Alan:
Hello Heroes!
Spring is in full swing, which means I’m constantly worried that I’m not doing enough gardening to keep my green-thumbed wife in love with me. Which is silly. Because I’m gorgeous.
What I’m reading!
The Faith of Beasts by James S.A. Corey: The second book in their series about humanity getting captured by a giant, voracious alien empire and their attempts to survive captivity. Or possibly even destroy their captors! It’s a very fun world from the same writers (two dudes sharing one pen name) who created The Expanse, which is one of my favorite sci-fi universes ever.
Livesuit by James S.A. Corey: A little novella giving background about something that (I assume) is going to play a much larger role in the third novel in this series. Not strictly necessary, but it was a fun, quick read regardless.
A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers: Guess this is just sci-fi month. Though this I would classify as "cozy sci-fi" since it kinda feels like a mystery novel set in the English countryside with drizzle and ivy-covered houses that have a lot of nooks. Hard to explain, but somehow this feels like the cyberpunk/spacefaring version of that.
What I’m watching!
The Lady Eve (1941) - It will shock you to learn that this certified classic of the rom-com/screwball genre is… really really great! Highly recommended. Preston Sturges at the height of his powers, an incredible cast, headlined by Barbara Stanwyck being an absolute murderer. I loved this movie. So much I immediately bought the Criterion Blu-Ray (physical media ftw babeeee).
Sheep Detectives - DELIGHTFUL! COZY! FUNNY! Amazing what a good script, a stellar cast, and a director who cares can do with a movie. I mean literally, it's amazing. I'm amazed every time I see a movie this good. Also, cozy is turning into a theme here.
Man on the Inside (S1) - I hadn't been sleeping on this show. I mean, c'mon, it's a Michael Schur show starring Ted Danson, of course it was going to be great. But I had no idea how great it would be. The answer is: a lot. A lot of great. You should watch this show. Then call your grandpa and see how he's doing. Then watch season 2.
What I’m playing! Still!
Dispatch - This is basically an interactive TV show? A bit hard to describe, unless you’ve played it. But I actually really enjoyed it. I’m going to play through again and try a bunch of different choices. Fun game, but VERY R-rated.
Dave the Diver - What a weird game. It’s a delightful little scuba-diving mystery game, but also you help run a sushi restaurant? Like, this sounds like something I should kinda hate, but I’m really enjoying it! Very cozy, and nicely sun-drenched and tropical feeling. Maybe I need to just move to Margaritaville?
Watch Movies! (And television, and read books, and play video games)
Jono:
Hello all! How has May been going for you? I've been enjoying heading to the theaters all month!
Devil Wears Prada 2 I enjoyed even more than the first one. I felt it allowed the characters to grow in natural ways that were true to where you'd expect them to be 20 years later. It had less bite than the original, but more warmth. A bit less devilish perhaps, but the healing journeys were appreciated.
The Sheep Detectives was delightful! Fantastic cast, many laugh-out-loud moments, and a "Babe-meets-Agatha Christie" vibe. Perfect gateway murder-mystery for families, but honestly super enjoyable for any moviegoer.
Mandalorian and Grogu is a lesser Star Wars film in many ways. It lacks the epic scope, high stakes, and emotional resonance of the series' better entries. BUT (and this is very important): it's super fun. Light and breezy adventure with fantastic creature effects is a great matinee to start the summer.
At home I've been reading Joshua Coleman's When Parents Hurt: Compassionate Strategies When You and Your Grown Child Don't Get Along. It's a guide for parents who are estranged from their grown children and want to build bridges. I'm excited, as this is a bit of a blind spot for me research-wise. Looking forward to filling the gap!
What about you all? What have you been enjoying this month?