Covid Care Package

For a change of pace, I wanted to highlight some of my favourite books, albums and tv shows that have helped me navigate through this new World we’re all living in.

Books: As a young kid and teenager I was always an avid reader. I remember in Grade 10 we had to do a book review and I chose John Grisham’s “A Time To Kill”. Being an overachiever, I also read “The Firm” and “The Pelican Brief”. Later in Grade 12, we had to analyze a novel, this time I chose Australian author John Marsden’s Tomorrow When the War Began. It was the first in the series of seven books, I went on to read the entire series. Over the years my passion for reading ebbs and flows. I went through a phase where I read every single novel that Matthew Quick wrote. In an effort to get back into reading, in 2019 I challenged myself to read a book a month. I’ve continued this trend into 2020. Below are my favourite reads so far this year.

Where The Crawdads Sing - Delia Owens: This is one of those instances where the Universe drops little breadcrumb signs that eventually you can’t ignore. I think it began with my Kindle app recommending I read it. Then I saw it listed on a blog’s top reads list. The final straw was when a colleague mentioned that her Mother had just finished reading it. With that said, it’s hands down one of the best books I have ever read, ever. It has everything, romance, mystery and murder. I don’t want to say too much about it, because I enjoyed going into this book without any knowledge or expectations. What I will say is that it is a massive page turner, I couldn’t put it down. If you read one book this year, make it “Where The Crawdads Sing”. [Amazon link]

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes - Suzanne Collins: I previously read all three novels in “The Hunger Games” series when I was laid up in bed after having all four wisdom teeth removed. “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” is a prequel to the events that take place in “The Hunger Games”. Coming ten years after the phenomenon, I was nervous it was simply a money grab to cash in on the success of the franchise. I needn’t have, I was captivated just as much by the prequel as I was the original and now I want more! I’m hoping that Suzanne Collins expands on “The Hunger Games” universe she’s created. If you are a fan of the original series, this is a must read. [Amazon link]

Normal People - Sally Rooney: I first heard about Normal People when Daniel Levy (of Schitt’s Creek fame) mentioned that it was the latest tv show he binged. I came to find that the tv series was based on Sally Rooney’s novel. As someone that likes to read the book before watching the show or movie, I sunk my teeth into it as I entered my mandatory 2-week hotel quarantine when I returned to Brisbane. It took sometime to get into it, but when it kicked in, I couldn’t put it down. A fantastic portrayal of young adults navigating those awkward years, trying to figure out who they are and their place in this big World. The themes are universal and resonated with me on a number of levels. I’ve since watched the series and thought it was a fantastic adaptation, capturing the heart and spirit of the novel perfectly. [Amazon link] [Hulu link]

Albums: I’m a music aficionado. It’s always played a big part of my life. I remember always being surrounded by music. From my parents’ record collection to watching musicals with my Grandparents. I always enjoyed waking up early on a Saturday to watch the weekly music video charts on tv. For me music is life, it’s my oxygen, it’s in my blood. Here are some of the albums I’ve had on repeat over the last few months.

Future Nostalgia – Dua Lipa: I’ve been a fan of Dua since day one and her debut self-titled album is still one of my all-time favourite albums. She didn’t disappoint with her follow up, “Future Nostalgia”. Dropping at the beginning of the Covid pandemic, it has become my go to album to play when doing a workout. This album was made for the dancefloor, but in lieu of that, it is guaranteed to get your heat rate going during these quarantine workout times. Put it on, go for a walk/jog or help motivate you during those home workouts. [Spotify link]

Thundering Hopes – Hazlett: I don’t remember exactly when I first heard Hazlett’s music, but it wasn’t until he started releasing tracks as part of the “Thunder Hopes” EP that I became a true fan. It was then that I realized his hometown is Brisbane, Australia, which made me love him even more. Those that know me, know I’m a proud Aussie and always like to advocate for local talent. Someone who writes and sings from the heart, there’s something pure and honest about his songs and how he delivers them. It’s a journey of love, loss, self-reflection; Hazlett himself describes it being about “… those moments when you move on and feel normal again.” Something I think we can all relate to right now. [Spotify link]

Bloodline - Ben Hazelwood: Ben Hazlewood first came to my attention during The Voice Australia’s first season back in 2012. He was always a standout to me. Whilst it took him sometime to release his full length album, it’s been quite the journey and well worth the wait. "Bloodline" is a contemporary pop album littered with synths, loops, acoustic guitars, bass and drum beats accompanied by Ben's powerful vocals. Most of the tracks have a very anthemic feel, but still carry a lot of emotion. A very open and honest set of songs. [Spotify link]

Three. Two. One - Lennon Stella: Lennon Stella is a “Nashville” alumni, having graced our tv screens for 6 season as Maddie Conrad. To be honest, it wasn’t until the last season that Lennon really started to shine (for me). She has always had an incredible voice and is undeniably talented, however, her character was always a precocious and rambunctious teen and I was often annoyed by her story arcs. Since leaving the show I have followed her career and watched her mature and blossom as an artist with every single released. Her debut album is filled with beautiful vocals that have you feeling every emotion she sings. For me, the standout track is “Older Than I Am”, a song I can personally relate to very well. Give it a spin, if only to hear Lennon’s insane vocal talents. [Spotify link]

folklore – Taylor Swift: Although it only dropped a few days ago, this is the surprise gift that no one was expecting and already clocking a number of plays. Another change in direction for Taylor Swift, but one that she effortlessly leans into with ease. A very introspective album, the fancy and heavy production has been dropped and we see a return of Taylor the storyteller, weaving beautiful narratives to an instrument driven album. She continues to amaze and inspire with her abilities. Whether you are a fan of Taylor or not, you owe it to yourself to listen (without prejudice) to this album. [Spotify link]

Tv shows: To be honest, I haven’t been watching a lot of tv, not as much as I thought I would be considering I self-quarantined in Tampa, Florida for 3 months before moving back to Australia. I will admit that I did succumb to peer pressure and watched Tiger King. Because part of the story involved a Tampa based Big Cat Rescue, it was unavoidable; everyone was watching and talking about it. In Brisbane quarantine, I got sucked into watching Australian Big Brother and the latest cycle of The Voice. They filled a void and helped pass the time. Below are the shows I thoroughly enjoyed binging and can highly recommend.

Schitt’s Creek: I freely admit this, when it comes to Schitt’s Creek, I totally slept on it. I had a lot of friends talking about it and one particular co-worker that was insistent that I watch it. It wasn’t until the 6th and final season was airing that I jumped on the bandwagon. It was the start of the self-quarantine and I wanted something light and fun to watch. What I got was a heart-warming and beautiful story that I was not expecting. By the time I finished, I wanted to go back and re-watch it from the start, I loved the characters and stories THAT much. I highly recommend watching. I give it the Mikey Guarantee. If you are not satisfied, you’ll get a full refund! [Netflix link]

Central Park: I kept seeing ads online for Central Park; love them or hate them, Google does a fantastic job of re-targeting ads, the same ad will follow you around the internet for days or weeks. It wasn’t until I was out of hotel quarantine and living back in my apartment with my twin that I got into Central Park. Here I was on the lounge room floor assembling flat packs (office desk and dresser drawers) while my brother was laughing uncontrollably watching “Central Park”. At that point, I had to quit what I was doing and join him to watch it. The best description is a musical animated comedy sitcom. It’s “Glee” meets “South Park”. [Apple TV link]

Little Fires Everywhere: I’d previously read the Celeste Ng novel which the tv show was adapted from and was surprised when I saw it listed on Hulu; I hadn’t heard any reports of them turning it into a tv series. When I saw that Reese Witherspoon was involved, I knew it would be a winner. An intense drama about family secrets and how fiercely protective mothers can be. A riveting rollercoaster of emotions that will leave you captivated until the very end. Read the book. Watch the series. [Hulu link] [Amazon link]

Ozark: Like “Schitt’s Creek”, a number of friends had raved about how great “Ozark” is. For whatever reason, I just never really looked into it. Queue self-quarantine and I decided to load it up. Whilst the first episode moved a little slowly, by the second and third episode, you best have your seat belt buckled, because it’s a wild and intense ride. Rumors are that the next season will be the last, which I will be fine with. Due to the subject matter, there’s only so much you can do with the story arcs before it becomes too ridiculous and outrageous. I will give one warning, in season 3 a character who suffers from bipolar is introduced. As someone that has a family member that is diagnosed bipolar, at times this storyline was difficult to watch, it hit very close to home. In saying that, it’s a testament to the writers and actors, in portraying a very serious subject matter in a real, raw and honest way. It is a very dark series, so maybe bookend it with a comedy and something light. [Netflix link]

Feel free to comment below with any book, music and tv show recommendations. I’m always looking for suggestions.