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The Perpetual Page-Turner

The Perpetual Page-Turner

Book Recommendations and Book Lists For Adults And Kids

Home | What I'm Watching | What I’ve Been Watching

What I’ve Been Watching

July 20, 2016 - Updated May 7, 2019 // 21 Comments

Oh man I haven’t done one of these posts since JANUARY of this year soooo I honestly can’t remember everything that I’ve seen since then so I’m going to do my best to recall some stuff.

 

Movies I Watched

 

 

HappyThankYouMorePlease

HappyThankYouMorePlease

“On the way to meet a publisher, aspiring novelist Sam encounters Rasheen alone on the subway. While struggling to decide whether to send the young boy back to foster care, Sam looks after Rasheen and learns a few important life lessons.”

I’m not going to lie I don’t really remember WHY I liked this one so much because it’s been a while but I REALLY liked this. I rated it 3.5 stars on Netflix sooo I clearly enjoyed it. I will say I thought Josh Radnor was pretty great here. If you like quirky indie rom coms, give this a try! It’s no Garden State but it definitely gave me those vibes.

Rating: 4/5

12 Years A Slave

12 Years A Slave

 “The autobiography of Solomon Northup, a free black man who was abducted from New York state and sold into slavery in the mid-1800s, serves as the basis for this historical drama. Chiwetel Ejiofor stars as Northup, and Brad Pitt plays an abolitionist.”

I finally got around to watching this one. Oof. Heart and soul crushing — it’s always even more so when it’s something that ~actually~ happened. My heart broke for Solomon and just in general thinking about slavery.  I just felt raw during and after watching this one.  Also, a wonderful cast, too!

Rating: 4/5

 

How To Be Single

How To Be Single

“Young and footloose, New Yorkers Alice, Robin, Lucy, Meg, Tom and David are living the dream. With the city as their playground, their adventures of love and lust play out over a 10-year period, providing a fresh perspective on being single.”

Will and I really enjoyed this. We were laughing a ton and just really enjoyed the story in general. That Rebel Wilson. She kills me. It’s a fun rom-com type movie with some hilarious and also really touching moments that we enjoyed on a Friday night after a long week. I think my biggest gripes that sometimes it felt disjointed even though I understood how all these stories were interconnected but their own. If I’m really being critical about it, I loved the idea of these different characters portraying singleness and their response to being single and working their way through that but I don’t think it really hit the mark intended and I so wish it did because it had a ton of potential. Nonetheless we totally enjoyed it. Was the movie we needed after a week of really horrible current events. Was nice to just LAUGH.

Rating: 3/5

 Secret Life of Pets

Secret Life of Pets

“Living an easy life, happy terrier Max sees his world upended when his owner brings home Duke, a mongrel Max regards as a loser. But the two soon find themselves allied against a horde of abandoned pets looking to turn the tables on humans.”

I took the nieces (almost 3, 4 1/2 and 9) to see this while I was staying with them while my sister was in the hospital after my nephew was born. I thought it was really cute. Not my favorite animated movie but any means but pretty cute and especially made me laugh as a dog owner because I kept thinking, “oh my god that’s so Finn.” The girls all seemed to enjoy it — even the youngest was glued to it the whole time. They laughed quite a bit!

Rating: 3/5

TV I Watched

 

80057120

Poldark

“Ross Poldark rides again in a swashbuckling new adaptation of the hit series that helped launch Masterpiece in the 1970s. Aidan Turner stars as Captain Poldark, who returns to Cornwall after the American Revolution to find that his fighting days are far from over. Feeling betrayed by everything he loves, Ross must rebuild his life, embarking on a risky business venture and finding love where he least expects it..”

OH MY GAWD I WATCHED THIS IN A WEEKEND IN FEBRUARY AND I AM OBSESSED AND NEED SEASON 2 NOW. Like the need has not subsided all these months. Definitely one of the best things I’ve watched this year! Freaking Aidan Turner is the most beautiful human. I loved the setting. The secondary characters. SO MANY FEELS YOU HAVE NO IDEA. My heart was just overworked watching this one. If you like period dramas and haven’t watched this, do it. If you don’t know if you like period dramas, this is a great one to start with.

Rating: 5/5

 

 

miss_fishers_murder_mysteries_series_1_4_disc_import

Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries

“Get ready to immerse yourself in the opulent, exciting and sometimes dangerous world of Australia’s leading lady — Det. Phryne Fisher — who is a glamorous and thoroughly modern woman of the 1920s.”

I already talked about this show at length but you absolutely should be watching this so it was worth mentioning again. EVERY THING ABOUT IT IS PERFECT. Phryne is so kickass. The ships are THE BEST. Like slow-burny and tense. YAS GO WATCH NOW especially if you like mysteries!

Rating: 5/5

 

Colony

Colony

“In this tense futuristic drama, Los Angeles becomes a walled-in colony after outside forces seize the city. Risking their lives and liberty, former FBI agent Will Bowman and his wife go to extreme lengths to find their son, lost since the invasion.”

I will be honest this one looked interesting but my main pull for watching it was because my love Josh Holloway (Sawyer from Lost) was in it. Also because Sarah Wayne Callies. I actually got really into this one and I’m surprised more people weren’t talking about it this Spring when it premiered! It took a couple of episodes for me to get REALLY into it but I was hooked. Very action-packed and twisty! Think the world it is set in is compelling. Very much looking forward to season 2.

Rating: 3.5/5

Fuller House

Fuller House

“When her firefighter husband dies on duty, D.J. Tanner-Fuller is left to raise their three boys by herself. Feeling overwhelmed, she asks her sister Stephanie to move in, along with best friend Kimmy and her teenage daughter, Ramona.”

I really enjoyed this. ALL THE NOSTALGIA. I actually cried during the first episode because I was just like too emotional over my childhood. I thought it was cute and had the same dopey humor as the original and I really enjoyed catching up with the girls and also seeing some of the other characters here and there.  Very feel good for me and nobody can rain on my parade of how much I enjoyed it!

Some seasons of shows I continued on with that premiered in the Spring:

Kimmy Schmidt Season 2: Still delightfully quirky. Very much enjoy it considering I have like no comedies in my life. Very glad they finally addressed Kimmy’s PTSD a little.

House of Cards Season 4: HOLY EFF THIS SEASON WAS EXPLOSIVE AND AWESOME AND WOW. Will and I could NOT stop watching it.

Game of Thrones Season 6: Definitely one of the best seasons of the whole series. So much went down, so many things revealed, so many things coming together. SO BRUTAL. SO AMAZING.

Orphan Black Season 4: WOWOWOWOW. As I say every season. You get some answers and end up with many more questions and WTF feels.

Better Call Saul Season 2: I seriously am loving this! Bob Odenkirk is INCREDIBLE and I just continue to be obsessed with Saul’s origin story. Brutal brutal season with some tremendous acting that had me in tears at times.

The 100 Season 3: OMG THIS SEASON SLAYED ME. SLAAAAYED.

Fear The Walking Dead Season 2: Will and I didn’t LOVE season 1 but we wanted to give this season a chance to decide if we’d stick with it and this season was MUCH better than last. Those last couple episodes especially were great. Don’t love it as much as TWD or even love many characters in it but thoroughly enjoying it. NICK FOR LIFE.

So catch me up on your movie/tv life!! Have you seen any of these movies/shows? What did you think? What have YOU been watching lately? I’d love to know anything that is standing out for you that you’d recommend to me!

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Filed Under: What I'm Watching Tagged With: movie thoughts, What I'm Watching

About Jamie

Jamie is a 32 year old married lady (with a new baby!!) who is in denial that she's actually that old to be a married lady and a mom. When she's not reading you can find her doing Pilates followed by eating ice cream, belting out Hamilton (loud and offkey) and having adventures with her husband, daughter and rescue dog.

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Comments

  1. Emmah says

    July 20, 2016 at 3:16 am

    You need to check out Lucifer!! It’s only 13 episodes, currently (and doesn’t return until September 19th)! SO good! And there’s definitely a ship 🙂

    Reply
    • Emmah says

      July 20, 2016 at 3:25 am

      A little incentive 🙂 http://showme-love.tumblr.com/post/147118615744

      Oh, and did I mention… he’s British!

      Reply
      • Preethi @ The Lone Reader says

        July 26, 2016 at 4:01 pm

        Oh my gosh I LOVE Lucifer! It’s such a fun show and I love the actor and the ship is so cute.

        Reply
        • Emmah says

          July 26, 2016 at 6:14 pm

          Yes!! And Trixie is absolutely precious!

          Reply
  2. Kyra Morris says

    July 20, 2016 at 3:26 am

    I really want to watch The 100 – I’ve heard such good things! I’m not really a TV person but I LOVE the Arrow series! *_*

    Reply
  3. TT @ IntroToBlurb says

    July 20, 2016 at 5:59 am

    SO MANY GOOD SHOWS/FILMS HERE; your taste is just on point!

    Rebel Wilson is just amazing, isn’t she? I understand why she has a “marmite” affect on people, but I find her absolutely hilarious! I was roped along to watch Secret Life of Pets too (I mean Finding Dory would have been a better option *grumbles*) but honestly, it was better than I expected! Not Up, or Inside Out standard – will anything EVER compare? – but I’d give it a 3/5 like you.

    And wowow can we please take a moment to spotlight Fear The Walking Dead season 2?! It was SOOO much better than the first season; and although not up to the standard of The Walking Dead, as you say, I really enjoyed it and am super excited for the next half-a-season.

    I’ve decided that the 100 looks like something I need to give a shot (if not PURELY just for Alicia Debnam-Carey…), I assume you’d recommend it?

    Reply
  4. Vanessa says

    July 20, 2016 at 8:44 am

    I watched Poldark last month and I loved it! Now I want to read ALL THE BOOKS before the second season premieres 😀

    Reply
  5. Jennifer @ YA Book Nerd says

    July 20, 2016 at 9:15 am

    I keep meaning to watch Poldark
    Colony sounds good! I might have to give that a try

    Reply
  6. Kat C says

    July 20, 2016 at 9:27 am

    I really enjoyed Fuller House too, which seems like an unpopular opinion. I used to watch a lot of Full House in reruns so it was fun seeing it like that and I liked how they didn’t dwell on having the old cast around all the time.

    I have been in a bit of a TV slump since most shows are on hiatus but over 4th of July Weekend I watched the entire first season of FXX’s You’re The Worst. It’s only 10 30-minute episodes and I really enjoyed watching it in one big chunk. It’s one of those irreverent comedies with unlikable protagonist, but it had it’s moments–plus the male protagonist is an author

    Reply
  7. BRIANNA ROBINSON says

    July 20, 2016 at 9:38 am

    Everything about Miss Fisher is amazing and I miss it so much since I finished. We need more Jack Robinson!

    Reply
  8. Audrey says

    July 20, 2016 at 10:06 am

    Those period dramas sound incredible. I love those kinds of shows! I will definitely be adding them to my must-watch list!

    Reply
  9. Jordan says

    July 20, 2016 at 12:17 pm

    I’ve been meaning to check out Poldark pretty much since before it even started, but I forgot to set up the first episode to record and then just sort of.. forgot. Whoops. :O I’m really glad to see you enjoyed it so much, it’s making me want to go out right now and catch up! (which I might just do!) I keep hearing so many good things about Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, too, so I think I’m going to have to check that out soon as well!

    Reply
  10. Jess says

    July 20, 2016 at 8:54 pm

    So many good shows! Poldark sounds right up my alley. I dropped off of House of Cards somewhere in season 2, but I’m glad to hear it’s still good. I may need to get back in. I just started watching Stranger Things on Netflix… I am really intrigued by the first episode.

    Reply
  11. Rissi says

    July 20, 2016 at 9:24 pm

    Poldark and Miss Fisher = EPIC. Love both of these shows so(so) much. Glad you do too, Jamie. Here’s hoping the latter gets more episodes!

    Reply
  12. Lorraine says

    July 24, 2016 at 6:43 pm

    I’ve been tempted to watch Colony but, like you, mostly because of Josh Holloway 😀 From what you’ve said it sounds like the story could be worth watching too, which is good 😉

    Reply
  13. Chrissi Reads says

    July 25, 2016 at 5:27 am

    I really like Rebel Wilson so I should check out How To Be Single! I love this feature.

    Reply
  14. Preethi @ The Lone Reader says

    July 26, 2016 at 4:03 pm

    I’ve seen Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries on Netflix but never got around to watching it because I wasn’t sure if there was a ship haha. I’m so glad that there is one and that, even better, it’s a slow burn – this is the first show I’ll be watching once I’m done with Parks and Rec 😀

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      July 26, 2016 at 4:55 pm

      IT IS THE CUTEST SHIP! Like so slow burn but it makes you pine for every single smirk and glance. It’s so great. I cannot wait for you to watch it!!!

      Reply
  15. kristen says

    July 28, 2016 at 3:39 pm

    i still haven’t watched fuller house because i am afraid for my childhood haha. but i did try and watch Poldark but didn’t make it very far into the first episode, which is weird because it sounds like my cup of tea, so i’ll definitely give it another go. i forget if you’ve mentioned this, are you an Outlander fan?

    Reply
  16. JoLee says

    August 2, 2016 at 1:23 pm

    Since you loved Poldark, I bet you would like the new War and Peace (2016). (Stars Lily James from Downton Abbey and James Norton from Grantchester and lots of other famous British types.) I watched all 8 episodes in 4 days and that is really fast for me. Soul crushingly good. I’ve been telling all my friends about it. You can find it on Hulu.

    Also, I loved Mercy Street. Did you watch it when it was on PBS back in February? It takes place during the Civil War and stars Josh Radnor. I was so ecstatic to hear that its getting a 2nd season. If you haven’t seen it you can find it on Amazon Prime.

    Reply
  17. Mel@thedailyprophecy says

    August 3, 2016 at 2:23 pm

    12 years a slave was the kind of movie that I can only watch once. It was so raw and emotional, I don’t think I could go through it again, but I would definitely recommend it and I think it is an amazing movie.

    Poldark looks like a TV show for me 😀

    Reply

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perpetualpageturner

Friends don’t let friends be without a good book. Let’s be friends?
Elder millennial. Cries a lot, always down a rabbit hole.
Blogger since 2010👇

A book recommendation for all my historical fictio A book recommendation for all my historical fiction readers - The Briar Club by Kate Quinn. My holy grail historical author came through for me again. I can’t express how much I cared for and was pulled into the lives of these women living in a boardinghouse in DC during the McCarthy era just as much as I was racing to find out what happened in this house. The tension mounted as we got to what actually happened?? Masterful. Truly. #historicalfiction #bookrec #bookrecommendation #historicalfictionbooks @williammorrowbooks
Made a fun family day out of Independent Bookstore Made a fun family day out of Independent Bookstore Day and hit up new faves @maveybooks and what used to be my second home when I lived closer @childrensbookworld which was so nice to be back home 🥹🥹

Book shopping is great but I can’t express how incredible building community is and indie bookshops do just that. I always wanted my own version of Cheers and, while not a bar where everybody knows my name, CBW was that place for me for almost a decade when I built community by going to YA book events there and moderating events. And while I am not able to get there as often as I was before I became a mom and we moved further away, It’s been so special to be able to share this beloved space with Riley.

These indie bookshops are so vital to our communities and I know everyone’s situation is different so this isn’t to shame but That Website can’t replace what can be created in these book spaces. Shop local when you are able! #indiebookshop #bookshop #bookshopping #independentbookstore
Ok technically I’m lying. My last read was technic Ok technically I’m lying. My last read was technically ATMOSPHERE but I feel like between my stories and my dedicated post to it, I’d rather talk about the book I read before it but didn’t update y’all on.

The Trouble With Anna — I enjoyed this delightful little historical romance about a heroine who is carving out her independence only to find out, when her grandfather dies, that he tied her inheritance/future to marrying her best friend’s brother — a not-so-happy surprise for both of them. I could understand why they both had some guardness/walls up and I enjoyed watching them slowly start to lower them.

Mayhem and the Mortal - I’m not too far into this romantic fantasy but it is one of my most anticipated that came out last month and I’m excited to dig in more.

Hamnet — I know, I know. For April I decided not to make a traditional TBR list of books I wanted to read but instead give myself some prompts to guide my reading (bc I’m overwhelmed with all my choices at hand) without feeling rigid. One of the prompts was to read a book I HAD TO BUY but is still unread. So going to finally get to it. Have you read this one or watched the movie?

What are you currently reading?
I had been waiting for the perfect time to read th I had been waiting for the perfect time to read this one after Random House sent me a finished copy as TJR is a longtime auto-buy author.  I found myself caught up in all the space joy and wonder and feeling quite parasocial about the Artemis crew...I decided now was the time.

I had no idea what I was getting into.

I hadn’t really known what it was about but I didn’t really need to given its TJR & the fact it was 1980s NASA & astronauts.

But this book was about love to me - romantic love, platonic love, familial love, love for something bigger than yourself, love for the person you are & are becoming, love in the face of obstacles, love for what lights you up.

Having been invested in real life astronauts & their journey lately really made this book even more vivid to me — seeing the bonds of the crew so deeply, feeling the fragility that exists while they are doing this wondrous & crazy thing that often still boggles my mind that we can do.

And, hardest to put into words, that feeling of awe in the expansive nature & capabilities of love & the universe that I felt when a husband named a crater after his late wife which doubly helped me understand how Joan & Vanessa felt looking back at earth.

It made me sob & feel everything about being a human so deeply basically from that Frances/Joan phone call at 86% of the way through until the final words. Like could not breathe.

*might be a tiny bit spoilery so beware:

I think the way she wrote this was so impactful bc we start out knowing something bad happens &it’s not even that far when we know that some of them def won’t make it back & some are alive in peril.

I was like “oof” when *it* happens early on. But each and every chapter where we learn more about these ppl & their relationships felt agonizing & I was retroactively grieving for them more deeply every turn of the page.

The hurt and grief just compounds from a moment that was sad from the jump to something that had dug in deep to me.

To know what happens right before this mission makes the mission control bits even more excruciating. Makes the peril a character is in hit even harder than just “oh that must be scary!”. 

I loved it. I needed it bad.
The theme of Q1 was “just go with it” — it being m The theme of Q1 was “just go with it” — it being my reading whims, quirks and troubles.

Interesting things:

1. January started out rough. I only read 1 physical book and leaned very heavy into audiobooks only. At first it was distressing that my brain -thanks to current events and their effect on my mind - couldn’t work out how to sit down and read with my eyeballs but I was like…let’s just roll with it and wait for it to pass. So I waited and enjoyed a ton of audiobooks.

2. I don’t think I’ve ever read so many thrillers and mysteries in a quarter. It’s a genre I love but I’m normally quite more balanced. However, it’s what I was craving and what my brain was tolerating so…I just went with it.

3. I have always been a reader led by my moods (both how I feel reading wise and personally). This quarter was FERAL. Like the most feral mood reading ever. I couldn’t even categorize it. I’d decide on one book enthusiastically and suddenly I was like…absolutely not that.

4. I read way less fantasy than normal which was WEIRD but I felt like I also wasn’t surprised given my brain space.

5. I really started to resent people even more who said “it’s a book account stop talking about politics etc”. Babe, I’m a human who gives a shit but ALSO this has and always been an account of MY reading life. And my reading life was profoundly affected by the things that were going on in this country. Like they have been before - whether it’s been current events or things like having a kid, being depressed, slumps, etc.

6. I return to the fact that, for me, I am happiest when I pay attention to my reading whims. The end of the month I had a very specific reading mood (wanted time travel element but not a heavy time travel book) and I decided to pick up A Rip Through Time at the end of the month and I’m now halfway through book 4. Having the best time ever!!! 

Anyways, tell me how your reading life was in Q1! Fave books? Biggest surprises??
New historical fiction books on my radar for April New historical fiction books on my radar for April and I feel like there is quite a bit of variety. Any of these on your TBR? #historicalfictionbooks #historicalfiction #newbookrelease #newbookreleases
Being someone who reads based on their ever shifti Being someone who reads based on their ever shifting reading moods (sometimes very feral) makes library holds and tbrs very hard. It’s the worst when 5 weeks ago I would have gobbled the library hold up but now when the hold comes in I’m like…I think not. #readersofinstagram #readerproblems #librarylife #librarybooks #moodreader
I love when I just absolutely nail it on the first I love when I just absolutely nail it on the first try when trying to satisfy a super specific reading mood - Kelley Armstrong’s A Rip Through Time definitely nailed what I wanted. Time travel but didn’t really want too time travely…just more of a vibe or catalyst for some fun. If you love a good mystery, some time travel shenanigans and a great cast of characters, I highly recommend this book. #bookrec #bookrecommendation #bookreview #mysterybooks #historicalmystery #kelleyarmstrong
🌸 Some romances on my personal radar for April. 🌸 🌸 Some romances on my personal radar for April. 🌸

Beyond excited for a new Kate Clayborn, Kasie west, rainbow Rowell, Jenn Bennett and Beth O’Leary - I’ve enjoyed these authors in the past.

My historical loving heart is most excited for The Duke and How To Fake It In Society.

I love an emotional romance so The Art of Loving You is high on my list plus I’ve heard great things about this author.

I’m intrigued by Fast Lane especially since it’s being adapted for a tv series. I’m seeing comparisons to Elle Kennedy’s Off Campus series which I did love!

Which new romance books are piquing your interest or are on your TBR? #romancebooks #newbooks #romancebooktok #romancereader
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Jamie is a 32 year old married lady (with a new baby!!) who is in denial that she's actually that old to be a married lady and a mom. When she's not reading you can find her doing Pilates followed by eating ice cream, belting out Hamilton (loud and offkey) and having adventures with her husband, daughter and rescue dog.

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A book recommendation for all my historical fictio A book recommendation for all my historical fiction readers - The Briar Club by Kate Quinn. My holy grail historical author came through for me again. I can’t express how much I cared for and was pulled into the lives of these women living in a boardinghouse in DC during the McCarthy era just as much as I was racing to find out what happened in this house. The tension mounted as we got to what actually happened?? Masterful. Truly. #historicalfiction #bookrec #bookrecommendation #historicalfictionbooks @williammorrowbooks
Made a fun family day out of Independent Bookstore Made a fun family day out of Independent Bookstore Day and hit up new faves @maveybooks and what used to be my second home when I lived closer @childrensbookworld which was so nice to be back home 🥹🥹

Book shopping is great but I can’t express how incredible building community is and indie bookshops do just that. I always wanted my own version of Cheers and, while not a bar where everybody knows my name, CBW was that place for me for almost a decade when I built community by going to YA book events there and moderating events. And while I am not able to get there as often as I was before I became a mom and we moved further away, It’s been so special to be able to share this beloved space with Riley.

These indie bookshops are so vital to our communities and I know everyone’s situation is different so this isn’t to shame but That Website can’t replace what can be created in these book spaces. Shop local when you are able! #indiebookshop #bookshop #bookshopping #independentbookstore
Ok technically I’m lying. My last read was technic Ok technically I’m lying. My last read was technically ATMOSPHERE but I feel like between my stories and my dedicated post to it, I’d rather talk about the book I read before it but didn’t update y’all on.

The Trouble With Anna — I enjoyed this delightful little historical romance about a heroine who is carving out her independence only to find out, when her grandfather dies, that he tied her inheritance/future to marrying her best friend’s brother — a not-so-happy surprise for both of them. I could understand why they both had some guardness/walls up and I enjoyed watching them slowly start to lower them.

Mayhem and the Mortal - I’m not too far into this romantic fantasy but it is one of my most anticipated that came out last month and I’m excited to dig in more.

Hamnet — I know, I know. For April I decided not to make a traditional TBR list of books I wanted to read but instead give myself some prompts to guide my reading (bc I’m overwhelmed with all my choices at hand) without feeling rigid. One of the prompts was to read a book I HAD TO BUY but is still unread. So going to finally get to it. Have you read this one or watched the movie?

What are you currently reading?
I had been waiting for the perfect time to read th I had been waiting for the perfect time to read this one after Random House sent me a finished copy as TJR is a longtime auto-buy author.  I found myself caught up in all the space joy and wonder and feeling quite parasocial about the Artemis crew...I decided now was the time.

I had no idea what I was getting into.

I hadn’t really known what it was about but I didn’t really need to given its TJR & the fact it was 1980s NASA & astronauts.

But this book was about love to me - romantic love, platonic love, familial love, love for something bigger than yourself, love for the person you are & are becoming, love in the face of obstacles, love for what lights you up.

Having been invested in real life astronauts & their journey lately really made this book even more vivid to me — seeing the bonds of the crew so deeply, feeling the fragility that exists while they are doing this wondrous & crazy thing that often still boggles my mind that we can do.

And, hardest to put into words, that feeling of awe in the expansive nature & capabilities of love & the universe that I felt when a husband named a crater after his late wife which doubly helped me understand how Joan & Vanessa felt looking back at earth.

It made me sob & feel everything about being a human so deeply basically from that Frances/Joan phone call at 86% of the way through until the final words. Like could not breathe.

*might be a tiny bit spoilery so beware:

I think the way she wrote this was so impactful bc we start out knowing something bad happens &it’s not even that far when we know that some of them def won’t make it back & some are alive in peril.

I was like “oof” when *it* happens early on. But each and every chapter where we learn more about these ppl & their relationships felt agonizing & I was retroactively grieving for them more deeply every turn of the page.

The hurt and grief just compounds from a moment that was sad from the jump to something that had dug in deep to me.

To know what happens right before this mission makes the mission control bits even more excruciating. Makes the peril a character is in hit even harder than just “oh that must be scary!”. 

I loved it. I needed it bad.
The theme of Q1 was “just go with it” — it being m The theme of Q1 was “just go with it” — it being my reading whims, quirks and troubles.

Interesting things:

1. January started out rough. I only read 1 physical book and leaned very heavy into audiobooks only. At first it was distressing that my brain -thanks to current events and their effect on my mind - couldn’t work out how to sit down and read with my eyeballs but I was like…let’s just roll with it and wait for it to pass. So I waited and enjoyed a ton of audiobooks.

2. I don’t think I’ve ever read so many thrillers and mysteries in a quarter. It’s a genre I love but I’m normally quite more balanced. However, it’s what I was craving and what my brain was tolerating so…I just went with it.

3. I have always been a reader led by my moods (both how I feel reading wise and personally). This quarter was FERAL. Like the most feral mood reading ever. I couldn’t even categorize it. I’d decide on one book enthusiastically and suddenly I was like…absolutely not that.

4. I read way less fantasy than normal which was WEIRD but I felt like I also wasn’t surprised given my brain space.

5. I really started to resent people even more who said “it’s a book account stop talking about politics etc”. Babe, I’m a human who gives a shit but ALSO this has and always been an account of MY reading life. And my reading life was profoundly affected by the things that were going on in this country. Like they have been before - whether it’s been current events or things like having a kid, being depressed, slumps, etc.

6. I return to the fact that, for me, I am happiest when I pay attention to my reading whims. The end of the month I had a very specific reading mood (wanted time travel element but not a heavy time travel book) and I decided to pick up A Rip Through Time at the end of the month and I’m now halfway through book 4. Having the best time ever!!! 

Anyways, tell me how your reading life was in Q1! Fave books? Biggest surprises??
New historical fiction books on my radar for April New historical fiction books on my radar for April and I feel like there is quite a bit of variety. Any of these on your TBR? #historicalfictionbooks #historicalfiction #newbookrelease #newbookreleases
Being someone who reads based on their ever shifti Being someone who reads based on their ever shifting reading moods (sometimes very feral) makes library holds and tbrs very hard. It’s the worst when 5 weeks ago I would have gobbled the library hold up but now when the hold comes in I’m like…I think not. #readersofinstagram #readerproblems #librarylife #librarybooks #moodreader

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