What we're reading, watching and listening to
Bits and pieces from a collection of tired and inspired mums
I’m too tired to say anything smart or wonderful, so instead, here’s some links to the smart and wonderful words in written and spoken and visual form. Some from me, some from you (via the Ready or Not Instagram polls I regularly put up), here’s a big list of what we’re reading, watching, and listening to in late May.
The books I’m reading (nothing new here…me and every other person, it seems):
I’ve just finished Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin and wow I loved it. Don’t be put off by the video game narrative, it’s brilliant and wow humans are complex and I mostly love them. There’s a particularly page that kicked me right in the guts. It’s to do with Marx and if you know you know and if you don’t you’ll have to read it.
I’ve just started Wifedom by Anna Funder and I am already obsessed with the way she is weaving her motherhood into this story. I am also fascinated by her at-odds feelings towards Orwell. She’s long admired his writing, but she realises he’s a bit of an asshole. And I think we’ve all come to feel that way about a man we’ve known at some point, no?
The podcasts I’ve listened to and loved recently:
A Conversation on Grief (The Deep, featuring the duo behind Good Mourning).
A powerful episode for anyone navigating grief or trying to hold someone through their grief (my friendship group is currently doing both, and I am very grateful for the work these women are doing).
My mum is of course not biased at all and she just called me to tell me how incredible this story is. So now you should take her word for it and listen, too.
What is a perineum…do I have one? (Witching Hour)
Look, I think I’m allowed to recommend this one because I am not in it. What a hoot it was listening to our brilliant special guest co-host step in for me during some sad times!
Some articles I enjoyed this week:
If you’ve listened to our Witching Hour episode on whether we deserve to be outraged by another mum’s postpartum journey, you’ll know that Sarah Peterson needs to get outside of my brain. But I hope she doesn’t. It’s a really interesting exploration into what, why, and how — if at all — we should and have the right to pick apart social media discourse.
AND NOW, OVER TO YOU, OUR DEAR COMMUNITY…
The books you’re reading:
The Work by Bri Lee (this came from more than one of you)
Women and Children by Tony Birch (desperate to read this)
Breakdown by Cathy Sweeny (this person added “so much to relate to… you won’t regret it!” and wow I just read the synopsis and I believe her)
Honeybee by Craig Silvey (can’t believe I am yet to read this, been meaning to, for too long)
Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors. This looks a wonderful story on what we move through as humans. I am just going to say I’m adding everyfknthing on this list to the list, aren’t I?
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano. This has reminded me that this has come recommended before so I best get to it.
Whenever You’re Ready by Trish Bolton. Love me a book that explores how our lives intertwine.
How to be a Calm Parent by Sarah Ockwell Smith. Must add to cart. Ray probably agrees. Posie too young to agree.
The Love Contract by Steph Vizard. This is actually on the list. Looks brill.
Lola in the Mirror by Trent Dalton. Another book I’ve been promising my friends I’ll read. Trent Dalont was referred to as the literary golden retriever at a talk I went to recently and I just think that is so bang on.
Safe Haven by Shankari Chandran. Wow, this looks like an important read. Please let me say once more, it’s on the list.
What you’re listening to:
The amount of you that said Ready or Not! Stop that! But please, never do!
Struggle Care (This particular episode was mentioned, on trad wives and antifeminism. I’m diving in ASAP)
Billie Eilish’s new album. I’m so embarrassed to say I don’t know a single song but I am going to give it a listen. I love that someone actually mentioned music because sometimes my brain is simply too busy for more bloody podcasts. I have to listen to and review my own far too often.
I’ll Ask my Sister — a podcast by Ready or Not alumni, Ellen Hooper!
What you’re watching:
Bridgerton’s new season. I was not a mad fan, but I definitely used the first season to get me in the mood when pregnancy wasn’t happening overnight and sex got mundane. Lol. So maybe it’ll get me in the mood again after postpartum round two?
Ted Lasso. The perfect comfort watch.
Fallout. This sounds weird but maybe wonderful? I’m not sure it’s for me but I am intrigued…
Ashley Maddison: Sex, Lies and Scandal. The premise sounds pretty bloody juicy. Might have to see what it’s all about.
Bodkin. This person just found a show my husband and I will agree on. THANK YOUP!
Ripley I can’t believe I didn’t know this was becoming a new show?
American Fiction. I screen grabbed this from Jessie Stephens, who said it was funny and smart. That’s enough for me.