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.
Very happy to have put Lev Parikian's book on your radar. It's wonderful. And thank you for the recommendations. I've added Asghar Farhadi to my movie list. Which would you suggest I start with? When I looked him up after reading your comment I also found a fascinating New Yorker article about one of his students accusing him of stealing her film idea. The story read like a film itself! And the Rick Rubin book looks wonderful (judging purely by the cover!), would you recommend it?
Intriguing. Honestly, I don't know much about him other than the movies I've watched. I don't think you need to start with any specific one. Whichever synopsis lights you up is the one ;) As for the book, I'm not too far in but so far there have been some interesting ideas.
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?
Thanks so much for all your excellent book recommendations, Rebecca! ❤️ You’ve got me itching to reread On Writing again! And will look up the Julie Schumacher. I enjoyed the Dolly Alderton memoir, so interested to hear what her fiction is like. Honestly, I can’t stop thinking about Happy Valley. It wasn’t at all what I’d theorised or expected, but better for it. Clever. And tense ... my goodness! I had my hands down my jumper sleeves covering half my face!! I think I’ll have to watch it again! 😂
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.
Oh I LOVE that book, Helen! The last time I read it was a January, I think. Perfect post-Christmas pick-me-up. Enjoy the film, that's a real Sunday night treat. Frances McDormand can do no wrong in my eyes!
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.
Thank you so much, Charlie! I'm really enjoying writing them. Yes, I think you'd appreciate The Swimmers. And thanks for the lighter recommendation. The film list I'm working through all seems rather deep and worthy, which I definitely am getting a lot from, but also perhaps need to ring the changes! And yay for more Keegan. I'm a lap behind everyone else, but should finally be getting my mitts on Foster very soon.
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.
Angie thank you! That means a lot. I'm thoroughly enjoying putting these newsletters together. Ha, I love your Bridgerton exception! Hopefully not too long until they release the Polin series. Did you know they've done a spin-off called Queen Charlotte? About the Queen and Lady Danbury when they were young. It's been on the Netflix coming soon page for AGES! Wind in the Willows sounds wonderful. I bought that for Em years ago, but it just seemed too stodgy for a read aloud bedtime book and we abandoned it a couple of times. I think I may have to take it up myself in the garden in the summer. Thank you!
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
Thank you so much, Kathryn. Your support always means a lot ❤️ Come and let me know what you think of the Ferrante when you get to it. Have you read the Neapolitan Quartet? HV excitement building now 😬 It’s going to be a tense evening all across the UK! Oh and thank you for putting a new Godden on my radar. I’ve loved the ones I’ve read, and still have the beautiful VMC Black Narcissus on my shelf xx
Hello lovely Claire!! So glad I've caught up with you <3
Just had to gate crash your comment to say 'hi' Mel. So lovely to see you x
Oh Mel, I’m so happy you’ve found me here too! ❤️
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!
You have a real treat in store, Sharon! I highly recommend rewatching the first two beforehand too.
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.
Very happy to have put Lev Parikian's book on your radar. It's wonderful. And thank you for the recommendations. I've added Asghar Farhadi to my movie list. Which would you suggest I start with? When I looked him up after reading your comment I also found a fascinating New Yorker article about one of his students accusing him of stealing her film idea. The story read like a film itself! And the Rick Rubin book looks wonderful (judging purely by the cover!), would you recommend it?
Intriguing. Honestly, I don't know much about him other than the movies I've watched. I don't think you need to start with any specific one. Whichever synopsis lights you up is the one ;) As for the book, I'm not too far in but so far there have been some interesting ideas.
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?
Thanks so much for all your excellent book recommendations, Rebecca! ❤️ You’ve got me itching to reread On Writing again! And will look up the Julie Schumacher. I enjoyed the Dolly Alderton memoir, so interested to hear what her fiction is like. Honestly, I can’t stop thinking about Happy Valley. It wasn’t at all what I’d theorised or expected, but better for it. Clever. And tense ... my goodness! I had my hands down my jumper sleeves covering half my face!! I think I’ll have to watch it again! 😂
LOL - tense is right! Edge-of-seat stuff! 😲🙌🤐
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.
Oh I LOVE that book, Helen! The last time I read it was a January, I think. Perfect post-Christmas pick-me-up. Enjoy the film, that's a real Sunday night treat. Frances McDormand can do no wrong in my eyes!
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.
Thank you so much, Charlie! I'm really enjoying writing them. Yes, I think you'd appreciate The Swimmers. And thanks for the lighter recommendation. The film list I'm working through all seems rather deep and worthy, which I definitely am getting a lot from, but also perhaps need to ring the changes! And yay for more Keegan. I'm a lap behind everyone else, but should finally be getting my mitts on Foster very soon.
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.
Angie thank you! That means a lot. I'm thoroughly enjoying putting these newsletters together. Ha, I love your Bridgerton exception! Hopefully not too long until they release the Polin series. Did you know they've done a spin-off called Queen Charlotte? About the Queen and Lady Danbury when they were young. It's been on the Netflix coming soon page for AGES! Wind in the Willows sounds wonderful. I bought that for Em years ago, but it just seemed too stodgy for a read aloud bedtime book and we abandoned it a couple of times. I think I may have to take it up myself in the garden in the summer. Thank you!
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
Thank you so much, Kathryn. Your support always means a lot ❤️ Come and let me know what you think of the Ferrante when you get to it. Have you read the Neapolitan Quartet? HV excitement building now 😬 It’s going to be a tense evening all across the UK! Oh and thank you for putting a new Godden on my radar. I’ve loved the ones I’ve read, and still have the beautiful VMC Black Narcissus on my shelf xx
I love your newsletter! I enjoy watching sort your life out as well! You're a brilliant writer!
Thank you, what a lovely comment! You’ve made my day 🥰