Being Bookish

It's finally happened. The last ever season of Lucifer, Season 6, has been released and I spent a few evenings over the last week watching it and trying to put all my thoughts together. That's what this episode is. A review of the final 10 episodes, as spoiler-free as possible (though, if you want to avoid ANYTHING spoiler until you've watched it all, head here instead). My thoughts and opinions. I also talk a little about why my social anxiety kicks in at the worst moments and there are a few tiny changes ahead for Season 3 of Not Before Coffee!

Also, if you've been listening for a while, thank you. On the 15th September 2021 I celebrated a whole year of this podcast.

This week I'm taking a look at a contemporary romance by American author Olivia Dade. In Spoiler Alert we meet actor Marcus Caster-Rupp and geologist and fanfiction author April Whittier. Will their true love story have a happy ending? Listen to find out more (but I will maintain, this is a spoiler-free review).

Link to me talking fanfiction: Mr Right and my life in fanfic

I am back with my first Thursday episode of Season 3 and it's all about the 2008 Disney Channel Original Movie, Camp Rock. So get dancing and singing and head to a camp, complete with dining cabin and rock star guest appearances. Did I like it? Did I hate it? Was it an experience I want to repeat? I also touch upon the issues that had me calling a quick end to Season 2.

Until about a year ago I didn't even know that this was a book, I just assumed it was a film and that was it. However, now I am aware I am pleased that I have had the chance to read Andy Weir's bestselling (originally indie published) novel, The Martian. So, what did I think? Did I enjoy it? Is it better than the film? Find out by listening to the first episode of Season 3 of Not Before Coffee!

I've been joined by a very special guest, Lorraine from Once Upon a Nightmare and we're talking about a show that was based during our formative years but very definitely not filmed then (no sirree, if it had been the special effects would have been much much much worse). Yes, we're travelling back to 1983 and visiting the town of Hawkins, Indiana. We're talking Stranger Things Season 1.

So, buckle up buttercup and enjoy the ride as we meet Eleven, Lucas, Mike, Dustin and the gang for a ride into the Upside Down.

This 1908 classic is one of my favourite novels. Set in beautiful Florence at the turn of the 20th Century and following the slow but emotional story of Lucy Honeychurch and George Emerson as they somehow find each other. In an unusual move for me, I watched the film before I read the book, but since the first time I read it, it's been at the top of my ever-growing re-read pile. So, why do I enjoy it so much? Listen to find out.

For this, my 50th episode, I am going to be going back to the origins of the podcast and looking at a film. Yes, it's about cars. No, Chris Evans isn't in it. No, I don't have a driving licence. For all that this film is not an Oscar winner, and nor does it star an actor whose films I collect, I still have a soft spot in my heart for 2001's The Fast and the Furious. The film that spawned a billion-dollar franchise. It was also based on an article - which you can read here: Racer X.

This week I had planned to talk about a book by the ever-wonderful Terry Pratchett, unfortunately, time somehow escaped me (the Masterchef Australia grand finale was worth it) and I ended up digging through my notes and found a book I enjoyed and wanted to share with you, my listeners. So, this week I'm talking about the hit of 2012, Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. So, whether you've read it, or not, give this episode a listen.

This week I am travelling to 2012 via the Florida Keys with a review of the sadly short-lived Bones spin-off, The Finder. I have to be honest I was really sad when this series was cancelled and feel that it deserved a lot more than just the 13 episodes (plus backdoor pilot) that we got. If you'd like to find out what I think makes this show so great, give this one a listen.

This week I have a promo for the amazing Strive, Seek, Find by Chance Whitmore

Welcome to another episode in my cosy little bookshop. In this episode, I am going to talk about a debut. book by a new author, Jennifer Saint's Ariadne. Yes, I am returning to my comfort zone and talking about Greek mythology. This book was a journey that I took in less than a day and it was interesting to see the tale of Ariadne through the eyes of someone who loves mythology as much as I do. So, what did I think of this first novel? Did I like it? Would I recommend it? Take the journey with me and visit the Bookshop to find out.