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?
I loved Tell Me More – hope you enjoy it!
I read The Music Shop and thought it was a nice story. Glad u enjoyed The Greatest Showman – I do want to see that. We saw The Shape of Water this week and Loved it. Hope to see The Post next.
Too bad about The Music Shop. The blurb didn’t capture my interest, so I’ll probably skip it.
The Music Shop is on my TBR list – a print copy. Sorry to hear the audio didn’t work for you. I have an opposite experience with British narrators, usually. I hope your weather evens out and comes back to normal. We’ve had the frigid temps but very little snow so far (unusual for us).
I had passed on the Music Shop because I wasn’t sure it was for me. I agree that Michael Keaton was great as Kroc.
The Greatest Showman is a movie I have wanted to check out.
I saw The Founder way back in January, 2017, and was very disappointed that he didn’t get an Academy Award nomination. I thought he was amazing. And I agree with you about The Greatest Showman. The music is outstanding. I’ve already listened to the CD 3 times! I have to be careful while I’m driving due to excessive toe-tapping, head-nodding, etc.
I enjoyed The Princess Diarist…and I hope to start Best Day Ever soon. I am impressed that you continue walking in spite of the weather. I am terrible at it, and use any excuse to skip the walks (too hot, too cold, too whatever…lol). My indoor exercise bike doesn’t even get a lot of use.
Enjoy your week and your books.
Best Day Ever is on my list to read, and The Founder is on my list to watch.
My husband’s first job was at McDonalds, so we were very interested in the Founder. I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed the Greatest Showman- it’s on my list!
I read the book The Music Shop, and found it disappointing.
My first job was at McDonald’s at age 14.5 and I’ve never eaten there since 🙂 But, I did enjoy the movie the Founder. I found it interesting.
I watched the Founder too
Hmmm…the founder didn’t look that appealing but now I really don’t find it appealing. I have a real concern about where foods are sourced! I thought you might be finished with Best Day Ever? I hope I didn’t lead you I to a book you don’t like! Have a great week end!
Glad you liked The Greatest Showman — I haven’t seen it yet but Hugh Jackman is usually entertaining. I plan to read The Music Shop which looks quite endearing, but I’m on the wait list right now. Enjoy your week & beware of the ice!
I found The Founder to be so fascinating and shocking as to how the company got its start. I LOVED LOVED LOVED The Greatest Showman. The soundtrack in on repeat all day long in the house! Best Day Ever is on my shelf too. I hope it’s a good, quick read.
I have so much snow outside right now, and it actually felt GOOD yesterday. haha So much crazy weather. I saw The Greatest Showman last weekend and loved it. So great. I need the soundtrack.
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
The Greatest Showman was a wonderfully enjoyable movie! I did hear and read that the depiction of PT Barnum was highly inaccurate and that in real life he did horrible things to his “clients”.
That’s too bad about The Music Shop. Narrator’s can make or break a story. I often have trouble with some British narrators too. But then, some really make the story come alive.
I would really like to see The Greatest Showman. I am glad you liked it, Kathy. I hadn’t realized it was a musical until my manager at work mentioned it the other day. That makes me want to see it even more!
I hope you have a great weekend, Kathy! I’m trying to motivate myself to go out and get a birthday present for a party Mouse is going to tomorrow.
Kathy, thanks for sharing your thoughts about these books and movies. Hello, Goodbye, and Everything In Between sounds very good. Have a wonderful weekend!
Gage and I saw the Greatest Showman and really liked it, but when I came home and looked at just how much they changed Barnum’s story I was disappointed. Jason watched the Founder and told me so much about it – he loved it. The Music Shop is on my list and I love British accents so that may be the way to go for me 🙂
I seriously need to work out again! Why is the first step always the hardest?
I read the first book Jennifer E. Smith written and published, but did not loved it so never picked up another written by her. I do love the covers of all of her books. They fit well with eachother.
I love British narrators. The ones I have listened to were all great. But I could see how a monotone voice would make my mind wander. My son went to see The Greatest Showman twice and LOVED it. He listens to the album and now knows all the songs. He told me I had to go see it.
Oh yea. That Ray Kroc movie had me boiling! Keaton did a fab job. I thought that movie quite interesting. And I will read that Rachel Joyce book but not listen. 😉
Have a great week and I hope the weather gets back to pleasant for you!
We watched Founder a month or so ago and I was upset about it, too. My brother worked for McDonalds (in management) for many years, but I’ve never been a fan of the food. I can easily avoid eating there for the remainder of my life. That said, Keaton was outstanding in his role!
I wasn’t impressed with The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, so I really don’t have any interest in The Music Shop (in print or audio). I am very excited about Tell Me More, though. I’m saving my copy for just the right time when I can really enjoy it without any distractions.
Stay warm, Kathy!
I saw FOUNDER in the theater and I had the same reaction. Michael Keaton was outstanding though! I am dying to see THE GREATEST SHOWMAN!
I really want to see The Greatest Showman. I also have The Music Shop. I love the bright cover. It is staring at me every day but I am bogged down by my current read and really need to finish it so I can get to other things.
I thought I posted my comment but maybe not. I want to see The Greatest Showman! Everyone says to see it in the theater so I guess I need to make time for it.
I haven’t eaten McDs in a decade due to being gluten free but when I was a kid, I loved the two for one Big Macs. I still crave a Big Mac or Filet O Fish once in awhile.
The Music Shop sounds delightful.