Book recommendation time! So this is my Mom’s go to graduation gift. She’s given it to everyone we have ever known, who has graduated high school and/or college. It was a book that had helped her in a difficult time in her life and has always stuck with her. And boy can I see why. Sometimes the truths drawn from God’s Word and presented in this book were convicting and uncomfortable to read, but they were always exactly wanted I needed to hear. (Funny how God does that- Cool how He does that)
This book was especially timely for the year 2020 in general. Drawing my attention away from this world and it’s many problems to the Lord and His perfect solution. Namely His Son and my Savior Jesus Christ.
So if you are looking for a good book to add to your daily devotional and add to your Scripture reading look no further than My Utmost for His Highest. It’s an oldie but a goodie.
I feel like I have been really off with posts and am still struggling with that unmotivated slump I fell into a few months ago. So I’ll just first say I’m sorry. I’m sorry about the inconsistency of my posts and content. Then I will quickly follow that up with; I have no idea when I will get back to my dogma of three posts a week. But it probably won’t be till after summer. I will try my best to get you at least one post a week but even that might be spotty. I really don’t know how some of my fav bloggers turn out amazing(error free *wink*wink*) posts every day, every week. But then I have to remind myself that that’s their job and I have a full time career, plus church and friends. So yeah sometimes it is a struggle to get myself motivated, or frankly to have enough energy after chasing kids all day to write out a single sentence. Forget it being intelligible or interesting.
Anyway I don’t want to make excuses or give myself an out to be a lazy writer, but anyway there you have it. I hope you guys are all doing good and having pleasant summers. Now let’s get into the reason you guys are actually reading this. Here are my media favs for June 2020!!
TV Shows/Series
The Mentalist- Only one show to put on this month’s list, since this is literally all I have been binging. As I am sure I have mentioned to you guys before I hate watching shows or series before they’re completely over. That way I don’t have to wait for a year, or longer, for the next season(looking at you Last Kingdom, Lost in Space and Agents of Shield- Oh and The Crown!) Anyway The Mentalist has made it as one of my favorite shows ever(though I’m only half way through season four so sentiments could change- Also no Red John spoilers!) I feel a personal connection to Cho, I simply adore the whole team’s dynamic and like how even characters you met in season one are brought back if the story calls for it. Too good!
Agents of Shield- I guess I should put this one here too. It’s the last season of probably one of my all time fav shows(next to Merlin) I don’t know quiet how I feel about this season yet- I have more questions then answers at this point- but in general and since I have such a love for the characters- I’m hooked. Plus they have never disappointed with their story arcs. My sister and I have already decided that once the final season is over we are starting from the beginning for an ultimate marathon!
Movies
Umm I can honestly not think of a single movie I have watched this month.
Music
Artemis– I am hooked on this new album by Lindsey Stirling. Listened to the whole album one morning while the kids ate breakfast and even they liked it, so it most be good.
Homesick by Dua Lipa- This has been the month of depressing songs. Don’t ask me why but I have been playing this song and the one below on repeat.
Sinking In by Katelyn Tarver– Sometimes YouTube comes through with an actually good suggestion and this is a score. It’s so depressing and beautiful. Which apparently is what I am in too right now.
Evita the Musical– Speaking of depressing how about a whole musical about a woman’s life and most importantly death? Being a true show tunes junkie I have of course heard some of the songs from this musical, but I have never listened to it in context and all the way through. Of course this musical is amazing and it has gone on my list of Musicals To See(I have a lot of lists in my head)
Books
The Girl Who Would Be Queen by Jane Ann McLachlan- It’s very rare for me to find I book I absolutely dislike. One that’s above my comprehension or simply too cheesy, yes but it’s hard for me to say I simply dislike a book. Well I totally dislike this book. I was excited to give it a try because I wanted to learn about the notorious Queen Joanna of Naples, who was mentioned in The Great Mortality by John Kelly, since her trail with the Pope at the height of the Black Death is infamous. So when I found this historical novel I was thrilled. Imagine my dismay when I found out the book wasn’t from Joanna’s perspective but her sister’s. And that the murder of Joanna’s husband(what she was on trail for) was covered in rush in the last chapters of the book. And that her trail wasn’t in it at all! I’m not sure what the purpose of this book even was. So yeah not a good one guys. (Remember only my opinion. If you absolutely love this book please do not be offended)
In the Shadow of Jezebel by Mesu Andrews- Taking a break from my medieval history tour I was recommended this book by a friend and have basically finished it in four days. I love how biblically accurate it is and how it really helps bring the characters to life.
I’m so behind with posts- My apologizes but here is a quick run down of what I have been loving this month.
Tv Shows/Series
The Mentalist- Sometimes I do think it’s sad how many TV shows I haven’t seen and other times I don’t. (lol) I very rarely watch a show when it’s coming out because I am too impatient and want the entire story arc right away. I’m a binger. This show has been on my watch list for a long time and I am loving it.
Reign– So I’m gonna be honest with this one… I watched two episodes and then could stomach it no longer. While I loved seeing Megan Follows and loved her sarcasm I couldn’t get over the CW cheesiness of it all. Yes I know that’s the appeal of CW shows, but I love historically accurate(both in clothing, costume, speech and events) TV shows. This one is a no from me.
Movies
The Matrix– Just the first one so far. I have seen the first one before and parts of the second one and I think the ending of the third one. So yeah it’s like watching it for the first tine.
SCOOB!- Growing up watching Hanna-Barbera cartoons this movie hit my sister and I all in the feels. Just a cute, heart warming movie about a Shaggy and his Scoob.
Music
Summer Feels by Lennon Stella- Probably my go to song for this summer. (Note this song and the next are both from the soundtrack of Scoob)
I Fly by Galantis(featuring Faouzia)- I’m so proud of this girl! She has one of my fav voices of all time and I am so glad she has been expanding her music. This is her first song on a feature film and it is so upbeat! Another great summer song.
Blinding Lights by The Weekend- Just a fun song to dance and sing to(sorry neighbors) Reminds me of the 80’s or 90’s. I don’t know why.
Books
The White Horse King by Benjamin Merkle– Just one book this month, but that’s because I am waiting on a fresh shipment from Amazon. That being said this book is awesome!! If you are even remotely interested in learning about Alfred the Great(shout out to you Last Kingdom fans) then start with this book. Even if you’re not interested read this book! It is so good. Alfred has officially become one of my favorite heroes of history; right up there with King Nebuchadnezzar and Queen Elizabeth. Yes I know these people were not perfect- Not even remotely so- but such fascinating character studies. Seriously Alfred deserves some attention people. He was a really cool guy. Anyway I’ll shut up now.
Hello guys! Here’s what I have been wasting my time on(lol) this month. Enjoy!
TV Show/Series
48 Hours- My sister and I have been watching an episode a night and have almost got through one whole season. On to the next season!
The Last Kingdom- I think it was last month when I talked about how obsessed I had become with English history and this show has definitely fueled my obsession! The first two seasons were spectacular. But the third season has almost been too gory for me. I’m going to push through as Netflix released another season just this month. (Though it’s supposed to be the goriest season yet so we shall see)
TheHollow Crown- We just started this series and it is so beautiful. The scenery the costumes the acting… The actors. I feel like they do William’s plays justice.
Movies
This Beautiful Fantastic– Which is currently on Prime and just barely made the list. My sister and I watched it last night. It is just a sweet, feel good film with many actually meaningful moments. Jessica Brown, Tom Wilkinson and Andrew Scott make the film with their little family unit. And I think it should be a definite watch for acozy late night watch.
Star Trek Reboot- You know the ones by J.J. Abrams. Anyway I hankering to watch them and so I did. I mean I had the time. It was weird seeing a yet unknown Chris Hemsworth as Chris Pine’s dad.
Independence Day- An oldie but a goodie. I remember watching this movie as a kid and thinking it was so cool.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels– This movie is so funny! We watched it the other night and about died from laughter. Steve Martins facial expressions and physical humor were hysterical. Though I think the twist ending made the film for me. So if ya need a good laugh this one is a gem.
The Book of Eli- Now this is not a feel good film. But kinda flowing our end of world movies we rewatched this film and it is still very good. Not necessarily a movie you’d watch several times in a row but definitely a very good movie.
Music
Easy Lover and One More Night by Phil Collins– Or anything by Phil Collins really. This month he has been my go to late evening, dinner cooking partner.
Complicated by Avril Lavigne– I feel like this song was everywhere when I was a kid(in a lot of movies anyway) I heard it on the radio the other day and have been jamming to it ever since.
Wake Me When it’s Over by Faouzia– Faouzia was first mentioned here on my site and has been a favorite of mine since then. She has been very activity these quarantine days and released two songs this month. But this first one is my fav of the two. (I like the other song Secrets too)
Greatest Hymns by Selah- If Phil has been my nighttime tune than old hymns have been my morning go-to. While breakfast for the kids or making coffee for myself I have been listening to all the old church songs. Definitely starts one day off right.
Books
A Short History of England by Simon Jenkins– I cannot recommend those book enough! Ah man it is so good!! It is exactly what it claims to be a mad gallop through English history. So if you’ve wanted to know what order the kings and queens of England fall into than this book is for you.
Empires of the World: A Language History of the World by Nicholas Ostler– So I may have bitten off more than I can chew with this book(it is academically above my head and very technical) But from what I can understand it is a fascinating idea. Telling the history of great empires through their languages. And why some languages survived and spread and others died out. I’m gonna keep toughing it and see if I can’t finish it.
The Great Mortality by John Kelly- So I just started this book this week(along with two other English history books I will mention on next month’s post) but this book is amazing! With the pandemic it got me curious about the most infamous Black Plague. If you’re interested in learning more about that sordid time in history than I can already recommend this book.
So what have been up to this week?? I’d love to here down in the comments below.
Hello everyone! Hope you are happy and healthy. This month’s media favs is gonna be a bit extensive, which is to be expected when one is stuck inside. I hope you enjoy!
TV Shows/Series
A Letter for the King- Let me first state that I have never read the book this show was based of off. So I have no preconceived notions or attachment to the original story. Maybe that is why I liked it so much. The biggest complaint I could find against this Netflix original was that it was a huge departure from the afore mentioned book. I would give this show a 7 out of 10. There were a few times that the horse chases(there are a handful especially in the first episodes) that got a little monotonous. But the characters were interesting and well rounded enough to keep me interested. Plus Netflix put some money into the production and there are a few surprise cast members I wasn’t expecting to see.
Sherlock- Don’t hate me but until this month I have never watched Sherlock. I know, have I been living under a rock? I greatly enjoyed the show- It’s obviously beautifully edited and shot… Plus Benedict and Martin are amazing. However the last season… It was great… But different… And I’m not sure I totally liked it. Does that make me evil? Does that even make sense? I’m still not totally sure how it rubbed me. I mean, cause the stories were so well thought out and you can tell they weren’t half baked… But yeah I can’t say I loved them.
Movies
Mary Queen of Scots- This movie was brilliant! If you remember last month I was on a Queen Elizabeth kick and so it was only natural to let that follow of history connect to Mary Queen of Scots. I think the story capsulized both Mary and Elizabeth perfectly. Saoirse Ronan was brilliant(as she normally is) but Margot Robbie I felt really stole the show. However that might just be because I am a Queen Bess fan. Anyway if you haven’t seen it; it’s a great film.
Emma- So my sister and I saw this in an empty theater when it first came out, ya know before the world ended, and it is superb. I went into it with low expectations however it is now my official favorite Emma adaption. All the cast was pitch perfect but Anya-Taylor Joy just steals all the attention with her unique and beautiful looks. Johnny Flynn who I hadn’t heard of before this is so charming and exactly what Mr. Knightly should be. I’m kinda obsessed with him right now, as you will see him appear later on in this list. This will be a definite purchase of mine when it comes out. However I still think $20 to rent a movie for 24-hours is a bit pricey. So I will leave that up to you, however it is a great movie.
Lord of the Rings Trilogy(extended edition)— Stuck inside? Nothing is better then watching the 5 hour long editions of these masterpiece films. If you have never seen the extended editions than you’ve never seen these movies at all. Sorry not sorry. I am not going to go into depth here cause ya’ll know these movies are great. Next we are going to start on the not as great, but still pretty awesome Hobbit Trilogy.
Music
Wonderful World by Butterscotch- So this month’s music has definitely gone to the ladies. Probably my favorite find this month came from watching a Wired YouTube video(here) about beatboxer, super awesome woman Butterscotch. I’m not gonna spoil it but watch the video and then get this song. Now if she would only keep mixing up old blues and jazz songs.
Better Days by OneRepublic- I am slowly becoming a OneRepublic fan. And one of their newer songs is so relevant to what’s going on now. So here’s to better days!
The Game of Cards by Maddy Prior&June Tabor- Remember the movie Emma from up above? Well the soundtrack for that movie is so folky and adorable. This song is been on repeat this month.
Fever by Peggy Lee- Told you this month went to the ladies. Peggy Lee is a fav of mine and I love her take on Fever.
He’s a Tramp by Peggy Lee- But this song from Lady and the Tramp is my jam!
Head up High by We McDonald- An old school sound that just makes you walk a little taller. It’s been my workout track this month for sure.
Queen Bee by Johnny Flynn- Here’s Johnny! (sorry for the movie reference. I’ve never actually seen the Shining) He’s charming, good looking and can sing. He definitely deserves a few looks.
Strong Tower by Kutless- If I could pick one song to sum up this whole month… This would be it. It puts everything that is going on into perspective. God is still King.
Books
Bridge Over River Andau by James A. Michener- This book was recommended to me by my boss, who lived several years in Budapest. It’s a great book and gives you a peek into the Cold War, Hungarian culture and communism. It’s also gotten me hooked on world history books. Which isn’t too much a departure for me, but this has gotten a bit crazy… Even for me. You’ll see next month on media favs what I mean.
Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring King by J.R.R. Tolkien narrated by Rob Inglis- Stuck inside? Never read the Lord of the Rings? Now is the time. I read the books and the Hobbit when I was in junior high, I think and I got a hankering to reread them. However I can’t very well have five books going at the same time so I turned to audible, which is totally acceptable and counts as reading a book. And this unabridged reading of the Fellowship is… beautiful.
Far From the Maddening Crowd by Thomas Hardy- I have got like 15, 17 chapters left to go and I am still enjoying, it’s just… World history and Lord of the Rings.
Board Games
Funko POP Strategy Game- Yes my sister and I have been playing with kids toys but this game is actually lots of fun and can get somewhat complicated. It’s not a half baked game concept. So it’s worth a try.
So what are some of the things you guys have been enjoying? What’s been your distraction these weeks? I might need to check it out. Until next time…
I think a better question is what isn’t in my book bag. Over the course of last summer I took to carrying a book bag instead of trying to stuff everything into my purse. And at first that’s all I’d carry around. But summer turned to fall and I found in addition to these items I had like five billion other things to carry around. I tried leaving some of it at home, but of course that’s when I needed it. I was stuck between a rock and a hard place. My solution? Carry around three separate bags! Yep I have become a bag lady… If I don’t leave the house with three bags you know something is up. Or that I won’t be gone for long. I am going to do three separate posts on my bags and the first one is my book bag!
The Bag…
First things first I will introduce you to my canvas bag. For those of you who know me I am sure you will be shocked to find out it is Kate Spade. I know… Shocking. I got this maybe over a year ago and am still digging it. Now let’s start unloading it shall we.
What’s in the Bag?
Book(books)– So at the time of writing thisI am between books. Normally I have 3 to 4 books going at one time. I’m waiting for two new books to come in the mail. I have really taken my goal of reading nonfiction by the horns… I think now I have a problem. I want to read about everything!
Daily Planner- My daily planner(as my faithful followers- love you guys- know) is more like a journal than a planner. I normally fill out after the month has passed as a way to remember what I had done as opposed to what I am going to do.
Pencil Bag- Can’t doodle in my journal without my markers and pens. And yes of course I have a Kate Spade pencil case. I mean how could I not?
iPad- iPad, laptop… Whatever you’d like to call it. This is mymostloved item in the bag(if I had to choose) My instrument of prose and silliness. Just think, without my iPad you guys wouldn’t get to read my weird rambles! Aren’t you lucky?
Journal/Prayer Journal- Not featured in this picture, but I also normally carry around my prayer journal and my regular journal, so I can write down my thoughts which tend run rampant if unchecked by the pen.
Whew! One bag down for the count. Stay tuned for the rest of the month for posts on my other bags. How about you? Are you a fellow crazy bag lady? Do you carry your whole house around with you too? I’d love to know that I am not the only one. Don’t forget to sign up for email notifications and follow my social media accounts.
I haven’t been watching any shows this month. Unless you call rewatching Kim Possible a worthy mention? I am such a kid.
Movies
Light of Life- This movie was recommended to me by a friend and it was not bad. The father/daughter relationship makes the film and Casey Affleck(who is one of my favorite actors) is really good. The only complaint is that the ending is a little weak. I mean it’s good, but it leaves you wanting more. On the whole I’d give it a 7 out of 10. Maybe even a six.
Marrowbone- Speaking of favorite actors this movie was again recommended to me by a friend mainly because it has my new favorite actor in it George MacKay. Add to that it is a thriller, has Anya Taylor-Joy and so many amazing twists- I absolutely love this movie!! I need to watch it again though. It’s one of those movies you need to watch at least twice to get everything. So good.
Carrie Pilby- So this film almost didn’t make the list. It could have been really cute, but the language was a bit much and unneeded. And the way it was shot(the cinematography) was a bit- eh! Boring. That being said the ending scene(like the last minute) was so stinking cute that it kinda made up for the film’s faults. So yeah it wasn’t awful.
Elizabeth&Elizabeth: The Golden Age- I am a nut for period piece, especially historic depictions. These films are amazing(I mean obviously, though I do like the first one better than the second) I find this time of history particularly so cool. When you think how close England came to collapse it makes you remember how in the Bible it says God is in charge of appointing rulers and kings. How He sets up the right ruler at the right time for a specific reason. Elizabeth was one of those rulers.
To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You- So this movie to be totally honest was a bit of a disappointment. The first one was unique and had some cute unexpected moments. This one was a bit underwhelming. The plot seemed forced and the ending was very confusing. Like I am still confused and just feel bad for John Ambrose. So yeah.
This was the month for music, so be warned my list is rather long… Sorry in advance.
Music
Ghosts– So you know how last month I told you was going to look into Sandi Thom… well I did and in addition to the afore mentioned song I love World War One, Earthquake, and Look Up.
Kids– OneRepublic is quickly becoming a new fav for me. I will however save all the songs I am listening to of theirs for next month and just mention this one that started it all. I blast this song! I am sure everyone around me greatly appreciates that.
You Don’t Even Know Me– Okay so my artist of the month and the woman who’s voice I dream of having is Faouzia. Her voice is absolutely beautiful and I can’t get enough. She is a relatively new artist and only has about a dozen songs. I have listened to them all but I will just list my favs below…
I am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger- For those of you who have seen the amazing movie 1917 you know this song. It is so haunting and beautiful and I just love it. I love that it is acapella, which just adds to the gorgeous performance.
Uptown Girl– I mean it’s Billy Joel and it’s ridiculously catchy. This is another song I have been blasting from my car.
Books
A Year of Less by Cait Flanders- This was a recommendation to me by a friend. I have just started it and it is has been pretty good so far. It is all about Cait’s journey in which in one year she challenged herself not to shop… Like at all! I think what I like most about the book is that while she is telling you about her year of less you get a lot of background on her. She tells personal stories and lets you get a glimpse into her decision process that lead to her break of the spending habit. In next month’s media favs I’ll give you guys my final thoughts on the book.
Lift like a Girl by Nia Shanks- If you caught my gym post(here) than you’ll know I’ve decided to be more active. But I have no idea how to go about that in a healthy, not crazy way. I found this book on Amazon and it instantly peeked my interest. First because it is written by a woman and a fellow blogger, plus it isn’t a strict diet insane work out manual. Nia’s approach to working out is to make it become something you actually like doing as opposed to something you dread everyday. I just literally cracked this open yesterday and debated putting it one here, since it will make an appearance on March’s media favs, but the opening has me so excited to dive into this one I couldn’t resist putting it on here as well.
Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy- This was another recommendation from a friend. She knew my love for the classics and turned me in Hardy’s direction. I had never read anything by him and I didn’t quite realize how witty and sarcastic he was. I am about half way through and loving it.
Podcast
I feel like I should stop including this category since I have really fallen off the podcast train. Oh well.
So let’s it peeps! What media favs have you been enjoying? Is there anything I should check out? Let me know in the comments below or on any of my social media accounts.
Can you believe the first month of the year is over?? It just flew by waving it’s snowy, icy hand(at least in Wisconsin) and has been replaced by more ice and snow. I personally love the winter(gives you an actual excuse to stay inside) but then again my commute consists of ten steps from the basement to the first floor. So I would say I should probably not have an opinion on this.
TV Shows/Series
Gotham- This show has the vibe of GOT but with Batman! Or at least my opinion.
La Mantas- Yes it’s a French show, but it’s about a woman serial killer, her cop son and the detective who captured her working together to find a copycat killer, who is recreating her crimes. So far so interesting.
Movies
Little Women- I was on the fence about this movie. Mainly because there are so many adaptations of it and very few great adaptations of it. Either they make Jo so feminist and angry and too flighty, missing to capture her tenderness and frankly fragility. Or they make Amy(my favorite character and probably the one I relate most too… if mixed a bit with Beth) a villain and her so vain and selfish you don’t care what happens to her. Yeah they don’t do that in this film. I have been to see it twice, which is a hallmark for how much I like it. The way it’s paced and flies from the past to the present. The chemistry between the actors, the breathtaking landscape and score. Ah it’s so good! It gives me the feels of the Joe Wright’s Pride&Prejudice with the simplistic elegance of filming.
1917- Okay enough about Little Women that’s talk about the greatest movie of the year and the greatest movie I have seen in a really, really long time. Again I was on the fence about this one. In fact I probably wouldn’t have seen it if my friend didn’t want to go. Not that I don’t like war films. I do, I just bawl like a baby throughout them. This one was no exception, but the acting(George Mackay is my new favorite actor) and the way it’s shot- It takes you to another world it so visually stunning. It makes you feel like you’re actually there with the soldiers. Another thing I adored about this movie is how realistic it was. The walk across no man’s land is appalling and your mind just wants to believe that that never happened… but it did and it looked exactly like that… At the end of the film when the credits rolled the packed theater just sat there in silence for a good ten minutes.
Music
Black Magic– I have been on a Little Mix kick ever since watching their journey on the X Factor on YouTube. I don’t like all of their songs but this one and the one below are my two favs.
I Fall For You– So I watched a movie called Not Another Happy Ending. (Mainly because it had Ian Deceaser from Agents of Shield in it) The movie had okay moments and then not so okay moments, it dragged at times, however the colorful wardrobe and scenery was whimsical and the scoring was great. I found this song and the one below because of the film. I like the songs themselves but Linda Thom, who sings them… let’s just say I am as of right now listening to her other songs to find new favs. Don’t you love it when you find a new artist?
Not Another Happy Ending- see above.
Books
A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Purnell- So I purchased this book last summer on my yearly work trip to Pittsburgh and have devoured it this month. It’s the true story of an American woman turned British, who basically set up the French resistance in WWII. With little to know trying in spy-craft and a very vague mission to cause the Germans and French police as much trouble as possible Virginia Hall almost single handled led the British intelligence coming out of occupied France. A really inspiring and amazing story.
Craft Coffee: A Manual by Jessica Easto- If you follow my Instagram account, or if you saw last week’s post about coffee than you know I absolutely love this book!! A perfect gift for the coffee lover in your life or for your own coffee loving self. Fair warning though, you’ll never make coffee the same way again.
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton- Recommended to me by a friend I really liked this book. But even more so when I learned more about the author behind it. Daring from her experiences growing up S.E. Hinton wrote this while she was in high school and one of her own friends(a greaser) has been killed. Following the story of a greaser gang and family the story is told from the prospective of the youngest member, Pony Boy. Gripping from the start I highly recommend this book.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte- For those of you who read my reading list for 2020 you’ll know to reread one of my favorite books of all time was on there. Well I did it and it is still amazing. I don’t think there are many people who haven’t read this gothic tale but if you haven’t do it! And yes it is three thousand times better then the movies.
Podcasts
No podcasts again this month… but I want to get back into them. I was listening to podcasts when I was wrapping Christmas presents so I need find something else to do while I listen to my stories.
So this time last year I did my first ever “book list” style post and I thought I would continue on with the tradition.
So I’d like to say I met every goal that I set for myself reading wise last year, but that wouldn’t totally be true. If you remember(and if you don’t please refer yourself back to last year’s post) my three main goals were:
Not too shabby if I do say so myself. Of course I’m totally envious of people who plow through like seventy books a year. Mainly because before I was forced to grow up I could do the same. But hay at least I read at least one book every month. And I pretty much met all my goals… except of course something by Dickens… Let’s get to this year’s literary goals shall we?
This year’s goals are kinda of similar to last year’s but more specific and bigger!
Read Bleak House by Dickens by June
Re-read Jane Eyre(My all time favorite book… ever)
Continue reading nonfiction(more specifically though Wild West history… I feel like as a country there is a lot of disconnect with this time period)
And my author for the year is… Elizabeth Gaskell
My all time favorite author I have already read several things by Elizabeth(my favorite being Ruth) however I feel the need to finish up her amazing collection of works. If you have never heard of Elizabeth Gaskell you’re missing out. A contemporary of Charles Dickens(whom she worked for) and Charlotte Bonte(who was her best friend) Elizabeth is the like the perfect combo of both. Her more we’ll know works include North and South, Wives and Daughters, and Cranford. I can’t wait to dive back in.
How about you guys? Any literary goals for the year? I’d love to know. And who’s your favorite author/book? (I know difficult to choose) Don’t forget to like, comment and sign up for email alerts about the latest content.
I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas! It’s almost over… It goes by so fast. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and got to spend it with people you love. Here are my media favs for this month.
TV Shows/Series
Merlin– So for my birthday my sister got me the complete series on Blu-ray and I watched the first three seasons already. I LOVE this show. It’s probably my top favorite TV show ever. So funny and sad and… just great! Of course it was canceled but the show runners where able to wrap up the story so at least there’s that.
Lost in Space1&2– Another one of my all time favorite shows ever. Lost in Space (as you will know from this post) is my one of my favorite movies ever, so when Netflix announced they were making a series I was initially skeptical… But oh is this show good. I just started the second season so here’s hoping it’s even better.
Gotham– My sister watched this show(all four seasons) in a month she liked it that much. I’ve just started the slow descent into madness and all I can think so far, “Is what have I gotten myself into.”
Movies
Doubt– I watched this on a whim on Netflix and it turned out to be a great movie! Meryl Streep is flawless in this film and if you want a movie that causes you to pay attention and has rock-solid dialogue than look no further.
“It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas”- So I made my own holiday playlist for the season and I figured I’d share it with since I have been listening to it on repeat. It is Christmas after all, you have to listen to those classics over and over and over again until you’re sick of them.
Books
Unwind Series- Almost finished with the third book! Yippee!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas- This is all my youngest charge wants to read before bedtime, so yeah I practically have it memorized but it’s still a great book.
Podcasts
I actually haven’t had time this month to listen to any podcasts… so there’s that.
Now tell me your latest media crazes. And have a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
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