Weekly Quick Hits - August 14
What I've spent time on this week
Each week, I’m going to send out a list of shows/movies I’ve seen, books I’ve read, and audiobooks or podcasts I’ve listened to. These may be things I recommend or that I just want to share. Let’s go!
Watching
“Under the Queen’s Umbrella” episodes 1-8
My thoughts: As a fan of Korean dramas set in the Joseon period, I recommend this one. It’s not as light-hearted as I had expected, but it is well written and performed, and I am invested in the story.
Where to watch: Netflix
“Half in the Bag: Oppenheimer and The Hollywood Implosion” from Red Letter Media
My thoughts: Red Letter Media is the best channel on YouTube, especially if you like clever editing and hearing pros talk about film. They are my favorite dumb smart people. Their discussion of Oppenheimer and the Hollywood strikes is insightful and entertaining.
Where to watch: YouTube
Reading
“A Random Walk Down Wall Street” by Burton G. Malkiel, chapters 1-3
My thoughts: I’ve already learned so much from this book, from financial basics to economic history. I’m looking forward to writing about it and hearing your thoughts!
My edition: 2015
“The Faerie Queene” by Edmund Spenser, Book 3 Poem and Canto 1
My thoughts: Multiple people have told me I’m insane for reading this voluntarily, but I am genuinely enjoying it. Did I know exactly what it was when I put it on my wish list? No. But it has been a great in-between read for when I’m waiting for my book club to choose our next title.
My edition: 1987
Listening
“The Prose Edda (Annotated)” by Snorri Sturluson, read and edited by Ayrton Parham, chapters 1 - 26
My thoughts: I love Norse mythology, especially at bed time. I’m not sure how the author would feel, but this audiobook has been my go-to “fall asleep” choice this week. It’s well read by the author, and I enjoy hearing the “original” versions of these stories.
Where to listen: Audible
“Legion” by William Peter Blatty, chapter 1
My thoughts: I’m not far into this story yet, but after listening to “The Exorcist” I am excited to get into it. Unfortunately, this book is not read by the author—who did excellent work performing “The Exorcist”—but the narrator is good and the story is instantly compelling.
Where to listen: Audible
“How to Live After Profound Loss” from The Free Press
My thoughts: I haven’t finished this episode yet because I started tearing up 10 minutes into it. The story is moving and powerful, and it came at a time when I’m examining my own relationship with handling strong emotions in myself and others.
Where to listen: online
“Hello from the Magic Tavern”
My thoughts: The episode I want to share is for paid subscribers only, so I have linked the latest free episode instead. “Hello from the Magic Tavern” is one of my favorite podcasts of all time. It’s an improvised fantastical world, and the story has been going for over 8 years, but don’t worry each episode begins with everything you need to know!
Where to listen: online
Extra: Playing
“Hollow Knight”
My thoughts: I’ve put something like 25-30 hours into this game this week, and I have deeply enjoyed it. I haven’t beaten it yet. I do not know if I ever will. It is not an easy game, and I have had to use online guides. But it’s quirky and fun and just the right amount of challenging.
Learn more: online
“Yes, Your Grace”
My thoughts: My second time playing this game, and I still can’t quite get it. I mean, I get the game, the game is fabulous, but I keep missing the little things that would make me a successful king in Davern. The story is surprisingly touching for an inexpensive pixel-art game, and the choices are appropriately difficult to prioritize.
Learn more: Steam
And that’s the list this week! What do you think? Have you seen, read, or heard any of these? Do you agree with my reactions? What have your been reading, watching, and listening to?