February's Read, Watched, and Listened
Read
Before the Coffee Gets Cold, by Toshikazu Kawaguchi – Touching, heartwarming, and heartbreaking. The rules of the cafe and the time travel are perfect in making the moments even more meaningful, and I loved how the author made it so.
The Poppy War, by R.F. Kuang - This series has been win my list since the release of this first novel. I don't always seek out a fantasy trilogy but, this one kept getting great reviews and I loved that there was a hint towards the 120th century history between China and Japan.
The Dragon Republic, by R.F. Kuang - The way that the first book ended had me going right into the second book. I wanted to see more of Venka and Kitty, and to see how their stories shaped up.
The Burning God, by R.F. Kuang - Like the first, upon finishing the second I had to go right into the third. I suppose that is the advantage of waiting until the full trilogy is released (so that you don't have to wait for each book). All in all a great series that I would love to see in an animated series someday.
Watched
WandaVision - currently at s1 e8. Kathryn Hahn. She elevates everything she is a part of. Loved her in Parks & Recreation, and loved her even more here. The show is an overall entertaining slow-build, with great homages to sitcoms throughout the different eras. Was a fun watch!
Bob’s Burgers - currently at s4 e10. Just something to have on in the background without needing to pay a whole lot of attention to the story. Though, I will say, there are some awesomely funny episodes and one-liners throughout this show. I always figured that it was good but never really dedicated any time to watching it. Worth the wait to be able to binge episodes.
Nomadland (2020) - I loved the way that this "blended" between a documentary and a fictional narrative. The cinematography is fantastic, as well as all of the stories shared by the real "van lifers".
Listened
This month’s rotation included Natalie Merchant, Dire Straits, Korn, Smashing Pumpkins, Smokey Brights, and David Bowie.
[Single] “Deliver Me From Wondering Why” by Nation of Language - a really well-written song reminiscent of the 80s.
[Single] “While We Wait” by Dominique Fils-Aime - Not sure how anyone who listens to it doesn’t immediately fall in love with it.
[Podcast] Criminal, “Episode 157: The Short Life of Qandeel Baloch” - shocking and well, disheartening. Honor killings are something that I will never understand.
[Podcast] Death, Sex and Money, “Getting Real About Getting Older, Live” - A lot of fascinating perspectives from the callers, especially those who were so honest about what they're feeling not only getting older but, being older during the pandemic.