The Ink Black Heart
I'm catching up with Robert Galbraith's (or J K Rowling's) prodigious output and am devouring The Ink Black Heart. It's a doorstop of a book, which is perfect for summer. What will you be reading on the beach?
And just like that (Season 2)
I confess I was sceptical about the Sex-and-the-City sequel, And Just Like That. Scorned by critics, I was surprised that the first series was entertaining with a modern take on the characters from the 90s. Season 2 has just dropped, so it's Cosmopolitan time again.
Before and laughter
A comedian writing a self-help book? It sounds like a joke, but edgy British comedian Jimmy Carr does a wonderful job of putting together pithy life hacks (with jokes sprinkled throughout).
Barry
An assassin has a crisis of confidence and decides to become an actor instead. Unlikely? Perhaps. His attempts at trying to reconcile the two parts of his life are the basis of this highly-rated dark HBO comedy starring Bill Hader and Henry Winkler. Available on your favourite streaming service.
Grant County series (Karen Slaughter)
Karen Slaughter's addictive Grant County series is what's draining my Kindle battery these days. Tight plot lines, twists at every turn and a dark mind that comes up with gruesome crimes - I think I'm falling in love!
Air
Based on the true story of how Nike changed the world of advertising, Air has the dream team of Ben Affleck and Matt Damon back together for a joyful romp through the 80s. In cinemas now.
Shrinking
We live in an era of great TV which is becoming a refined art-form in its own right. I'm enjoying the self-deprecating sarcastic humour of Apple TV's highly-rated Shrinking, starring Harrison Ford & Jason Segel.
Trying
I've just completed the 4th season of this highly-rated, sweet, tear-jerker which shows no signs of wearing out. Bliss.
Jake Brigance series (John Grisham)
With Easter approaching, it's good to have a gripping book to relax with. I'm indulging my love of legal thrillers with John Grisham's excellent fare. Sycamore Row - the sequel to A Time to Kill - is a classic.
The Whale
It may have been a controversial Oscar win, but the film's claustrophobic approach to living with a self-imposed disability is a masterclass in emotional vulnerability and make-up wizardry.