Happy summer everyone!

A lot of big movies have been out recently that have been really good; Black Panther, Ready Player One, Avengers: Infinity War and The Incredibles 2.  While we are getting a little breather until the next wave of tentpole movies arrives, let me recommend some smaller excellent films.

–Won’t You Be My Neighbor? is a documentary about Mr. Rogers.  I will pass along to you advice given to me, bring tissues (good looking out, Natalie). He was every bit as wonderful a person as you hoped he was.  I’m not the only one who is giving it an A, it has a 99% Rotten Tomatoes score.

–RBG is a documentary about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.  I was not aware of the impact she made before she became a Justice.  She is a force.  I think you would look great in a Notorious RBG shirt, just saying.

–Hearts Beat Loud is very reminiscent of Begin Again and Sing Street. (If you haven’t seen either of these yet, you should.)   In this film, Nick Offerman is a single father who owns a record store.  His daughter is about to move across the country for college.  Before she leaves, they (sort of) form a band. It’s sweet, moving and is chock full of good music.  I loved it.  (Thank you, Amanda.)

Books

I went through a little lull again where every book I read was eh.  That’s actually why it has taken me so long to get a blog entry out. I know people want recommendations and I only like to recommend if I really, really like it.  I have a pile of promising-looking books on my counter but the last 2 I read were worthy of posting.

What You Don’t Know About Charlie Outlaw– Leah Stewart

This book is not going to win any awards but it is a great beach read.  It’s about two Hollywood actors who have recently broken up.  The actress achieved stardom in her role as a Buffy The Vampire-type and the actor is on a popular show.  He has been kidnapped. That’s all I’ll say about the plot.  It’s a birds-eye view into the inner workings of Hollywood and the pitfalls that go along with being a famous actor/actress.  Side note, this book prompted me to start a new list on my phone of words I would like to inject into my verbal repertoire.  I enjoyed the tone of the book as well as its use of vocabulary.

I Am, I Am, I Am– Maggie O’Farrell

Probably not a beach read, at least not a breezy read if that’s what you are looking for. It’s a memoir in which each chapter chronicles one of her 17 brushes with death.  It’s a wonder she is around to tell some of these stories; gripping and well written.

TV

I’m basically playing catch up. I am watching a couple summer shows but nothing really worth promoting.  If, however, you haven’t watched Paul McCartney on Carpool Karaoke, then please click on this.  It’s perfection.

I don’t normally do product placement but I’m going to make an exception here.  At the risk of aging myself, I’m going to provide a public service for those of you females who need reading glasses.  Is there anything more annoying then going to a restaurant for dinner and not being able to read the menu?  Insult to injury, you couldn’t fit your readers in your little purse.  SO frustrating. I saw Neckglasses on Deals and Steals on GMA and bought some immediately. You’re welcome.

Song of the blog:

My girls and I are loving “Miracle” by Chvrches.

Thanks for reading and have a great summer!