The Week in Review: 01.12.2018

Between the Covers

Finished last week:

THE MUSIC SHOP by Rachel Joyce is an unconventional love story filled with quirky characters and music.  Frank is the owner of a music store that only sells vinyl – he refuses to stock CDs – and he has the knack of connecting the right person to the right music at the right time.  When Ilse comes into the shop Frank quickly becomes smitten but can’t imagine Ilse feels the same way.  The audio version of this book probably wasn’t the best choice for me since it’s narrated by British actor Steven Hartley.  Not that there’s anything wrong with his narration – it’s all me.  I struggle with British narrators.  I find their delivery to be somewhat monotone and I find my mind wandering.  So, what is probably a charming book ended up being good, but not great for me.  (Review copy provided by Penguin Random House.)

I’ve enjoyed Jennifer E. Smith’s work in the past so decided to pick up HELLO, GOODBYE, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.  It’s the story of Clare and Aidan, high school sweethearts who are heading to opposite coasts for college.  It’s their last night before they leave for college and Clare thinks they need to decide if they’re going to break up or try to stay together.  To help them decide, she’s planned an evening of stops at places that have meaning to the two of them.  This book reminded me that young people today are much more aware than I was at that age – I always looked forward and didn’t worry too much about the past – and I thought it was sweet, even as it was a little angsty.  I’m way above the target audience, though, and I think teen girls will adore this book.  (Review copy provided by Poppy.)

Currently reading:

• TELL ME MORE by Kelly Corrigan
• BEST DAY EVER by Kaira Rouda
• THE PRINCESS DIARIST by Carrie Fisher

On the Screen

• Carl and I watched The Founder on Netflix this week.  It was a movie I’d hoped to see in the theater but, if it ever came here, I missed it.  It’s the story of Ray Kroc’s involvement in the McDonald’s franchise and, to be honest, I found it rather upsetting.  It’s been years since I’ve eaten at a McDonald’s and, after seeing the movie, I don’t plan to eat at one in the future.  Michael Keaton does a great job playing Kroc, a character I found extremely unlikable.    If you’re not familiar with the story of Ray Kroc and McDonald’s, you’ll want to check this movie out.

• I went to see The Greatest Showman with a friend.  It’s the story of P. T. Barnum and his circus.  I’m not sure how accurate the movie is but it sure is entertaining – think Hugh Jackman singing and dancing.  The casting was great and so was the music and choreography.  There was a serious (and at times sad) side to this movie but it’s one that made me feel good.  It’s worth seeing on the big screen for the musical productions alone.

Off the blog

• The weather continues to be crazy.  We woke up to ice on Tuesday morning and it was 65ºF before the day was out.  We’ve enjoyed several warm days but it’s supposed to cool off again.
• Vance was out of town for a few days so I worked at the store a few extra hours.
• I walked at least three miles every morning and averaged almost 18,000 Fitbit steps a day.

What’s going on in your corner of the world?