thinking about this book apart from the fact that it was enjoyable and interesting, but just not enough.
Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf | ★★
Now for a book that I didn’t like, but I am ironically holding in all of these images! This is one of the aforementioned modernist texts that is about the daily life of an upper-class woman. If you’re really interested in modernist form you’ll love it but I am, frankly, not and found it draining in all the worst ways.
Fun Home by Alison Bechdel | ★★★
This is the first graphic novel I’ve ever read! As far as graphic novels go, I think this one was brilliant, but I still prefer books without pictures, sorry!
Exit West by Mosin Hamid | ★★★★
The concept of this novel is super interesting: a couple in a country on the midst of civil war find doors in which, if they step through, they are transported to some other random place in the world. My main criticism of this book is that it was too short and the characters and their storylines weren’t fleshed out enough for me. But otherwise, it was great!
Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie | ★★★★★
Talk about saving the best to last! Home Fire is one of my favourite novels ever and this is the second time I’ve read it. It follows the life of 3 Muslim siblings living in London before, during and after, Parvaiz, the only male sibling, leaves the UK to join ISIS.In the mean time, Isma, the oldest sibling, and Aneeka, Parvaiz’s twin, become involved with Eamonn, the son of the Home Secretary. Intrigued? You should be! I first read this book just before Trump became the President of the USA and I thought it couldn’t it be any more relevant. Reading it for a second time shortly after Shamima Begum took over the news and mid-Brexit, I’ve realised I was wrong. A must-read!
TV
This Is Us | ★★★★
It took me a while to get into this programme but I am well and truly hooked now. It’s very emotional and, at times, painfully cringeworthy but it’s feel good TV at its best. It follows the lives of three 30-something triplets, with frequent flashbacks to their upbringing, who all have very different lives. Honestly, Randall is the only sibling I like. But still, it deserves 4 stars and maybe even 5 but I’ve removed one because of the aforementioned cringe. It’s available to watch on Amazon Prime.
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend | ★★★★★
Don’t even get me started on this show. A musical TV show dealing with the concept of the ‘pyscho girlfriend’ from its feminist implications to its simplification of mental health issues? I’m in. It’s much more of an easy watch then that sentence suggests but please just watch the first episode and see for yourself. It ended this month after a wonderful few years of it being my comfort show whenever I felt down but I’m honestly just excited to rewatch it and continue to listen to all the absolute hits that came out of it such as ‘Let’s Generalize About Men’, ‘Friendtopia’ (a fantastic Spice Girls parody) and ‘The Sexy Getting Ready Song’. It’s available on Netflix.
Fleabag | ★★★★★
I feel like everyone and their mum has watched Fleabag by now but if not, please do so! Created and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who was also the mind behind Killing Eve, it follows the life of a young woman navigating grief, friendship, romantic relationships and so much more. It’s renowned for breaking the fourth wall and I have to say, it is one of the most intelligent and interesting TV programmes I’ve watched in a while (maybe ever?). It’s available on BBC iPlayer on Amazon Prime.
Game of Thrones | ★★★★★
OMG I discovered this new thing called Game of Thrones? It’s like, so niche, you probably won’t like it. Lol. Game of Thrones is back and I feel silly even sharing this here as I think more people watch it than they did Fleabag, but I am loving Season 8 so far (even if I was concerned about the slightly slow start) and I have spent the best part of the past 2 weeks reading theories and searching for memes about GoT. Did the final season really have to be released during my exams?
FILM
Green Book | ★★★
This film has been criticised because of its white saviour-y elements and I do agree with this criticism. However it does have some very redeemable qualities and the white saviour-y bits definitely weren’t as all-encompassing as I feared they would be. The ending was very annoying but it was an interesting film that did bring attention to some important events, facts and issues. It was also v. funny.
On Chesil Beach | ★★★★
I love a cringeworthy literary film (and book for that matter)- it’s one of my many guilty pleasures. This one, based on the Ian McEwan novel of the same name that I haven’t read, appalled to all my ‘literary film’ needs, plus Saoirse Ronan starred in it, so that bumps any film up by at least a star.
The Sense of an Ending | ★★
Another literary film! I actually watched these on the same night when I was feeling ill and a little bit sorry for myself. The main character was played by the same actor in both - seemingly because he embodies the literary 1960s 20 year old boy - but On Chesil Beach was much better. The novel in which the film is based on with the same name is one of my all-time favourite books and this film absolutely does not do it justice. I only gave it an extra star because I like the book and therefore I enjoyed the storyline of the film.
Someone Great | ★★★
A ‘chick flick’ like this one creeps into my life every couple of months when I need something totally stress-free to watch and this one did the trick very well. Staring Gina Rodriguez (aka Jane The Virgin, but don’t get me started on that), it depicts the 24 hours she spends with her friends after being dumped by her boyfriend. Mildly crap but everything I needed whilst watching it. It’s available on Netflix.
PODCASTS
Mate Podcast | ★★★★★
I am so happy I discovered this podcast! 2 Liverpudlian girls having a good old chat about everything they’ve been reading and enjoying, as well as a heart to heart during their ‘Mate to Mate’ section. I binge listened to series one in the space of a few days and am now keeping up with their fortnightly uploads.
Always Take Notes | ★★★★
A career podcast that is super useful for anyone who would like a career that has anything to do with writing, but particularly journalism. My favourite episode was with Pandora Sykes (obvs) but I also enjoyed the episode with Rebecca Mead, who is a staff writer at The New Yorker.
Wardrobe Crisis with Clare Press | ★★★★
I’ve decided that I want to become more educated than I already am on sustainable fashion and this podcast was a great place to start. The episode interviewing the Creative Director of Mother of Pearl, Amy Powney, was enlightening, as was the episode with Stella Mccartney’s Sustainability and Innovation Director, Clare Bergkamp. I also really enjoyed the interview with Fanny Moizant, who founded Vestaire Collective and has a wonderful French accent.
Honourable Mention: Feminists Don’t Wear Pink with Saoirse Ronan
This is the only episode of this podcast that I’ve listened to because of my aforementioned love of Saoirse Ronan, but it was great! Would definitely recommend it if you’re also a fan of Saoirse.
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