LOOK / LISTEN

Our monthly round-up of good books, podcasts, channels, movies and series.

WHAT WE'RE READING

Colourless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage

by Haruki Murakami

In his 13th novel, acclaimed Japanese author Murakami poetically unpacks the life of Tsukuru Tazaki. His four best friends from school all had colours for last names; only Tazaki’s last name had no colour in it. One day, his friends announced that they no longer want to see or talk to him, ever again. Since that day Tsukuru has been floating through a colourless life, unable to form connections with anyone, until he meets Sara, who tells him that the time has come to find out what happened all those years ago.

Goodreads score: 3.87/5

A Word Child

by Iris Murdoch

Hilary Burde had a troubled childhood, but he was really smart with languages to the point of being enrolled at Oxford. A controversial accident robs Hilary of completing his studies. Fuelled by obsessive guilt and self-depreciation, he is confined to a mundane office job in London. When the man whom he has harmed reappears as his superior, Hilary hopes for redemption and a new life, but finds himself haunted by a ghostly repetition. A Word Child will have you scream out of frustration, cry because of Hilary’s terrible luck and laugh at the antics of an odd main character.

Goodreads score: 3.88/5

WHERE WE'RE TUNED IN

Sorelle Amore

Free Human series

After years of sharing tools and tricks to becoming a content creator, YouTuber Sorelle Amore built a high-grossing online business focussed on courses in finance and photography, travelled across the globe, wrote a book and documented it all authentically. In a near 180-degree shift, Sorelle set out to create the Free Human Series, which launched in February of 2023. In the series she shares her own journey – as well as extensive interviews with digital nomads and the unconventionally employed and successful – to leave the hamster wheel behind and become a truly free human.

Our favourite episode: “My crippling anxiety led me to finding freedom” - ft Free Human Julia Wheeler

Armchair Expert

Fascinated by the complexities of human nature, hosts Dax Shepard and Monica Padman invite listeners to explore diverse personal stories, focusing on the struggles and triumphs that foster growth and improvement. Shepard brings unique qualifications to this quest: over ten years of sobriety, a background in anthropology, and extensive improv training. Embracing the spirit of 16thcentury scientists, he seeks to uncover universal human truths, eschewing traditional scientific methods for a more conversational, exploratory approach.

Our favourite episode: Matthew McConaughey

WHAT WE'RE WATCHING

No Hard Feelings

When Maddie finds an intriguing job listing, it seems like her financial woes will be gone, and she won’t be losing her childhood home. Wealthy helicopter parents hire Maddie to “date” their very awkward and inexperienced 19-year-old son, Percy, before he leaves for college. What should have been easy money for Maddie, turns into an unexpected challenge filled with cringeworthy and comedic relief.

Tomatometer: 70%

Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones

In this docuseries, National Geographic Fellow and author Dan Buettner travels to five regions across the globe to uncover the secrets of centenarians. In Japan, Italy, Greece, Puerto Rico and California, unique communities seem to have cracked the code to long, healthy and vibrant lives. Dan dissects the diets and exercises of these “Blue Zones”, but more profoundly, their mindset and lifestyles that inspire viewers to seek balanced and fulfilling lives.

Tomatometer: 100%