I have been pretty sick for the last several days and in between frequent naps, gallons of Lemon Zinger, and a full rewatch of Penny Dreadful, I started a lot of books that I didn’t want to finish but that you, dear reader, may enjoy. So here is a list of books that I did not read:
The Wings of Angels- Phil Rickman
After watching Midwinter of the Spirit, the pretty good but not amazing show about a Vicar who does exorcisms (sadly, there wasn’t an actual exorcism in the show), I thought I’d try the book. Unfortunately, I hated the same thing in both versions: the absolutely horrible teenage daughter. I can’t deal with her enough to finish this book but if you enjoy stories that include spoiled, bratty, deeply unintelligent teens, give it a shot.
Orphia and Eurydicius- Elyse John
There is nothing I love more than a retelling of Greek mythology and I am so thrilled that there are a mind boggling number that are worth reading. Unfortunately, this is not one of them. If you’ve read my review of that embarrassing first grade level sham, Barbie, you’ll know that there are few things that I hate more than on-the-nose elementary feminism bluffing as intellectual storytelling. It took about three paragraphs into this book for me to realize that I was in for the same thing.
The Once and Future Witches- Alix E. Harrow
Same as above but with one of the most obnoxious and overdone writing styles I have ever encountered. Bless whoever likes this book, and there have been many, but it is not for me.
Death Valley- Melissa Broder
Hoo boy this book is a mess. I’m going to read some other Broder books because by all accounts they are excellent. This book has a fantastic premise and a great cover- I grabbed it from a book store while I was on my book tour last year- but it took very little time for me to realize that it’s not winning any prizes any time soon.
I started a new book today, I’ll tell you if it’s any good.
Choose the Bear- Tomorrow’s episode features Australian journalist Karen Leong, talking about gender based violence, femicide, and what the Australian government is doing about it.
What do do with yourself
This is a random assortment because I AM SICK.
Watch this Sweeney Todd Tiny Desk Concert. I am obsessed with Josh and Annaleigh’s version of Sweeney, I think they are the best to ever do it. Give this little vid a try and if you love it as much as you should, listen to the entire soundtrack.
I have loved Wicked since the book came out in 1995 (it’s a truly wonderful read) and obviously since the first days of the musical. I am, however, torn about the movie. I have real problems with Ariana Grande and I think turning a musical that we have all happily sat through in one sitting into a bloated two movie extravaganza for a blatant money grab is just wrong, especially in this economy, (AND I REFUSE TO TAKE PART IN THIS GLICKED TREND. STOP TRYING TO MAKE BARBENHEIMER HAPPEN) but I get that most people will watch it and I thought this New York Mag review was fair, even if I clutched my pearls tightly when the obviously uncultured writer said they don’t like the songs. Can you imagine?
My favorite shoe store is wildly expensive but once a year they have a marvelous sale so if you’re looking for shoes that will get you compliments every time, check out Angela Scott ASAP.