What I've Been Reading
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
This is one of the best books I have read in a long time and will definitely be a contender for my book of the year. It is a difficult book to write about without spoilers. It is speculative fiction, but feels more like a very impressive literary fiction work, with a touch of fantasy within, the fantasy being time travel. But really, whilst that is the main plot device, it is written in such a subtle way, if that is usually not your thing, it won't ruin the book for you.
It takes place from 1912 to way in the future, and is about memory and time.
The characters draw you in and keep the pages turning, as does the story. Center to the plot is a mystery, and it keeps you guessing to the end. It is beautifully written, and really makes you think. I want to write so much more, but I will not. This is a must read, it was on Obama's best reads of 2022, so you know it's good!
Days at Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa
I don't really do light reading if you haven't worked that out over the years. If I want to rest my brain, I simple rest my brain, or flick through a magazine. I want to learn and go deep when I read. However, I have been really, really enjoying this new genre, of chill Asian (mostly from Japan and Hong Kong) reads. They are not very long and usually involve 1 or 2 (if not all) of the following: cats, coffee, bookshops, reading. Not a huge amount happens, but there is certainly plot. There is a great zen and chill feel to the characters and story, they are calming and fascinating to read.
Days at the Morisaki, is about a young woman, Takako, who decides to take break from her job and visit her eccentric uncle. She is a broken heart, and takes him up on the offer to live in a small room above his second hand book-store. He lives in Jimbocho, which is a real live town in Tokyo, full of many book-store and publishing houses. It sounds surreal and amazing. Takako spends her time between helping in the book-store and hanging out at the local coffee shop, making friends and healing. When her uncle's estranged wife turns up, things take an interesting turn.
The Honeyeater by Jessie Tu
I loved Jessie's debut novel, A Lonely Girl is a Dangerous Thing, and The Honeyeater is as good if not better. Fay is a translator and works in academia. She is heading to France for a trip with her mother. She has a fractious relationship with her mother and is hoping the trip will smooth things a little as her mother gets older. She is working on a large translation she is hoping will make her better known in the translation world and has also broken off a relationship with her professor. There is a lot going on in Fay's life and when her supervisor's husband goes missing, things really get interesting.
This is really well written, covers some interesting themes, and is a page turner. My only criticism is there were a few clunky turns towards the end to pull things completely together. You could see the wheels turning, which I always get annoyed with, but really that was minor. I cannot wait to see what Jessie Tu turns out next.
The Vulnerables by Sigrid Nunez
I have been bingeing Sigrid and loving her more with each read. The Vulnerables is set in New York during the pandemic. A middle-aged woman is house-sitting for a friend, and with that comes looking after her friend's bird. When the previous house-sitter - a young man - unexpectedly turns up, the tension heightens. The Vulnerables is a meditation on life, sharing the inner thoughts of the main character alongside of social niceties and pandemic trauma.
So late in the Day by Claire Keegan
This is a rumination of relationships between men and women, what is and what could be. Everyone is raving about Claire Keegan, and the stories are good, but not great. As always, I am out of the loop and do not understand the hype.
She is the Earth by Ali Cobby Eckermann
This is luminous book of poetry, or rather a 'verse novel' as each poem tells a continuing story. The story is Ali's relationship with the earth and all its beauty. Mountain ranges, oceans, trees, storms, clouds and so on. Utterly stunning, but at times harsh, all written with love.
She is Fierce: brave, bold and beautiful poems by women edited by Ana Simpson
Continuing with my love of poetry, this is a compilation of kick arse poems by amazing female poets. From heavy weights like Christina Rossetti, Margaret Atwood, Gertrude Stein, Emily Dickinson, Maya Angelou, and Dorothy Parker to unknowns, older and contemporary. This was great!
For the Working Class Man by Jimmy Barnes
This is the second volume of Jimmy's autobiography and covers the Cold Chisel years. It is no surprise he lived life on the edge, so much so he should be dead many times over. But reading this, or rather listening to Jimmy read it on talking book, tells the whole story and wow! Amazing stories on songwriting, touring, and drinking and drugs! It is the story of his attempts, many, of recovery. It is most importantly the story of Jane Barnes, what a phenomenal woman. I have no doubt that he is the man he is today (and still alive) because of her. This was a rip roaring read, and whilst he frustrated me at times, I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
Ice: tales from a disappearing world by Marco Tedesco with Alberto Flores d'Arcais
I loved this non-fiction, part memoir, part scientific book set in Greenland. Marco is an American scientist who spends part of the year in Greenland, look at the landscapes and working on environmental issues. It is part memoir of his time there and what it means to be a scientist in Greenland. It is also a geographical study of Greenland and climate in the area. Both are endlessly fascinating.
Best wishes by Richard Glover
This was a load of fun, as Glover's books always are. I listened to him reading it on spoken word. Which was a great move. Basically there are 365 chapters, one for each day of the year and each one has a wish or hope for change in the world that Richard would like to see. From plastic wrapped fruit and pre-ripped jeans to climate change, nothing is off the table. Told with humour and tongue firmly placed in cheek, this will make you laugh but also nod furiously in agreement.
Full Coverage: a history of rock journalism in Australia by Samuel J. Fell
This was a good, solid historical account of rock journalism. However, it was very dry and matter of a fact. It could have been far more interesting and written in a more enjoyable way. There is a lot of detail and fun to be had with this type of journalism, and whilst it ticked the boxes of what happened and who was there I felt it could have been so much more.
Transcendence : 50 years of unforgettable moments at the Sydney Opera House
This is a lovely coffee table style book with stunning photos of the Opera House and of shows and moments on the stages and the stairs. 50 moments were chosen, each with a memorable essay from someone involved in the moment or in the audience. Some of the people featured are Nick Cave, Briggs, Paul Kelly, David McAllister, Richard Tognetti, John Olsen, Deborah Mailman, William Barton, Simone Young, and Iva Davies. A wonderful gift to arts lovers.
A brief atlas of Lighthouses at the end of the world by Gonzalez Macias
I loved this coffee table style book. I have always loved lighthouses, there is something so very romantic about them. Lighthouses are featured with photos and drawings, and a little essay of their history etc. A very calming read.
What I've Been Watching
The Bear S3
What can be said that hasn't been said before. This is one of the best written shows on TV. This season upped the dramatic angle and had you on the edge of your seat for most of it. Not one to binge, you need time to breathe and think in between each episode. The characters arcs keep building and building. Liza Colon-Zayas as Tina gets a whole episode back story and understandably wins the Emmy for it. So wonderful for a show to let the non-leads shine Every single character is amazing on this show which is why it is the gold standard for TV right now.
Squid Game
I finally got around to watching this intense show. I really didn't have any clue about what to expect even though I knew the premise of the show. No spoilers here, but this is another one that is difficult to binge, you want to know what happens next but you need to let your heart rate slow down. And then you find out exactly what the show is about, and your mind is blown. Not for the faint hearted, but totally worth watching.
Doctor Who
Absolutely LOVED the new series of Doctor Who, and especially the new Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa. I also loved the manbabies having a sookie cry about the new doctor, fuckwittage at it's very best!
But on to the fun, Ncuti is such a brilliant actor, he is an utterly brilliant face actor, that is he doesn't have to say a thing, his face says it all. And when he smiles, his whole face and body smiles and he lifts you no matter how good you are feeling. Ruby Sunday grew on me, and her back story. I particularly loved the fairy circle episode and the final one. Bring on the Christmas special.
The Twelve S2
Sam Neill was back with another great season of The Twelve. A new case, a murder, and much intrigue. A wonderful new cast, with the usual range of interconnecting stories, even moreso as the murder was in a small rural town. Many twists and turns, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat. Definitely recommend.
Austin
Look Austin wasn't brilliant, but it really grew on me. I loved Michael Theo as soon as he spoke on Love on the Spectrum and he is utterly brilliant in this. The problem was the storytelling felt clunky and Theo was so good, so real, so honest, he showed up the seasoned actors that rounded out the cast. But by the end, I wanted more and was happy to hear S2 is in production.
Walking Dead: Dead City
One of the three spin offs from the original Walking Dead franchise. Focusing on Maggie and Negan, two of the best characters on the show, this is not great. Frenemies on the show, to pair them seems like it might be ok and it was ok, but not great. Maggie's son is kidnapped and they head off to Manhattan to find him. The set design was great and Zeljko Ivanek as the baddies (as always) was brilliant, but it lacked something I cannot put my finger on.
Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon
This was far better. Daryl is in France, there is a whole back story as to why (and to be honest it is a stretch but you do kinda go with you!), that even Daryl himself seems confused about. Norman Reedus really shines here as Daryl. He always did, but he pumps it up a few notches with this. Abandoned France and especially Paris is eerie and brilliant, superb set design here. And a great cast of French actors really up things too. The brilliant Dominique Pinon (The Return of Martin Guerre, Betty Blue, Delicatessen, City of Lost Children, Amelie etc) and Clemence Posey are particularly great. The Storyline does very much echo The Last of Us, which is apparently a coincidence. This had me sucked in as the early series of the original Walking Dead and I and very keen to see S2.
Shelved
This is a US comedy set in a library. Library comedies never quite get it right, but this one isn't too bad. There are loads of amusing moments that ring true but equally as many that do not. Also why is the branch librarian always a bit of an idiot? I didn't mind this one
An Audience with The Goodies
This was a lovely interview with all three Goodies while they were all still alive. It was padded with loads of cool clips that they talked about. They were all lovely and for the most part exactly what you would imagine they would be as older gents.
Hard Quiz Kids
We love Hard Quiz and couldn't resist the Kids edition! Some were the parent pushed painful smarty's but some were genuine geeky clever. There was one kid we loved who's topic was the Puffing Billy railway and he was amazing. We loved him. It was a lot of fun, and we hope they make more.
Hunt for truth: Tasmanian Tiger
This sucked me right in, a documentary about the search for the Tasmanian Tiger. Based on some supposed recent sighting, the documentary takes the main guy on quite the journey. No Spoilers, but I was totally and utterly on the edge of my seat.
Wicked Little Letters
This was a fabulously weird comedy starring International Treasure, Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley based on a real life story from the 20s. A small town community start to receive poison pen letter after a young single mother (Buckley) moves into town. Who is sending them and why. Colman's character grows close to the young woman and things start to unravel. This was a dark comedy, very funny but also quite sad at the same time. Totally unusual and as always Colman is a tour de force.
The Rooster
The Rooster is a great Australian film starring Hugo Weaving. Set in a rural community, a woman is missing, the local policeman's mental health is declining, especially when a fox gets his prized rooster and his best friend commits suicide. He decides to take some time and go bush where he encounters The Hermit. The Hermit (Weaving...natch!) and the policeman forma bond. This is a dramatic and at times eerie movie but it has a lot of heart.
Wonka
Wonka took a while to get into the swing of things. Chalamet was great as a young Wonka, and the supporting cast tremendous, especially Hugh Grant as a put upon Oompa Loompa. Every scene he is in is lifted tremendously, he wasn't in it enough. The set design was brilliant and engaging, bright colours and very delectable chocolate treats. There was a lovely whimsical feel to some of the film, and the songs and dancing worked well. I guess the thing is with any Willy Wonka film since the seminal 70s one with Gene Wilder doesn't stand a chance. Wilder became Wonka, and jumped off the pages of Dahl's books in a way that no one imagined. He is simply untouchable. Having said that, this was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed it.
Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre
A Guy Ritchie film with Jason Stratham as a spy trying to extract a stolen device from an atrocious arms dealer (Hugh Grant again...totally knocking it out the park as a greasy scum bag). Audrey Plaza, Josh Hartnett, and Cary Elwes round out the main cast and it a heady mix of action and dark humour. Josh Hartnett is outstanding playing a bastardised version of himself. This was a fun romp.
Hitman
This was a silly, fun movie about a professor who works with the police on the side. When he is asked to be an undercover hitman, chaos reigns. Directed by Richard Linklater (I love him so), this made for TV movie moves fast and is funny. Glen Powell (the new Brad Pitt if you believe the hype) is solid as the lead. This is based on a real life story, and written by Powell and Linklater. I had fun watching this. Also loved seeing Retta (Parks and Rec) as a sassy police woman.
The Miracle Club
Laura Linney returns home after many decades to attend her mother's funeral. She meets with her mother's friends, Maggie Smith and Kathy Bates, each with their own issues and they end up on a pilgrimage to Lourdes. There are some great moments here, but with such a great female cast, the story needed to be much better. This was ok.
Alice in Wonderland
The is the 1933 version of Alice, and it is quite something. It is live action, with some animation, and it is quite surreal. The cast, mostly hidden in large costumes, were WC Fields (Humpty Dumpty), Cary Grant (the mock turtle), Edward Everett Horton (The Mad Hatter), Gary Cooper (white night). This is totally worth a look. I was so thrilled to see it after all these years.
Masquerade
Isabelle Adjani and Francois Cluzet star in this romp on the French Riveria about 2 young cons trying to manipulate older wealthy people out of their money. Great setting, good acting, this is a good French comedy.
Wonderwell
This is a Fantasy set in Italy and the reason I watched it was it was Carrie Fisher's final film. It is about the adventures of a young girl, her older sister is a model for Rita Ora's fashion designs. Bored she escapes the small town they are staying in, and ends up in some kind of enchanted forest where the local witch/enchantress is Carrie Fisher. Not the greatest film, but she certainly made it worthwhile watching.
One Love
As suspected this was a disappointing Bob Marley biopic. The movie takes place around his attempted assassinations and the peace concert he was trying to pull together, which is a fascinating part of his life. This was ok, but the casting just didn;t gel. I never thought it would. I cannot see how anyone could pull off the enigma that is Bob Marley. The charisma, the grace, the humour, the musicality the chill, that smile, and then, that voice...utterly impossible. The film isn't bad, I think if you didn't know much about Bob, it would be a nice entry to him.
Unfrosted
This is the Jerry Seinfeld directed film about the mostly true story of the Pop-Tart. A huge cast of comedians, there are moments of absolute hilarity, but it is also a huge hot mess of a film. It just didn't work as a film, as a series of bits with hugely talented people in small parts it was grand. So go in with zero expectations, you will get plenty of laughs. I also loved the set and costumes!
Bob and Don: a love story
This is a lovely documentary about the unlikely friendly of Don Rickles and Bob Newhart. I loved this so much, and learnt so much about these amazing comedians. I knew they were friends, and knew a lot of their public personas, but not much at all about their personal lives and some of their ups and downs. This will make you smile so much, I loved it.
Duran Duran: a Hollywood High
A doco about Duran Duran following a live show they are putting on in Hollywood in the early 2020s to celebrate 40 years of the band. It shows the leadup to the performance, the back story, interviews and clips, and the concert itself. Loads of fun and they still have it.
Joan Armatrading: live at Asylum Chapel
Stunning concert set in this beautiful chapel showcasing Armatrading's still brilliant voice. Really amazing.
What I've been listening to
INXS recorded live at the US festival 1983
This is a new live cutting I got from the vinyl fair, and it is wonderful. This is INXS in their early (and best) years. They sound sharp and great, Michael in particular. This took me straight back to the first time I heard Just Keep Walking and I was drawn immediately to the band. I love that early period so it is a gift to have this live recording (found abandoned and tidied up) from then.
Where Everyone Knows Your Name Podcast
A few great new podcasts, and this is the best of them. Ted Danson and (sometimes) Woody Harrelson, friend on Cheers, get together to and interview people they know. This is such fun and make you (me) love Ted more than you ever imagined you could (which is a lot). He is such a Mensch, and everyone loves him. Woody is not always there, but when he is it lifts the interview even higher. Best episode was George Wendt. You can just imagine.
The Rest is Entertainment Podcast
This is a close second to my fave new podcast. Richard Osman and Marina Hyde chatting about the week in entertainment. Between the two of them there isn't much they don't know about the entertainment industry and each week they dissect what has been happening in the past week, they also answer questions from viewers. This is an endlessly fascinating, and they have a great relationship, and it tells.
FFF My Dad is Martin Kemp
This is a Martin Kemp (Spandau Ballet) giving advice to his Son (Rowen already a star himself, hosting breakfast television amongst other things) on various topics each week. I don't think Martin is the sharpest tool in the shed, but he still looks great and is a kind soul, and he has the best stories from his time in the band, usually at the chagrin of his son. Possibly only for fans.
Dick and Angel's Chat...eau Podcast
This is for everyone that is devastated (me) The escape to the Chateau is no longer on television. I love this couple, and the podcast is what they have been up to post TV, stories that never made it to air, travels with their stage show and in France, and about their relationship and family. Loads of laughs and fun.
Wiser Than Me S2 Podcast
Julia Louis-Dreyfus is back with another season of this award winning and brilliant podcast where she interviews a load of older amazing women. The concept remains the same as S1, it is a three parter. Part 1 is a small riff on something that came up in the interview, part 2 is the interview, and part 3 is Julia ringing her 90 year old mother to discuss the podcast. Guest this season are Patti Smith, Sally Field, Bonnie Raitt, Debbie Allen, Vera Wang, Gloria Steinem, Julie Andrews, and more.
Lovebuzz by The Hummingbirds
One of my favourite albums from the early 90s, I got a vinyl copy to replace my old cassette copy. It took me straight back and I knew every word. A great album with lovely pop tunes and great harmonies.
BuckinghamNicks by Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham
This is a classic album, pre Fleetwood Mac, that is VERY difficult to find on vinyl. But I did, the cover is worth the price alone, a very provocative black and white photo of a seemingly naked Nicks and Buckingham. The songs are great and you can see why Mick Fleetwood wanted them to join the band. This is a great album.
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