MAY/JUNE REVIEWS

Book Reviews 

Bright Shining: how grace changes everything by Julia Baird

Another glorious book from Julia Baird, discussing Grace, who has it, how to use it and how important it is. Baird describes it as mysterious, but you know it when you see it and it is the opposite of karma, those good deeds even to those seemingly undeserving. Filled with loads of stories from her family, her journalism, and her illness, you are very much inspired to do more good deeds!

Three wild dogs and the truth by Markus Zusak

A great memoir from Zusak about his life with dogs. He seems to attract challenging mutts. The stories are glorious; funny, sad, and wild.

Flames by Robbie Arnott

This is Arnott's debut novel and you can see how far he has come since then. All the usual themes, animals, nature, landscape, and flawed individuals. He does try to throw everything into this one, and it is a little flawed because of that. However, it is an engaging story about a brother and sister reacting to their mother's death. The impact of her life and death goes deep. He adds magic realism into it and it mostly works. If you love his most recent novels, which I do, you will appreciate this one greatly.

Brooke Shields is not allowed to get old by Brooke Shields

I love Brooke, and enjoyed her autobiography, but I struggled with this one. More about aging and menopause, which is mostly why I read it. But I have read a lot on that topic, so I felt she offered nothing new. Not a bad read, but just not for me.

From Under the Truck by Josh Brolin

This was an unexpected pleasure. What an interesting writer! I quite enjoy Josh as an actor, but really know nothing about him. This was a great insight, more a memoir than autobiography. Not in chronological order, but easy to follow. His writing is deep and thoughtful. There are stories from set, his family (he had a very challenging childhood, his mother was quite the character), and life generally. There are some really rough moments in his life and he is open and honest, and there are a lot of funny tales too. It has a beautiful balance, and is unlike most memoirs. Highly recommend

Love, Pamela by Pamela Anderson

I knew this would be good, and it as better than my expectations. I always knew about Anderson's high intellect, but could never understand her - to me - less intelligent roles. This answers all of that, she writes beautifully, with kindness and care but also marching to the beat of her own drum. She tells all, her terrible childhood, her desire for escape, and her long list of poor choices with men. She is also a poet, which sounds wanky, but she is good...like, really good. This is a great read, a real feminist manifesto, and opens you up to a truly special woman.

Understory: a life with trees by Inga Simpson

This is the year I 'discovered' Inga Simpson. I consider myself very lucky. Her more recent books have been recommended but I started towards the beginning. I listened to her read this on spoken word, and it was an experience that stays with me. It is what is called an eco-memoir. Inga and her partner buy a property in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast. Their intent is to live with nature and create art and take on other artists in a residency. It is quite the journey. Her writing about nature is outstanding, you can feel and see every moment she describes. But she is not flowery but honest and at times brutal... as nature can be. Her love of nature and indeed art, and the art within nature, shines through. I loved this so very much.

Birdy by Sharon Kernot 

Sharon is an Australian poet, and her work is for teens. Birdy is a novel in verse, and it is wonderful. Maddy is mute, something has happened and her family are convalescing in an old farm. Maddy meets Alice, a lovely elderly woman, who also has trauma in her life, and they form a bond. It is a about loss and healing, but also about kindess and joy. 

Ella Fitzgerald: the official graphic novel (women in Jazz series)

Oh my goodness, this is the most beautiful books. Essentially about Ella, up upbringing and her music. It is an adult graphic novel and so beautifully illustrated and pulled together. I loved this!

The Next Big Thing by James Colley

I recently found out Colley is married to Miranda Tapsell, and she reads the audiobook I listened to. The Next Big Thing is a romantic comedy. Norman lives in a small (fictional) country town called Norman. He decides to build a big thing, to help the town and to show his love to a girl. I read the back of the book and it sounded like a funny book about the big things in Australia, eg The Big Pineapple etc. And it references a lot of them, and a big thing is built - you'll have to read the story to find out what! But it is more a romance, and about the angst you feel living in a small town and wanting to escape. Colley is a writer for many TV shows like Gruen and The Weekly, and he is a good writer and funny. This was a light book but enjoyable.

The Lantern of Lost Memories by Sanaka Hiiragi

Another Japanese comport read. Mr Hirusaka owns a photography studio on the way to the afterlife. After people die they are sent here to see their life in photography. They are to choose one photo for each year of their life for the next step of their journey (life flashing before your eyes), and they are allowed to go back to key moments in their life and watch them through their older eyes. This was an easy but beautiful read, a lot to think about, very zen and very Japanese.

You don't have to have a dream: advice for the incrementally ambitious by Tim Minchin

This is a little book, it could have been so much more, it looked like it was whipped up in one afternoon. It wasn't bad but brief and interesting, but lacked the depth I was looking for.

Earth to Moon: a memoir by Moon Unit Zappa

This was a cracking read, Moon Unit's memoir of herself and her family, particularly her father, Frank. It is mostly about Moon Unit's later stage in life, looking back at her extraordinarily creative and genius family, specifically her father, and how she finds her own self in their shadows. It is warts and all, and shows the flaws in her parents, and how she overcome them. It is LA in the 70s and 80s, and the rise of the Valley Girl, of which she is one. Loads of pop culture references too. I loved this.

Theory and Practice by Michelle de Kretser

This was not an easy read, Michelle often isn't, which is why I love her so much. She is always philosophical, and makes you think hard when you are reading, about what she is writing, and about what thoughts are coming up about your own life while you are reading her writing. She opens my mind so well, I love the experience, this is what I love most about reading. 

The book has different styles of writing, more in a Non-Fiction style despite actually being a novel, and it changes narrative, so a lot to keep up with. Just the kind of brain exercise that I love in writing. Mostly it is about a young woman in the 70s doing her thesis about Virginia Woolf and discovers some racist comments in her writing. It is also about desire, and a tryst with another student who is in a relationship with someone else.

After reading this, I saw Michelle in conversation at the Newcastle Writers Festival, and she was exactly as I imagined, but she drew new light on my understanding (or so I thought) of the novel, so keen to give it a re-read.

Quality writing, always a beautiful journey, and I cannot recommend this one highly enough.

Vivienne Westwood: the illustrated world of a fashion visionary by Tom Rasmussen and Illustrated by Marta Spendowska

This was a load of fun, with huge amounts of photos and illustrations of Vivienne's amazing design, also a potted biography, for those (not me) who know nothing of the designer.

The Burrow by Melanie Cheng

The Burrow is set mid-covid in Melbourne when restrictions were still in place. We follow a family still deep in grief after a horrible tragedy some years earlier. The father buys a rabbit for their daughter, and it becomes a beautiful focus for them. Because they are all mostly at home the suffocation of the situation is palpable, and the story is told from multiple viewpoints. When the grandmother come to stay, after breaking her arm, the drama escalates. 

The Burrow is more a novella, and it is very spare writing, the story unfolds slowly but beautifully. The characters have depth and their inner workings help move the story along. This is a really lovely piece of work, highly recommend.

Film Reviews

She Said

Based on the 2 journalist that exposed Harvey Weinstein. It is a tenacious film, about 2 great women, heroes of the me too generation. A great female cast, very much in the vein of All the President's men. I enjoyed this one.

A Friendly Tale

A great French film starring Vincent Cassel and Berenice Bejo, about 2 couples who are close friends. When Bejo's character announces she is writing a novel, the group dynamic changes as they doubt her ability. It shows the limitations of people, when someone is seen as one thing and appears as another. Very much in the style of French farce at times, until things really start to change. Great performances and a real think piece.

Memoria

Oh my goodness, this film!!!! It was on my mind for weeks after seeing it. It is a very strange but wonderful film starring Tilda Swinton. You can always rely on greatness if Tilda is involved.  It is difficult to describe this movie without spoilers, so I will be brief, but honestly I could talk all day about it. It is also a film that divides people, they either hate it or love, I fall into the later category. 

Tilda plays a Scottish woman living in Columbia. It starts slow and very quiet, and she wakes up suddenly in the early hours of the morning with a bang. The sound really bothers her but no one else seems to have heard it. However, the sound has heightened her sensories. She runs a flower market, but early on visits her sister in hospital in Bogota, the hospital itself is over an archaeological dig she in interested in.

As she continues to hear the 'booms' but no one else seems to, she visits a recording studio to see if anyone can help her work out what it is. From there strange things unravel, and when she takes a hike in the mountains, she meets a mysterious fisherman and they talk about his connection with nature. She stays with the fisherman and begins to understand how all of these odd events are connected.

I worked out what was going on fairly early on, but was not sure until the reveal, which I watched about 5 times as it was so subtle but spectacular.

This is not for everyone, it is a slow and subtle movie, a lot does happen but in it's own time. I bloody loved it!

Vita and Virginia

The love story of Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf. Commencing with how they meet and the early days of Bloom. Gemma Atherton was a formidable Vita, and Isabella Rossellini was equally as formidable as her mother. I found Elizabeth Debicki a little week as Virginia and because of that I struggled with the film. I found it weak and at times melodramatic. It is a shame as visually it was splendid.

Perfumes

This was a good French film about a Chauffer down on his luck, he needs his job for the money to find a better apartment to gain custody of his daughter.

Memoir of a Snail

Another stop-motion animation from the brilliant Adam Elliot. It is the story of a snail, voice by Sarah Snook, who is separated from their family and their adventures while trying to reunite. As always the attention to detail is stunning, it is melancholy but full of humour. This was a beautiful film and piece of art.

A Women's Vengeance

This is a 1948 noir melodrama with Charles Boyer, Ann Blyth, and Jessica Tandy. Boyer is caring for his wife, but having an affair with a much younger woman. When his wife dies supposedly of a heart attack, he can now marry his lover. But did his wife die of natural causes? A good romp, with touches of melodrama.

Documentary Reviews

Hermitage

Behind the scenes of setting up a large exhibition in the Hermitage, stunning!

Rob Bryden and Sparks

Bryden interviews Sparks on the release of their latest album. Once he overcomes his excitement, the interview is great. Typical Sparks dryness laced with Bryden humour. A sheer delight.

The Piano series

Loved this series set mostly in Australian train stations. A piano is set up for people to play (obviously some have been sourced, but they are unsure exactly why). Harry Connick Jnr and Andrea Lam are hidden and 'judging'. Cue, prodigious children, quirky teens, and delightful elderly pianists! But what joy, if you love music, you must see this!

Love Opera

Behind the scenes at Brisbane Opera, and the auditioning process for a production of Carmen. Dramatic, brilliant, Stupendous!

Wes Anderson talking about his films

Exactly as you would imagine, although at only 1 hour, not nearly enough time. Wes delves into his stories, his actors, and the beauty and precision that is a Wes Anderson film. Utterly brilliant!

Television Reviews

The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart

This was a good adaptation of the book, but lacked the depth and inner thoughts that made the book. Great cast and beautifully filmed, totally worth a watch.

Am I Being Unreasonable

I gulped back both seasons of this amazing show. It is hard to describe, it is dramatic, hilarious, romantic, and crazy. Every time you think you understand what kind of show you are watching, it flips on you...and this is a very good thing. Staring the amazing Daisy May Cooper as a young Mum who has a huge secret. It focuses on her life and those in her life and the lengths she goes to hide her secret. This turns the show into a thrilling roller coaster ride. She is phenomenal, as are all the characters, especially the young actor that plays her son. I cannot really say much more except trust me, this is one of those unsung gems. S3 is apparently coming, very keen to see where this story goes/ends!

The Last of Us S2

Oh boy, hard to talk about this season without spoilers. Loads of things to be upset about in this harsh tale. Again, Bella Ramsey continues to shine. The entire cast is amazing. If you know the show, you will be equally in love and annoyed with it as I was. Great television.

The Walking Dead, Daryl Dixon, The Book of Carol

I am enjoying this spin off from The Walking Dead, this is S2, it is still set in France, and is great. Carol and Daryl are easily the best characters (that are still alive) from the original show and this is a great showcase for their talent and to expand their universe. 6 tightly wound episodes, I gulped them back and eager for more.

Taronga

I love this show, and slowly making my way through it. Behind the scenes at Taronga Zoo, narrated by Naomi Watts. Lots of amazing people looking after amazing animals, what's not to love!

MARCH/APRIL REVIEWS

Books Reviews

Let us Descend by Jesmyn Ward

Another great novel from the exceptional Jesmyn Ward and the opening line sets the pace:

"The first weapon I ever held was my mother's hand."

Annis and her mother are enslaved on a plantation.

When her mother is sold off and they are separated, not long after she is sent to a chain gang, moving from North Carolina to Louisiana. This section is long and arduous. It has taken some criticism, but Ward always delivers reality. Her words are smooth and poetic. Annis dreams wildly and heavily about her mother, and where she may be. The story takes many twists and turns and whilst quite brutal at times - this was Wards intent - there is hope and humour laced within.

Jesmyn Ward is easily one of the best young African American writers writing today. I always look forward to her next book.

Orbital: a novel by Samantha Harvey

A marvellous novella, set in one day in space where much happens. It follows each astronaut on their routine for that particular day. The space of space is momentous as you read. The simplicity of their everyday routines against this epic backdrop of numerous days in one is a revelation. Samantha creates such an atmospheric novella, and a meditative experience. This is one of those beautiful stories where nothing seems to happen, but yet everything is happening. You can see why it won The Booker.

A Language of Limbs by Dylin Hardcastle

I really enjoyed this Australian novel about finding yourself. It is a difficult one to write about without major spoilers. It tells two stories simultaneously, about 2 queer girls. One who is found by her parents in the back shed with another girl at 15, beatings are had, and she runs away never to return. Her life is full of twists and turns, but ultimately she is living as herself. The other young girl keeps her queerness to herself, and lives a good but hidden life for 30 years. The stories intertwine and are interesting and as you move through you start to wonder if this is as it appears, is it about 2 different characters or...well, that would be a spoiler. Highly recommend.

The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman

4th in the Thursday Murder Club series. I continue to enjoy these romps with our four main characters, seniors solving murders. When their friend, the antique dealer is murdered, they must try and solve it. The world of these books continues to grow, as does the depth of the characters. Things get dark in this one, but it is still a great read with humour interlaced. 

Tilda is Invisible by Jane Tara

Tilda is middle aged, has adult children and is divorced. When she literally starts to disappear she realises she needs to make some changes in her life. This was fun, if you delve too far into it you noticed the clunkiness, the flaws, and the annoying bits, but reading it about the surface, you laugh and have a bit of an escape.

Killing Time by Alan Bennett

This is a short novella about a nursing home in lockdown. As always Bennett, now in his 90s, is sharp and witty and honest and bold. 

The Art Thief by Michael Finkel

They say truth is stranger than fiction, and no more than The Art Thief. This is the true story of a young couple who stole a lot of art from galleries and museums. They retell the story to the author who tells it in his own words. It is a fascinating look into how poorly galleries and museums are set up, especially the small ones. And how brazen people can be. It was a page turner like a thriller novel, except this was real. I really enjoyed this one.

The Season on talking book read by HG

I have reviewed this gem before but when the spoken word version, with Helen herself reading it, came through at work I had to listen to it. Listening to Helen read her story is better than reading it yourself. Her tone, inclination, and subtle humour shines through.

The Shadow Box by Jean Kent

Lovely poetry set against the Parisian backdrop by local poet Jean Kent.

Unveiled: a memoir by Vincent Fantauzzo

Vincent Fantauzzo is a great portrait artist, his amazing portrait of Daniel Johns won the Packing Room prize at The Archibald, and he has submitted many to the competition, but never won. HIs memoir tells the tale of his tragic childhood and how art saved him. A fascinating insight into the art world and the man himself.

Dare I Say It: everything I wish I'd known about menopause by Naomi Watts

I have reading much about Menopause lately so this didn't really tell me anything different. But this is totally worth reading, it is smart and intelligently informative. Each chapter has a little recap which is great. Naomi has been advocating for Menopause knowledge and understanding for ages now, probably one of the few celebrities really putting this out there. She seems genuinely concerned. Worth a look if you need this.

Film Reviews

Strange Way of Life

A Pedro Almodovar short film, 31 minutes, staring Ethan Hawke and Pedro Pascal as cowboy lovers. A strong and powerful film but I wanted more.

EO

EO is about a donkey who is travelling through its world in Modern Europe, it get moved by humans, ill-treated, escapes and goes on its own journey. Basically a story about the inhumane some animals are treated. It was pretty full on.

Fun Mum Dinner

I watched this for Toni Collette, Bridget Everett, and Molly Shannon. Look, it was a silly comedy with a very boring script, but seeing these wonderful gals on screen was joyous.

Mafia Mamma

Toni Collette finds she is summoned to her Italian roots after her grandfather dies, only to find she is now head of a mafia family. Look, this was ok, a bit of fun, but nothing too deep. Collette is always good in anything she does, despite a dodgy script.

Television Reviews

Severance S1

We started watching this when it first came out and found it a bit heavy going. When we returned to it some time later we were hooked. It is hard to write about without spoilers. It is one of the best shows I have ever seen. We watch as Adam Scott turns up to work and find out he has been 'severed' and leading essentially two lives. One at home where he doesn't know what he does for work and one at work where he has no recollection of his life outside of work. This is something you can do, but why? What is the organisation that does this, who is running the show and why are there glitches. Absolutely compelling viewing, very dark comedy interweaved with intense drama. 

The cast is phenomenal with Scott being joined by John Turturro, Christopher Walken, Patricia Arquette, Zach Cherry, and a bunch of amazing unknowns. The stand out being Tramell Tillman as their stitched up boss Milchick. Also visually exquisite, this show is unlike anything you have ever seen. We devoured it and have many many theories!

The White Lotus S3

This definitely was the weak link in the chain of this series. Nothing really happened until the very end and then it was predictable. As always there were no redeeming characters, but that is ok. I was just bored by this one.

The Handmaid's Tale S5

I am way behind on this series, mostly as I need to garner up the courage to watch it. It can be difficult, this picks up after the wonderfully gruesome ending to S4 and we follow June back into Canada. But life on the outside isn't great without her daughter or Gillead still operating. I do love this show but boy, it can be rough.

The Newsreader S3

As we head into the 80s, the demons of our lead characters are breaking through the cracks. The news covers The Logies, Oil Spills, and the Berlin Wall amongst other news. There are triumphs and some comeuppances! This is so well produced, the set design, hair and makeup and so forth, you are truly transported.

Documentary Reviews

Becoming Led Zeppelin

Great doco about how Led Zeppelin formed and came to be. Loads of music, interviews, excess, and humble brags...exactly as you would expect. It was a great watch.

Little Richard: I am everything

This is a little underrated gem, much like Little Richard himself. Such a showman, such a tragic character. It follows his trajectory and interviews loads of musicians, most of whom explain what they stole from him.

John Water's moustache is because he loved Little Richard, Elvis called him The King, Mick Jagger watches him and realised you can use the entire stage and not stand in one spot to sing.

I covers his dark years after his car accident and his triumph of being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This is a special documentary, and well worth watching.

January/February Reviews

Book Reviews

The Season by Helen Garner

Having spent many a cold/night day on the sideline watching junior Soccer as my nephew (and niece) grew up, this book really resonated with me. The Season is more about watching young boys grow into men, and spending time with her youngest grandson against the backdrop of a footy season.

It is a mix of memoir, mostly about her and her family, the footy training and games, her love of the game, and about life itself. It has drama, humour, and everything in between. I just loved reading this book.

I love Helen's power of observation and her sharp construct. She can describe a situation with so many layers so succinctly and yet without being too flowery. Utter brilliance. She can write about anything and have me hooked in. I also noticed her awareness of her age, and its fragility throughout, which was beautiful but sad. She truly is our greatest writer and always a favourite.

Lola in the Mirror by Trent Dalton

If Helen is our greatest writer, Dalton is our most beloved. Lola in the Mirror came out last year and I started it then. I found it tough going which usually does not bother me, but I was not in a great head space so I had to put it down for a bit. I finally picked it back up via a spoken word version that came through work. I got back into the story and having it read for me helped. 

This is a magnificent book, like all his work there is so much good and heart within. The good takes it time to rear its head, but when it does you feel it and the layers of this book are truly beautiful. Set in Brisbane it follows a young girl and her friends which are like family who are living rough. She is caught up in crime but gets an opportunity to get out of the cycle and find out who she really is. 

The story runs fast, goes in multiple directions, to say much more would be spoilers. Suffice to say, things don't turn as expected, it's a hell of a ride. I found some scenes made me sob, yes I had to pull over my car. And there is this one teeny but spectacular scene where the main character is running down the Brisbane Mall and runs past the author writing down everyone's love stories. Yep, that is Dalton inserting himself, Hitchcock style, into the story. That made me sob like a baby, I love his sentimentality and that was so very clever.

Go read Lola in the Mirror, you will thank me!

The Friday Afternoon Club: a family memoir by Griffin Dunne

This was an excellent memoir, as you would imagine it to be. Griffin is Dominick Dunne's son and the nephew of Joan Didion. Brought up in privilege, surrounded by all sorts of celebrities and famous people, Griffin wanted to be an actor. This memoir is of his family as much as it is about himself.

He moves through both sides of his family and goes back a few generations, this is something that normally bothers me, but this family, every single person has some kind of cool notoriety and he just tells enough about them and moves on to the next story. His childhood was not ideal, in terms of his parents splitting, illness and being left along a lot, and he dabbled in drugs and drink quite early. One of his best friends was Carrie Fisher, and he spent a lot of time with his aunt and uncle. 

He also goes into a fair bit of detail about his sister's murder and how the tragedy impacted on them all. This was a great insight. He is also - like everyone in his family - a really good writer. He takes you in with each story, and it was a cracking read. It ends in the early 80s as he is starting to work in films and his family are recovering from Dominique's death. So hopefully there will be more in future years.

The Uptown Local: joy, death, and Joan Didion by Cory Leadbeater

I was quite interested in reading this one. Cory was Joan's PA for the later part of her life. I thought it would be a good insight into how she works etc. It was not. I suspect he had signed some kind of document to say he wouldn't talk. It is an interesting read about someone from the lower class working and trying to fit into the upper class world that Didion inhabited. So sociologically it is fascinating. Also his father was in jail for blue collar crimes and that was an interesting twist. Joan and her apartment are certainly mentioned throughout the novel and her kindness and support of him, but there was no depth to the relationship or any intel into her work. Disappointing.

Didion and Babitz by Lili Anolik

This was another one that was incredibly disappointing. It is definitely NOT the book it says it is. It makes out there was a friendship between Joan Didion and Eve Babitz while it appears there were mere acquaintances. Lili has written a lot above Eve and has some kind of obsession with her. When she comes across some correspondence from Eve to Joan, I think she thought, 'here's another book'. It was a long stretch.

There was a lot of interesting information in the book about the circles both Joan and Eve ran in on both coasts of the US. And, yes, at times, there was an overlap, but it was minute. There was a lot about this book I really enjoyed, but there was far more that made me mad. She seemed to have some kind of vendetta against Joan and tried to make her out to be a really horrible person. No one is perfect, least of all Joan, but all of this was unfounded and cheap. Her writing was not that great either. I really don't know what to say about this book. It was a bestseller, I think, out of people's curiosity. The reviews seem to back my thoughts. It was just disappointing.

The Salt Path by Raynor Winn

This book keeps crossing my path and I finally got around to reading it. The Salt path is about a couple who have lost everything in a very odd court case. The following week the husband finds out he has a terminal illness. Ray, the wife, decides they should walk the South-West Coastal path in the UK. The book is about their journey and it is a ripper of a read. Geographical and sociological. I love pilgrimage stories and this is definitely worth reading. There is a movie being made about it starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs. Looks pretty good from the trailer.

Squat by John Safran

This is a terribly difficult book to review. It is Safran at his very best and his very worst. He hears about a possibly abandoned building in LA that Kanye owns and is curious. The book is essentially about his week squatting in the mansion and what he finds, and this week is peppered with stories and scenes from before and after that week. The stories tell why and how he ended up in the mansion and what happened after. 

There is a lot of amazing within this book but you get to a point where you start to really worry about Safran, his health, his mental health and his general wellbeing and safety. This worry - for me - took over my enjoyment of the book, and just made me want to know he is ok. After seeing him at the NWF, I think he is!

The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman

When the gang open up a decade old cold case, they are not prepared for what will happen. This is the third book from Osman with his Thursday Murder Club, it is the most thrilling to date and gives the gang a large case to look into. With each book Osman develops the characters and landscape more and more, adding layers and layers. There is romance, and humour, animals, and death. If you haven't experience this series, go and start at the beginning, the movie is coming out soon!

What I Ate In One Year (and related thoughts) by Stanley Tucci

This is a diary/memoir from Tucci about food (as always) and other things. It opens in Rome while he is filming Conclave. And throughout the year you can track his acting gigs and people he meets; he is quite the name dropper. He is a great storyteller and very amusing, I can always hear his voice when I read his books. This is a super easy read, but just don't read hungry!

Cher: the memoir, part one by Cher

This was a cracker of a read and takes you up to the 80s when she is about to do her first film. She is a great storyteller, and the book is dense and chock full of wonderful and interesting stories. She delves into her childhood and her relationship with her mother and other relatives. Then there is meeting Sonny and their rise to fame and the relationship demise. She writes with honesty and humour and has you hanging on to every word. It is a big book but everything within is wonderful, and I couldn't put it down. It takes you up to the beginning of her film career, so we still have more to come I am hoping. I cannot recommend this enough, it is a great read.

Beng Henry: the Fonz...and beyond by Henry Winkler

This was fun, Winkler delves into his life, before and after Happy Days. The people who helped him re-construct a fine career. He is very interesting and funny. He writes about his dyslexia that stopped him from doing a lot of things, and how he writes books for children now to help them with that. He writes with great fondness about The Fonz, and how that opened so many doors for him. But also shut some. He has many fun tales from Hollywood but he also comes across very down to earth. I loved this book.

Theory and Practice by Michelle de Krester

Michelle de Krester is such an interesting writer. She always makes me think with her philosophical ideas embedded into stories. Her latest novel, mostly set in academia, has been written using various non-fiction styles. This is information I found out after I had read it, and I feel it would have been a much easier read had I realised this early on. There is a thread about Virginia Woolf and The Waves, the main character is writing about her and the book. I loved this addition too. There is a lot going on in this book, but as always utterly fascinating and thought provoking. You can see why it won The Stella.

More Days at the Morisaki Books by Satoshi Yagisawa

This is the follow up to Days at the Morisaki Books which I really loved. This was good but nowhere near as good as the original. All the characters are back and the internal visuals are lovely. I enjoyed it, but it wasn't great.

Storytellers: questions, answers and the craft of journalism by Leigh Sales

Leigh chats with a whole range of journalists about storytelling. She interviews old and new, print, radio, tv, and online journalists. It is the Q and A format, and you get a lot of behind the scenes details of pulling together stories. Interviews include Benjamin Law, Annabel Crabb, Indira Naidoo, Stan Grant and many more.

This was a really interesting read, but I suspect not for everyone.

Film Reviews

A Complete Unknown

I went in warily, I am a huge Dylan fan. But I trusted James Mangold, as Walk the Line set a very high standard. I needn't have been wary, A Complete Unknown was utterly brilliant. Taking the beginning of his career, starting out right up to the Dylan goes Electric period, was a smart move, rather than trying to encompass everything. Chalamet was outstanding as Dylan, he nailed him without doing a caricature. He sounded amazing. As did all the other characters. the supporting cast was tremendous, particularly Monica Barbaro (Joan Baez) and Edward Norton (Pete Seeger). There were times you were so in the movie you forgot it was a movie. The set design, music, feel, acting, everything was so evocative, it could have been footage from the time. This is a must see.

Nosferatu

We saw this on the big screen, a rarity these days. It was visually stunning with sections of black and white throughout. Very melodramatic, gothic, and bloody, just like a good vampire movie should be. Staying fairly true to the story, this was a delight to suck in (pun intended). The acting was great, perfect for the film. See this on the big screen if you can.

Blue Velvet

With the death of the great Davd Lynch, we went on a bit of a rewatch and we started with Blue Velvet. Andrew hasn't watched it since his first viewing many decades ago, I have watched it regularly but not for a while. It still holds up beautifully and scarily. The acting is superb, fresh, and keeps you on the edge of your seat. The stand out for me is Isabella Rossellini, her Dorothy is crazed and wise and fearstruck, but also mesmerising, you cannot keep your eyes off of her. Hopper kills in the crazed lunatic role. MacLachlan and Dern are sweet and the heart of the film. The story, the cinematography, the music. To me, it is probably his best film. It is certainly a fave.

Mulholland Drive

Andrew had never seen this one, and I had seen it at the cinema and loved it. I didn't love it anywhere near as much on this rewatch, Andrew felt similarly. Visually it looks great, the acting is amazing, and it is the perfect Lynch mind-fuck. It messes around with time and characters, and what is real and what is imagined, and for the most part it is great and exciting. But by the end, you are so exhausted, and the ending it abrupt and weird, you kinds go what the fuck was all that. I think this is a film that depends on how you are feeling when you are watching.

The Straight Story

Another Andrew had not seen, but one I loved so much I saw it twice back in the day but it had been a while. It is a very different Lynch film so I was worried it might not hold up but it really did. The Straight Story is about an elderly man who drives a ride on mower (he is ill and no longer holds a licence) 100s of miles to visit his estranged brother who is dying. Richard Farnsworth (who was very unwell and died not longer after filming) is exceptional as the main character, Alvin Straight

The story is a road story, and about Alvin's tenacity and the people he meets along the way. It is one of those stories I call, nothing happens but everything happens. Which means it is not fast paced, and it is just about life; nothing happens. No big plot twists, what you see is what you get, it features all the little things that make up life; everything happens. I love stories like this. It shows the tenacity of people, the kindness of people, the realness of the world. This is probably the most accessible of Lynch's films, it has a lot of heart, and still is strange if you think about it.

Marcel: the shell with shoes on

This is the cutest animation film based on shorts that landed on youtube as created by Jenny Slate. Marcel - a shell with shoes on - is separated from their family and it is about their life and their journey back to their family. It is a sweet and melancholy movie, but utterly beautiful. This is a film for everyone, I cannot imagine anyone not loving this. 

Book Club: the next chapter

This is a light older woman's movie, but I love the actresses, and had fun resting the old brain while watching it. Not a lot of reading gets done, lol, but we all know bookclubs are more about the friends you discuss the books with. In this case the friends are Candice Bergen, Jane Fonda, Diane Keaton, and Mary Steenburgen, and they are taking their bookclub to Italy. What can go wrong? lol!

Finding Your Feet

Another light older woman's movie, but this time from the UK, so infinitely better.
Imelda Staunton is upper class Sandra, and finds out her husband is having an affair. She lands on her sister's doorstep, Bif, Celia Imrie, is very different to her sister and many clashes arise. But Sandra slowly opens up to Bif's way of life. This was not bad, not great, but always lovely to see these great actors do their thing. It also stars Joanna Lumley and Timothy Spall.

Television Reviews

Gavin and Stacey Finale

The finale we all were waiting for and it didn't disappoint. The show may be called Gavin and Stacey, but we all know it is really about Smithy and Nessa. In fact, I would say Gavin and Stacey are probably the least interesting characters on the show. Not to say they are not interesting, just the remaining cast are so superb.

The last Christmas special in 2019 left on a huge cliffhanger, with Nessa proposing to Smithy. This is a wonderful finale with huge twists and turns, no spoilers. It is funny how a little show gets in deep, I think the writing and the depth of the characters is phenomenal on this show. You also feel the love, you can tell these people genuinely love each other. It has drama, but even more humour. You are really invested. It is a comfort show for sure but also just pure joy.

Ruth Jones' Nessa has got to be one of the most fantastic characters ever written. Her stories, the deadpan delivery, the singing, the costume, utter genius. But then you could say that about almost every character in Gavin and Stacey. I feel sad there is no more, but the ending was perfect and there is no going back. Well there is, all those seasons are there to rewatch. And if you haven't watched this, go now, you are missing out!

Outnumbered Christmas Special

In its original run, this was so funny. Especially when you realise it is improvised, and the kids do most of the improvisation. The three children are/were hilarious. But in this special, there are quite grown-up and whilst funny, it doesn't hit those high notes they did in the series.

Ludwig

We really enjoyed this hybrid detective show. When James, a detective, goes missing, his reclusive puzzle loving and making brother, John is called in to help find out what has happened. John and James are twins, both played by the brilliant David Mitchell. No one knows he is stepping in for his brother, how long can he keep it up before someone finds out, especially given he is amongst detectives. Ludwig (John's puzzle alias) gets into all sorts of binds, but manages to be a pretty good detective too. It is a thriller/mystery with a lot of humour. Can't wait for S2.

The Crown - final season

I found these final episodes a bit dull, I guess we had already lived through the original version, lol. That said, the acting is great and the set design to die for. 

The Office UK Complete

It was lovely to rewatch this gem. I found it more cringey than original viewings, but that didn't take away from genius of the show. It still holds up too. Always worth a re-watch.

Parks and Recreation Complete

Andrew had never seen this, so I rewatched with him over some months. I remember it taking me a few seasons to really get into the show. Andrew loved it immediately, and it was fun watching the show through his eyes. It really is a work of genius how they built the show and how the characters evolved (or not) over time. Lil Sebastian is still my favourite ep, and Ron and Chris are still my favourite characters.

Absolutely Fabulous

What can I say, one of the all-time great comedies! It still (for the most part) holds up and is utterly hilarious. Joanna Lumley's portrayal of Patsy is outstanding, her physical comedy one of the best. These gals will always feel like friends to me. I will never tire of this show, an absolute classic!

Documentary Reviews

Will and Harper

This is one of the best and most touching documentaries I have seen in a long time. Will is Will Ferrell and Harper is one of his oldest friends who has recently transitioned to a woman. Harper used to write on SNL and loved long road trips. Will and Harper decide to go on a road trip to see if Harper can safely visit these areas now she is a woman and for Wil to get to know her and ask all the questions. It is a beautiful film of love and friendship.

The Space Shuttle that fell to earth

This was a doco series that had me transfixed. I remember when Columbia crashed in 2003, and how sad it was and how unreal it felt. To crash on take off, ok, but landing, I didn't think that could happen. Of course, I understand the severity of what they are doing, but it was quite the shock. The series interviews all the remaining players, along with footage of the crew, before and during their time in space. Many people knew something was wrong, but the powers that be kept shutting them down. It was fastidious in detail and utterly fascinating. But also devastatingly heart breaking, there are interviews with children of the astronauts, grown up and some still deeply upset by the loss. Not for the faint hearted, but this is simply perfection in terms of story telling.

Podcast Reviews

The Wonder of Stevie podcast

This is a great podcast produced by the Obamas, about the utterly brilliant run of albums Stevie had from 1972-1976. 5 masterpieces, each one is broken down against the history of that time and what was going on in Stevie's life. The music is my favourite period, loads of interesting people are interviewed too. It's worth it for the music alone, but the information is also fascinating!

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER REVIEWS

What I've Been Reading

Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood

I loved this book so much, you can see why it was nominated for the Booker.  A nameless woman escapes her life to a convent near the town she grew up in. Her days are simple and repetitive as she reflects on the trauma that went before. Whilst she is silently going about her retreat, the nuns are preparing for the return of a beloved sister's body, murdered overseas. There has also been a drought and there is a huge infestation of mice.

This sounds dour and I guess it is, but not in Charlotte Wood's deft hands. There is something light and easy within the darker tones that lift the reader and also makes it a page turner. You want to know what and why. Her writing is spare but full of emotions, and she creates a world you do not want to leave. This is a special book, will easily make my top 5 this year.

Question 7 by Richard Flanagan

Oh my goodness, another masterpiece. This is a memoir of Richard, his father and the war with some HG Wells thrown in for good measure. How does it all tie up together? Beautifully so, but to try and describe it would do it no favours plus spoilers! I love books like this, every time you think you know where it is headed, it takes a sharp turn and takes you somewhere completely different. 

His father was a prisoner of war in Japan near Hiroshima at that time, he nearly died in his beloved Franklin River, but what he weaves between these two life and death events WILL leave you breathless. It has been called a daisy chain of events, my colleague said it was the ripple effect of life. 

His words and sentence structure, made me constantly pause, re-read, read out loud, text people, and weep. But mostly it made me think. It was astonishingly beautiful. It is full of heart, sharp humour, and genuine drama. This is easily one of the best books I have read.

One Day We Are All Going to Die - Elise Eshe Hearst

This is a lovely companion piece to Nadine Cohen's Everyone and Everything. Naomi is in her mid 20s, working at the Jewish Museum in Melbourne and having a torrid affair with her married colleague. Her holocaust survivor Grandmother, Cookie, is starting to suffer from Dementia. Her life is a mess, she needs to make some changes. This is dark and deep, light and humourous, and full of interesting information about working in a museum. 

The Pursuit of Art by Martin Gayford

I enjoyed this book about the author travelling to see great and unusual art or interview artists including Marina Abramovic and Henri Cartier-Bresson. Gayford is an art critic and writer, and his essays are easy to read and engaging. He loves art and this comes across and is infectious. He travels at great lengths to see some amazing art. He makes you want to follows his every step.

Weather by Jenny Offill

This is an interesting novella about Lizzie, a Librarian who has seen it all, but is very disillusioned with the world. She muses on race and politics and the environment. hmmm. She looks after her mother and brother, both have mental health issues. Her husband and son are on a holiday without her. Her life is same old, same old, but then her old mentor asks for her help answering emails for her blog. Her mentor has a science/environmental blog that is popular and the correspondence is getting out of control. Lizzie uses this correspondence to help make meaning of her life and life generally.

The Mystery Writer by Sulari Gentille

Another stand-alone murder mystery by Gentille. Theo is staying with her lawyer brother in the US, after abandoning her own career in law in Australia. She is trying to write her debut novel and meets a writing hero in the small-town dinner. They strike a relationship but he turns up dead a week later and she is a suspect. The race is on to find the killer before she gets put away herself. This is a classic murder with twists and turns. 

We'll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida

Another Japanese comfort book, this time short stories. People visiting a special psychologist who prescribes a cat for them to look after as their medicine. Quirky, humourous and moving, this was a lot of fun.

The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa

When Rintaro's grandfather dies, he is left alone looking after his grandfather's second hand bookshop until his aunt comes to collect him. His school friends visit and try to cheer him up, but one day a talking cat, Tiger, appears and takes him through a portal in the shop to other dimensions, where he helps the cat 'save books'. A little bit of magic realism works in these comfort books from Japan. This is cute, witty, and wise. Highly recommend.

Where the Deer and the Antelope Play by Nick Offerman

Three memoir style essays from Nick Offerman about the American outdoors, specifically three different journey style holidays he has taken. My favourite of the three is a hiking trek he takes with Jeff Tweedy and George Saunders (IKR!!!!). Fascinating conversation and observations, funny and so very intelligent. At times I felt like I was intruding.  A great read.

The Encoding Green: poems of fields, meadows, and grasses edited by Cecily Parks

Cecily has gathered all sorts of poems that celebrate the green of our natural world. Poetry, classic and modern celebrating the grasses, fields, and land on our earth. Just beautiful.

What I've Been Watching

Hacks S3

Hacks is one of my favourite shows, and S3 upped the ante. Firstly, we get to see inside Deborah's clothes bunker...amazing! Some amazing guest stars, especially J Smith-Cameron as her estranged sister, and Deidre Hall as herself (this was pure gold!). The ups and downs continued as The Late Show is dangled in front of Deborah. Will she get the gig or will she sabotage it. This show is all killer, no filler, can't wait for S4!

Getting On S1-3 US

I loved the UK version of this show, that came first. Jo Brand wrote and starred in it, based on her years nursing. I wasn't sure about the US remake (which is some years old now) but it starred Alex Borstein, Niecy Nash, and the superb Laurie Metcalf. It was pretty good, with the right mix of pathos and humour. And as always, Metcalf showcases her unique sense of physical humour which always draws me in.

Julia S2

The second series of Julia, commence with Julia and her hubby holidaying in France at Simones (Isabella Rossellini), before heading back to the US to shoot the follow season of her successful show. Avis (Bebe Neuwirth) follows them over and gets caught up with Jean-Paul Satre. David Hyde Pierce gets to showcase his talents by also playing the twin brother of Paul Child and Sarah Lancashire is perfection as Julia Childs. A lot happens in this season, it is a shame it was not continued.

Frasier

I didn't mind the first season of the Frasier reboot, thing is the cast is good, but it just isn't the old cast. The kid that plays Niles' son is perfection and a few guest appearances kept things rolling. I will give S2 a go when I get a chance.

Long Way Up

I loved the first 2 Ewan MacGregor and Charley Boorman series where they took motorcycles through Africa and across the world. This is the third series after a long break. Charley has been doing a lot of solo motorcycle shows and was recovering from a serious injury. This time they are tackling South and Central America, which includes quite a few challenging areas, from the terrain to the people. And they are doing it on prototype electric Harleys! This in itself was quite the challenge. 

This was a genuinely edge of your seat show, placing our heroes in some tricky positions. But their beautiful friendship and love for each other and riding shine through. At one section Ewan meets up with one of his daughters - who he adopted from Mongolia after meeting her in the first ride they did many years ago - this was quite emotional.

I love a good travel show and this gives you that and then some. Highly recommend.

Michael Palin in Nigeria

This was Palin at his best, still travelling in his 80s and after his wife has died. He is certainly more fragile than I have ever seen him but also still managing perfectly fine. The humour and his love of people are still there. This one was gret viewing.

The Assembly

The has had varying reviews but I really enjoyed it. A bunch of disabled students are put through their paces at University doing media and getting to interview Australian celebrities as part of it all. They have media legend, Leigh Sales, showing them the ropes and guiding them through and each episode goes behind the scenes of the prep and then shows the interview. They were all superb, but the PM (I mean what other PM would allow such a personal thing other than Albo!), Amanda Keller, and Delta Goodrem stood out.

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice

We saw this at the cinemas and really enjoyed it. It did take a while to get into and the exposition at the beginning was really clunky. But once we got to Halloween and the glorious Burton set design, things started to move. It didn't really offer anything new, but that was ok. Much like the Banana Boat Song in the first, the musical number in this one was also masterful. It had us both squealing with laughter. Everyone was great, especially Jenna Ortega and Michael Keaton (who looked like he was just having a blast!) but man I love seeing Winona back on the screen, she was everything!

Beetlejuice

We had to rewatch this prior to seeing the new one. It is a close to perfect film, from the cast, to the set design, the worlds created and Beetlejuice himself. Iconic cast and film and hasn't really dated either. Daylight come and I wanna go home! 

Being John Malkovich

Rewatching BJM fot the millionth time. Although, it has been a while but it still holds up beautifully. It is one of the most perfect films I have seen. What a script!!! I remember seeing it at the cinema and I've never laughed so much out loud than at that seminal Malkovich scene.

So much to take from it. How beautiful and clever it was. Spike Jonze and Charlie Kaufman's first film. Michael Stipe produced it. Why didn't Cameron Diaz do more indie roles. The clever cameos. Cusack and Keener were never better. But mostly, what a terrific sport JM was. Totally worth the rewatch.

30 for Brady

A fun film starring Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno, Sally Field, and Lily Tomlin. All in their 80s, they look and are utterly brilliant, it was a bit of a feel good football film, and not great, but the brilliance of the main 4 more than made up for a dodgy script.

Mothering Sunday

Jane is the servant of a rich family in 20s England. She is having an affair with their friend and neighbour, Paul. He is engaged to another. Paul's parents are having a garden party with his fiance's parents, and he stays at home with Jane. Then he rushes off to the party. Jane lingers in the mansion before returning to her own, where she returns to find Paul has been killed in a car crash. The story also moves to the future where Jane is now a writer and married but still holding the secret. Another jump to the future (now played by the glorious Glenda Jackson, her first on screen roles in years) she is an award-winning writer. The film jumps about a bit but is really lovely.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

Based on the book of the same name, Harold receives a letter from an old colleague who reveals she is dying of cancer. He decides to take a walking pilgrimage to visit her and collects many friends and media attention on the way, much to the chagrin of his wife. Beautifully portrayed by Jim Broadbent, this was a really lovely film.

Event Horizon

This came up in the Sam Neill autobiography and I had never heard of it, so wanted to check it out. It is not great, more a B grade sci-fi with some memorable scenes. It now has quite the cult following, you can see why. It is almost so bad it is good...almost!

Remembering Gene Wilder

This was such a great documentary. Wilder was such a genius and talent, yet such a gentle soul with those beautiful eyes. There was his back story, his rise, his collaborations with Brooks, his relationships, especially with Richard Prior, and all those great films. Loads of interviews with others and some lovely voice work by Wilder himself, coming from interviews and a book of his life he narrated. A must watch for film buffs.

Supermensch

I saw this a few years back and it popped up in my timeline and I said to Andrew we have to watch this. He loved it and it was just as great as the first time. Shep Gordon was a talent manager in Hollywood, and he looked after an eclectic stable of stars, from Alice Cooper to Blondie to Anne Murray to Michael Douglas and that barely tips the surface. So you hear about all of these people and Shep and how great he was. A truly beloved man, and quite the enigma. This is a great doco!

McKellen: playing the part

A lovely little doco about the man and his theatrical life. It barely tipped the surface but it was enjoyable.

David Holmes: the boy who lived

This is a remarkable and little known story. David was Daniel Radcliffe's stunt double in the Harry Potter movies until a simple stunt went wrong in The Deathly Hallows, Part 1. His neck was broken and he is paralysed from the neck down. The doco is about his short but wonderful career as a stunt double, his work on Harry Potter and his life since the accident. Spoiler: Daniel and him are still close friends, but that is why Daniel is so beloved. This gets quite emotional in parts, but mostly is an uplifting and wonderful doco.

What I've Been listening to

Brydon & Richard Ayoade

I love the Rob Brydon podcast, Brydon &, but his interview with Richard Ayoade was exceptional. Richard Ayoade is mostly as you see him, but there is a slight persona when he is being filmed. Here you really got to know Ayoade, the father, the husband, the friend, the human and it was glorious. Look it up, you won't be disappointed.

Paul Giamatti

Paul Giamatti has a podcast with philosopher Stephen Asma called Chinwag. And that is what happens, they have a chinwag about all things esoteric but especially occult. They muse together, and with guests about these kind of topics, life and everything else. I adore Giamatti's voice and would listen to him read the phone  book, but I don't have to. I can listen to this.

JULY/AUGUST REVIEWS

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.