LOOK / LISTEN

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

WHAT WE'RE READING

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Ageing Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo decides to tell her life story and enlists an unknown journalist, Monique Grant, to be her confidante. Through seven marriages, Reid crafts a narrative that elegantly intertwines ambition, fame, love and the secrets that shroud a glamorous life. Said to be based on the life of Elizabeth Taylor, the novel's immersive storytelling captures the allure of Old Hollywood with a candid and compelling voice, while delving into the poignant realities behind the scenes.

Goodreads score: 4.43/5

Untamed

by Glennon Doyle

Part memoir, part self-help, Untamed is a wake-up call for how each of us can begin to trust ourselves enough to set boundaries, make peace with our bodies, honour our anger and heartbreak, and unleash our truest, wildest instincts. In her soulful and tender style Doyle tells the relatable story of growing up as a girl in a man’s world, of divorce and forming a family that does not depend on its structure but on each member’s ability to bring their authentic self to the table. It is a tear-jerking, empowering masterpiece.

Goodreads score: 4/5

WHERE WE'RE TUNED IN

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

Author, life-coach and ex-monk, Jay's skillful interviews and thought-provoking conversations delve deep into the realms of personal development, mindfulness and meaningful living. His guests range from renowned thought leaders to celebrities and everyday individuals with extraordinary stories. The podcast, fuelled by Jay's eloquence and genuine curiosity, covers a spectrum of topics from mental well-being to societal impact. It is a rich and transformative listening experience for anyone on a journey of self-discovery and growth.

Our favourite episode is with guest Dr. Gabor Maté, who shares his deep understanding of childhood trauma, vulnerability, grief and emotional distress.

Eugenia Diaz on YouTube

Just two years ago, after growing weary of hustling as a medical doctor, Eugenia and her partner Pepe bought a smallholding in the countryside of Portugal. In a tiny house, which they built from the ground up, with an organic garden that keeps growing, Eugenia’s weekly videos are cinematic, soothing and simply beautiful to watch. All the inspiration you need to pursue off-grid living, wholesome cooking and sustainable gardening, you will find in her videos.

Our favourite episode is #10 Building an Art Studio, Making Flower Balm and Campfire Cooking.

WHAT WE'RE WATCHING

Vengeance (2022)

New York City journalist and podcaster Ben Manalowitz finds himself entangled in a web of suspicion and grief when a forgotten hookup, Abby, dies of an overdose. Ben travels to West Texas on the insistence of Ty Shaw, Abby's determined brother, and the two join forces to unravel the truth behind her untimely death. Vengeance is a dark comedy, laced with suspense and an unexpected twist in the plot. The film subtly comments on the cultural disparity between Texas and a place like New York.

Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer: 81%

Daisy Jones and the Six

The series, adapted from Taylor Jenkins Reid's acclaimed novel, blends documentary-style interviews with dramatic reenactments to tell the story of the rise and fall of a fictional rock band. Anchored by outstanding performances, particularly from the leads portraying Daisy and Billy, the show captures the essence of the era's rock 'n' roll excesses, creative collaborations, and personal conflicts. The narrative's unique format, resembling a VH1 Behind the Music special, lends an authentic and immersive quality to the storytelling.

Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer: 70%