Three books stacked on each other. Bottom - Top: Good Rich People, Cultish, The Marriage Game. A plant is partially seen beside the stack. Text overlay on image: Reads July 2022 byamygrace.

The Marriage Game | Sara Desai

A fun summer read about a young woman who finds herself back home renting and sharing retail space from her dad with another man. This story has loads of references to Indian culture and is written so well I can hear the various characters clearly as they' talk.' It's fun, light-hearted, with loads of snark towards society's lack of open-mindedness towards women.

Cultish | Amanda Montell

I've been enjoying Amandas' podcast "Sounds Like a Cult" with her friend Isa Medina and figured it was time to read Amanda's book, which came before the podcast. Cultish is much the same, but with a more in-depth look at Cult groups. Where 'Sounds Like a Cult' gives room for accidental similarities, Cultish clearly and pointedly calls out the traits we permit in society that are problematic.

Good Rich People | Eliza Jane Brazier

A chilling tale of a wealthy matriarch, her son and his wife who live in a villa of sorts and rent out the apartment beneath them. Without giving too much, these characters play the game of manipulation, observation and quite literally, decimation.

You really wouldn't want to rent from these people, no matter what part of town they live in.

TV/Films of Note
Fantastic Mr. Fox - It’s brilliant artistry, wit and voice talent pull this narrative together in one fantastic film.
Inside Out - A fond rewatch. This film brings an awareness of how much our minds, body and souls are connected.

Run Towards The Danger | Sarah Polley

I liked to say I was a Sarah fan before anyone else talked about her. I first saw her in various Canadian mini and long-form television series as a child. Being precisely ten years apart meant that when I began taking in her work as a young adult, she spoke to things in her projects that I desperately needed. I am bold enough to believe she is the creative older sister and mentor out there, paving the way for deeply nuanced, raw and daring work.

Run Towards The Danger is another example of Sarah paving the way. She lets us in, yet again, to her life, reflections and processing as a way of healing, and although I know I am made more whole reading her thought-provoking words…I know she must have been broken open and made whole to write them.

I aspire to be as reflective, deep and concise as she has been in this memoir.

Come As You Are | Emily Nagoski

I first read Emily's work in the book she wrote with her sister, "Unlocking the Stress Cycle." It was a powerful look at how mind, bodies and souls are locked into play with each other and how our scientifically understanding of these entities allows us to better move through life as people, especially as women. Come as You Are is another excellent read by Emily on the process of the feminine body, mind and soul. Emily lays out the realities, the nuance and the vast differences of what it means to hold our sex lives not on a pedestal but in a sacred place that deserves to be respected for their unique journeys.

In a world where sex research has been targeted so much for results in men, it is beautiful to have more research on women.

Kristys Big Day | Ann M. Martin

Going back to nostalgia with this rapid read in The Babysitters Club series. I continue to be surprised by the real-life issues that Ann could easily weave into these characters.

Films / TV Series of Note:

This Is Us S06 - Finishing the last installment of the series was bitter-sweet, and our Favourite episode is second to last. A beautiful ending.

Only Murders In the Building S01 - Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez are fantastic in this light-hearted yet still suspenseful murder mystery.

Tell Me Three Things | Julie Buxbaum

I have loved this book. Julie brings a delightful main character in Jessie, a high school student trying to adjust to her new life at her new stepmom's house and new school. Jessie is guided through her first year at this new school and experiences by an unknown person's wise and humorous texts.

You'll be on your seat wanting to know who Somebody/Nobody, a.k.a. SN.

Tess of the D'URbervilles | Thomas Hardy

Knowing this is a classic, I am getting through this hefty read. Some people hang their coats on this novel, but I am finding it a job. I can see that it is an excellent example of a female character written to showcase the realities of the time they lived (1891), yet it leaves me cringing and wishing for less overt flowering language about it all.

The Viscount Who Loved Me | Julia Quinn

Studying adaptations from book to screen is a passion of mine. Reading the second book in the Bridgerton Series is another way I can see how Shonda Rhimes and her team take novels and adapt them into a series format. It doesn't hurt that Julie Andrews's voice is the narration of the series. One can never have too much Julie Andrews.

Julia Quinn writes her characters with wit and ease, and the world she creates for them is exciting. It's easy to see why this series made its mark in the romance/fiction section.

Films / TV Shows

Pride & Prejudice (2005) - It’s been almost 10 years since I last watched this film. I was captivated by it in a whole new way. It’s cinamatography, artistry…impeccable.
The Marvelous Mrs.Maisel S04 - I watched this season as slow as I could. It was delicious. Every beat.
Clifford - A fun family movie night watch.

Bitter & Sweet | Tsh Oxenreider

After enjoying Tsh's book on Advent, I thought it apt to buy her latest release for the duration of Lent. Bitter & Sweet gives a beautiful guide through the liturgical journey of Lent and into Easter.

Finding Meaning | David Kessler

I began to study the process of grief for a personal passion project of mine, and this book was the last read to complete the journey. This book helps tie it all together, and in life, I believe this is a read that we all can benefit from. Holding space for ourselves and those around us in grief is a gift, and I hope that I can always be that person to those around me.

Breaking Bread with the Dead | Alan Jacobs

This came up on my reading TBR list, and at first, I was going to let it go as I couldn't find it at my city's library, but after returning to read the synopsis multiple times, I bought it. It's a very in-depth yet concise read about the idea that reading intentionally and slowly the words of authors of the past helps us have a deeper and better understanding of ourselves and the world we live in today.

I especially appreciated the beginning, in which Alan discussed the nuances of social media and internet culture that have influenced us in ways that make it hard to sit and just be with the words of others.

A Breath of Snow and Ashes | Diana Gabaldon

She did it again. If you know me, you know that the Outlander Series is something that I deeply love. The multiple genres in one Sega and the actual craft of writing that Diana has created book after book. This is the sixth book in the series. It ended with so many plot twists and turns that my head spun.

The Joy Luck Club | Amy Tan

I have been told that I would love this film and I have resisted watching until I have read the book. Finally getting to this novel, and of course, it doesn't disappoint. Amy Tan brings us culture, nuance, and character. And as a white woman married into a part Chinese family, it is even more meaningful and a window into a nuance of thought I did not grow up with.

FILMS & TELEVISION SERIES OF NOTE

Take This Waltz - because this film heals me every time I watch it. & of course the genius writing and directing of Sarah Polley is behind it.
Only Murders in the Building - Martin Short, Steve Martin & Selena Gomez. A trio that doesn't disappoint.

Good Company | Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney

I picked up Good Company for the author. The Nest is a book I loved. I sincerely appreciated how Cynthia was able to create a whole family and break them into parts, show us windows of everyone and how they interacted as a whole and as individuals with each other. I wouldn’t say Good Company, a story of a woman reevaluating the state of her marriage, gives me that same experience, but it is enjoyable nonetheless.

Crying In H.Mart | Michelle Zauner

A beautiful and heartbreaking exposition on what it means to be mother and daughter immeshed with the nuance and differences of being Korean and Korean-American. This memoir will bring a tear to your eye, but it will also bring a smile. Michelle writes in a way so you can feel, taste and see her memories. Touching, raw and reflective.

Permanent Astonishment | Tomson Highway

A memoir told with Cree culture woven into linguistic prose, this book is a bit like sitting next to a comforting male figure and listening to his cadence as he reflects, chuckles observes and finds revelations within his own story. Tomson writes in a way you feel as if you were sitting next to him, as crisp breeze picking up around you as a listen to the memories, tales and experiences that made him.

It Didn’t Start With You | Mark Wolynn

As I have grown into myself, my understanding of my own backgrounds and the mind, body, soul that carries me, I have become deeply aware of how trauma manifests. It’s individual, and it’s unique. It takes any shape form and can also be rooted in something that goes so deep it’s almost impossible to see.

Yet it is growing, changing shape and finding new ways to show itself in a new generation.

I have just begun this book, but it is already showing itself as an excellent tool for reflection, understanding, and compassion.

Film / TV Series of Note

CODA - A stunning representation of what it looks and feels like to be Deaf and CODA. There are multiple films out there like this. Hallmarks 1987 “Love is Never Silent” comes to mind the most. This new film brings an elevated approach to this type of experience.
Cruella - If you like Disney’s approach to finding new ways to spin a tale based on one of their popular villains, Cruella is no exception. Fun, charming and delivered with a twist.
Upload S02 - Although I enjoyed season one thoroughly, and burned through season 2, with only seven episodes I was left feeling like it could have been simpler and longer. I believe if they focused less on complicating the plot, the reason people love this series would shine through even more.

Women and their words became the threads that made up the blanket of February.

The Measure of My Powers | Jackie Kai Ellis

I read this book a handful of years ago and finally have my own copy to reread. It's not often that a person's life story can be the serving of healing you need, but in this beautiful memoir, I was served again and again a warm, comforting hug in the form of words. Jackie provides her reflections through memories, recipes and vulnerable meditative prose.

Verity | Colleen Hoover

My first time reading a Colleen Hoover novel, I was hooked within the first handful of pages. You believe it will go one way and are given multiple twists to find it going in various other directions. If you want a rapid read with a psychological / mystery bent, this is it!

I added every title from this author to Goodreads, if that's a hint at how much I loved it.

The First Shot | Liv Constantine

The prequel to The Last Mrs.Parish, this small but mighty novella by the sisters that make the name Liv Constantine is everything I hoped for. They made it on my list of favourite authors out of the gate; here is another example of why.

Home Body | Rupi Kaur

Rupi and her thoughtful poems are more than excellent for the mind, body and soul. Take them in. Let them sit beside you and swirl into the air as you breathe.

Films/TV Series of Note

Being the Ricardos | Interesting. I did not love its entirety, but I found its mid-point and onwards very interesting.
The Marvellous Mrs.Maisel S04 | Because Midge has words for what needs to be said and finds the guts to say it.
The Gilded Age S01 | Albeit a tad repetitive in characters mirroring Downton Abby, still very much enjoyable.

This year I am going to be picking reads that best suit where I am personally, and the month I am in.

I will also be picking books to read over each season for professional development, parenting insight, and book clubs.
Less of a haphazard stack and more of an intentional haul and study.
*Do not be surprised to see an Outlander read or re-read in the pile at any given moment.

For January this meant:

The Wisdom of Your Body | Hillary L. McBride PhD

This book was given to me for Christmas by a bestie who knows I love to deep dive into what happens with both the mind and body. How they work and how they affect each other. This is a fantastic read for that and so much more.

Grit | Angela Duckworth

I have heard Angela interviewed on podcasts various different times and each time I have thought I should pick up her book.
I confess, there were some sections I found myself skimming, but on the whole, I found it insightful and another reminder, that so much of ‘doing’ is about what is the true and raw why of what drives you ‘to do’.

Bright Young Dead (A Mitford Murder Mystery Series: Book 2) | Jessica Fellowes

Bright Young Dead did not disappoint. The era of the young in the 1920s is a fantastic landscape to produce a fun, thrilling and captivating murder mystery. Highly recommend. (I read book 1 last year).

TV Series / Films of Note

Good Girls S04 - For the fun, surprises, and comedic timing all in one series.
On the Basis of Sex - For the back story on our dear late RBG.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - A winter love story that hits in the raw places with a bit of fantastical whimsy.

I made up for my lack of reading time this month.
Clearly.
I did not catch that I had documented ‘The Art of Gathering’ until I realized I captured it twice.
It’s a lovely cover nonetheless.

Shadow & Light | Tsh Oxenreider

Preparing for Christmas in a mindful way has always been important to me. This book celebrating Advent provides a reading for every day leading up to Christmas along with music and art suggestions for a true and meditative Christmas journey. Tsh also provides a few alternative ways to use this book. Be you traditional or in need of something to prompt you into the tradition of Christmas, this book has made our December evenings all the more meaningful.

The Nutcracker | E.T.A. Hoffman

I had forgotten that I had read The Nutcracker a handful of years back, but this book gives us as a family the ability to read aloud this beautiful story with all its magical and traditional Russian / German story.

All About Feelings | Felicity Brooks & Frankie Allen

This book has been in our home for a few years, but recently I re-read it and am so moved with how it was put together to give children the tools through language the nuances of feelings and how to identify with them.

At Home in Mitford | Jan Karon

Revisiting this book as a comfort read during Autumn and the heaviness that the pandemic has brought. I am enjoying living inside the town of Mitford and all its characters.

The Arrival | Shaun Tan

A surprising find of a graphic novel. No words, yet many illustrations fill the page to create a unique and moving story. I have a feeling that the interpretation and meaning behind the book is dependant on what the ‘reader’ brings to it.

Stories that Stick | Kindra Hall

Although this was an interesting and on-brand topic for me, I was left feeling like I could have had more. Understandably this was from the business perspective of how a story can elevate one’s business message and what one is selling.
This all seemed very primal and obvious to me. I am sure there are entrepreneurs and others in business who would find this enlightening.

The Art of Gathering | Priya Parker

Another slightly disappointing read. It could be due to hearing Priya Parker interviewed on various podcasts before I read her book. I resonated with what she had said in these interviews in regards to creating an atmosphere for gathering either virtual or in person.
It could also be due to the concept that this book was written pre-COVID-19, and thus, its message gets lost at times.

Clanlands | Sam Heughan & Graham McTavish

I wasn’t amazed by Sam and Grahams account on their journey through Scotland for their TV docu-series ‘Men in Kiltz’. I adored the series and did find a few behind-the-scenes anecdotes amusing, but I would say, the series is just as good, if not better. Looking forward to season 2. Always a fan of Scotland and those that are involved in creating Outlander.

FILMS/TV SERIES TO WATCH

Selling Sunset S02,03,04 - because other people’s drama is my kind of drama. & the houses !!!
Modern Love S02 - There should be more anthology series in the world. This has me crying with the sentiment.
Annie - Because this is the version of Annie I fell in love with and ADORE.
Succession S03 - Because media mogul families exist and there is something alluring about seeing how all this shakes out in the next generation.
Nine Perfect Strangers - A mysterious take on what healing can look like…in all its forms.

Radicalized: Four Tales of Our Present Moment | Cory Doctorow

Lent to me from my aunt, this read is arresting, to say the least. My most favourite of the short stories being the first. Using elements of todays digital and progressive world we are given insight in a ‘Black Mirror’ type way to what future thinking may bring us. If you watched Black Mirror and found it thought provoking, than this is for you.

That Scatterbrain Booky | Bernice Thurman Hunter

I remember watching the television movies with fondness and thought to revisit this book seeing as my own daughter is becoming a reader. Although this is too mature for her age of six, I can see that as she grows as a reader I may want to show her this series. Booky is a precocious ten year old living in Ontario during the Depression. Booky is a wonderful three dimensional character.

Into the Woods | John Yorke

After almost a month studying under John Yorke through zoom classroom in various weeks during 2020 it was a no brainer to purchase his book to continue soaking in his perspective and methods in story structure.

Johns passion is what ultimately sold this to me. Listening to this man teach for weeks taught me the difference between someone who writes vs someone who fully writes.

FILMS / TV SERIES OF NOTE

The Peanuts - for it’s absolute charm.

Catherine House | Elisabeth Thomas

This book fed my need for a ‘ boarding school’ themed read. A fascination I have had since childhood. Catherine House poses mysteries, darkness, and implies a lot with not all of it being made clear. For me, the enjoyment in this read was in the atmosphere, theme and descriptions.

The Paris Library | Janet Skeslien Charles

I was not as impressed with this book, but I do not think that is a true reflection on how good it may or may not be. I think I have had my fill of World War I & II themes. Following a woman who is passionate about books, the library she works at, and protecting the patrons that borrows them we get a unique birds eye view of what staying in France during the war may have been like.

Winnie the Pooh | A.A. Milne

Read aloud to our daughter over the past few months we laughed and laughed over each chapter. As a writer I have a deeper appreciation for the beautiful character and world building in this sweet little novel. If you have not read A.A Milne, I urge you, the experience will not disappoint.
I may have cried while reading the last few pages.

FILMS / TV SERIES OF NOTE

The Good Place S01 - Rewatched because the plot twists and true depths are solid gold.
A Simple Favour - because the film stayed with me longer than the book & it’s the perfect mystery watch featuring fabulous women.
Physical - Apple TV has some home runs. Highlighting a woman struggling with eating disorders and finding something that is more healing than her disorder.
The Great Canadian Baking Show S03 - because watching this as a family brings us so much joy…& hungry bellies.

The Soulmate Equation | Christina Lauren

A fun lighthearted vacation rom-com speed read of an owner of a dating app and a woman in her thirties trying hard not to look for love. It’s exactly what you think with a hint of something ‘sci fi’.

Dear Ijeawele, Or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions | Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

It’s a small but impactful read that blew me away. Originally I picked it up from the library, but I will be buying this to re-read over the years while raising my daughter.

Seven Stones to Stand or Fall | Diana Gabaldon

A collection of Diana’s filler ‘buldges’ as she refers to them of various characters from the outlander series.

All Along You Were Blooming | Morgan Harper Nichols

Morgan Harper is one of my most favorite writers today. She has found a creative way to use words and imagery to heal herself, others, and anyone that comes across her work.

Burnout. The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle | Emily Nagoski & Amelia Nagoski

This book blew my mind in so many ways. I first heard these sisters in an interview and was rocked by their work behind laying out the hormonal release that occurs in the body during stress. Their explanation of stress and how it manifests was in direct correlation with my personal experiences. I knew I had to read this book. After returning it to the library I still felt that I hadn’t had enough time with it. I will definitely be picking up a copy for my own future reference.

TV Series / Films of Note

Gilmore Girls S01 - Because when the air turns crisp, it’s time for coffee and the Gilmores.
Good on Paper - Because Iliza tells this story off and on, and it’s even wilder to take in as a film.
Ted Lasso S02 - Because Ted is everything good, healing, and warm that this world lacks, with a healthy dose of real trauma shown amidst the smiles.

Malibu Rising | Taylor Jenkins Reid

A captivating and descriptive tale of a family that grew up in Malibu. Spanning the timeline of two generations we get to see the beginnings and the fall out of a family. This novel delivers the beautiful landscape of Malibu, while also revealing the destructive nature of what it means to put all your hopes and dreams into one solitary ‘element’. Be that a person, a place or a thing.
The perfect summer read.

Bridgerton | The Duke & I | Julia Quinn

I picked this up out of interest of wanting to read the novel before watching the Shonda Rhimes series. With adaptations I am always interested in what was chosen to be included or not. This novel although slightly different than its television series which is more ‘based on the characters of’ gives its own beautiful and romantic punch. I adore the society columnist giving her take at the beginning of each chapter (which Julie Andrews does such a great job at in the series with her voice over), and I love the strong female characters who are very much within the restraints of their era but yet remain three dimensional within their roles.
Beautifully done.
It’s safe to say I will be continuing on with this series both on Netflix and in books.

Peter Pan and Wendy | J.M. Berry

J.M Berry’s writing has always been an inspiration to me. I believe I first read Peter Pan as a late teen and re-fell in love with the tale. Of course, some of the depictions are outdated, but when you move past that dated stereotypes and focus on everything else, you can see how perfectly wonderful a storyteller the man was. He breathed creative genius in so many ways. Words weaving in and out of the narrative, giving the reader something to hold on to. It’s no surprise that Peter Pan was first a play before a book. It’s words depict a fully visual and beautiful world.

The Next Right Thing | Emily P. Freeman

Emily has been a writer I have followed for years. Her podcast ‘The Next Right Thing’ a comfort during many a time, especially during the pandemic. That being said, it seemed sad that I had not yet read The Next Right Thing Book yet, so I have finally rectified that. If you are looking for a read that will give you permission to mindfully and intentionally process through your life and decisions, this is a perfect read.

In Film / Television

Dirty Dancing | because while in our cottage during vacation at night with our daughter asleep, this seemed like the perfect summer watch. It was. For me, summer air & dancing is the most delicious thing.
Bridgerton | because adaptations are my jam and this is no exception.

The Crucible | Arthur Miller

Written during the early 1950’s to mirror image the anti-communist era by rewinding the clock and looking at the 1700’s Salem Witch trials, this read is a huge reminder that history does repeat itself. We are so fickle to think there is not a repetitive nature to the human existence. The only true thing that can help curb history repeating itself is awareness. An awareness of ourselves and the world around us. So much of history is built on the foundations of fear, misunderstandings and lack of grace. This book couldn’t be more relevant today for all of the polarized societal shifts we are seeing.

Glad to have read the play, but even more interested in seeing it live.

A Whole New World | Liz Braswell

A retelling of Disneys ‘Aladdin’. I have been following this series slowly where commissioned authors retell these classics / Disney tales in new and twisted ways. This adaption is no exception. If you like this sort of thing, these books are a fun read.

On Greif & Grieving | Elisabeth Kübler-Ross & David Kessler

I have been reading this book for research on the grieving process. Especially now that David has expanded on this in a second book, it’s easy to see why this is a book that many recommend. It’s a staple for understanding what a person goes through in any sort of grief.

Films & TV Series of Note

Toy Story 3 - for the family film night & because it is the best of the series.
The Handmaids Tale S04 - for the reminder that we are only ever one step away from becoming a society that would spiral out of control.
Back to the Future - for the summer nostalgia

Drums of Autumn | Diana Gabaldon

Rereading any Outlander book is a treat. This remained no exception. Leave it to Diana Gabaldon to give us even more epic story development that crosses time, eras, generations, genres and cultures. This is my second time sitting down with Drums of Autumn. #noregrets

Many Ways to Say I Love You: Wisdom for Parents and Children from Mister Rogers | Fred Rogers

Words of Wisdom from Fred Rogers on the various forms of love. There is nothing more healing than that.
(note, I read this through my ‘iBooks’ app,.

The Paragon Hotel | Lyndsay Faye

Not yet finished, but a riveting historical mystery set in the 1920’s during prohibition Oregan and New York City. With a character who refers to herself as ‘Nobody’, it’s a constant page turn to discover where she came from, where she plans to go next and what is keeping her at the Paragon Hotel.

FILMS /TV SHOWS of Note

Ted Lasso S01 - because it might be the best comedy that hit TV ever. Exposing mental health, real life and comedic life all in one.
Q Into the Storm - because although Q-anon was something I knew about, the deconstruction of where it all began and the ways it spread is something next level scary and worth taking in for the broader awareness of how conspiracy theories can either make or break you.

Monogamy | Sue Miller

A beautiful and at times heartbreaking novel on the complexities of a marriage. Be this something you can relate to or not, it is written with a meditative pace and flows in a rhythm that reminds me of a rainy day curled up under a blanket.

The Huntress | Kate Quinn

A post WWII story of three main characters and the worlds that intertwine them. I have not fully completed this novel but the intrigue has me fully committed. What would you do if you found out your new step mother was a Nazi / German spy right as your father ties the knot? I am all the way down this rabbit hole.

Television Series & Films of Note:

Mouthpiece - for it’s physicality of the journey of grief,
Fleabag S02 - for it’s arresting commentary on what it means to overcome the crutches that you have created for yourself.
The Queens Gambit - for the chess world and beautiful acting of Anya Taylor-Joy.

Everything Is Spiritual | Rob Bell

I have followed Rob Bell’s writing for decades now. He continues to stay anchored in core truths while also exploring the depth in what people today are aching for. His stream of consciousness style has always spoken to me, and here we get to let it sink into our bones. In many ways, maybe it’s his leaning to stream of consciousness that has allowed him to explore so much in thought, theology and open discourse with others.

We know those waters. Loss and pain and grief and wounds and not knowing what to do or where to go or how to deal with the agony of life. We know those waters. There’s spirit in there, hovering, waiting to bring something new out of it. This is why people who inspire us the most always have been through those waters. They’ve expierence that hovering. They’ve seen that new creation. - Rob Bell'

Sex & Vanity | Kevin Kwan

This book was highly disappointing for a myriad of reasons. It’s hard to truly finish a book I dislike but it is more difficult to write about why I dislike it so much. It’s art. All art is subjective. I write more freely here because I am a huge fan of Kevin’s ‘Crazy Rich Asian’ series which I believe broke barriers, was written with a beautiful wink to both the reader and all those who may relate.
Sex and Vanity is a retelling of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen with a Chinese culture slant. Some elements work and most do not.
My biggest issue is that this reads exactly what it is: a man writing a female lead. Our protagonist comes off not only a fabrication of a man’s mind, but hallow. Her thoughts, her mannerisms all described were exactly why we have problems for young women. When men write us to be that hollow, that flimsy of character, all we get reflected back to us are the shallow and flimsy filters of ourselves.
Many women have these elements about their personality and character, but ALL these women have dynamic range to many degrees.
Case and point: Sophie Kinsella’s character Rebecca Bloomwood in the shopaholic series is outrageous. Completely out of this world shallow and airy. But we believe her. We laugh at her and with her. We find ourselves in her and we may know her. Why?
Because women written by women will always come from a different place than men writing women.
Men can do it, I believe they can, I have read books that are enrapturing and feel true to soul, but this…this was not it.

Films / Television Series of Note:

The Crown S04 - for the beauty of historical adaptations that give room for the complexities of people, a construct and an institution.
Fleabag S01 - for the raw honesty of a woman processing through trauma on multiple levels of her life. Cringe worthy and yet also insightful if you can sit through it to fully understand the various broken characters.
Before Midnight - Utter realness. Capturing the realities of a relationship, the good, the precious and the ugly and not discounting any of them as more or less important to the total sum of what it means to love another.

I hit a lot of duds this month which you won’t see here.
I do my best to let myself off the hook if by 50-100 pages in I am finding it rough to continue.
One in particular this month, I read 75% of it before I admitted it to myself and a few fellow book friends that it was a terrible read. Not worth finishing.

Two re-reads are in this month. No complaints.

The Hobbit | J.R.R. Tolkien

My Uncle gave me this for my 9th birthday. His inscription has always made me smile. I thought I’d pick it up again after all these years and see what I thought. To date, the opening line and proceeding paragraph is my favourite in all of the literature I have read.

“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort”

It pulls you in and welcomes you into the space that J.R.R Tolkien wants you to know about on a deeper level.
Although I have never been enthralled by all the scenes of battle, chase etc, I do utterly still love this book for it’s narrative, descriptions and overall wizardry of words that makes the reader feel as if this world is alive in their heads.

Voyager | Diana Gabaldon

A re-read. Voyager still stands as a great third instalment of the Outlander series. Bringing Claire back into the 1700’s to Jamie in a create and innovative way. Love how some modern references make their way into their relationship as Claire tries to relay the daughter they share she raised ahead in the 1950s/60s. If you havn’t read this book, be prepared at how much adventure and spins there are in the last quarter.

The Princess Saves Herself in This One | Amanda Lovelace

The second book from Amanda Lovelace I have read.
I noticed a lot of critique over how Amanda portrays her poetry. I find it beautiful and relatable. All women and young women deserve a space to place their words out to dissect them, open their wounds and realize that their wounds although their own and unique, are something we can visit and understand, find the pain and healing in from her simple yet well articulated thoughts.

Zen in the Art of Writing | Ray Bradbury

I was immediately taken by these essays in their simplicity and directness. It reminds me of Elizabeth Gilbert and Anne Lamott all mixed together. I appreciate anyone who can find a way to put the art of writing into terms of both practicality and mystically. Both sacred and and not all at once.

Howards End | E.M. Forster

Howards end is a must read for anyone. Clearly we havn’t learned the lessons in this book yet and although set in the early 1900’s when so much was changing in society, we still see that need to cross the boarders of ‘the others’ and as Margret would say “Only Connect”. That is the entire point of this novel. If that we could only stop over analyzing everyone, and everything and just simply ‘connect’ with the other, we might find that we have something to learn, find and understand in ‘the other’.

Untamed | Glennon Doyle

Opening with a clear and beautiful analogy about a captive cheetah trained to chase a rabbit to stretch it’s legs and the wild in each of us (especially women) who society has trained us to stay poised, tame and quiet in our place, this book has it’s punches and it was a lovely slow read to digest. I would suggest this read to anyone who wants to ponder words, but also with the understanding that this reads more like a journal in the second half.

The Miniaturist | Jessie Burton

I forced myself to slow down upon reading this one, as the narrative is mysterious, intriguing and fully flushed out. I enjoyed learning about this woman and the house she resides in with every page and chapter. Knowing that there is a mini series to enjoy only makes this read sweeter still. One for the memory books.

Film & Television Series

Before Sunset | for the beautiful artistry of relational dynamics and the capture of stream of conscious conversation.
Killing Eve S03 | for the beautiful through line of thrilling dynamics mixed with an irresistible comedic affect.
Julies Greenroom S01 | for the absolute joy of Julie Andrews & Jim Henson Puppets in one project.

CODE NAME HELEN | ARIEL LAWHON

This was a joy to read. A riveting narrative on a woman who equipped herself and used her wits and skill to further the war efforts. I especially adored reading the dynamic of the man at home behind this fierce and savvy woman.

THE OBSTACLE IS THE WAY | RYAN HOLIDAY

This was a welcome read entering a new year. Ryan was able to deliver a compact book with bite size chapters that were chock full of tidbits and new ways to look at life and it’s challenges. It’s easy to get discouraged by a problem, but to get creative and look at it at different angles is enlightening. I would re read this at random any day.

Films / Television Series of Note

Spinning Out S01 - because I miss figure skating & was devastated that this didn’t have a second season.
Younger S01 - because my cousin other half told me to indulge and it’s a great laugh.
Before Sunrise - because I am watching the triliogy over again…it’s that good. (if you actually want real dialogue, real people, real love, real complexities.)
The Undoing S01 - because Hugh Grant as a complex character was everything we needed & Nicole Kidman is on fire…as always.