The Confession | Jessie Burton

Jessie Burton has a way of weaving secrets and intricacies within characters. It is a fingerprint on all of her novels. This is a story of women trying to find themselves within each other.

Conceal, Don’t Feel: A Twisted Tale | Jen Calonita

I enjoy dipping back into Young Adult fiction from time to time. Disney contracts with various writers to create twisted versions of their stories, which are fun, easy to read, and don’t stray too far from the original's beats. With this one, we see what would have happened if Anna and Elsa had grown up without knowing each other.

The Doll Factory | Elizabeth Macneal

This book kept me glued the entire time. It was strange, alluring and twisted all at once. Set in 1850’s London, it has notes of the gritty, unforgiving world that Charles Dickens so often wrote about. This book is exceedingly unique.

FILMS/TV SERIES OF NOTE

Alaska Daily S01 - because despite of it being cancelled after the first season, it captures the plight and work of those searching for answers regarding Missing Murdered and Indigenous Women.
Upload S03 - because it’s intriguing to see where they will evolve this concept of ‘uploads’ season after season.
Silver Linings Playbook - Mental Health and its various nuances were just beginning to be openly discussed during the early 2010s. This film is a favourite of mine as it tenderly showcases the mess and the beauty of what it means to be struggling and find ‘a silver lining’.

Inward | Yung Pueblo

A beautiful collection of poetry from Yung Pueblo.

before i could release
the weight of my sadness
and pain, i first had
to honor it’s existence

- Yung Pueblo

The Dictionary of Lost Words | Pip Williams

A fascinating tale of the creation and process of developing the Oxford dictionary within a whimsical and almost magical telling. Within the pages of this book are threads of humanity and feminism that hit deep and communicate a more prominent theme of why words and their meanings matter.

Throne of Glass | Sarah J. Maas

Another fantasy read from Sarah J. Maas features a heroine who is known as an assassin in her fight for freedom. It's not my favourite of Sarah’s books, but it's a great winter fantasy read.

FILMS / TV SERIES OF NOTE

Murder on the Orient Express - because Agatha Christie adaptations are always entertaining… and the snow atmosphere in this one.
Back in Time for Winter - because three days with a high fever needed something cozy and vaguely entertaining. This family was perfectly cast for this series.
The Bear S02 - because it’s one of today's best series and deserves all the accolades regarding story and character development.

These High, Green Hills | Jan Karon

I enjoy picking away at this wholesome series, which depicts the town of Mitford through the eyes of the Anglican priest who lives and loves there. Think Gilmore Girls meets BBC.

The Mother - In - Law | Sally Hepworth

A tremendous rapid read if you like intrigue, misunderstandings, and ultimately getting to the heart of what makes people.

The Fiancée | Kate White

A fun ‘Who dun it’ if I ever read one! Kate keeps you on your seat guessing the whole book, which for many of us ‘long time’ readers is a challenging task. Hats off, for I was in complete ‘???’ the entire time.

Dear Wife | Kimberly Belle

If you can keep me guessing in a psychological suspense novel, I consider it a winner. Dear Wife is precisely that. Creative in narrative, quick in story progression and delivers a wholesome punch at the end.

TV SERIES / FILMS OF NOTE
Hocus Pocus - because it was Halloween night & what else would you watch on Disney+?

No Great Mischief | Alistair MacLeod

For anyone who enjoys personal reflections and recollections of memories alongside the atmosphere of the east coast Alistair MacLeod gives us his own and those within this greater family of Scotland, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and beyond. As a Nova Scotian, I enjoyed the journey. As a reader, I relished the art of language made as rugged as the terrain.

A Thousand Mornings | Mary Oliver

Beautiful.
“Sometimes there are no rules.”

Mary Jane | Jessica Anya Blau

I deeply enjoyed the protagonist within this story. She’s as protected, innocent and curious with awe and wonder at what she doesn’t yet know as I remember my own youth. This novel is a capture of what it means to grow up restricted and struggling with the limitations of your upbringing while also being protective and desiring connection with those who have raised you.

Big Little Lies | Liane Moriarty

Having watched and loved the series but not the novel, I felt it was time to read the source material. Liane writes a riveting tale.

FILM/TV SERIES OF NOTE:

Red Sparrow - Because espionage and survival are themes I enjoy when done well.
Selling the O.C. S02 - Because a reality show with pretty houses and silly drama’s takes the edge off of real life.

Sweetbitter | Stephanie Danler

Being that I enjoyed season one of the television series I assumed I would enjoy the novel. Apparently not as much. Sweetbitter, although a great setting and a relatable lost protagonist was a hard read for me to follow. Great characters and atmosphere… somewhat confusing regarding full plot and pacing.

Happy Place | Emily Henry

A pleasant summer rapid read following a group of adult friends reconnect at their favourite summer cottage. As per any friend group stories, things are not all that they seem. And for the protagonist, we find her dodging as many moments as she can with her still secret ex-fiancé.

Pineapple Street | Jenny Jackson

I have a deep love for books on family dynamics, class and MORE dynamics over a summer. Pineapple Street delivered beautifully in every way. Will be hoping Jenny has more books up her sleeves.

The Moment of Tenderness | Madeleine L’engle

A collection of unpublished short stories from Madeleine. I was not moved by every single one, but enough spoke to me for me to continue flipping pages.

TV SERIES / FILMS OF NOTE
The Incredibles II - Because a rainy day at the cottage requires a good summer animation viewing.

It Starts With Us | Colleen Hoover

A sequel to Colleens ‘It Ends With Us’. This addition brings a full circle moment of what it means to grapple with choices and the emotional processing that can occur post an abusive relationship.

The Club | Ellery Lloyd

Being a Reese Witherspoon pick, I assumed I would find this a rapid read, but not so. Be it the wrong timing for me or just simply not enjoying the writing style….
although read it - It was a struggle. I like the idea of a ‘who dun it’ set in a high society club / island retreat, but the execution of this read was hard to follow for me.

To Sir Phillip With Love | Julia Quinn

Another book in the Bridgerton series with perhaps my favourite character in the family. Eloise. Quippy, sassy, independent and gutsy we get to see her fumble her way through a relationship. I loved every page. A great indulgent ‘just for fun’ summer read.

TV / FILMS OF NOTE

Barbie - because not only is it the perfect summer film, but it also flips everything upside down in the most beautiful side wink way.
The Incredibles - because every eight year old needs to see this animation.
Jury Duty S01 - a social experiment done right. Although shocking in it’s premise, it is a heartwarming and beautiful work of art that has an uplifting outcome.

My Body | Emily Ratajkowski

This read hit a thousand nerves. Those I knew about and those I didn’t. I would tingle at the end of each segment, knowing that Emily was laying bare the truths so many of us women walk around with, no matter our physical classification. Her obvious ‘hinting’ at various people makes me slightly unsettled. I would much rather her say their names outright since it was so obvious with her descriptions, but perhaps this was changed in edits for legal reasons.

Illogical | Emmanuel Acho

I have admired Emmanuel and his grace-filled way of addressing life and society's circumstances. This book is the same. He so puts, without elevating himself, how he has been able to push beyond the logical limits of his life. There is no trick, simply a way of thought that has helped propel him forward. I enjoyed the reflections at the end of each chapter to help put his ideas into personal perspective.

Home | Julie Andrews

Julie writes and talks in a way that reminds me of my late paternal grandmother. In that classic British way yet with the colour and grit of someone who is not above a dirty joke or can’t see the humour in tragedy. Reading Julie’s reflections on her life makes me feel slightly connected to that crass classy side of my grandmother and to the beautiful makings of who I would say is one of my childhood and adult icons. I admire that Julie has kept onward and upwards in every aspect of her life.

The Awakened Family | Shefali Tsabary, Ph.D.

I have been picking away at this read for several years now. Mostly with my partner, but recently I decided to pick it back up to finish it. Although I found Dr.Sheflai's “Conscious Parenting” book more enlightening, I found nuggets of reflection in this read. It doesn’t read easily, but it is profound in its content.

FILM/TV SHOWS OF NOTE

Ted Lasso S03 - This show has carried us through the worst of the pandemic world, and hopefully, with its end, we will also see a little more light. The type of light it has given us in every uplifting episode where it subverts what our suspicious minds have so easily misread and misjudged.
The Little Mermaid Live Action - A memorable moment in the cinema with my favourite girls & a great elevation of the Disney classic. Prince Eric is now a three-dimensional character. Bravo Disney.
Julia S01 - Quite literally one of the most beautiful pieces of television I have watched. Based on Julia Child’s rise to become a famous television chef, this series was the warm French meal we didn’t know we needed. I shouldn’t have been surprised that the creator behind it was also on “The Marvellous Mrs.Maisel” team—elegance and depth in storytelling echo throughout these projects.
Encanto - Another deep tale centring around Mariable Madrigal and her big magical family and home. In case you missed it, this animation gives light on generational trauma and how it ripple effects into the next generations. It’s deeply compelling and musically excellent.

IMAGE DESCRIPTION: a child reads a book in a chair beside a stack of books. TEXT: February Reads 2023 byamygrace overtop image.

An Offer From a Gentleman | Julia Quinn

Although I know Book #4 will be the focus of the next instalment of Shonda Rhimes Adaptation of the Bridgerton Series, I will not be trying to rush the series. I picked up book #3 for the month and enjoyed its Cinderella influence. This book focuses on Benedict Bridgerton, and it’s a fun dessert of a read. No complaints. Simply sweet.

Hungry Hearts | Jennifer Rudolph Walsh

A collection of essays from Jennifer and multiple writers on courage, desire and belonging. This passage from Jennifer has stuck with me since closing the book.

“We need both sides of storytelling-listening to others’ stories and telling our own - to embrace one another in our full humanity. In bearing witness, we allow ourselves to be witnessed. This is the life-changing power of storytelling - to connect those of us who will never meet or have just met, as well as to deeper our connections to the people we love the most. Listen with an open heart and without judgement to what others have to share, and take courage from these pages as you go out and tell the world your truth.”

The Pull of the Stars | Emma Donoghue

Following a nurse in a maternity ward in 1918 during the height of a pandemic, aka “The Great Flu,” we get a peek into what it was like to be serving the many women who were coming in sick and pregnant. Many are without their husbands and support and are about to die. This read took me longer to get through than I would like, but topically it feels important enough to finish all the way around.

Beautiful Little Fools | Jillian Cantor

Jillian takes the classic The Great Gatsby and gives us the spin we all need. Form the eyes of the women. Daisy, Jordon and Catherine, Myrtle’s sister, all take the leading roles in this perspective shift. From Jordon on the golf course, Daisy on her mission to find a husband, and Catherine finding her own way in New York City, we get a whirlwind tale that, if I am being honest, I prefer significantly to the original.

IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Four books in a row: Hungry Hearts by Jennifer Rudolph Walsh, The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue, Beautiful Little Fools by Jillian Cantor, An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn

In My Dreams I Hold a Knife | Ashley Winstead

A who-done it tale of students who survived a tragedy and relive the events a decade later. I appreciated the way this novel kept me guessing.

It Ends With Us | Colleen Hoover

Hitting on trauma and how we continue our pain, Colleen gives her characters and readers a chance to reflect and learn while also being entertained.

A Light in the Window | Jan Karon

Jan Karon is like coming home to something warm and comforting. The Mitford series is everything one would hope from a snow globe-like town. Nosey characters, interpersonal relationships and a tiny bit of romance.

Where the Crawdads Sing | Delia Owens

Exquisitely written and sweetly delivered. This mysterious, romantic drama gives sweeping descriptions of nature, the inner heart of a girl and woman and all those who affect her.

The House of Fortune | Jessie Burton

A sequel to The Miniaturist. I enjoyed the first three-quarters of this read and found the last quarter lacking substance. All that being said, it’s enjoyable in its entirety, as the whole concept of a mysterious person who makes miniatures for people to be utterly fascinating.

The Maid | Nita Prose

A tremendous rapid-read mystery if you want one. The main character, whose eyes and voice narrate the book, gives light to the personality of some neuro-divergence and is entertaining to hear from.

A Court of Thorns and Roses | Sarah J. Maas

I have not been taken in by fantasy in so long. Sarah’s A Court of Thorns and Roses gave me a ‘can’t put it down’ experience I haven’t had in a while. I loved how I could buy into these fantasy characters and am invested enough to want to read the second book in the series.

TV Shows / FILMS OF NOTE

The Sound of Music | For it’s unending charm and timeless presentation.
The Vow S02 | To take in the personal reflections and interviews of the last few years of NXIVM members during the various trials of those who led the cult.
WandaVision | After much delay I finally took in this short series. I loved the way each episode spans a decade and gives that in every aspect of production. Although it’s ending is bitter sweet, it gives hope in whatever could come next.
The Giver | Rewatched to take in this unique take on what it would be like to ‘white wash’ our differences.

The Land of Stories - The Enchantress Returns | Chris Colfer

Personally, as an adult, I enjoyed the first book the most, but I see how this series will have staying power for the age group it was made for and I am excited to see how my daughter reacts to this series when she’s old enough to read them.

Rules For A Knight - Ethan Hawke

Deep and heavy values and life morals packaged beautifully concise in a small and easy to carry novel. I will never let this book out of my sight. Being a sucker for allegories and anything remotely symbolic, Rules for a Knight gives tangible life insight under the guise of a character’s letter for his children. Highly recommend.

Searching for Sunday | Rachel Held Evens

Being raised in an Evangelical Mega Church I have struggled into my adult years to find a version of my faith that matched what my spirit knows to be true about my real living faith. I believe God is real. I believe God is both he / her. I believe Jesus died as a living sacrifice to break the turmoil of humanity… and I also believe we continue to make a mess of things. We, meaning the world and we, meaning the church. In this beautiful book Rachel gives us her struggle and her aches regarding the North American church culture and why it’s hard to grapple with the faith we know we have and the religious construct we were pushed into.
If I felt anything after reading this book, it was solidarity with another woman’s heart beating next to mine.

I hope she knew before she died that she was helping to heal a generation of women with her words.

Stop Walking on Eggshells | Paul T. Mason

A personal read to understand the breadth of humanity better. We would all be so much more tender, aware and capable of holding space and boundaries if we understood each other better.

TV SERIES / FILMS of NOTE

The Handmaids Tale S05 - Because it continues to remind us why it’s important to put the needs and values of women in the centre.
The Mountain Between Us - an unexpected quietly powerful film on humanity in survival mode.
Inventing Anna - A fictional / partly almost all true series on Anna Delvey aka Anna Sorokin. A fascinating series on the personality of Anna, the reporter that wrote on her and the world that made Anna’s fraud possible.

Small Victories | Anne Lamott

Anne is a voice I return to when I need to be reminded of the wholeness of life. Life being raw, real and something beautiful and awful all mixed together. In this book she gives us a window into what it means to walk in the acts of Grace and find humor in our very human selves.

A Bright Ray of Darkness | Ethan Hawke

I deeply appreciate Ethan’s take on creativity and life. I do admit to wondering how much of this novel was written from his own personal experiences and what was fabrication. It felt like a hybrid memoir and novel. I haven’t done research on it either way, but I do believe that it might be more enjoyable if one didn’t know so much about his life. (I admit to deeply watching / listening to his interviews over the years, and thus may know too much.)

Taste - My Life Through Food | Stanley Tucci

Although I borrowed this book from the library, I made the last minute decision to purchase the audio book through apple to listen to. I deeply love Stanley Tucci’s acting and his foodie nature and realized hearing him read this book aloud would be a much more enjoyable way to ‘read’ it.

Straight On Till Morning | Liz Braswell

Another twisted adaption from Disney through Liz Braswell on the famous characters. This time Wendy and Hook take the stage. Using Wendy’s desire to explore Neverland, Peter Pans forgetful nature and Hooks alluring taste for adventure the way he see’s fit, we are given a fun upside down tale of these characters.
Read if you like twisted tales.

TV SERIES \ FILMS OF NOTE

Mother! - I was completely confused and put off. Until the end when I looked up the allegory representation of the characters of this film and now I can’t stop thinking about it. A marker of a good work of art.
Stranger Things S04 - Because it’s the best season of all previous 3. Gives answers, makes one want to go back and watch it from the beginning again. Good vs. Evil in one of the most creative ways I have seen yet.
Pink Panther 1963 - Because the physical comedy is hilarious.
Pink Panther - A Shot in the Dark - Because Clouseau continues to make us laugh.

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.

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.

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.

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.