I tend to wait to write a blog post until I have at least one book I love that I can rave about since that’s what most people ask me for. Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of rom coms because that’s what I’ve been in the mood for as opposed to, what I call, the “book club book.” There are a ton of great books out there, I just haven’t been in the mood to read them. Maybe once the onslaught of election commercials ceases, I’ll feel differently. On that note, since I’ve already voted (and I’m betting most of you have as well), I figured reading this would provide you a decent distraction.

Books

Sandwich by Catherine Newman    One of my biggest complaints about books is that they are too long. A book isn’t made better with more words. I often ask, out loud, “Where was the editor?!?” This book is small and mighty at 236 pages, a two-day read that you will wish was longer – THAT’S the sign of a great book! At this time in my life, I absolutely relate to Rocky who is with her family on their annual week-long summer vacation to Cape Cod. I don’t think you have to be a 50-something wife/mother/daughter/empty-nester going through menopause to fully appreciate this gem, but it doesn’t hurt if you are, or if you have one in your life. All I know is, I teared up, I laughed out loud, and I loved it.

A bunch of my go-to’s wrote another book! 

Funny Story – Emily Henry

Summer Romance – Annabel Monaghan

Slow Dance – Rainbow Rowell

Just for the Summer – Abby Jimenez

Not in Love –  Ali Hazelwood

All are enjoyable reads; if you like these authors, you will like these books. I would like to put a spotlight on Rainbow Rowell for a sec since it’s been a while since I’ve talked about her. If you haven’t read her books, please do. Eleanor & Park is one of my all-time faves. I also loved Attatchments, Landline and Fangirl. Give her a try!

On a more serious note, if you would like to better understand the conflict in Gaza and how we got there, listen to the audiobook of Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew by Emmanuel Acho and Noa Tishby. I heard Acho speak recently and he also recommends you listen because it is Acho and Tishby doing the reading, with additional material recorded after October 7^th that is not in the printed book. Questions are asked that you may have also, and are answered with history and with candor.

Movies

In the theater, I really enjoyed Inside Out 2 and Twisters. The former took all the good stuff from the first film and moved forward expertly (puberty!!). The latter took all the good stuff from the first and basically did it again (see Top Gun: Maverick and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice) but the effects are better, as is the tension.

On a different note, I highly recommend Thelma. I recently watched it on a plane and laughed out loud, a lot. My friend Kim was sitting by me and when I was finished, I told her that I thought it was really funny. She said, “We ALL know!” Thelma is an elderly grandmother who gets duped by a phone scammer and then sets out to take back what is hers. This film touches on a lot, primarily aging and how it affects us at every stage. This movie will hit you differently depending on what phase of your life you are in.

TV

If you haven’t already, you should watch “Nobody Wants This” on Netflix. Created by Erin Foster (daughter of music producer David Foster) and based a bit on her real life, it follows Joanne (Kristen Bell), a shiksa (non-Jewish) podcaster, as she meets and falls for an adorable Rabbi (Adam Brody). Hilarity and real life ensue. Season Two is happening so get on it.

I know I’m one of the few people who watch (and still have!) network TV, but I am really enjoying “High Potential” on ABC/Hulu. Kaitlin Olson plays a single mom with exceptional abilities who helps cops solve crimes. It’s fun and clever.

“Shrinking” and “The Diplomat “are each back for season 2!!!

Podcast

“Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus” got me through the summer. Enjoy three seasons of her conversations with iconic older women who have a lot to tell us but are often never asked. I especially enjoyed Jane Fonda, Ruth Reichel, Carol Burnett and Bonnie Raitt (the intro on this one made me tear up). Life lessons are shared and some golden nuggets of advice are given.

Be sure to vote, and have a happy November!