August meant vacation and traveling for me – which is GREAT when it comes to my pop culture consumption. I read a bunch and caught up on some TV and went to the best concert of my life. Oh, and Norm turned 4 and Cliff is sleeping longer through the night. Everyone wins! Here’s what I was loving this month…
Reading
A Gentleman in Moscow – Enough people raved about this book that I snagged it at the library for my vacation. It was an incredibly lovely story and although I didn’t know much about it, that was okay.
Recursion – I really loved Blake Crouch’s last book, Dark Matter so when his new book came out and the library had it? I snagged it! I haven’t read a book in a day in a very long time, but Recursion was just that much fun. If you liked Dark Matter you’ll like this, and if you like modern technology overreaching – you’ll love it. Also – it had the WEIRDEST (non spoiler) twist when the author of A Gentleman in Moscow was a character name in the book…
Persepolis – Years ago my dad told me I should read the book, and I didn’t. Then I got a copy for my birthday from my brother & sister in law and I finally read it on vacation. It was such a great story about a woman growing up in Iran (and Europe) in the 70’s and 80’s. A story and time period I feel I should learn more about.
I read the final issue of The Walking Dead and it was a perfect wrap up to the series. I was shocked, like we all were, to learn the series was ending so abruptly – but I was starting to wonder how many more big bads they could run into. A very fitting ending.
I’m currently reading Bored to Brilliant which is the Hillsboro Reads book this fall. I’m trying to savor it and only read one chapter at a time – which when a puppy is around is harder to do than you’d think! I also picked up Life Will be the Death of Me, the latest Chelsea Handler book about how the 2016 election lead her to finally go to therapy and what she learned. I’m really liking the story.
I also read the NYT story about Jason Kander and his comeback after dropping out of the 2018 Mayoral race to deal with his PTSD. If you haven’t read it yet, here you go.
Listening
I finally got on board with Lizzo. Apologies for taking so long.
This past weekend my husband and I flew to Phoenix (yes in August, yes on purpose) to see The Rolling Stones. It was the best concert of my life. Mick Jagger is 76 years old and his energy was making ME tired just watching him – he’s amazing. I’m so glad we got to see them while they’re still alive (although Keith Richards will out live us all I’m convinced).
On vacation I listened to the 2nd season of Bundyville which was really interesting. I went to college in Northeastern Washington so learning more about the white supremacy history in the region was really interesting. Some of it I knew, and a lot of it I didn’t realize was going on. It was also interesting in how it relates to the current political climate.
Watching
On vacation I finished up the new season of Veronica Mars. I have some strong opinions about it and am happy to discuss. If you haven’t watched it yet GET ON IT, it’s great and very fun and I would be happy for the show to pop up forever.
I finished the latest season of The Handmaids Tale and liked how the season wrapped up and the way it moved forward. I was curious how this season would go but they put together a great story line. I especially liked Aunt Lydia’s flashback episode.
We watched Jurassic Kingdom on vacation. Catching it for free on HBO was the right way to consume that movie. It was fun, but not worth paying for.
I am SO SAD that Jane the Virgin is over, but it wrapped up really well and I loved it. I will miss this show…
I’m slowly making my way through S2 of Mindhunter. It’s starting out strong, I’m savoring it, AND it’s hard to watch too many at a time.
The Righteous Gemstones is a new series about a televangelist family on HBO and it is BRILLIANT. I am so happy this series exists and can’t wait for Sunday nights to watch it. It just started so you aren’t too late to get on the bandwagon with me.
Alright – what pop culture is keeping you entertained as we come to the end of summer?
In anticipation of the second chapter of the new “IT” movie saga, I’m re-reading the original book. Stephen King is SUCH a good writer. I read the book originally almost 20 years ago, and appreciate even more his master storytelling. Can’t wait to see the next installment of the movie this fall.
As a fellow foodie, are you listening to the podcast called “The Sporkful”? Their tagline is “We’re not for foodies, we’re for eaters.” I love their approach, topics, etc. It’s just good fun!
ooooh – thanks for the Sporkful tip!
I still have never read a Stephen King novel, I know… I don’t think IT is the right starting point for me but maybe it’s time to dive in…
Thanks for the recap! I’m on the list to get Recursion from the library, so glad to know you liked it.
I recently watched Chernobyl and loved it. Such a gripping and unbelievable story, and the acting is superb—lots of famous people pop up in it. It’s only 5 or 6 episodes on HBO.
An unexpectedly good read for me was The Valedictorian of Being Dead. It’s about the blogger behind dooce.com and how she chose 10 experimental treatments that made her brain dead to overcome depression. Surprisingly compelling reading, and important if you have people in your life who suffer from depression.
Boy, don’t those two recs sound heavy?
I’ll end with another great book about the world maybe ending: Wanderers by Chuck Wendig. It’s got a rock star and a farm girl and disgraced scientist and a bunch of other great/weird stuff in it.
3 for 3. I’m fun at parties, really.
So much goodness to add the the library list – thanks Betsy!
I LOVE Dooce and have been meaning to check out her new book – thanks! I heard an interview with her and was curious how the book would be. I’m just finishing up Chelsea Handler’s new book too and it’s different for her but really good!
I keep hearing great things about Chernobyl – maybe when the weather turns I’ll have to binge it on a rainy weekend.
Wanderers sounds great – I haven’t even heard of it! Adding it to the list! thanks!