Spring Break is approaching – hopefully you have fun plans in store! If you need some entertainment options, I am here for you…

Movies

I am hoping to watch all 10 of the movies nominated for Oscar’s Best Picture this year. So far I have only seen two and, since the show is March 27th, I better get a move on! One movie I definitely want to plug is Coda. I remember hearing about it a couple years ago when it was the hit of Sundance. Apple TV+ snagged it which thrilled me since theaters weren’t really an option.

CODA is an acronym for Child of Deaf Adult(s). The CODA of this movie is Ruby. Ruby’s family’s business is fishing and, as the only hearing member of her family, she is heavily relied upon. Her dream/passion, however, is singing which would likely take her away from them.

This movie hits every note (see how I did that?) – it’s an A.

TV

In my last post I noted how everything on television seems to be dark and depressing these days. These next two plugs do not run counter to that observation.

Mare of Easttown (HBO) – Kate Winslet deserves every accolade she receives for this. (Look for her to win every Best Actress in a drama trophy for Mare and for Michael Keaton to win Best Actor for Dopesick – see my last post for more on that one.) You’ve probably already watched this but, if you haven’t yet, do. Just as my husband pondered, you too will probably wonder why anyone still lives in Easttown where seemingly only terrible things happen. You should still watch because this series is twisty and smart and features superb acting by everyone in it.

The Tinder Swindler (Netflix) – I am not saying this documentary should win any awards, but it is outrageously watchable. That is until you get to the detailed part where he totally snows this poor woman out of all her money. Then you will be watching through your fingers with your mouth open in horror and disgust.

Books

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue – V.E. Schwab – Maybe you are traveling for spring break and will have a long plane flight. Or maybe you are staying home and just want to relax on your couch for long periods of time. This book is on the longer side but I did not want it to end. I don’t want to give anything away; I will just say that it reminded me of The Time Traveler’s Wife. So, if you enjoy a sweeping story and can suspend some disbelief, this one is for you too.

Love and Other Words – Christina Lauren – I know I promote their books often, but I did not want to put this book down ever. I brought it on a weekend trip with me and read it in two days. The only reason I stopped reading was because I had an event to attend. I gave it to my daughter to read and she read it in one day – and she had a test to study for! It is not easy to write anything, much less a book, that is un-put-down-able!

That’s it for now – happy spring to all!!