Books - Very Obsessed https://veryobsessed.com/category/entertainment/books/ An Unfiltered Lifestyle, Entertainment & Travel Blog Sun, 30 Oct 2022 20:42:58 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://veryobsessed.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/cropped-favicon_final_vo-1-1-32x32.png Books - Very Obsessed https://veryobsessed.com/category/entertainment/books/ 32 32 The Last Things He Told Me Review https://veryobsessed.com/the-last-things-he-told-me-review/ https://veryobsessed.com/the-last-things-he-told-me-review/#respond Sat, 16 Apr 2022 00:54:54 +0000 https://veryobsessed.com/?p=5684 The Last Thing He Told Me Laura Dave This book has a twist on a typical whodunit, in the fact that we kind of know whodunit, it’s a question of whydunit (I believe I just made that up). When the husband of the main character goes missing, but it’s clear he planned it, and leaves her with his teenage daughter, they want answers. This book has suspense and is a page-turner; it kept my interest the whole way through. I also like that you ultimately get answers, I loathe when things are left open-ended. I am: Entertained

The post The Last Things He Told Me Review appeared first on Very Obsessed.

]]> If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support! See disclosure for details.

The Last Thing He Told Me

Laura Dave

This book has a twist on a typical whodunit, in the fact that we kind of know whodunit, it’s a question of whydunit (I believe I just made that up).

When the husband of the main character goes missing, but it’s clear he planned it, and leaves her with his teenage daughter, they want answers.

This book has suspense and is a page-turner; it kept my interest the whole way through. I also like that you ultimately get answers, I loathe when things are left open-ended.

I am: Entertained

The Last Thing He Told Me Laura Dave Book Cover

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am very obsessed with FTC compliance so check out my full disclosure for details.

The post The Last Things He Told Me Review appeared first on Very Obsessed.

]]> https://veryobsessed.com/the-last-things-he-told-me-review/feed/ 0 This Week’s Binge | March 2022 https://veryobsessed.com/this-weeks-binge-march-2022/ https://veryobsessed.com/this-weeks-binge-march-2022/#respond Fri, 01 Apr 2022 12:30:00 +0000 https://veryobsessed.com/?p=5660 I achieved my goal of watching all the Oscar-nominated movies prior to the awards ceremony. I’m very happy Coda won, it was definitely my favorite! What an action-packed night, amiright? Watch | Series Bridgerton | Season 2 Netflix Let me just start by saying that Bridgerton is not good, I’m well aware of that. The stories are cheesy and predictable and flirt with soft-core. With that being said, when I binge an entire season in 2 days, is there anything else to say other than Obsessed? I loved Bridgerton season 1 so much that I wasn’t sure what to expect of season 2, especially knowing that Regé-Jean wouldn’t be in it, but I found myself pulled in. I haven’t read any of the novels because I don’t love romance novels, which is exactly what this series is. It’s a romance novel turned into a soap opera-y saga but somehow Shona Rhimes has made it addicting. I cannot WAIT for season 3! I am: Obsessed The Gilded Age HBO Max The Gilded Age was presented as an American version of Downton Abbey, it’s from the same creators after all, and in the same general time period. It kind of is, but since it takes place in NYC it’s without all the royalty, without the countryside, and with a little more lightheartedness. The series takes a few episodes to get into, but once the characters develop it’s quite entertaining. I’ll be watching season 2! I am: Entertained Watch | Movies West Side Story Disney+ As someone who loves the original West Side Story musical, and has seen it countless times, I wasn’t sure what to expect with Steven Spielberg’s 2022 reboot. He does a great job! Almost too good actually. The casting is great (shoutout to Ariana Debose’s Oscar win), but the story and the music are very, very similar to the original. Like so exact that it makes me wonder if a remake was actually necessary. So there you go, I guess it’s kind of a ‘damned if you do, damned if you don’t’ situation. I’m complicated. I am: Entertained The Power of the Dog Netflix This movie is slow and not particularly original, but I watched it because it was nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. I think this is one of those movies that is nominated because of the cinematography, but if I’m being honest, wasn’t anything groundbreaking. The acting and casting were great though, so I’ll give them that. I am: Entertained Read | Books The Last Thing He Told Me Laura Dave This book has a twist on a typical whodunit, in the fact that we kind of know whodunit, it’s a question of whydunit (I believe I just made that up). When the husband of the main character goes missing, but it’s clear he planned it, and leaves her with his teenage daughter, they want answers. This book has suspense and is a page-turner; it kept my interest the whole way through. I also like that you ultimately get answers, I loathe when things are left open-ended. I am: Entertained What Else I Binged… Here’s a quick review of what else I binged this month Love is Blind | Season 2 | Nick and Vanessa Lachey are back for a season series of the experiment, where couples choose who they are going to marry before seeing them. Still bad, still good. | Entertained American Auto | This scripted sitcom has great casting. It’s like The Office was current and took place in the executive offices of an automotive company. | Entertained Belfast | As my aunt puts it, this is a ‘slice of life’ film during the unrest of Northern Ireland in the 1960s. | Entertained Love on the Spectrum | Season 2 | The second season of this heartwarming reality series about people on the Autism spectrum looking for love in Australia is just as good as the first (with some repeat appearances!) | Obsessed King Richard | I wish this film focused more on Venus and Serena Williams’ rise instead of their father, but it gave me a whole new appreciation for their journey of breaking barriers as a professional athletes. | Entertained Licorice Pizza | A coming of age story set in 1970s California, there were some themes I was bothered by but the highlight was Cooper Hoffman’s (Philip Seymour Hoffman’s son) acting debut. | Entertained

The post This Week’s Binge | March 2022 appeared first on Very Obsessed.

]]> I achieved my goal of watching all the Oscar-nominated movies prior to the awards ceremony. I’m very happy Coda won, it was definitely my favorite! What an action-packed night, amiright?

If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support! See disclosure for details.

Watch | Series

Bridgerton | Season 2

Netflix

Let me just start by saying that Bridgerton is not good, I’m well aware of that. The stories are cheesy and predictable and flirt with soft-core. With that being said, when I binge an entire season in 2 days, is there anything else to say other than Obsessed?

I loved Bridgerton season 1 so much that I wasn’t sure what to expect of season 2, especially knowing that Regé-Jean wouldn’t be in it, but I found myself pulled in.

I haven’t read any of the novels because I don’t love romance novels, which is exactly what this series is. It’s a romance novel turned into a soap opera-y saga but somehow Shona Rhimes has made it addicting.

I cannot WAIT for season 3!

I am: Obsessed

Bridgerton Season 2 Netflix Series Poster

The Gilded Age

HBO Max

The Gilded Age was presented as an American version of Downton Abbey, it’s from the same creators after all, and in the same general time period.

It kind of is, but since it takes place in NYC it’s without all the royalty, without the countryside, and with a little more lightheartedness.

The series takes a few episodes to get into, but once the characters develop it’s quite entertaining. I’ll be watching season 2!

I am: Entertained

The Gilded Age HBO Max Series Poster

Watch | Movies

West Side Story

Disney+

As someone who loves the original West Side Story musical, and has seen it countless times, I wasn’t sure what to expect with Steven Spielberg’s 2022 reboot.

He does a great job! Almost too good actually. The casting is great (shoutout to Ariana Debose’s Oscar win), but the story and the music are very, very similar to the original. Like so exact that it makes me wonder if a remake was actually necessary.

So there you go, I guess it’s kind of a ‘damned if you do, damned if you don’t’ situation. I’m complicated.

I am: Entertained

West Side Story Movie Poster

The Power of the Dog

Netflix

This movie is slow and not particularly original, but I watched it because it was nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. I think this is one of those movies that is nominated because of the cinematography, but if I’m being honest, wasn’t anything groundbreaking.

The acting and casting were great though, so I’ll give them that.

I am: Entertained

The Power of the Dog Movie Poster

Read | Books

The Last Thing He Told Me

Laura Dave

This book has a twist on a typical whodunit, in the fact that we kind of know whodunit, it’s a question of whydunit (I believe I just made that up).

When the husband of the main character goes missing, but it’s clear he planned it, and leaves her with his teenage daughter, they want answers.

This book has suspense and is a page-turner; it kept my interest the whole way through. I also like that you ultimately get answers, I loathe when things are left open-ended.

I am: Entertained

The Last Thing He Told Me Laura Dave Book Cover

What Else I Binged…

Here’s a quick review of what else I binged this month

  • Love is Blind | Season 2 | Nick and Vanessa Lachey are back for a season series of the experiment, where couples choose who they are going to marry before seeing them. Still bad, still good. | Entertained
  • American Auto | This scripted sitcom has great casting. It’s like The Office was current and took place in the executive offices of an automotive company. | Entertained
  • Belfast | As my aunt puts it, this is a ‘slice of life’ film during the unrest of Northern Ireland in the 1960s. | Entertained
  • Love on the Spectrum | Season 2 | The second season of this heartwarming reality series about people on the Autism spectrum looking for love in Australia is just as good as the first (with some repeat appearances!) | Obsessed
  • King Richard | I wish this film focused more on Venus and Serena Williams’ rise instead of their father, but it gave me a whole new appreciation for their journey of breaking barriers as a professional athletes. | Entertained
  • Licorice Pizza | A coming of age story set in 1970s California, there were some themes I was bothered by but the highlight was Cooper Hoffman’s (Philip Seymour Hoffman’s son) acting debut. | Entertained

Looking for more to binge? Check out:

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am very obsessed with FTC compliance so check out my full disclosure for details.

The post This Week’s Binge | March 2022 appeared first on Very Obsessed.

]]> https://veryobsessed.com/this-weeks-binge-march-2022/feed/ 0 The Christie Affair Review https://veryobsessed.com/the-christie-affair-review/ https://veryobsessed.com/the-christie-affair-review/#respond Wed, 09 Mar 2022 03:10:54 +0000 https://veryobsessed.com/?p=5522 The Christie Affair Nina de Gramont If you know anything about the famed author Agatha Christie it’s that in her mid-30s, in the 1920s, she went missing for 11 days. She never said what happened and no one knows for sure. What we do know is that she went missing the same day her husband told her he was leaving her for his mistress. What Nina de Gramont does is imagine what could have happened during those 11 days, but told from the mistress’s perspective. She isn’t the first person to speculate what happened, but I do think this is the first time I’ve seen it with this twist. And although that is completely speculative (or just made up) what else is happening in the book is a type of historical fiction. I definitely learned something new about Ireland and England in the early 1900s. I am: Entertained

The post The Christie Affair Review appeared first on Very Obsessed.

]]>

The Christie Affair

Nina de Gramont

If you know anything about the famed author Agatha Christie it’s that in her mid-30s, in the 1920s, she went missing for 11 days. She never said what happened and no one knows for sure. What we do know is that she went missing the same day her husband told her he was leaving her for his mistress.

What Nina de Gramont does is imagine what could have happened during those 11 days, but told from the mistress’s perspective.

She isn’t the first person to speculate what happened, but I do think this is the first time I’ve seen it with this twist. And although that is completely speculative (or just made up) what else is happening in the book is a type of historical fiction. I definitely learned something new about Ireland and England in the early 1900s.

I am: Entertained

The Christie Affair Nina de Gramont Book Cover

Looking for more to binge? Check out:

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am very obsessed with FTC compliance so check out my full disclosure for details.

The post The Christie Affair Review appeared first on Very Obsessed.

]]> https://veryobsessed.com/the-christie-affair-review/feed/ 0 The Last Dance of the Debutante Review https://veryobsessed.com/the-last-dance-of-the-debutante-review/ https://veryobsessed.com/the-last-dance-of-the-debutante-review/#respond Wed, 09 Feb 2022 03:45:25 +0000 https://veryobsessed.com/?p=5424 The Last Dance of the Debutante Julia Kelly As I big fan of historical fiction, it dawned on me that 1950s London isn’t a time period I’ve read much about. The Last Dance of the Debutante is an interesting novel by Julia Kelly set in London in the late 1950s when women being presented in the Queen and coming out to society officially came to an end. The story is written focusing on one young woman who does the season as requested by her family and a look at the relationships she forms along the way. It’s a little slow in the beginning, but by the end, I couldn’t put the book down. As an American, born into a middle-class Midwestern family, I realized I had no idea how involved the coming-out season was, what it meant to the entire family, and how life-changing it could be for the girl. And that’s part of the reason I love historical fiction. I undoubtedly learn something new and am entertained along the way. I am: Entertained Disclosure: #gifted

The post The Last Dance of the Debutante Review appeared first on Very Obsessed.

]]>

The Last Dance of the Debutante

Julia Kelly

As I big fan of historical fiction, it dawned on me that 1950s London isn’t a time period I’ve read much about.

The Last Dance of the Debutante is an interesting novel by Julia Kelly set in London in the late 1950s when women being presented in the Queen and coming out to society officially came to an end.

The story is written focusing on one young woman who does the season as requested by her family and a look at the relationships she forms along the way. It’s a little slow in the beginning, but by the end, I couldn’t put the book down.

As an American, born into a middle-class Midwestern family, I realized I had no idea how involved the coming-out season was, what it meant to the entire family, and how life-changing it could be for the girl. And that’s part of the reason I love historical fiction. I undoubtedly learn something new and am entertained along the way.

I am: Entertained

Disclosure: #gifted

The Last Dance of the Debutante Julia Kelly Book Cover

Looking for more to binge? Check out:

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am very obsessed with FTC compliance so check out my full disclosure for details.

The post The Last Dance of the Debutante Review appeared first on Very Obsessed.

]]> https://veryobsessed.com/the-last-dance-of-the-debutante-review/feed/ 0 This Week’s Binge | January 2022 https://veryobsessed.com/this-weeks-binge-january-2022/ https://veryobsessed.com/this-weeks-binge-january-2022/#respond Sat, 05 Feb 2022 23:34:24 +0000 https://veryobsessed.com/?p=5395 I binged a lot of TV in the month of January. Unfortunately, I found myself unexpectedly on bereavement and found that watching TV was one of the few things I wanted to do. So, as usual, below are five detailed reviews with bite-sized reviews of all others at the end. Watch | Series Yellowjackets Showtime A girl’s high school soccer team gets in a plane accident in the late 90s and gets stranded in the wilderness. Flash-forward to the present day and it’s kind of a psychological thriller, kind of a whodunit. It goes back and forth between both time periods and it’s sooo good! It’s giving me The Wilds and Lost vibes, but with a spin. The cast is amazing! Since Christina Ricci and Juliette Lewis are quintessential actresses from the 90s the flashbacks really transport you. And the series is confirmed for a season 2! I am: Obsessed Station Eleven HBO Max This limited series is based on the best-selling book from 2014. However…it feels like it could have been written a lot more recently than that since the premise is based on a flu-like virus taking out a significant portion of the population in what results in a post-apocalyptic world. I thought this was sci-fi, but knowing what I know now…maybe it’s just fiction? Timelines flash between pre-pandemic and post-pandemic and I found it so interesting to see how societies manage, and how they form from the rubble. I am: Obsessed Watch | Movies Eternals Disney + A new movie from Marvel Studios with no Superheros I have ever heard of before, I wasn’t sure what to expect with Eternals. This is a long movie clocking in over two and a half hours, and the first, let’s say 30 minutes, was on the slower side. But then it really picks up and I was thoroughly entertained. It makes sense that it’s so long. There are a lot of characters, who we don’t know. Marvel has the difficult job of developing each and every one of those characters while at the same time telling the central story. They’ve done a great job and I’m interested to see where this new group of superheroes will go. P.S. don’t forget to stay for the two post-credit scenes. I am: Entertained Don’t Look Up Netflix With an all-star cast, Meryl Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett just to name a few, this movie starts out as one thing but ends as quite a different film. So while I won’t give anything away, because you know I am spoiler-free over here on Very Obsessed, I will say it’s an entertaining and interesting take on social commentary. I am: Entertained Read | Books The Last Dance of the Debutante Julia Kelly As I big fan of historical fiction, it dawned on me that 1950s London isn’t a time period I’ve read much about. The Last Dance of the Debutante is an interesting novel by Julia Kelly set in London in the late 1950s when women being presented in the Queen and coming out to society officially came to an end. The story is written focusing on one young woman who does the season as requested by her family and a look at the relationships she forms along the way. It’s a little slow in the beginning, but by the end, I couldn’t put the book down. As an American, born into a middle-class Midwestern family, I realized I had no idea how involved the coming-out season was, what it meant to the entire family, and how life-changing it could be for the girl. And that’s part of the reason I love historical fiction. I undoubtedly learn something new and am entertained along the way. I am: Entertained Disclosure: #gifted What Else I Binged… Here’s a quick review of what else I binged this month Imposters | Think of this as a fun suspense series. From episode one you learn that someone has been massively decived by his wife. There are so many twists, turn and surpises. It won’t win any awards but it’s good. | Entertained The Matrix Resurrections | A fourth movie in The Matrix franchise, I like the new cast and the resurrection story, but there are too many action scenese. I’m excited to see where it goes. | Entertained Hawkeye | A new original Marvel series, I wasn’t super familiar with Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye, but like Hailee Steinfeld’s younger POV. | Entertained The Witcher | I had heard rave reviews on this fantasy series, but as someone who claims they don’t like sci-fi I didn’t start watching until the second season came out. Think of this as a lighter version of Game of Thrones. | Obsessed Ghostbusters: Afterlife | A great throwback to the original with a fresh perspective. I pretty much love anything that Paull Rudd is in. | Entertained Wolf Like Me | Josh Gad and Isla Fisher co-star in this limited series dark comedy set in Austrailia. It won’t be for everyone, but I’m hoping it comes back for a second season. | Entertained After Life | A 3 season dramedy from Ricky Gervais, it’s a series about an English man who loses his wife young and how he goes on. I not only found it wildly entertaining (I love a British sense of humor) but also somehow comforting while I was grieivng myself. | Obsessed

The post This Week’s Binge | January 2022 appeared first on Very Obsessed.

]]> I binged a lot of TV in the month of January. Unfortunately, I found myself unexpectedly on bereavement and found that watching TV was one of the few things I wanted to do. So, as usual, below are five detailed reviews with bite-sized reviews of all others at the end.

If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support! See disclosure for details.

Watch | Series

Yellowjackets

Showtime

A girl’s high school soccer team gets in a plane accident in the late 90s and gets stranded in the wilderness. Flash-forward to the present day and it’s kind of a psychological thriller, kind of a whodunit. It goes back and forth between both time periods and it’s sooo good!

It’s giving me The Wilds and Lost vibes, but with a spin.

The cast is amazing! Since Christina Ricci and Juliette Lewis are quintessential actresses from the 90s the flashbacks really transport you. And the series is confirmed for a season 2!

I am: Obsessed

Yellowjackets Showtime Series Poster

Station Eleven

HBO Max

This limited series is based on the best-selling book from 2014. However…it feels like it could have been written a lot more recently than that since the premise is based on a flu-like virus taking out a significant portion of the population in what results in a post-apocalyptic world.

I thought this was sci-fi, but knowing what I know now…maybe it’s just fiction? Timelines flash between pre-pandemic and post-pandemic and I found it so interesting to see how societies manage, and how they form from the rubble.

I am: Obsessed

Station Eleven HBO Max Series Poster

Watch | Movies

Eternals

Disney +

A new movie from Marvel Studios with no Superheros I have ever heard of before, I wasn’t sure what to expect with Eternals.

This is a long movie clocking in over two and a half hours, and the first, let’s say 30 minutes, was on the slower side. But then it really picks up and I was thoroughly entertained.

It makes sense that it’s so long. There are a lot of characters, who we don’t know. Marvel has the difficult job of developing each and every one of those characters while at the same time telling the central story. They’ve done a great job and I’m interested to see where this new group of superheroes will go.

P.S. don’t forget to stay for the two post-credit scenes.

I am: Entertained

Marvel Eternals Disney Plus Movie Poster

Don’t Look Up

Netflix

With an all-star cast, Meryl Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett just to name a few, this movie starts out as one thing but ends as quite a different film.

So while I won’t give anything away, because you know I am spoiler-free over here on Very Obsessed, I will say it’s an entertaining and interesting take on social commentary.

I am: Entertained

Don't Look Up Netflix Movie Poster

Read | Books

The Last Dance of the Debutante

Julia Kelly

As I big fan of historical fiction, it dawned on me that 1950s London isn’t a time period I’ve read much about.

The Last Dance of the Debutante is an interesting novel by Julia Kelly set in London in the late 1950s when women being presented in the Queen and coming out to society officially came to an end.

The story is written focusing on one young woman who does the season as requested by her family and a look at the relationships she forms along the way. It’s a little slow in the beginning, but by the end, I couldn’t put the book down.

As an American, born into a middle-class Midwestern family, I realized I had no idea how involved the coming-out season was, what it meant to the entire family, and how life-changing it could be for the girl. And that’s part of the reason I love historical fiction. I undoubtedly learn something new and am entertained along the way.

I am: Entertained

Disclosure: #gifted

The Last Dance of the Debutante Julia Kelly Book Cover

What Else I Binged…

Here’s a quick review of what else I binged this month

  • Imposters | Think of this as a fun suspense series. From episode one you learn that someone has been massively decived by his wife. There are so many twists, turn and surpises. It won’t win any awards but it’s good. | Entertained
  • The Matrix Resurrections | A fourth movie in The Matrix franchise, I like the new cast and the resurrection story, but there are too many action scenese. I’m excited to see where it goes. | Entertained
  • Hawkeye | A new original Marvel series, I wasn’t super familiar with Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye, but like Hailee Steinfeld’s younger POV. | Entertained
  • The Witcher | I had heard rave reviews on this fantasy series, but as someone who claims they don’t like sci-fi I didn’t start watching until the second season came out. Think of this as a lighter version of Game of Thrones. | Obsessed
  • Ghostbusters: Afterlife | A great throwback to the original with a fresh perspective. I pretty much love anything that Paull Rudd is in. | Entertained
  • Wolf Like Me | Josh Gad and Isla Fisher co-star in this limited series dark comedy set in Austrailia. It won’t be for everyone, but I’m hoping it comes back for a second season. | Entertained
  • After Life | A 3 season dramedy from Ricky Gervais, it’s a series about an English man who loses his wife young and how he goes on. I not only found it wildly entertaining (I love a British sense of humor) but also somehow comforting while I was grieivng myself. | Obsessed

Looking for more to binge? Check out:

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am very obsessed with FTC compliance so check out my full disclosure for details.

The post This Week’s Binge | January 2022 appeared first on Very Obsessed.

]]> https://veryobsessed.com/this-weeks-binge-january-2022/feed/ 0 Golden Girl Book by Elin Hilderbrand Review https://veryobsessed.com/golden-girl-book-by-elin-hilderbrand-review/ https://veryobsessed.com/golden-girl-book-by-elin-hilderbrand-review/#respond Thu, 06 Jan 2022 03:45:47 +0000 https://veryobsessed.com/?p=5358 Golden Girl Elin Hilderbrand You may already be a fan of Elin Hilderbrand, there are many, but this was my very first book of hers. For some reason, I was thinking it was going to be rom-com or Hallmark-ish, but it wasn’t. I can see why there are so many fans and I’ll definitely be reading more! Set in Nantucket (of which I now need to vacation), the main character, Vivi, gets murdered in a hit and run and gets the summer to watch over her adult children and is granted three nudges to help them along the way. This is one of the stories where you see life through multiple people’s perspectives, which I love, and there is a conclusion to the whodunit at the end. I am: Obsessed

The post Golden Girl Book by Elin Hilderbrand Review appeared first on Very Obsessed.

]]> If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support! See disclosure for details.

Golden Girl

Elin Hilderbrand

You may already be a fan of Elin Hilderbrand, there are many, but this was my very first book of hers. For some reason, I was thinking it was going to be rom-com or Hallmark-ish, but it wasn’t. I can see why there are so many fans and I’ll definitely be reading more!

Set in Nantucket (of which I now need to vacation), the main character, Vivi, gets murdered in a hit and run and gets the summer to watch over her adult children and is granted three nudges to help them along the way.

This is one of the stories where you see life through multiple people’s perspectives, which I love, and there is a conclusion to the whodunit at the end.

I am: Obsessed

Elin Hilderbrand Golden Girl Book Cover

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am very obsessed with FTC compliance so check out my full disclosure for details.

The post Golden Girl Book by Elin Hilderbrand Review appeared first on Very Obsessed.

]]> https://veryobsessed.com/golden-girl-book-by-elin-hilderbrand-review/feed/ 0 This Week’s Binge | December 2021 https://veryobsessed.com/this-weeks-binge-december-2021/ https://veryobsessed.com/this-weeks-binge-december-2021/#respond Sat, 01 Jan 2022 14:00:00 +0000 https://veryobsessed.com/?p=5305 Here’s a review of what I binge watched in December 2021. As usual, a detailed review of the top 5 entertainment binges with highlights below of everything else. With taking some time off for a holiday staycation, I binged quite a bit more! Watch | Series Dave Hulu In this scripted FX comedy on Hulu, Dave is an undiscovered white Jewish rapper who believes he is one of the best rappers in the world. This show completely flew under my radar season 1 and I just binged both seasons, happily. Set in LA, the series follows Dave and his friends/entourage as he tries to make it in the rap world. It is funny, at times cringey, but the writing and casting are exceptional. This is easily one of the best shows on TV right now. BTWt, Dave really is a rapper (I’m sure some of you know that) so I have a feeling it may be drawn from his real life. I am: Obsessed Dopesick Hulu Dopesick is a limited series based on the opioid crisis in the U.S. and how Big Pharma drove this all in the name of money while the FDA sat back and watched. While the characters aren’t based on actual people, the gist of it and the companies are. It is heartbreaking and disgusting what has been allowed to happen, legally. Michael Keaton, Peter Sarsgaard, and Rosario Dawson are part of this amazing ensemble cast, and the series (as well as some of the cast members) have been nominated for the 2022 Golden Globes. I am: Obsessed And Just Like That HBO Max Fans of Sex and the City have a lot of mixed feelings about the reboot And Just Like That, and for good reason. It’s been 11 years since we’ve seen our favorite group of NYC girlfriends, and a lot has. chanced. And change is hard. Sam isn’t on the show (I know I don’t do spoilers, but we all know that already, right?), we know the Willie Garson who plays Stanford Blatch dies in real life so we’re waiting to see how that plays out, and Chris Noth who plays John Preston was accused of sexual assault so scenes that have been filmed are now being cut, what will happen with the storyline??? But with all of that being said, I am beyond happy to see the women’s back on the small screen, happy to see women above 30 keeping friendships a priority, and happy to see that life doesn’t end at 40. Oh, and seeing NYC and the fashion is amazing again too! I am: Obsessed Watch | Movies Spider-Man: No Way Home Spider-Man: No Way Home was my first movie in a theater since Covid and it was worth it! There is no streaming option right now but word on the street is that Starz will get the first streaming rights over Disney+ since it’s a Sony film. TBD on that. I usually find superhero/Marvel movies entertaining, but this movie is great! This is a big no spoiler review so I will just say, Tom Holland continues to be a perfect Spider-Man and I’m loving Zendaya as MJ. While I watch all the Marvel movies, I’m not an encyclopedia of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but if you are, there are a lot of tie-ins and throwbacks that you’ll definitely appreciate. P.S. don’t forget to stay for the two post-credit scenes. I am: Obsessed Read | Books Golden Girl Elin Hilderbrand You may already be a fan of Elin Hilderbrand, there are many, but this was my very first book of hers. For some reason, I was thinking it was going to be rom-com or Hallmark-ish, but it wasn’t. I can see why there are so many fans and I’ll definitely be reading more! Set in Nantucket (of which I now need to vacation), the main character, Vivi, gets murdered in a hit and run and gets the summer to watch over her adult children and is granted three nudges to help them along the way. This is one of the stories where you see life through multiple people’s perspectives, which I love, and there is a conclusion to the whodunit at the end. I am: Obsessed What Else I Binged… Here’s a quick review of what else I binged this month The Morning Show Season 2 | Not as great as season 1, TMS picks up just as Covid and the Presidential debates are. There is still fallout from the sexual assult allegations but it’s a few months from where season 1 left off, so the characters are all in a different headspace. | Entertained Single All The Way | A predictable, cheesy Christmas movie. Sure it’s cute when Peter asks his best friend to come home with him from LA.and pretent to be his boyfriend, but I’m sure you can tell where this is going… | Annoyed Love Hard | A bit better on the predictable Christmas movie front, Natalie takes a leap to surprise her online BF during Chrismas only to discover she’s been catfished. She stays in town to impress his family while try to meet the photo guy IRL. Again, any surprises what happens here? But it’s better because it’s got a solid cast, cheesy factor is minimized, and there’s. asplash of family dysfunction. | Entertained The Shrink Next Door | Based on a true story, I wanted to love this limited series about a shrink who crosses boundries with his patient. Since Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd are the two leads I was expecting a comedy, but it’s really more of a dark comedy and it slow at times. | Entertained Home Sweet Home Alone | Since Home Alone is one of the best Christmas movies of all time, I had to watch the reboot, but I wasn’t sure how it would hold up. It’s actually really cute! They’ve been able to keep it relevent for today’s digital age while makeing sense of what today seems like gratuitous violence. | Entertained Emily in Paris Season 2 | One of the few shows where I enjoyed the second season more than the first, now that I can appreciate the series for the campiness that it is. Emily is still annoying, but maybe that’s how American’s in Paris really are? | Entertained 8-Bit Christmas | Set in Chicago in the 80’s, a group of kids are on the quest to get the elusive Nintendo game system. NPH narrates, and it’s kind of like the modern day A Christmas Story, which I loathe, but this will definitley be going on the best Christmas movie list for next year! | Entertained

The post This Week’s Binge | December 2021 appeared first on Very Obsessed.

]]> Here’s a review of what I binge watched in December 2021. As usual, a detailed review of the top 5 entertainment binges with highlights below of everything else. With taking some time off for a holiday staycation, I binged quite a bit more!

If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support! See disclosure for details.

Watch | Series

Dave

Hulu

In this scripted FX comedy on Hulu, Dave is an undiscovered white Jewish rapper who believes he is one of the best rappers in the world. This show completely flew under my radar season 1 and I just binged both seasons, happily.

Set in LA, the series follows Dave and his friends/entourage as he tries to make it in the rap world. It is funny, at times cringey, but the writing and casting are exceptional.

This is easily one of the best shows on TV right now. BTWt, Dave really is a rapper (I’m sure some of you know that) so I have a feeling it may be drawn from his real life.

I am: Obsessed

Dave FX Hulu Series Poster

Dopesick

Hulu

Dopesick is a limited series based on the opioid crisis in the U.S. and how Big Pharma drove this all in the name of money while the FDA sat back and watched.

While the characters aren’t based on actual people, the gist of it and the companies are. It is heartbreaking and disgusting what has been allowed to happen, legally.

Michael Keaton, Peter Sarsgaard, and Rosario Dawson are part of this amazing ensemble cast, and the series (as well as some of the cast members) have been nominated for the 2022 Golden Globes.

I am: Obsessed

Dopesick Hulu Series Poster

And Just Like That

HBO Max

Fans of Sex and the City have a lot of mixed feelings about the reboot And Just Like That, and for good reason. It’s been 11 years since we’ve seen our favorite group of NYC girlfriends, and a lot has. chanced. And change is hard.

Sam isn’t on the show (I know I don’t do spoilers, but we all know that already, right?), we know the Willie Garson who plays Stanford Blatch dies in real life so we’re waiting to see how that plays out, and Chris Noth who plays John Preston was accused of sexual assault so scenes that have been filmed are now being cut, what will happen with the storyline???

But with all of that being said, I am beyond happy to see the women’s back on the small screen, happy to see women above 30 keeping friendships a priority, and happy to see that life doesn’t end at 40.

Oh, and seeing NYC and the fashion is amazing again too!

I am: Obsessed

And Just Like That HBO Max Series Poster

Watch | Movies

Spider-Man: No Way Home

Spider-Man: No Way Home was my first movie in a theater since Covid and it was worth it!

There is no streaming option right now but word on the street is that Starz will get the first streaming rights over Disney+ since it’s a Sony film. TBD on that.

I usually find superhero/Marvel movies entertaining, but this movie is great! This is a big no spoiler review so I will just say, Tom Holland continues to be a perfect Spider-Man and I’m loving Zendaya as MJ.

While I watch all the Marvel movies, I’m not an encyclopedia of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but if you are, there are a lot of tie-ins and throwbacks that you’ll definitely appreciate.

P.S. don’t forget to stay for the two post-credit scenes.

I am: Obsessed

SpiderMan No Way Home Movie Poster

Read | Books

Golden Girl

Elin Hilderbrand

You may already be a fan of Elin Hilderbrand, there are many, but this was my very first book of hers. For some reason, I was thinking it was going to be rom-com or Hallmark-ish, but it wasn’t. I can see why there are so many fans and I’ll definitely be reading more!

Set in Nantucket (of which I now need to vacation), the main character, Vivi, gets murdered in a hit and run and gets the summer to watch over her adult children and is granted three nudges to help them along the way.

This is one of the stories where you see life through multiple people’s perspectives, which I love, and there is a conclusion to the whodunit at the end.

I am: Obsessed

Elin Hilderbrand Golden Girl Book Cover

What Else I Binged…

Here’s a quick review of what else I binged this month

  • The Morning Show Season 2 | Not as great as season 1, TMS picks up just as Covid and the Presidential debates are. There is still fallout from the sexual assult allegations but it’s a few months from where season 1 left off, so the characters are all in a different headspace. | Entertained
  • Single All The Way | A predictable, cheesy Christmas movie. Sure it’s cute when Peter asks his best friend to come home with him from LA.and pretent to be his boyfriend, but I’m sure you can tell where this is going… | Annoyed
  • Love Hard | A bit better on the predictable Christmas movie front, Natalie takes a leap to surprise her online BF during Chrismas only to discover she’s been catfished. She stays in town to impress his family while try to meet the photo guy IRL. Again, any surprises what happens here? But it’s better because it’s got a solid cast, cheesy factor is minimized, and there’s. asplash of family dysfunction. | Entertained
  • The Shrink Next Door | Based on a true story, I wanted to love this limited series about a shrink who crosses boundries with his patient. Since Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd are the two leads I was expecting a comedy, but it’s really more of a dark comedy and it slow at times. | Entertained
  • Home Sweet Home Alone | Since Home Alone is one of the best Christmas movies of all time, I had to watch the reboot, but I wasn’t sure how it would hold up. It’s actually really cute! They’ve been able to keep it relevent for today’s digital age while makeing sense of what today seems like gratuitous violence. | Entertained
  • Emily in Paris Season 2 | One of the few shows where I enjoyed the second season more than the first, now that I can appreciate the series for the campiness that it is. Emily is still annoying, but maybe that’s how American’s in Paris really are? | Entertained
  • 8-Bit Christmas | Set in Chicago in the 80’s, a group of kids are on the quest to get the elusive Nintendo game system. NPH narrates, and it’s kind of like the modern day A Christmas Story, which I loathe, but this will definitley be going on the best Christmas movie list for next year! | Entertained

Looking for more to binge? Check out:

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am very obsessed with FTC compliance so check out my full disclosure for details.

The post This Week’s Binge | December 2021 appeared first on Very Obsessed.

]]> https://veryobsessed.com/this-weeks-binge-december-2021/feed/ 0 Apples Never Fall Review https://veryobsessed.com/apples-never-fall-review/ https://veryobsessed.com/apples-never-fall-review/#respond Thu, 02 Dec 2021 03:07:25 +0000 https://veryobsessed.com/?p=5214 Apples Never Fall Liane Moriarty A fun whodunnit set in Australia right before the pandemic hits. A mother goes missing and we learn new details about the case from the perspective of the police, her four adult children, the neighbors, and the friends. It’s an easy read, not to heavy, but I couldn’t put it down. I am: Obsessed

The post Apples Never Fall Review appeared first on Very Obsessed.

]]> If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support! See disclosure for details.

Apples Never Fall

Liane Moriarty

A fun whodunnit set in Australia right before the pandemic hits.

A mother goes missing and we learn new details about the case from the perspective of the police, her four adult children, the neighbors, and the friends.

It’s an easy read, not to heavy, but I couldn’t put it down.

I am: Obsessed

Apples Never Fall Liane Moriarty Book Cover

Looking for more to binge? Check out:

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am very obsessed with FTC compliance so check out my full disclosure for details.

The post Apples Never Fall Review appeared first on Very Obsessed.

]]> https://veryobsessed.com/apples-never-fall-review/feed/ 0 Malibu Rising Review https://veryobsessed.com/malibu-rising-review/ https://veryobsessed.com/malibu-rising-review/#respond Thu, 02 Dec 2021 03:03:01 +0000 https://veryobsessed.com/?p=5215 Malibu Rising Taylor Jenkins Reid It’s official, I’m obsessed with Taylor Jenkins Reid (you can read my other reviews of her books by clicking the links below). Malibu Rising is a story told over the span of one present day, but with flashbacks to the origin story of said day. Set in Malibu California, 4 successful surfer siblings each have a story of their own, and you get the distinct feeling that the book is leading up to something. At the heart of the novel is a story about relationships. Relationships between significant others, between parents and children, between siblings. You get to understand the main characters and get glimpses into bit characters where you realize every. single. person. has a story and every. single. person. is going through things. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo review Daisy Jones and The Six review I am: Obsessed

The post Malibu Rising Review appeared first on Very Obsessed.

]]> If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support! See disclosure for details.

Malibu Rising

Taylor Jenkins Reid

It’s official, I’m obsessed with Taylor Jenkins Reid (you can read my other reviews of her books by clicking the links below).

Malibu Rising is a story told over the span of one present day, but with flashbacks to the origin story of said day. Set in Malibu California, 4 successful surfer siblings each have a story of their own, and you get the distinct feeling that the book is leading up to something.

At the heart of the novel is a story about relationships. Relationships between significant others, between parents and children, between siblings. You get to understand the main characters and get glimpses into bit characters where you realize every. single. person. has a story and every. single. person. is going through things.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo review

Daisy Jones and The Six review

I am: Obsessed

Malibu Rising Taylor Jenkins Reid Book Cover

Looking for more to binge? Check out:

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am very obsessed with FTC compliance so check out my full disclosure for details.

The post Malibu Rising Review appeared first on Very Obsessed.

]]> https://veryobsessed.com/malibu-rising-review/feed/ 0 This Week’s Binge | November 2021 https://veryobsessed.com/this-weeks-binge-november-2021/ https://veryobsessed.com/this-weeks-binge-november-2021/#respond Wed, 01 Dec 2021 14:00:00 +0000 https://veryobsessed.com/?p=5198 Here’s a review of all the entertainment I binged in November 2021. Watch | Series The Great | Season 2 Hulu Elle Fanning is back as Catherine the Great in season 2 of The Great, one of the best series on TV right now. The banter between her and her husband Peter, played by About a Boy’s Nicholas Hoult, is so clever and witty, if not a little raunchy. Not to give spoilers, although it is based on history so that in and of itself is a spoiler, season 2 revolves around Catherine being pregnant even though she and Peter are on the outs…because she’s trying to stage a coup. Ah, young love. As someone who loves historical fiction, I think satirical historical fiction might be the genre we didn’t know we needed. Check out The Great Season 1 review. I am: Obsessed Squid Game Netflix Not one to jump on the bandwagon, I hesitated watching Squid Game after watching the trailer and seeing that this Korean series is completely dubbed. But in the name of the blog (and curiosity), I sat down to watch one episode and binged the entire thing in a week. Is the dubbing bad? Yes. Are the English voice actors not good? That’s right. But I’m a sucker for a good psychological thriller and a unique concept. Imagine a fusion of Saw, The Hunger Games, and Willy Wonka and you have Squid Game. Here’s hoping Netflix steps up the voice acting for season 2. I am: Obsessed Watch | Movies Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings Disney Plus It’s hard for me to be Obsessed with Marvel movies, but I am on the fence with Shang-Chi. The lead, Simu Liu, and Awkwafina are fantastic as BFF’s who travel from San Francisco to Asia to confront Shang-Chi’s complicated family history. The story is very cool and different, doesn’t feel like your typical superhero movie. Simu is going to be huge. I am: Entertained Read | Books Malibu Rising Taylor Jenkins Reid It’s official, I’m obsessed with Taylor Jenkins Reid (you can read my other reviews of her books by clicking the links below). Malibu Rising is a story told over the span of one present day, but with flashbacks to the origin story of said day. Set in Malibu California, 4 successful surfer siblings each have a story of their own, and you get the distinct feeling that the book is leading up to something. At the heart of the novel is a story about relationships. Relationships between significant others, between parents and children, between siblings. You get to understand the main characters and get glimpses into bit characters where you realize every. single. person. has a story and every. single. person. is going through things. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo review Daisy Jones and The Six review I am: Obsessed Apples Never Fall Liane Moriarty A fun whodunnit set in Australia right before the pandemic hits. A mother goes missing and we learn new details about the case from the perspective of the police, her four adult children, the neighbors, and the friends. It’s an easy read, not to heavy, but I couldn’t put it down. I am: Obsessed What Else I Binged… Here’s a quick review of what else I binged this month Tiger King Season 2 | You think you know the audacious story of Joe Exotic, big cat keeper from season 1 and what more could there be? A lot more, with the next character worse than the one before them. | Obsessed Selling Sunset Season 4 | Did I binge this in a weekend? Yes I did, but it’s not good. It just happens to strike the right balance of bad reality TV, soap opera drama and real estate envy. | Entertained Dexter: New Blood | The Dexter reboot feels very similar to the original Dexter, which I loved back in the day but I’m not sure it holds up. It’s a little more campy than I remember it being. Instead of Miami Dexter is in upstate New York, instead of Harry being his guide now it’s Deb. If things don’t shake up soon, I’m writing this off as a stale version of an old favorite. | Entertained Clickbait | When the perfect family man gets abducted and a viral video circulates exposing terribles things, everyone is shocked. It may seem predictable but watch until the end. Trust me. | Obsessed The Push | After a tragic incident occurs Blythe, who didn’t really want to be a monther in the first place, has some dark thoughts to face. Heavy topic but easy (and suspenseful) read. | Obsessed Impeachment: American Crime Story | I really wanted to like this because I love learning about real events via entertainment, and I remember the Bill Clinton/Monica Lewinsky scandal, but TBH, I think I’ve just had a little too much politics lately. | Annoyed

The post This Week’s Binge | November 2021 appeared first on Very Obsessed.

]]> Here’s a review of all the entertainment I binged in November 2021.

If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support! See disclosure for details.

Watch | Series

The Great | Season 2

Hulu

Elle Fanning is back as Catherine the Great in season 2 of The Great, one of the best series on TV right now.

The banter between her and her husband Peter, played by About a Boy’s Nicholas Hoult, is so clever and witty, if not a little raunchy.

Not to give spoilers, although it is based on history so that in and of itself is a spoiler, season 2 revolves around Catherine being pregnant even though she and Peter are on the outs…because she’s trying to stage a coup. Ah, young love.

As someone who loves historical fiction, I think satirical historical fiction might be the genre we didn’t know we needed.

Check out The Great Season 1 review.

I am: Obsessed

The Great Season 2 Hulu Series Poster

Squid Game

Netflix

Not one to jump on the bandwagon, I hesitated watching Squid Game after watching the trailer and seeing that this Korean series is completely dubbed.

But in the name of the blog (and curiosity), I sat down to watch one episode and binged the entire thing in a week.

Is the dubbing bad? Yes. Are the English voice actors not good? That’s right. But I’m a sucker for a good psychological thriller and a unique concept. Imagine a fusion of Saw, The Hunger Games, and Willy Wonka and you have Squid Game.

Here’s hoping Netflix steps up the voice acting for season 2.

I am: Obsessed

Squid Game Netflix Series Poster

Watch | Movies

Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings

Disney Plus

It’s hard for me to be Obsessed with Marvel movies, but I am on the fence with Shang-Chi.

The lead, Simu Liu, and Awkwafina are fantastic as BFF’s who travel from San Francisco to Asia to confront Shang-Chi’s complicated family history.

The story is very cool and different, doesn’t feel like your typical superhero movie. Simu is going to be huge.

I am: Entertained

Shang Chi Marvel Movie Poster with Simu Liu

Read | Books

Malibu Rising

Taylor Jenkins Reid

It’s official, I’m obsessed with Taylor Jenkins Reid (you can read my other reviews of her books by clicking the links below).

Malibu Rising is a story told over the span of one present day, but with flashbacks to the origin story of said day. Set in Malibu California, 4 successful surfer siblings each have a story of their own, and you get the distinct feeling that the book is leading up to something.

At the heart of the novel is a story about relationships. Relationships between significant others, between parents and children, between siblings. You get to understand the main characters and get glimpses into bit characters where you realize every. single. person. has a story and every. single. person. is going through things.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo review

Daisy Jones and The Six review

I am: Obsessed

Malibu Rising Taylor Jenkins Reid Book Cover

Apples Never Fall

Liane Moriarty

A fun whodunnit set in Australia right before the pandemic hits.

A mother goes missing and we learn new details about the case from the perspective of the police, her four adult children, the neighbors, and the friends.

It’s an easy read, not to heavy, but I couldn’t put it down.

I am: Obsessed

Apples Never Fall Liane Moriarty Book Cover

What Else I Binged…

Here’s a quick review of what else I binged this month

  • Tiger King Season 2 | You think you know the audacious story of Joe Exotic, big cat keeper from season 1 and what more could there be? A lot more, with the next character worse than the one before them. | Obsessed
  • Selling Sunset Season 4 | Did I binge this in a weekend? Yes I did, but it’s not good. It just happens to strike the right balance of bad reality TV, soap opera drama and real estate envy. | Entertained
  • Dexter: New Blood | The Dexter reboot feels very similar to the original Dexter, which I loved back in the day but I’m not sure it holds up. It’s a little more campy than I remember it being. Instead of Miami Dexter is in upstate New York, instead of Harry being his guide now it’s Deb. If things don’t shake up soon, I’m writing this off as a stale version of an old favorite. | Entertained
  • Clickbait | When the perfect family man gets abducted and a viral video circulates exposing terribles things, everyone is shocked. It may seem predictable but watch until the end. Trust me. | Obsessed
  • The Push | After a tragic incident occurs Blythe, who didn’t really want to be a monther in the first place, has some dark thoughts to face. Heavy topic but easy (and suspenseful) read. | Obsessed
  • Impeachment: American Crime Story | I really wanted to like this because I love learning about real events via entertainment, and I remember the Bill Clinton/Monica Lewinsky scandal, but TBH, I think I’ve just had a little too much politics lately. | Annoyed

Looking for more to binge? Check out:

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am very obsessed with FTC compliance so check out my full disclosure for details.

The post This Week’s Binge | November 2021 appeared first on Very Obsessed.

]]> https://veryobsessed.com/this-weeks-binge-november-2021/feed/ 0