Another month is finished and gone, and I can’t be the only one who’s fed up of this weather. It feels as if we have had continuous rain for months and as I’m writing this, it doesn’t seem as if there is going to be a let up any time soon.
And so, books, podcasts, etc are bringing so much joy right now.
Anyway, let’s get in to it.
Ok, let’s get into books because April was a good reading month for me. Not only did i read a fair bit, but I also found really enjoyed a couple of them. In fact, I enjoyed most, but there were one or two that are going to get a special mention.
Foster, Claire Keegan
I saw one of my favourite Booktok creators recommending this book earlier in the year, and I decided to give it a chance. It was ok. Just ok. But it wasn’t my favourite.
The Governor, Vanessa Frake
I’ve had this book on my shelf for months. Months upon months. But this month, I decided that it was time to read it. The truth is, while being interested in all things true crime, these kind of books have never been my favourite. All of that said, I think that this is a very good book. Vanessa Frake has had a fascinating career and this books shares a chunk of her stories. And it’s incredibly insightful. I can’t help but feel that people like Vanessa have a lot to offer changemakers in this country. Her insights, thoughts and opinions could revolutionise the prison system. I wish people would listen. This is a really good book and well worth a read.
Suitcase Kid, Jacquline Wilson
As you’ll see, later in the year, I’ve decided to re-read some of my favourite childhood books. However, I am only re-reading books that were written by my all time favourite childhood author, Jacqueline Wilson. This all started with her earlier announcement that she has written her first adult book, and that it’s a sequel to the incredible Girls series. Obviously, ahead of that realise I will be re-reading that series, but I also thought it would be fund to re-read some of her other books. I remember them as being somewhat revolutionary and ahead of her time. First up was the Suitcase Kid, a book that I read in school with our book club. This is such a sweet, honest and kind-hearted book, that looks at divorce and the impact it has. This book is incredible.
The reappearance of Rachel Price, Holly Jackson
Overall, I’m not a huge fan of young adult murder mystery type books, but there’s something truly incredible about the work of Holly Jackson. I’ve read three of her books so far and they are brilliant pieces of fiction. This book is an easy four star read, and I devoured it in just 2/3 days. It’s incredibly well written, reads easily and the plot is absolutely incredible. A very, very good read.
Crypt: Life, Death and Disease in the Middle Ages and Beyond, Professor Alice Roberts
I listened to this in audiobook format and to be honest, I’d had it on my list for a long time. I was inspired to listen to this for two reasons. One, I’d really enjoyed watching Royal Autopsy (although I didn’t actually realise the same Professor was involved until I’d finished the book – idiot!!) and two, I’d been researching Welsh Murders and Mysteries. I’ve fallen back in love with history and this book is truly incredible. Not only were the stories in each chapter fascinating, but Professor Roberts’ writing style is superb. The books flow and read easily, despite being fairly heavy in the content.
Close to home, Michael Magee
I would be lying if I didn’t say that this book had a profound effect on me because, being honest, this one gave me a reading hangover. I can’t put into words how much this book impacted me because it’s truly beautiful. I found Sean, the main character, endearing in a way that very few others connect with me. The prose is stunning and the emotion contained with the pages is real and raw. This book is one that I will remember for years and also one I will be recommending forever.
Good Girl, Bad blood, Holly Jackson
Having read – and mostly enjoyed – The Reappearance of Rachel Price earlier in the month, I decided to finally read the second in the ‘a good girls guide to murder’ series. This book is moderately good, I enjoyed it while reading it but it’s definitely forgettable. It a three-star rating for me, but that’s not for any obvious reason. And I will undoubtedly be picking up the next one at some point.
The conspiracy tourist, Dom Joly
This is unlike anything that I have ever read before, but I have to admit that I enjoyed it. The premise of this book is self-explanatory, former comedian, Dom Joly, travels to areas that are associated with particular conspiracy theories. Heavily based in the USA – for obvious reasons –
I didn’t listen to that many podcasts this month, but I did listen to a handful. Let’s get into it.
True crime garage
I am a bad true crime podcast consumer because this month, for the very first time, I started to listen to True Crime Garage. Obviously, I’ve not listened to their back catalogue, but I have now listened to a fair few. I’d say that I’ve probably listened you somewhere between 10 and 15 episodes and it’s fast becoming one of my favourites.
Paradise
Initially planning to attend Crime Con in Glasgow, I listened to this podcast because the sister of one of the victims was due to be a guest. However, I didn’t end up attending Crime Con in the end. But this podcast was still worth listening to. This is fairly old podcast but the true crime podcast in this one is shocking. This is a BBC Sounds podcast.
The doorstep murder
And this one is also a BBC Sounds podcast and again, this case is awful.
This month I watched quite a few films and documentaries, as you will see below. To be clear, I’ve included single episode, extended documentaries in this section because they’re not quite ‘TV shows’ if that makes sense.
The Talented Mr Ripley
Finally decided to watch this classic in the first week of the month and it is worth the hype. Not only is this film a who’s who of the early 00s film business, it’s a great adaptation of the book.
Scoop
‘Hotly’ anticipated movies very rarely live up to my expectations but this film is one that I did quite actually enjoy. I’ve seen a lot of people suggesting that the movie was slow to start, but I very much enjoyed the entire script and narrative. It’s not meant to be the most dramatic of movies, it’s about a journey that the produces under went. It’s brilliant and worth a watch.
Arrivals
Finally watched this movie and overall, I did enjoy it.
What Jennifer did
Another offering from Netflix in the form of a true crime documentary. This is a case that I have heard of but this documentary offered far more information. It’s a good one.
The Antisocial Network: memes to mayhem
This is an interesting documentary for anyone interested in sub culture, politics or our ever changing discourse. It charts the rise – and fall – of 4CHAN, the involvement of Anonymous and the eventual explosion of QAnon. It’s thorough, detailed and involves those who were involved within the sub cultures.
I watched a few TV shows this month actually!
Is it Cake (series 3)
This Netflix show has no business being anywhere near as good as it actually is, and I can’t adequately describe why I love it so much. But I do, I really do. I think this show is somewhat relaxing because it takes a very limited amount of concentration. There’s also something really inspiring about watching people who are so good at what they do. Love, love, love.
Royal Autopsy
I stumbled upon this show one weekend, while I had some time on my hands and I ended binge watching the entire show. Both series’. This is brilliant. I’ve not spent a lot of time researching it’s accuracy but at face level, it’s interesting. It’s fascinating to learn more about the way people used to live and the health implications of some of their choices. This reminds me of my love of history.
Lover stalker killer
It took me a long time to actually watch this documentary, even though I started it last month. This case is bonkers, but because I already knew about the case, I didn’t find the documentary all that interesting. If you don’t know anything about this case though, I’m sure you’ll devour this documentary.
Kids behind bars: Life or parole
Another one that I stumbled upon while trying to kill a hour or two, but this series is fascinating. This was made in 2019, following a change in a law in the United States. It considers a number of cases where children, or young adults, have taken the life of someone close to them. Some of the cases are horrific, but others are questionable and it’s inspiring to see good attorneys doing unpopular things in the pursuit of justice.
Traces
I watched the first series of this show when it first came out in 2019 (how has it been five years already), so I was incredibly excited when I spotted that season two was returning. I love this TV show, the entire thing is incredibly well done. The script, the plot, the setting, the actors. Perfection. Make sure that you give it a watch.
Baby Reindeer
If I’d have just gone off the title, I probably wouldn’t have watched this, because it didn’t sound all that appeal. I also knew nothing about the Edinburgh fringe festival show from which this show descends. Honestly, it’s incredible and raises conversations that are important in a huge array of ways. It’s jarring, powerful and incredibly well-written. Watch it, be cautious (because it contains a lot of potentially triggering situations) but watch it if you can.
Dropout
It’s a bit cheeky for me to include this really because this was a re-watch. I watched this a few years ago but re-watched this time around and loved it. This is brilliant dramatisation.
Blue Lights
I have told everyone and their friends about this stellar TV show because it is bloody brilliant. I can’t believe I haven’t watched this before but now, I am obsessed.
Woohoo. This month I am able to offer something to the ‘shows’ category because this month, I was able to get to the theatre.
RAMBERT: DEATH TRAP
I was asked to review this for Theatre and Tonic, and while I was very excited, I was also a bit nervous. I’ve never watched a dance show before and I was a bit unsure as to whether I’d ‘get it’ or not. I needn’t have been worried because this performance was perfection. It’s humorous, while spotlighting difficult conversations. It was wonderful and you can read my full review here.
An Officer and A Gentleman
Unfortunately this was not one of my favourite shows and in fact, at times, I found it problematic. It’s best you check out my full review on Theatre and Tonic.
My faves is my fave part of this series and I LOVE sharing some of what I have been enjoting.
Saturday Night Takeaway
I still can’t believe they’ve finished this show. Absolutely gutted. This has always been one of my favourites and so, while I’m very sad that it’s over, I am adding it to my favourites for old times sake.
National Theatre player
I was 33-years-old when I realised that this was a thing and I am obsessed. I have started – but not yet finished – three plays. But they will be in my next blog post.
Vinted
I Loved Vinted and this month it has been a strong income stream for me. More to follow.
April was the first month of the year when I didn’t win a single competition, at least none that I’ve been contacted about yet.
Fingers crossed, May turns that around!
