21 Comments

Hello lovely Claire!! So glad I've caught up with you <3

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Think I'm the only person who hasn't got round to Happy Valley yet... saw the first 2 seasons though and they were really good!

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Truly intrigued by Lev's book. Surprised I've not heard of it so thank you for highlighting that. :) As for my cultural delights, me and my partner have been devouring Asghar Farhadi's movies this passed week. An Iranian director who tells such wonderful stories about everyday people and the lives they lead. Highly recommend to anyone, especially if you're into world cinema. As for books, still meandering through "I am an island" but I did dip my toe into Rick Rubin's book on living as a creative act and this idea that we are all artists in our own quiet ways.

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Great post, Claire - thanks for all the great recs!

This week I've finished both 'On Writing' by Stephen King (which I need to laminate in its entirety and carry with me ALWAYS) and 'Dear Committee Members' by Julie Schumacher - which I'd forgotten I hadn't finished thanks to being too engrossed in the former! Now that was a HOOT - I really enjoyed it. I started reading it soon after I embarked on my Substack Letters project, never having read an epistolary novel before - I thought it would be good to get into the vibe for my 'Letters to Terry' series - anyway, it was great homework! https://rebeccaholden.substack.com/s/letters-to-terry

I'm currently expecting the delivery of two books which I really can't wait for (they're towards a project I'm working on and I'm itching to read them), and while I'm waiting I'm going to make a start on 'Ghosts' by Dolly Alderton.

No plot spoilers, but goodness me I enjoyed Happy Valley, although I still have some unanswered questions... What did you think of it, Claire?

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Feb 5, 2023Liked by Claire Holden

I just finished reading Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day last night. Such a fun read, and the illustrations add to the enjoyment! May watch the movie adaptation tonight.

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Feb 5, 2023Liked by Claire Holden

Loving the newsletters! Noting Swimmers, it sounds well worth a watch. Bank of Dave is a lovely cheerful film on Netflix for when you need reminding of the essential goodness of humanity. Which was very necessary after reading Antarctica, Claire Keegan's short stories. Very, very good but chilling.

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Feb 5, 2023·edited Feb 5, 2023Liked by Claire Holden

You write so naturally Claire. I am so rubbish at watching series all the way through (unless it's Bridgerton of course!) Although I have just discovered Sort Your LIfe Out. Love, love. love this!

I have mostly been much more about the books in January. I have just read Wind in the Willows which has been an absolute delight.

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Feb 5, 2023Liked by Claire Holden

Loving these newsletters, Claire! I’m so enjoying your writing and recommendations. I have the Elena Ferrante book, so must try and read it before watching the Netflix series! Will be joining you and fellow Happy Valley fans tonight!

I’m currently reading Rumer Godden’s In This House of Brede as part of the Quiet Classics 2023 readalong! Xx

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Feb 5, 2023Liked by Claire Holden

I love your newsletter! I enjoy watching sort your life out as well! You're a brilliant writer!

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