'a library is a hospital for the mind'
that's all she wrote
DECEMBER 2023
Book of the Month
READING SLUMP :(
TV/Movie of the Month
Heathers (1989)
I became obsessed with this movie in my final year of high school and was so excited when my partner agreed to watch it with me. He's always been a fan of Winona Ryder so it was too hard, but honestly re-watching this movie was all the more worth it just to see his reaction to Christian Slater's craziness. This movie is so fun, silly, over-the-top, camp-y and even though it's just straight up weird, I will always love it.
Music of the Month
This is the Life by Amy MacDonald
Another song I found on TikTok that I'm absolutely obsessed with at the moment. It's a great country-summer song that makes me feel like going to a festival and going feral. I need to get into some more of Amy MacDonald's music if any of it is more of this.
NOVEMBER 2023
Book of the Month
READING SLUMP :(
TV/Movie of the Month
One Piece S1 (2023)
One of my best friends is a huge lover of anime so when this show came out I was basically held at gun-point to watch it. Luckily my partner was pretty keen to see what it was all about so we dipped in and became obsessed pretty quickly. It's a bit wacky and over-the-top but it works in ways that I can't even describe. No I'm never going to bother attempting the 1128 episodes of the original show, but I will absolutely be devouring season 2 when it comes out.
Music of the Month
Hey Driver by Zach Bryan ft The War And Treaty
This year really has been one for country music. I got into Zach Bryan earlier this year because of Something in the Orange, and I keep coming back to more and more songs that just hit right. His voice and his lyricism have captured me.
OCTOBER 2023
Book of the Month
Kill Switch by Penelope Douglas
This month I demolished the 'Devil's Night' series. I was having a craving for some good enemies-to-lovers spice and this series did not disappoint in the slightest. The third book was my favourite for so many reasons that I can't list them all, so I'll just list one; Damon Torrance. This book broke my heart, had me kicking my feet, made my heart flutter and all of the above. I will now and forever be obsessed with the quote "Starving people will eat anything."
TV/Movie of the Month
Five Nights at Freddy's (2023)
This one was a pretty random movie to pick up, given that I refuse to ever try playing this game because of what I've seen online (I'm a little bitch when it comes to jump scares) but my partner was keen and it has Josh Hutcherson in it so I thought why not? And honestly, not bad. Not my favourite movie of all time, but it was enjoyable, I like the storyline and the spookiness was great for Halloween.
Music of the Month
White Horse by Chris Stapleton
A couple of my friends introduced me to this song and I've been in love with it ever since. The build up is quite possibly one of the best in any country song I've heard, not to mention Chris Stapleton is just a GOD when it comes to his raspy voice and guitar.
SEPTEMBER 2023
Book of the Month
Legendary by Stephanie Garber
When I found out this book was from the POV of the MC's sister, I was not super excited about it. But then I read it. And I do not regret it in the slightest. I really enjoyed the first one so I'm not sure why I was so unsure about this one but, I was so, so wrong.
TV/Movie of the Month
Avatar the Last Airbender (2005)
This is my second watch of the OD Avatar series and I swear it just doesn't get old. My partner had seen most of the show (as I'm sure just about anyone born in the 2000s has), but he'd never seen the ending. I told him that it just wouldn't do, you cannot simply watch this show without seeing the epicness that is the ending. And as always, I was right. He loved it. Nothing more to say, just that Avatar is one of the best shows on the planet and Appa is the best.
Music of the Month
Rich Men North of Richmond by Oliver Anthony Music
This month, my partner and I spent a weekend at our friend's farm. It was filled with horse-riding, camel-riding, feeding goats and lots of alcohol. This song was the theme song to the trip and will forever be a favourite of mine. Not only is this song - to put it simply - a banger, but the voice, the lyrics the absolute power of this song is unforgettable.
AUGUST 2023
Book of the Month
Caraval by Stephanie Garber
This was one of those books where the plot was good, but the characters were even better. I loved how distinctive each of their personalities were and how flawed they were. I find a lot of the time MCs are written to have perfect morals, or if they're not they're incredibly likeable. I really appreciated how this MC was a bit more prudish and had her own strong sense of direction.
TV/Movie of the Month
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
These movies just keep knocking it out of the park. When the first one came out I was a little unsure but when I tell you the animation style is one in a million, I'm nowhere even near exaggerating. The use of colours, different animations styles and not to mention the soundtrack used makes these films an absolute work of art. And that's not even touching on the plot or characters.
Music of the Month
The Devil Wears a Suit and Tie by Colter Wall
I feel so grateful to have discovered Colter Wall's music. If you're any kind of country music fan, you will fall head first, in love with his voice. When you watch a live performance you sit there dumbfounded as to how this deep and sultry voice comes out of this man. He has a gift like no other.
JULY 2023
Book of the Month
READING SLUMP :(
TV/Movie of the Month
Game of Thrones (2011)
I FINALLY convinced my partner to sit down and watch this show. I first started watching this when I was around 12 (definitely not the age to be dipping into a world of gore, sex and incest but I'm okay...I think), and let me tell you, re-watching this show with an adult brain has made it about a million times better. I always loved this show but finally having a better understanding on all the little storylines, politics and just flat-out remembering everyone's names this time round, really made re-watching it a treat. It also helps that I got to prove to my partner that my taste in TV is actually fantastic.
Music of the Month
Innerbloom by Rufus Du Sol
Carrying on from last month's Rufus Du Sol song, innerbloom is another one that has been on repeat this month. It makes me a crave a festival just so that when that 5 minute and 46 second mark hits, I can go crazy. There's something about this song that makes you feel out of this world.
JUNE 2023
Book of the Month
READING SLUMP :(
TV/Movie of the Month
Bullet Train (2022)
My partner kept seeing clips of this movie on TikTok and insisted that we simply must watch it. I was not disappointed in the slightest - not only because of Aaron Taylor Johnson - but my God was this movie funny. So many out-of-pocket moments, some great English humour and some fun action sequences. Definitely one of the favourites from now on.
Music of the Month
On My Knees by Rufus Du Sol
Honestly the only reason this has to be my favourite song of the month is because my partner has been singing it none stop all month. It has been in my head every day and it has been played at just about every single pub-pre's. You can't blame him though, this song absolutely slaps.
MAY 2023
Book of the Month
READING SLUMP :(
TV/Movie of the Month
Peaky Blinders (2013)
I started watching this for the first time in middle school I think it was and for whatever reason I happened to fall out of it so I was super excited to start re-watching it from the start with my partner. Aside from the fact that Cillian Murphy is absolutely phenomenal, this show will go down in history as one of the best plots, acting, imagery and writing. I know I'm not qualified to make this judgement but I will never not be in awe of this show.
Music of the Month
Daylight by David Kushner
Another song that I discovered via TikTok! I was eagerly awaiting this one's release so it was a no-brainer that this would be the anthem of the month. Absolutely adore his voice and the lyrics are just *chef's kiss*.
APRIL 2023
Book of the Month
See Me by Tella Alvarez
I'm not going to lie, I've not been reading much lately. I've had a bit of a lapse in my mental health, but this one was one of those rare Wattpad finds that are actually really enjoyable. Definitely not for everyone as it deals with some serious topics like sexual assault.
TV/Movie of the Month
Wednesday S1 (2022)
At first I wasn't really that interested in watching this, for reasons I can't really explain. I think I was worried it'd be a bit all over the place or a bit cringey, and don't get me wrong, it was at times, but was surprisingly really enjoyable. My partner was the one who wanted to watch this and I'm glad he pushed me to get into it. The mystery element and Jenna Ortega's acting really kept the show alive.
Music of the Month
Never Felt So Alone by Labrinth ft. Billie Eilish
I will listen to absolutely anything that Billie Eilish is in. Labrinth is just a genius when it comes to music, that much is clear from Euphoria! But holy hell Billie's voice in this one blew me away! I love that she's venturing into new sounds and exploring her voice!
MARCH 2023
Book of the Month
The Wrath & the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh
This book is a bit cheesy in that *roll your eyes* sort of way, and can be a little tropey but God did I enjoy it. It gave me that school girl excitement and butterflies over the romance.
TV/Movie of the Month
Shadow & Bone S2 (2021)
The long awaited season 2 finally dropped! Pleasantly surprised that this is still going strong aside from a tacky line here or there - I even managed to get my partner into watching this show! He knows Six of Crows is one of my favourites but he will never read a book so glad I can finally share some of my love for it with him!
Music of the Month
Eat Your Young Hozier
Was so excited for this song to drop and was not disappointed! TikTok really hyped this one up for me, and as per usual Hozier killed it! Beautiful sound, some sensual lyrics and a great message about greed.
FEBRUARY 2023
Book of the Month
Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
This book was so much fun! It's the first book in a long time to remind me how it feels to be in love with a fantasy world. Big Matthias and Nina from Six of Crows vibes!
TV/Movie of the Month
From S1 (2022)
This one was my partner's idea and my god we've been on the edge of our seats. Although some of the writing/acting isn't the strongest, the plot is absolutely gripping.
Music of the Month
Something in the Orange by Zach Bryan
I found this song a couple of months ago but it still remains my current favourite. This month I got into more Zach Bryan music - he is seriously underrated. Such a beautiful song that makes me feel warm.
JANUARY 2023
Book of the Month
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
Such an insightful novel from a childhood favourite. Not for those who trigger easily due to her explicit description of abuse, eating disorders and sexual experiences.
TV/Movie of the Month
The Last of Us S1 (2023)
My partner and I started watching this show and oh. my. god. I only played the video game for about 5 minutes because I'm rubbish at them, but this has got to be one of the best video game to television adaptations ever.
Music of the Month
Disease by Beartooth
I've finally managed to get my partner into beartooth. They've been a favourite of mine for a long time now. This was the track to our holiday at the beach.
