MARCH REVIEWS

What I've Been Reading

Notes from a Small Island and Neither Here Nor There - Bill Bryson - I am re-listening to these classics as read by the author himself. Notes is Bill exploring England and it's quirky little towns after he moved there from the States. Neither is Bill exploring Europe based on his original backpackers tour in the 70s with Katz (who we know from A Walk in the Woods) but as an adult. Both are filled with his quirky and clever observations and that wry wit, made all the more amusing by him reading it himself. I love these books and return to them again and again.

The Durrells of Corfu by Michael Haag - this is a lovely biography about the famous Durrell Family, of the television show The Durrells, which was based on the books by Gerald Durrell of his childhood on the island of Corfu with his family. It delves into their lives pre and post Corfu and pulls together the facts of what did happen on Corfu. As Gerry wrote the book of his childhood later in life, he took a little poetic license on some of the tales. So this book pulls together - as best as one can - the life of this wonderful bohemian family. I really enjoyed being back in their world. I always do.

Auctioneer by Simon de Pury and William Stadiem - This was a fascinating insight into working for the big auction art houses. Simon is known as the Mick Jagger of the Art world and he has all the tales to tell, from being a green young guy to the experienced seller he is today. Great behind the scenes stories of art and extravangance and Sothebys.

Growing up African by Magan Magan, Ahmed Yusuf and Maxine Beneba  Clarke - another in this great collection of Australian writers, this time writing about being African in Australia. Tales of heartbreak, humour, survival, love, and wisdom. Every book in this series is really worth reading.

The Secret Life of Books by Tom Mole - this was a great little book about books. It is about the wonder of books, how they are put together, how people read them, how some people write in them, what they mean and why they are beloved and on it goes. It was a great and enjoyable read.

A Psychic's Life by Michael Bodine - This probably needed a better edit, Michael tends to ramble a bit, which is a shame as there were some interesting and chilling stories within. Michael grew up in a family of psychics and steered away from the business for a while as he mentioned constantly through the book. Probably only for people really interested in the subject matter.

By Sea and Stars: The Story of the First Fleet by Trent Dalton - this was a lovely little book, beautifully written by Trent Dalton. Based on a lot of research from the State Library NSW that has a lot of diaries and First Fleet first hand information. Dalton tracks a young boy who travels to this harsh land and what happened on the way from the research. I am sure a little liberty took place, but it was easy to understand and interesting. It also looked at both sides of the coin in terms of the invaders Vs the original land owners, the indigenous.

Fake by Stephanie Wood - I remember reading the original article that this books was based on. It sucked me right in and horrified me. It was written journalist, Wood, and is about the man she met online who after 18 months of dating ended up not being who he said he was. In fact, he was quite the liar and the more Stephanie investigated the more hurt she found. This is her story, and others he also hurt story, along with a bit of psychological - why do people do this. Written beautifully with heart and soul, this is actually a ripper of a read.

What I've Been Watching

Peep Show - I finally finished all 9 seasons of Peep Show and I'm very sad to see it end. Of course this is an older show and i had seen much of it before, but never the entire thing back to back as I have been doing over the past 6 months or so. It has been wonderful, it consistently made me laugh out loud, and was clever and also terrible - but it the best possible way! I loved Robert Webb's Jeremy the best, such a layered charismatic character, but David Mitchell's stitched up Mark was pure genius. Also loved a young, pre-fame, Olivia Coleman as Sophie. 

The Importance of Being Miriam  - filmed version of Miriam Margoyles' one woman show. Absolutely brilliant, from songs, to stories to reciting works, voices and laughter and tears. A must see. I love this woman so much.

The Movies - this was a wonderful detailed documentary series about Movies on the National Geographic channel. It started with films from the 90s, then moved forward, before going back to the 80s, 70s, 60s, 20s-50s. Detailed and fabulous as it was it could have been doubly as long and still not tipped the iceberg. No documentaries or Foreign Films were included. It loads of great interviews with actors, directors, writers, critics etc. Some talking about their own work, some talking about what they loved growing up etc. It was beautifully packaged and really easy to watch. Highly recommend.

Escape to the Chateau - this has moved to Channel 9, grrrr. The episodes are topsy and turvy and all over the shop. The main reason why I never watch commercial tele. But as that is where it is and it is one of my favourite shows, watch I am. The Chateau is becoming more amazing internally with each season. Dick and Angel's ideas and ingenuity knows no bounds. They are the perfect couple and I just know we would be firm friends. The gardens are looking amazing, the new ideas superb. There are visits to Paris and antique markets in the country. Sigh, it really is all my dreams come true.

Taronga Zoo - I have binged this fabulous series about behind the scenes at Taronga Zoo. I have to admit as an animal lover and someone who has been privileged enough to see animals in the wild in Africa, I am not really a fan of zoos. However, Taronga do a lot of rescue and saving of species, especially those that are endangered, as this series will show. And they genuinely look like they are doing the right thing, and the animals look happy enough. There were some great sections, an albatross healed and sent back to the sea, many koalas from the fires saved and healing, a baby Rhino, and much more. A lovely family show that is worth checking out.

Russian Doll - late to the party as usual, everyone has been raving about this and you can see why. It is a great little series, 8 half hour series, so easy to digest. Nadia, the brilliant Natasha Lyonne, is out looking for her cat on her 36th party, while a party for her is starting to come together. She is struck by a car, but finds herself back at the bathroom at her party, only to have the same things happen to her again and again. But why. An existential Groundhog Day, this is astonishing and very addictive. I guess those are spoilers but that isn't even the first episode. There is much more to this show, and if you haven't seen it I urge you to now! 

Everything's Gonna Be Okay  - I finished the new Josh Thomas show and I love it so very much. It has a similar style to Please like Me; not a lot of plot development, time for characters to breath and grow, fabulous characters, great humour, dramatic moments, romance, gay love, dogs, music, and this time added insects! After his American father dies, Nicholas (Josh) gets custody of his teen half-sisters.  The girls are brilliant, especially Kayla Cromer as Matilda, who like Kayla herself, has autism. I really loved this, a little showier than Please Like Me, but still great.

What I've Been Listening To

Kenny Rogers - been listening to a lot of Kenny since he passed. Huge longtime Kenny fan, thanks to my parents who loved him. We all know the big hits, but it really struck me listening to the albums I have how great he was over many decades, and what a good voice he had. What an incredible legacy, I'll be listening to him for years to come. 

Womad music - I obviously had an amazing experience at Womad, so have been living off that for a while. I will be doing a blog about Womad soon, so stay tuned.

Podcasts - I've been using this time to catch up on my usual podcast including: Rumble with MIchael Moore, Guardian podcasts, Melbourne Writers Festival, New Yorker Radio Hour, WTF with Marc Maron, Here's the Thing, Chats 10, Clear and Vivid with Alan Alda, Hit Parade, and Unspooled.

A couple that stood apart were Marc Maron interviewing the legendary Carol Kane. Her career is immense and still going strong with her in the new Pacino show, Hunters. There was so much to talk about, it could have gone for hours.

Also Chats 10 live with visuals from their homes, sooo funny. I love those girls so much.

And Alda did a great one with a lady called Cleo Stiller on the #MeToo movement based on her book Modern Manhood, which sounded fascinating. It was a great example on how to help men - those that actually want to be helped - better work their way through these new times.

I have added a few new ones, but the only new one I have commenced has possibly shot to the top of all the podcasts I listen to!!!

Strong Songs - is the most amazing podcast. I heard Salesy rave about it on Chats 10 and have been listening from the beginning. It takes a popular, classic song and the guy, Kirk Hamilton - a real musical genius - pulls apart the song musically and explains why it is so special. So far each episode goes from 20-40 minutes so I good length of time, and I have loved each and every one. These are mostly songs I know really really well, and a lot I guess I sort of knew, but he explains things really well, so I am learning so much. The one on Art Blakey's Moanin was spectacular if you are into Jazz. My other faves have been You Can Call Me Al (Paul Simon), I wish (Stevie Wonder), Dancing Queen (Abba), Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen - I seriously thought there was nothing new to learn about that song, I was wrong!) and Mr Blue Sky (ELO). I look forward to more.