September Entertainment Wrap-Up: Top TV, Movies, & Books to Check Out

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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 Love Elixir of Agusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman and My Friends by Fredrik Backman both were 5 star reads. I just started Kill For Me Kill For You by Steve Cavanagh.

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Kill For Me Kill For You

Steve Cavanagh

Here is an overview from GoodReads….

“One dark evening on New York City’s Upper West Side, two strangers meet by chance. Over drinks, Amanda and Wendy realize they have much in common, especially loneliness and an intense desire for revenge against the men who destroyed their families. As they talk into the night, they come up with the perfect plan: if you kill for me, I’ll kill for you.

In another part of the city, Ruth is home alone when the beautiful brownstone she shares with her husband, Scott, is invaded. She’s attacked by a man with piercing blue eyes, who disappears into the night. Will she ever be able to feel safe again while the blue-eyed stranger is out there?

Intricate, heart-racing, and from an author who “is the real deal” (Lee Child, #1 New York Timesbestselling author), Kill for Me, Kill for You will keep you breathless until the final page.”

The opening chapter flew by and pulled me in — I’ll update you on whether it maintains this energy.

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The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern

by Lynda Cohen Loignam

The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman is a charming, heartwarming second-chance love story told through two timelines. It follows Augusta Stern, a recently retired pharmacist on the cusp of 80, who moves from New York to a Florida retirement community and unexpectedly reconnects with a man from her past, Irving Rivkin. The dual timeline, rich with vivid flashbacks, explores not only romance but also the strong female characters of Augusta and her aunt Esther, who embody different healing traditions rooted in Jewish culture. The story is both captivating and cozy, celebrating living life fully at any age. Any book that leaves me with such a warm, happy feeling easily earns five stars, and I highly recommend this beautiful read.

 

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My Friends by Fredrik Backman

Fredrik Backman’s My Friends is a beautifully crafted story that effortlessly blends pain and beauty. It’s a moving tribute to friendship, capturing the deep love and shared hardships of four teenagers whose bond shapes their lives—and even impacts a stranger decades later. Listening to the Audible version, the narrator Marin Ireland added an incredible layer of emotion that made me laugh, cry, and feel every nuanced beat of the story. This is one of those rare books that squeezes your heart with both sorrow and joy, earning my full 5-star recommendation.

 

A Mindcraft Movie

Welcome to the world of Minecraft, where creativity isn’t just about crafting—it’s essential for survival. Four misfits—Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison (Jason Momoa), Henry (Sebastian Eugene Hansen), Natalie (Emma Myers), and Dawn (Danielle Brooks)—are pulled through a mysterious portal into the Overworld, a bizarre cubic wonderland rich with imagination. To find their way home, they must master this world and defend it from dangers like Piglins and Zombies, joining forces with an expert crafter, Steve (Jack Black). Their journey challenges them to reconnect with their unique creativity, essential for thriving both in-game and in the real world. Having played Minecraft with my grandson, I could relate to the film and found it enjoyable. The characters and creatures brought some fun moments, and while it’s not a five-star movie, I’d give it a solid 3.5 out of 5—likely because of my connection to the game itself.

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The Starling

The Starling tells the story of Lilly (Melissa McCarthy), who, after suffering a profound loss, finds herself locked in an unexpected battle with a territorial bird over her garden. This unusual conflict becomes a powerful metaphor for her journey through grief, healing fractured relationships, and rediscovering her capacity to love. A hidden gem, the film resonates deeply with anyone who has faced loss, blending emotional weight with moments of unexpected humor and humanity. Melissa McCarthy delivers a stunning performance, balancing heartfelt vulnerability with her trademark charm, while Chris O’Dowd portrays grief’s complexities with poignant authenticity. For me, Lilly’s courage and resilience struck a profound chord—she moved me to tears and laughter, making this a movie I’m eager to watch again. Truly a 5-star experience.

Lucifer

On Netflix

Based on characters created by Neil Gaiman, Sam Kieth, and Mike Dringenberg, Lucifer follows the original fallen angel who, tired of ruling hell, abandons his throne and retires to Los Angeles. There, he indulges in his favorite pleasures—women, wine, and song—until a murder outside his nightclub stirs something unexpected within him: feelings resembling compassion and sympathy. His world shifts further when he meets Detective Chloe, whose inherent goodness contrasts sharply with the dark souls he’s used to. I’ve been watching Lucifer on Netflix and I have to say, I really enjoy it. Lucifer himself is a bit selfish but only shows his mean side to bad guys, fulfilling his role to punish evil rather than promote it. The detective is adorable, her daughter precious, and while the show has plenty of sexual humor, I’d rate it PG-13—after all, he is the devil, so a bit of cheeky fun is to be expected. I’m currently on season two, with six seasons ahead, and I’m looking forward to the journey—it’s an enjoyable show.

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Black Rabbit

I just started watching Black Rabbit on Netflix, a gripping series about two brothers—played by Jude Law and Jason Bateman—who co-own one of New York’s hottest restaurants. When the owner lets his troubled brother back into the family business, old wounds and new threats surface, putting everything they’ve built on the line. I’m a big fan of Jason Bateman, so I had to give this show a try. Though I’ve only seen the first episode, it’s already pulled me in, and I’m eager to see where the story goes.

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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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