REC ME

Now that hockey season is over and we have a full three months until the pre-season starts sobs I wanted to recommend some of the things I’ve been reading and watching in the evenings and in my free time to keep myself entertained. And, I’d love to hear from you about what you’ve been enjoying!

Audio 

The Butchering Art by Dr. Lindsey Fitzharris 

As a kid, I had a Grey’s Anatomy coloring book and a 16 inch tall anatomical skeleton (that has been since painted gold and now sits on my bookcase next to my desk) so when I say I’ve always been a huge nerd about medical history, I mean it.  

That’s never really faded, especially after my visit to the International Museum of Surgical Science in Chicago earlier this winter. So, when I stumbled across the author talking about her book on Threads, I immediately grabbed it in audio.  

I am so glad I did. The Butchering Art was one of the most fascinating books I’ve read in a long time.  

It vividly brought surgical history to life and wove together tales of real-life doctors and patients in Victorian London and how surgery made astonishing leaps forward due to Dr. Joseph Lister’s innovations.  

In addition to the story being fascinating, I really enjoyed the narration by Ralph Lister, a distant relation to the doctor in question. The performance was top notch, and I absolutely DEVOURED the story. Highly recommended if you’re into medical stuff! 

THE BUTCHERING ART

Ebook 

Second Song by Con Riley 

I’ve made no secret of my love for Con Riley’s books and while I’m a little behind on my reading, I picked up Second Song on the ride back from aunt’s funeral, at a time when I really needed to be immersed in a story and feel like I was wrapped up in a warm blanket.  

I am always impressed by her ability to weave together a story that feels cozy and comforting, even when discussing serious topics like physical and emotional trauma. It impresses me as both a reader and an author.  

With Rowan struggling to make a life for himself after being humiliated on a national singing contest and losing his ability to sing, and Liam, a former soldier running from the guilt he feels and trying to deal with the more physical repercussions of time serving in the military, there was no shortage of obstacles they were both trying to overcome.   

The character growth and relationship development in Second Song was so satisfying though and I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in the story. Rowan and Liam’s book was every bit as good as I had hoped for and gave me exactly the feeling I was hoping for. 

As always, there’s an amazing cast of supporting characters creating a wonderful found family and a satisfying HEA at the end. Absolutely recommended!

SECOND SONG

TV 

The Gilded Age 

I was a huge fan of Downton Abbey, so it’s not a huge shock that I’m enjoying The Gilded Age. Julian Fellows created and wrote both and there’s a very similar feel. Lots of gorgeous, lavish costuming, great, character driven plots, and the lives of both the rich and the people working in their households are on display.   

I don’t know why I didn’t start it until recently, but I absolutely tore through the first two seasons in record time and the first episode of season three. I’m eagerly awaiting the next episode on Sunday and am very curious to see where they’ll go with some of the storylines.  

Definitely worth watching.  

THE GILDED AGE

Movies

Pee-wee As Himself 

Technically, I think this is more of a TV show than a movie but the two-part documentary series about the life of Paul Reubens, the creator of Pee-wee Herman was fascinating.  

It was also heartbreaking to hear him talk about being in and out of the closet at various times in his life and the toll homophobia took on his career.  

I never actually watched his show or movies growing up, and I only vaguely remember vaguely hearing about his legal troubles, so I was never as invested in his life and career the way many people were. But I was still absolutely riveted learning about his life and what happened when he was arrested. 

While sad in parts, overall there were a lot of funny and joyous moments and it left me feeling a little bummed that I didn’t watch Pee-wee’s Playhouse as a kid.  

PEE-WEE AS HIMSELF