My last random things post was in May (woops), so this one is a doozy with lots of good stuff! It includes the books I’ve read, shows I’ve watched, and some of the things I’m loving right now.
WHAT I’M READING & WATCHING
Reading/Read –
The Women by Kristin Hannah: Without a doubt this was my favorite book of 2024 so far. I always love the way Kristin Hannah can tell a story and make you fall deeply in love with her characters. The Women tells the story of a young woman, Frances “Frankie” McGrath, who becomes a nurse during the Vietnam War. As she faces the brutal realities of war, she also navigates personal challenges, including the loss of loved ones and societal stigma. When she comes home from her tour, Frankie struggles with PTSD and the emotional scars left by her experiences. I learned so much about the Vietnam War and the role that women played in it.
All Fours by Miranda July: Ok this book is weird. Like really weird. And… I loved it? I read another one of Miranda July’s books many years ago (The Last Bad Man) and it really stuck with me. This one will too. It’s a quirky (to say the least) and surreal story following a woman who is going through menopause and learning about herself and her sexuality along the way. Side note: I listened to this one on Audible and am obsessed with Miranda July’s voice.
Trigger warning: Highly sexual content
The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewell: Another A+ psychological thriller from Lisa Jewell! This one had me guessing until the very end and I loved every second of it. The book is a mystery about the disappearance of a young couple, Tallulah and Zach, who vanish after a night out in a small English village. The story alternates between multiple timelines, weaving together the perspectives of Tallulah’s mother, Kim, and Sophie, a mystery novelist who stumbles upon clues while staying nearby.
The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose: This is one of those fast-paced thrillers that you can finish in a couple of days. It wasn’t my favorite, yet I couldn’t put it down. You know how it is! The story centers on a married couple, Sarah and Adam Morgan. Sarah is a successful defense attorney who finds her life turned upside down when Adam is accused of murdering his mistress at their lake house (so juicy!). As Sarah takes on the task of defending her husband in court, secrets about their marriage start to come out, and it’s hard to tell whether he’s guilty or innocent until the very end.
The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes: I know a lot of people loved this book, but it was not for me. It felt way too weird and far-fetched. I had to push myself to finish it TBH. It is a psychological thriller that brings in magic/illusion in the strangest way that I couldn’t get behind.
Sociopath by Patric Gagne: I love a memoire and I am fascinated by sociopathy. This book married both as it’s a memoire written by an actual sociopath who has dedicated her life to helping other sociopaths as a psychologist. She shares the deepest darkest thoughts that have crossed her mind from childhood until today. Her need to feel something when the apathy becomes too much.
Real Americans by Rachel Khong: Another favorite of 2024, this book spans generations of an Asian-American family from the perspective of May (grandma), Lily (mom), and Nick (son) Chen. It showcases the struggles of 1st and 2nd generation Chinese American immigrants.
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker: I’m halfway through this incredible story set in 1975 of a small town in Missouri were girls start to go missing. For the first quarter of the book, you think it’s about one missing person, a one-eyed teenage boy called Patch, and then it starts to unfold as so much deeper and more terrifying. If The Women was my favorite book this year, All the Colors of the Dark is on par to be my second fave! Generally thrillers for me are quick easy reads, but this one has so much more depth than others I’ve read lately and the writing is excellent.
Watching –
The Perfect Couple (Netflix): Literal perfection in six episodes. Insane cast and a great murder mystery that has you guessing up until the last episode. Unless, that is, you read the book which I did not.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (Hulu): I got in so deep with this 6-part reality series that follows the moms of #MomTok who have been through arrests, a swinging scandal, and so much more. Talk about juicy!
The Bear, Season 3 (Hulu): I know people were split on this season but I couldn’t get enough. The character development was so thorough and I feel like they’re gearing up for something big in season 4. I loved every second.
Tell Me Lies, Season 2 (Hulu): I’m very excited to start this next!
9 THINGS I’M LOVING
1. ASKK NY Sailor Jeans: I bought these last fall but they’re worth mentioning again since I just pulled them out for the season. The waist is at the perfect height, I love the big cuff at the ankles.
2. Drawer Organizers: I’ve bought this set three times now and have used it in nightstands, the kids’ dressers, the kitchen, the laundry room, and everywhere else. I love that they’re a fraction of the price of the Container Store ones, and come in multiple sizes.
3. Jenn Lee Suede Bag: This brand sent me a bag and it has quickly become my favorite for fall. It’s the perfect size, I love the color and the suede and it looks way more expensive than it is.
4. The Perfect Striped Sweater: Oh my gosh the thickness of the fabric, the colors, and the fact that the brand is owned by a mom.
5. Affordable Flat-Back Earrings: The 3 I wear most often are the beaded bar earring, the trinity studs, and this simple Marquise stud.
6. White Saphire Tennis Bracelet: I’ve been wearing this next to my diamond tennis bracelet every day and you absolutely cannot tell the difference between the stones. The price is so right and it’s stunning in person.
7. Harris/Waltz Pin: A friend of mine bought this for me and I couldn’t not share it! The “And Tim” part really gets me!
8. Varley Half-Zip Sweatshirt: People are always talking about how great these sweatshirts are. I finally caved and bought one, and it is the best. The way it falls, the way it feels, the way it’s loungewear but chic.
9. East Coast Sweatshirt: This feels like a sweatshirt-heavy list, but this one has to get a mention. As a life-long East Coaster, it makes me happy!
