So, most of us are stuck inside for the majority of the time at the moment (thanks pandemic!). I'm not going to lie, it hasn't changed my life a great deal. I work from home, and I do not like going out at the best of times. I would much rather be at home reading a book or watching TV than going out shopping or something. I do miss catching up with friends in person (we now communicate mostly via memes), going out for dinner (I can't wait to go out for dumplings, because they're just not the same when you get them delivered), and seeing live theatre and comedy shows. But mostly, I am enjoying living my best sloth life. And I'm ahead of schedule on my Goodreads challenge for the first time ever. My husband and I have also completed two whole puzzles, so we are absolutely winning at life.
So, I thought I would share what I have been watching and reading, because then I can claim it was research. Yes, it is all writing research, very important. Can I claim Netflix as a tax expense yet? Can I claim the GST on my Book Depository purchases? No? Fine.
Let's start withTV books, because I've read a lot less books than I've watched TV shows, so it will be quicker to put together. Here are all of the books that I have read this year so far, in chronological order, plus a couple of current reads.
Springfield Confidential by Mike Reiss
Like many people, I grew up with The Simpsons, and have seen most of the episodes so many times that the quotes have seeped into my brain and will appear at many opportune and non-opportune moments.
This book is great for any Simpsons fan, but you'll also love it if you are interested in TV writing, I loved all the behind the scenes stories of how episodes come together.
Zealot: A book about cults by Jo Thornely
Cults are fascinating. And reading this, I found it interesting how many of them are really similar, if not in practice at least how they began. You have probably heard of at least a couple of the cults mentioned in this book, at least in an abstract way, if you have heard the expression 'drink the Kool-Aid' without knowing its origins, you will be delighted to find the answer in this book.
Strange Planet by Nathan W Pyle
Strange Planet is a series of cartoons (does that still count as reading? I say yes) of alien characters doing everyday activities. They are heartwarming, and funny. I highly recommend following his Instagram, it's so joyful, but also buy the book if you can! I believe the second book is also out now.
Live From New York: An Oral History of Saturday Night Live by Tom Shales
This is one of the most comprehensive books about comedy that I've read. Rather than just being a written history of the show, this book actually features interviews with practically everybody that has ever been involved with the show since it began in 1975, until 2015. I think they've done a fantastic job of putting all of the interviews and information together, it's chronological and while it doesn't dramatise events it does provide an insight into some of the darker or more controversial episodes throughout the years (deaths, drug use, arguments, getting fired).
Even if you're not a mega fan of SNL (I personally have only seen selected clips from the show, it's not actually on TV here as far as I know), if you have an interest in comedy, and comedians in general you will probably find it interesting as it features not only the casts, but a lot of awesome guest stars/hosts that have been on the show as well.
Grown Ups by Marian Keyes
Marian Keyes is amazing, I own every book that she's ever written, if you haven't read her work then I highly recommend. Her books are always very funny, and she writes family relationships so well. It is common to fall in love and feel a part of something when reading her books, and to feel a little bit heartbroken when it's over. Her latest book does not disappoint. An excellent cast of characters, family secrets revealed, and a whole world created out of her beautiful descriptions.
Fleabag: The Special Edition by Phoebe Waller Bridge
Fleabag is objectively one of the best television shows in our recent history, I'm sure we can all agree? In Fleabag: The Special Edition you'll see where it all began, with the history of how the play came to be, interviews with people involved, and the original play printed in its entirety. (A play isn't cheating right? It's still a book).
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Fangirl is the story of Cath, who is starting her first year of college. With a twin sister who wants to be apart so they can form their own identities, a dad with mental health issues, and navigating college life and romance for the first time, Cath has a lot to deal with and discover for herself.
A light read that feels modern but also timeless. Very relatable for someone who is more anxious bookworm than social butterfly.
Normal People by Sally Rooney
This book was very overhyped, it seemed to be the talk of the town, so I'm not sure if my expectations were too high when I read it, but I didn't fall in love with it. I have read her other book Conversations with Friends and I enjoyed that more. The lack of quotation marks is jarring to begin with, but you get used to it. I just kind of felt like nothing happened? Which is fine, lots of books have no dramatic plot, but I was just maybe expecting something more. The ending wasn't even satisfying. I'm happy to have an ambiguous ending, but when nothing of note has happened throughout the entire book it felt like a disappointment to not even have a solid finish.
I'm not not recommending this, but if you're going to read it just ensure that your expectations are low.
The series has also just come out on Stan, so if you can't be bothered reading maybe just check that out instead.
Torch the Place by Benjamin Law
I was actually due to see this in March, and I was incredibly excited because I thought I'd missed out on tickets and then more were released, so I bought them, and then the pandemic happened and everything got cancelled. BUT, luckily I ordered the book to go with it, so I got to read that instead.
I am a long-time fan of Benjamin Law, I love his work, and this is possibly the best thing he's written yet. Much like his equally talented sister Michelle, Ben knows how to write a play that is hilarious and emotional and heartwarming. I can't wait until I can one day see this performed live.
A Streetcar named Desire by Tennessee Williams
Yes, another play, it still counts as a book, ok? I'm going to be honest with you, before I read this the majority of my knowledge of this play came from a Simpsons episode. Written in the 40's, it still feels very contemporary, and isn't a difficult read at all, as some older pieces can be.
The subject matter is a bit dark, and can have you on edge. Another work that I would love to see performed live, but in the meantime if you are interested in reading plays this is a very engaging one.
Tales of the city by Armistead Maupin
The first in a series of nine novels, Tales of the City follows the intertwining lives of a few San Francisco residents as they navigate their lives and loves in the city. I liked it, but I'm not desperate to read the next book in the series. There has been a few series made from the books which you can find on Netflix: Tales of the City (1993), More Tales of the City (1998), Further Tales of the City (2001), and Tales of the City (2019). I haven't watched any of them yet, but I think it would be a good medium for the stories, and I will possibly in the near future check them out.
As with any book with an ensemble cast, there are some characters you like more than others, and some chapters you just want to get through quickly. It feels like a very third person tale, because you're following the lives of different characters, so it doesn't have that personal feeling that you get from a first person narrative.
Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler
The latest book that I finished, I was actually going to write a whole post about it (I still might, depending on how lazy I get). There seems to be mixed reviews online about it, which I understand, as some parts I loved and other parts I wasn't satisfied with.
Sweetbitter follows Tess (that is the main character's name, although I swear it wasn't even mentioned until about three quarters of the way through the book. I actually looked at the blurb when I was halfway through because I was like wait, what is her name?) as she moves to New York and starts her life. She gets a job as a server (or a waiter, or whatever she calls it) at a fancy restaurant and the book revolves around her life there and the people she meets. I did like this book, and it has a lot going for it, but there were things I didn't love about it too. It sets the scene beautifully, I can feel what it's like to be in New York through her writing, I can feel the stifling summer and the freezing winter, and see the lights flash by in a hurried taxi ride. It takes awhile to learn the characters, as when they're first mentioned I don't think they are described much at all, so when they become more prominent in the story you have to try to remember what they look like and what their job is.
My main issue with the book is that mysteries arise that are never solved, there doesn't seem to be any resolution to the main storyline, so I left feeling a bit disappointed. There was also some random poetry in the book which I felt didn't add anything to it, and I didn't really care for. But it's a good read. The series is also out now on Stan, and I think I will give it a watch, for two reasons; to fully experience the characters where I can see what they look like, and get a better feel of the relationships between the characters, and in the hopes that there is more resolution than in the book. There are two seasons, so I want to see if they change and go further than the ending of the book, it will be interesting to see what they come up with.
She Said: Breaking the sexual harassment story that helped ignite a movement by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey
I have almost finished this, and it is spectacular. It covers the whole investigation process of the Harvey Weinstein story. It could easily be a dry read, a dull account of how journalists researched a story, but it's really not. It is so engaging, it is very well written and fascinating. You really feel the anticipation and apprehension of the women as they attempt to uncover stories from women who won't, or can't, speak about their experiences. Even knowing what's going to happen you feel a bit on edge, just hoping that everything will come together. I'm excited to finish it, and recommend it to everybody I know.
The Most of Nora Ephron by Nora Ephron
I have barely started this (I had to read the first chapter when it arrived because I was very excited), but I can't wait to get stuck into it. I couldn't decide which of Nora's books to buy, but then I found this, perfect! It has a bit of everything from all of her works in it, including scripts, essays, books, and a commencement address.
Story: Substance, structure, style and the principles of screenwriting by Robert McKee
I've started this one, but it's a damn big book and very dense, so I'll probably just read this one in increments.
So, I thought I would share what I have been watching and reading, because then I can claim it was research. Yes, it is all writing research, very important. Can I claim Netflix as a tax expense yet? Can I claim the GST on my Book Depository purchases? No? Fine.
Let's start with
 |
| Ooh that's not a great photo. Can't be bothered re-taking it, sorry not sorry |
Books I've Read This Year (so far)
Springfield Confidential by Mike Reiss
Like many people, I grew up with The Simpsons, and have seen most of the episodes so many times that the quotes have seeped into my brain and will appear at many opportune and non-opportune moments.
This book is great for any Simpsons fan, but you'll also love it if you are interested in TV writing, I loved all the behind the scenes stories of how episodes come together.
Zealot: A book about cults by Jo Thornely
Cults are fascinating. And reading this, I found it interesting how many of them are really similar, if not in practice at least how they began. You have probably heard of at least a couple of the cults mentioned in this book, at least in an abstract way, if you have heard the expression 'drink the Kool-Aid' without knowing its origins, you will be delighted to find the answer in this book.
Strange Planet by Nathan W Pyle
Strange Planet is a series of cartoons (does that still count as reading? I say yes) of alien characters doing everyday activities. They are heartwarming, and funny. I highly recommend following his Instagram, it's so joyful, but also buy the book if you can! I believe the second book is also out now.
Live From New York: An Oral History of Saturday Night Live by Tom Shales
This is one of the most comprehensive books about comedy that I've read. Rather than just being a written history of the show, this book actually features interviews with practically everybody that has ever been involved with the show since it began in 1975, until 2015. I think they've done a fantastic job of putting all of the interviews and information together, it's chronological and while it doesn't dramatise events it does provide an insight into some of the darker or more controversial episodes throughout the years (deaths, drug use, arguments, getting fired).
Even if you're not a mega fan of SNL (I personally have only seen selected clips from the show, it's not actually on TV here as far as I know), if you have an interest in comedy, and comedians in general you will probably find it interesting as it features not only the casts, but a lot of awesome guest stars/hosts that have been on the show as well.
Grown Ups by Marian Keyes
Marian Keyes is amazing, I own every book that she's ever written, if you haven't read her work then I highly recommend. Her books are always very funny, and she writes family relationships so well. It is common to fall in love and feel a part of something when reading her books, and to feel a little bit heartbroken when it's over. Her latest book does not disappoint. An excellent cast of characters, family secrets revealed, and a whole world created out of her beautiful descriptions.
Fleabag: The Special Edition by Phoebe Waller Bridge
Fleabag is objectively one of the best television shows in our recent history, I'm sure we can all agree? In Fleabag: The Special Edition you'll see where it all began, with the history of how the play came to be, interviews with people involved, and the original play printed in its entirety. (A play isn't cheating right? It's still a book).
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Fangirl is the story of Cath, who is starting her first year of college. With a twin sister who wants to be apart so they can form their own identities, a dad with mental health issues, and navigating college life and romance for the first time, Cath has a lot to deal with and discover for herself.
A light read that feels modern but also timeless. Very relatable for someone who is more anxious bookworm than social butterfly.
Normal People by Sally Rooney
This book was very overhyped, it seemed to be the talk of the town, so I'm not sure if my expectations were too high when I read it, but I didn't fall in love with it. I have read her other book Conversations with Friends and I enjoyed that more. The lack of quotation marks is jarring to begin with, but you get used to it. I just kind of felt like nothing happened? Which is fine, lots of books have no dramatic plot, but I was just maybe expecting something more. The ending wasn't even satisfying. I'm happy to have an ambiguous ending, but when nothing of note has happened throughout the entire book it felt like a disappointment to not even have a solid finish.
I'm not not recommending this, but if you're going to read it just ensure that your expectations are low.
The series has also just come out on Stan, so if you can't be bothered reading maybe just check that out instead.
Torch the Place by Benjamin Law
I was actually due to see this in March, and I was incredibly excited because I thought I'd missed out on tickets and then more were released, so I bought them, and then the pandemic happened and everything got cancelled. BUT, luckily I ordered the book to go with it, so I got to read that instead.
I am a long-time fan of Benjamin Law, I love his work, and this is possibly the best thing he's written yet. Much like his equally talented sister Michelle, Ben knows how to write a play that is hilarious and emotional and heartwarming. I can't wait until I can one day see this performed live.
A Streetcar named Desire by Tennessee Williams
Yes, another play, it still counts as a book, ok? I'm going to be honest with you, before I read this the majority of my knowledge of this play came from a Simpsons episode. Written in the 40's, it still feels very contemporary, and isn't a difficult read at all, as some older pieces can be.
The subject matter is a bit dark, and can have you on edge. Another work that I would love to see performed live, but in the meantime if you are interested in reading plays this is a very engaging one.
Tales of the city by Armistead Maupin
The first in a series of nine novels, Tales of the City follows the intertwining lives of a few San Francisco residents as they navigate their lives and loves in the city. I liked it, but I'm not desperate to read the next book in the series. There has been a few series made from the books which you can find on Netflix: Tales of the City (1993), More Tales of the City (1998), Further Tales of the City (2001), and Tales of the City (2019). I haven't watched any of them yet, but I think it would be a good medium for the stories, and I will possibly in the near future check them out.
As with any book with an ensemble cast, there are some characters you like more than others, and some chapters you just want to get through quickly. It feels like a very third person tale, because you're following the lives of different characters, so it doesn't have that personal feeling that you get from a first person narrative.
Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler
The latest book that I finished, I was actually going to write a whole post about it (I still might, depending on how lazy I get). There seems to be mixed reviews online about it, which I understand, as some parts I loved and other parts I wasn't satisfied with.
Sweetbitter follows Tess (that is the main character's name, although I swear it wasn't even mentioned until about three quarters of the way through the book. I actually looked at the blurb when I was halfway through because I was like wait, what is her name?) as she moves to New York and starts her life. She gets a job as a server (or a waiter, or whatever she calls it) at a fancy restaurant and the book revolves around her life there and the people she meets. I did like this book, and it has a lot going for it, but there were things I didn't love about it too. It sets the scene beautifully, I can feel what it's like to be in New York through her writing, I can feel the stifling summer and the freezing winter, and see the lights flash by in a hurried taxi ride. It takes awhile to learn the characters, as when they're first mentioned I don't think they are described much at all, so when they become more prominent in the story you have to try to remember what they look like and what their job is.
My main issue with the book is that mysteries arise that are never solved, there doesn't seem to be any resolution to the main storyline, so I left feeling a bit disappointed. There was also some random poetry in the book which I felt didn't add anything to it, and I didn't really care for. But it's a good read. The series is also out now on Stan, and I think I will give it a watch, for two reasons; to fully experience the characters where I can see what they look like, and get a better feel of the relationships between the characters, and in the hopes that there is more resolution than in the book. There are two seasons, so I want to see if they change and go further than the ending of the book, it will be interesting to see what they come up with.
On The Go - books I'm currently reading
She Said: Breaking the sexual harassment story that helped ignite a movement by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey
I have almost finished this, and it is spectacular. It covers the whole investigation process of the Harvey Weinstein story. It could easily be a dry read, a dull account of how journalists researched a story, but it's really not. It is so engaging, it is very well written and fascinating. You really feel the anticipation and apprehension of the women as they attempt to uncover stories from women who won't, or can't, speak about their experiences. Even knowing what's going to happen you feel a bit on edge, just hoping that everything will come together. I'm excited to finish it, and recommend it to everybody I know.
The Most of Nora Ephron by Nora Ephron
I have barely started this (I had to read the first chapter when it arrived because I was very excited), but I can't wait to get stuck into it. I couldn't decide which of Nora's books to buy, but then I found this, perfect! It has a bit of everything from all of her works in it, including scripts, essays, books, and a commencement address.
Story: Substance, structure, style and the principles of screenwriting by Robert McKee
I've started this one, but it's a damn big book and very dense, so I'll probably just read this one in increments.
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