Entertainment Wrap Up: Books, Shows, and Movies

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Welcome to the latest Entertainment Wrap-Up, where I share some of the books, TV shows, and movies that have been keeping me engaged recently. Whether you’re looking for new ideas or just want to see what’s been on my radar, this post is filled with fresh recommendations and thoughts. Grab a cozy spot and let’s dive into some great entertainment together.

 

Books

What am I reading these days? I just wrapped up The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden. Right now, I’m listening to My Friends by Fredrik Backman, and I’m diving into the physical book The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern. But first, let’s start with a quick review of The Boyfriend.

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The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden

Here is an overview from GoodReads….

“She’s looking for the perfect man. He’s looking for the perfect victim.
Sydney Shaw, like every single woman in New York, has terrible luck with dating. She’s seen it men who lie in their dating profile, men who stick her with the dinner bill, and worst of all, men who can’t shut up about their mothers. But finally, she hits the jackpot.
Her new boyfriend is utterly perfect. He’s charming, handsome, and works as a doctor at a local hospital. Sydney is swept off her feet.
Then the brutal murder of a young woman―the latest in a string of deaths across the coast―confounds police. The primary suspect? A mystery man who dates his victims before he kills them.
Sydney should feel safe. After all, she is dating the guy of her dreams. But she can’t shake her own suspicions that the perfect man may not be as perfect as he seems. Because someone is watching her every move, and if she doesn’t get to the truth, she’ll be the next killers victim!
This book was rated 4.o3 on Goodreads.  I gave it a 4 out of 5 on my reading scale
Here is my brief review… 
Freida McFadden’s The Boyfriend is—creepy, twisty, and gripping from page one. The story of Sydney Shaw, navigating the perilous world of online dating, kept me on edge as I unraveled the chilling mysteries surrounding a charming new suitor and a series of deaths linked to women her age. The ending felt a bit rushed, but it didn’t detract from the overall fun and suspense. If you’re a fan of thrilling, mindless escapes perfect for a rainy day or vacation, this one’s for you. I definitely recommend The Boyfriend—it was exactly the kind of read I needed lately.
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Currently I am enjoying The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern.  Here is a brief overview…

The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loignam

This overview is based on the book description I found on Goodreads. It tells the story of Augusta Stern, a retired pharmacist who reconnects with Irving Rivkin, the man who broke her heart sixty years ago. Growing up in 1920s Brooklyn, Augusta was torn between her father’s trusted pharmaceutical ways and her great aunt Esther’s unconventional healing methods. I’m only on page 112, but I feel the author paints a great portrait of the characters and brings them to life in a way that made me grow attached to many of them. As Augusta faces her past mistakes and complicated relationships, the story explores love, regret, and the hope of reclaiming lost magic. I have a feeling it will have a heartwarming ending, but we will see.

 

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My Friends by Fredrik Backman

On Audible I am listening to My Friends by Fredrik Backman here is what the New York Times says about this book.
#1 New York Times bestselling author Fredrik Backman returns with an unforgettably funny, deeply moving tale of four teenagers whose friendship creates a bond so powerful that it changes a complete stranger’s life twenty-five years later.

This book is both a captivating and emotional journey. Fredrik Backman has an unmatched talent for crafting characters who feel like real people. He pulls you into their struggles and triumphs so deeply that their pain becomes your own, and their moments of joy become your joy.

 

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Fair Play 

Fair Play on Netflix starts off as a seemingly passionate romance between Emily and Luke but quickly descends into a disturbing and unsettling portrayal of power and ambition’s corrosive effects on their relationship. I have to give it a high score for the acting—the performances were strong—but the content, although I guess possible, was not right for me. The graphic swearing and explicit, often uncomfortable, sexual scenes made it a tough watch. The ending left me feeling disturbed, and overall I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re prepared for a grim, intense experience.
I gave the movie a 3.5 for the acting because the performances were good, but the whole thing was pretty disturbing. Rotten Tomatoes shows critics really liked it with an 86%, but regular folks like us gave it a 54%.

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Uncorked 

Uncorked tells the story of a young man caught between his dream of becoming a master sommelier and his father’s hope he’ll take over the family barbecue business. The internal struggle feels real and relatable, something many of us can identify with in our own lives. This heartfelt story explores the complexities of a father-son relationship seen through different lenses. Plus, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the challenging journey of mastering the art of wine, which made me want to try new varieties myself. With great acting, this movie will inspire you to follow your dreams no matter how difficult the path may be. I’d definitely recommend it. I gave this movie 4.5  out of 5 stars on Rotten Tomatoes.  The critics gave this movie a 94% and regular folks gave the movie a 63%.

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Resident Alien

I recently finished watching Resident Alien, a quirky, silly, and downright ridiculous TV series with a PG-13 rating that’s definitely not for young kids. I quickly fell in love with the characters and their wild adventures. The story follows an alien who crash-lands in a remote Colorado mountain town and assumes the identity of the local doctor, Harry Vanderspeigle. Initially on a mission to eliminate humans, Harry’s plans get complicated when a curious 9-year-old boy discovers his true alien form. As Harry navigates small-town life and faces moral dilemmas, the show mixes humor and heart in a way that’s both entertaining and surprisingly touching. Although I’m sad to see it end after four seasons, it wrapped up on a positive note—and I’m already thinking about watching the entire series again! Resident Alien Score on Rotten Tomatoes-The critics gave it 98% and viewers like me gave it 88%.  Personally I would give it 90%.

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The Bear

I just started watching The Bear, a drama-comedy about a chef who returns to Chicago to take over his family’s sandwich shop, diving deep into the world of food, family, and relentless kitchen pressure. So far, I’m four episodes into season one, and while the comedy is subtle, the intensity and fast pace of working in a kitchen really come through—it’s like running a marathon while being yelled at and trying to get everything just right for the customers. Fair warning: there’s plenty of swearing, so definitely not for little kids. I really like the chef’s character, even though I wouldn’t want his job for myself!

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That wraps up this month’s Entertainment Wrap-Up! I hope you find something here that sparks your interest and adds a little joy to your downtime. I’m always on the lookout for new books, shows, and movies to share, so stay tuned for more recommendations in future posts. Until then, happy watching, reading, and enjoying all the great stories out there!

Happy Watching and Reading!

KathieyV

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