Recent Reads and Watches

Hello, all! It's been another long while since I've posted anything on this blog (I am more active on my Goodreads page, so feel free to add me as a friend there if you're so inclined!)

Despite my absence and my current summer job (with it's occasional 60 hour work weeks... blah) I have been reading and watching new TV shows like there is no tomorrow! So because I have a three day weekend, and because I'm procrastinating on a couple of my other tasks that I need to get done, I figured I would post a little update with my current books that I'm reading, as well as TV shows that I am currently watching.

First, books!

RECENT READS

The first of my reads is Summer Knight (The Dresden Files, #4) by Jim Butcher. I'm about 70 pages through it so far, and I'm not minding it. I'm still in that space where I don't have a really passionate opinion about this series yet--so far I've been giving the books 2 or 3 stars each on Goodreads. I do like a few of the characters (Murphy, Marcone, Michael... all the 'M' names apparently) but Harry himself is not my favorite archetype for a character, so I don't really... care? What happens to him? Still, I'm going to soldier on and continue the series, and I'll let you guys know what my official position is about 16 books from now!

My second read is Truthwitch (The Witchlands, #1) by Susan Dennard. This one is a YA Fantasy that released a few years back, and it is actually a reread for me. The first time around, I gave it 3.5 stars, but I won a giveaway for this book, the novella, and the sequel, so I am definitely planning on continuing in the series. And I'm actually liking it a bit more this time around--maybe because there isn't as much hype or expectations surrounding it. I do feel like there's this weird sense of a lot of payoff without a lot of buildup, even only 150 pages through. But I guess that means that things will only get more exciting from here on out!

I'm hoping to finish both of these books in the next couple weeks and then start in on my reread of The Hobbit!

RECENT WATCHES



Show: Hannibal
My Watching Status: Complete
# of Seasons: 3 (@ Netflix... make it 4!)
Favorite Episodes: 1x10, 1x13, 2x12, 2x13, 3x12, 3x13
Streaming Service: Netflix

This was the first of my recent binge-watches and it was a doozy. One part crime procedural, one part psychological thriller, one part horror and one part gothic romance, the visuals and slowburn of this show were delectably done. There were parallels drawn between episodes that I know are going to be even more rewarding upon a rewatch (which I plan to do in around October, since Autumn/Halloween season seems like the perfect time for it.) I really loved the characters, especially the main character, Will Graham. I felt so bad for him, but his descent into madness (as it were) was really gripping and I never knew what direction the show would go next. Also, kudos for making murders occasionally strangely beautiful?

(Also the Season 2 finale of this show is in IMDB's Top 15 highest rated TV show episodes of all time, and it's place is rightly earned.)

Also, obligatory content warnings for (extreme) gore, violence, murder, cannibalism, gaslighting, and probably others that I am blanking on right now. If you have a strong stomach however, I definitely recommend this criminally underrated show.



Show: Community
My Watching Status: Currently on late Season 5
# of Seasons: 6 (and a movie?)
Favorite Episodes: 1x23, 2x06, 2x13, 2x23, 2x24, 3x04, 3x10, 3x16, 3x17, 4x03, 4x05, 5x05
Streaming Service: Netflix

This has been the latest binge watch with my little brother. We are both watching this for the first time, although it has been recommended to me before. I wasn't 100% sure about it at first, but it quickly proved to be just as funny and endearing as some of my other favorite sitcoms like Parks and Recreation and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. This show follows a study group full of misfits at a community college that is kind of falling apart at the seams. I think the characters are great, and it honestly has made me laugh more times than I can count. The levity of this show is much appreciated during this trying time, and I am also glad to finally understand some of the memes and jokes that come from this show! (Such as the gif of Troy walking into a chaotic room with pizza! Obligatory gif attached below.)



I have to say, one of my favorite parts of the show is undoubtedly Troy and Abed's friendship (and they also happen to be my two favorite characters), so I'm more than a little bummed that Donald Glover left the show, since it means I won't get to see any more of their shenanigans... until I rewatch that is!


Finally, other shows I've recently watched have included Rick and Morty (a show done by the creator of Community. My brothers made me watch it, since all three of them really like it. Personally, it is not my favorite but I'm glad they are having a good time at least!) as well as rewatching my all-time favorite show, Lost. I'm almost done with that one, though.

If anybody has any other TV show or book recommendations for me, I am all ears! Now, off to hopefully get those tasks I've been procrastinating on done... or maybe I will just continue my Community marathon instead. :P

Until next time!