Media Diet: October 2024

October was dominated by travel and the recovery from all that traveling is what I am going to blame for this being so late. All that travel meant I watched a lot of TV and read many books!

📚 Heaven’s River (Bobiverse Book 4) by Dennis E. Taylor - After loving the first three books in the series the 4th is a huge letdown. It clealry should have been left as a standalone trilogy. (C+)

📺 Ludwig Season 1 - David Mitchell of Peep Show fame in a very different series playing a very different character. A great twist on the standard police procedural show. (A)

🎥 Wolfs - What a snoozefest. Clooney and Pitt seem to have lost their chemistry. Had a hard time paying attention to this one. (C)

🎥 Nightbitch - Amy Adams is incredible, as always. Everyone should see this film. Saying more will ruyin it. (A+)

📚 Intermezzo by Sally Rooney - Rooney’s last book didn’t grab me the same way that Normal People did, but she’s back to her magical ways with this one. Was engrossed in the characters from start to finish. (A+)

📚 We Solve Murders by Richard Osman - I just finished reading Osman’s other books in time for this to come out. It’s similar to his previous series with a fun new twist. I can’t wait for the following books in the series. (A)

🎥 Rebel Ridge - An incredibly engrossing film that quickly made a flight go by. (A-)

📺 Alma’s Not Normal Season 1 - A brutal but engrossing watch. Fantastic work by every actor in the series. (A-)

📺 Sweet Pea Season 1 - A solid thriller comedy that was fun to watch. Ella Purnell did great as the lead. (A-)

📺 The Office Australia Season 1 - This blend of the original UK Office series, blended with some of the charms of the US Office, but re-set in the 2020s in Australia, just works for me. I love Australian comedy shows, and this hits the mark for me. I’m hoping for many more seasons to come. (A)

📚 An Instruction in Shadow by Benedict Jacka - The second in Jacka’s new series continues to engross. Had a hard time putting it down. (A)

📚 Polostan by Neal Stephenson - Not at all what I expect from a Stephenson novel. I am undecided if I will keep reading the series or not. I can say it was an interesting concept that traveled across the world. (B)

📺 Everyone Else Burns Season 2 - I loved Season 1 and Season 2. I can’t wait for Season 3. It’s such an oddball concept for a comedy, but it works well. (A)