Being Bookish

In my last Bookshop episode, I took a trip to the Cotswolds and introduced you to Agatha Raisin. So I figured that now would be a great opportunity to introduce you to Agatha's inspiration in the form of the character I believe to be Agatha Christie's greatest creation (though everyone has their favourite), Miss Jane Marple. The Murder at the Vicarage was published in 1930 and serves as the official introduction to St Mary Mead and the village's most observant resident, Jane Marple, who, until the brutal killing of a rather distasteful resident, has used her skills to solve simple mysteries that keep everyone amused. Did I like it? Did I remember the killer? Give this episode a listen to find out whether I will be making another trip in the future.

Also, if you're an eager reader, do you have a physical TBR list? Would love to know how you keep track of what you plan on reading next. Get in touch and let me know.

This week I am taking a look at the war of the sexes, and no, I am not referring to the tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler are at odds as he tells her that her idea of romance doesn't exist and she tries to prove to him that he's very wrong. So, who will win? Will either of them? Who knows? Well, I do...listen to find out what I have to say about this 2009 romantic comedy. I also talk about how I managed to cope with my anxiety while travelling around London and actually won the battle (for the first time).

The Proposal

Easy A

Whether you love Miss Marple or Murder, She Wrote, you'll be familiar with the genre of cosy mysteries. And if you, like me, love them, then you'll probably enjoy Agatha Raisin's inaugural adventure as she adjusts to country living in the Carsely, a small village in the middle of the Cotswolds. Picturesque and full of old-country charm, there is a bit of darkness in the centre. Think PG-rated Hot Fuzz (no don't!). If you're anything like me, then this is the perfect Sunday afternoon read. It may be a brand new genre, but if you've seen even one episode of Murder, She Wrote and solved the crime along with Jessica, then give Agatha a try.

This week I am going to be talking about the 2014 romCom The Other Woman starring Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann and Kate Upton. The last thing you expect when you discover your husband is cheating is that you'll bond with his mistresses, but that's exactly what happens to Kate King on discovering that her husband Mark is a liar and a cheat! Did I like it? Do I think it's worth a watch? Did you know it's inspired by an amazing 1996 film? Find out more by giving this episode a listen.

Also, don't miss last week's episode, about How to be Single.

As well as talking film, I also go into a bit of detail about my first week in a new job and how it's affecting my mental health.

In my latest episode, I am taking a look at a brand new author's debut novel, one that digs into childhood memories and turns a favourite on its head. I am looking at 2021's novel by A C Wise, Wendy, Darling. So, what did I think of this new take on the stories of Peter Pan, Wendy and the Lost Boys? Was it everything the blurb promised it would be? Did it dig in its heels and focus on a single theme, or was there something special about it? Find out by tuning in to the latest episode and let me know if you've read it.

Join me as I navigate the single life in New York through the eyes of recent singleton and grad Alice. So, what did I think? Was it a good film? Was it bad? Did I enjoy it? Would I recommend it? The film was released in 2016 and is based on the book of the same name (very loosely based I have to add). I also touch on He's Just Not That Into You and the book Asking for Trouble (you get bonus Chris Evans in that episode), both of which I have covered in previous episodes.

As well as all of that, I talk about my fear of upsetting people that stops me from saying things that likely need to be said, in the mental health segment.

This week I'm talking about one of my favourite books with someone who also loves it, Chance from the fantastic Strive Seek Find. We're talking about the fantastic Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. We talk about the book, the brilliantly done TV show that was a very surprisingly accurate adaptation and all the things we loved about the book and what we feel it was inspired by. So make a coffee, settle back in your car, on the bus, at your desk, or wherever you listen to your podcasts and give this one a listen

This is unlike the other Disney films I have reviewed as it's not a Disney Channel Original. This time I am looking at a massive cinema release that made over $375mil at the box office, 2004's Nicolas Cage film, National Treasure. Part adventure, part conspiracy theory, all fun. This is a film I have watched many many times since it was released and though I know the plot off by heart, and definitely know what happens at the end, I still enjoy it every time. So, now that I have given away what I think of the film, join me on a journey to pull bits of it apart.

This week I am taking a look at the 2008 novel by Matthew Quick that inspired the 2012 Oscar-Nominated movie of the same name. Was this book the first that didn't fare as well as the film, which you can hear me talk about with my friend Debi here)? Is the book better than the film, or was the film a vast improvement? The only way to find out is to give this week's episode a listen.