... and roses too.

The worker must have bread, but she must have roses too.

Tag: culture update

April culture update

This month, I’ve been …

Reading …

The Story of a New Name – Elena Ferrante
I confess, I’m completely swept up in Ferrante’s yin/yang story of Lenu and Lila. Ferrante is a spellbinding storyteller, weaving plots around and within plots like the kind of super-complicated crochet only Lettice and Stacey can do. Now at the end of volume 2, all I know is that I might have to ration the third and fourth books, because it will be too, too sad when there’s no more to read.

Second volume in Ferrante’s Neapolitan quartet

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March culture update

The light’s starting to linger, there’s a hint of spring in our steps – but let’s face it, the nights are still pretty parky, so there are plenty of long, dark evenings to spend curled up with movies and books yet. First, though – a rather special record.
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December culture update: Special Christmas edition!

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me … 12 Christmassy things to watch, read and listen to at Christmas.
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November culture roundup

Ooh, this month’s a good one. Especially for music. Make a cup of tea, grab a blanket and curl up with some beautiful autumnal treats. (And maybe an early Terry’s chocolate orange – they seem to be on sale for a quid in quite a few places and what more of an excuse do you need.)

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October culture roundup

This month, I am …

Reading …

Paper Girls by Brian Vaughan

Vaughan’s the author of epic fan favourite Saga, and this sounded right up my street. It’s about four girls with newspaper rounds. One post-Halloween morning, they head out and discover … things have changed.

paper-girls

So basically if the all-female Ghostbusters reboot was set in 1988 and crossed with the Goonies. And yes, it’s that good.

(Have you seen Ghostbusters the reboot yet? It’s amazing! I loved it.)

Listening to …

Warpaint: Heads Up

The latest from my favourite Cali alt-rockers. Moody, dark and great getting-ready-to-go-out music as the nights draw in. (Warning: May result in heavier application of eyeliner than intended.)

Watching …

Designated Survivor

designated-survivor

Kiefer Sutherland as a somewhat-reluctant president after all the others get blown up at the State of the Union. Only two episodes in so far, but it’s very well acted and I’m looking forward to seeing where this goes. And also he has great glasses. It’s releasing weekly on Netflix UK.

 

Tallulah

tallulah

I’m a sucker for anything with Allison Janney in it, and this Netflix Original is a sharply observed and nuanced performance from a great cast. The plot’s a bit silly (homeless girl takes baby from neglectful mother) but Janney, Ellen Page and Tammy Blanchard are all extremely watchable.

 

Boyhood

boyhood

Linklater really can do youth, can’t he. I’m guessing you’ve all already seen this, but if not, it’s new to Netflix UK and very lovely. Patricia Arquette is excellent – totally deserved her Oscar for Best Supporting.

Excited about …

Slow-cooked soups, dals, stews – anything hot, steamy and scrumptious. Also tea. Lots of tea.

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September culture roundup

This month, I am …

Reading …

Vanity Fair by Thackeray. What a romp! We’re all Team Becky, right?

vanity-fair

(If you’re not Team Becky, I’m not sure we can be friends. ?)

(But of course you’re Team Becky.)

Listening to …

Here by Teenage Fanclub.

The soundtrack to Autumn 2016.

teenage-fanclub-here

The nicest chaps in pop, still making the prettiest songs on the block.

Watching …

Friday Night Lights season 3

FNL_S3_DVD

riggins

Oh Riggins.

(Also I am strangely addicted to Eat Well for Less, but let’s not talk about that.)

Excited about …

Björk Digital at Somerset House!

bjork-digital

And vegetables. Lots of vegetables.

August culture roundup

This month, I am …

Reading …

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

poisonwoodbible

And *headdesk*ing every time Nathan Price opens his mouth.

Also both Carrie Fisher’s autobiographies.

wishful-drinking    shockaholic

<3 Carrie. #teamleia #leiaforever #mykindofprincess

Watching …

Stranger Things. Eleven, you’re our new hero, and Netflix, you are too good to us.

stranger-things

But OMG can I hold your hand? It’s so scary!*

Excited about …

The Olympics! Especially the synchronized swimming.

via GIPHY

*If you hear a rumour that it was Ted who said that, rather than me, I cannot, of course, confirm it.

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July culture roundup

This month, I am …

Reading …

American Housewife by Helen Ellis

Wickedly naughty short stories with a New York twist, if you’re wondering what they get up to all day. It’s dark, witty and rather scandalous. All my girlfriends are getting this for Christmas. They will love it.

american-housewife

You’ll wish your life was like theirs.

Listening to …

The Claptrap podcast – it’s totally my new favourite thing, like hanging out with your besties. Shiv Meaker and Kathy Manson burble on about crisps, knickers and everything in between. (Pro tip: Do not get crisps in your knickers.)

claptrap

I want what they’re drinking.

Find them on iTunes or on Soundcloud and follow them on Twitter.

(Disclaimer: Kathy is one of my most favourite people. If you listen to this, you’ll love her to bits too.)

Watching …

Reruns of the Gilmore Girls and praying I can get through all seven seasons before the reboot arrives in November.

(Also praying Rory turns up with a new boyfriend. There’s no Team Dean/Jess and probably not even Team Logan in this house. Girl can do better.)

dean-curtains

I’m hoping it’s curtains for Dean.

Excited about …

Heading to the South of France for sunshine … and relax.

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Beach + books = bliss.

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