This week I am celebrating the official launch of The Moth and the Moon by Margaret Anne Suggs.
*Please note, this is not an ad. This is not sponsored or paid for in any way, but I do want to take a moment to cheer on my former colleagues as they’re amazing!*
If you’ve been following me for a while then you’ll know that I have recently started a new job. I had the pleasure of working with the Beehive Books team since 2022, and I am thrilled to be invited to the official launch of The Moth and the Moon by Margaret Anne Suggs.
This new book is a charming story about Rosie the moonstruck moth as she sets off through the night sky in search of the moon. The story is so sweet, and the illustrations are simply gorgeous. Anyone who loves a sky scene will love these starry illustrations. As a night owl, I love this book.
When I was little I would have loved a story that was all about an adventure through the night sky, exploring the stars and everything that sparkles. There’s something magical about being up late when it feels like everyone is asleep but you. If it is not obvious, I’m still a night owl to this day. Just like Rosie, I’m most definitely moonstruck!
I will be #OutOfOffice next week as I am heading off on an adventure of my own. I won’t be publishing a discussion next week, but I will be active on Instagram so come and join the fun!
Sunny season is approaching. I am very excited about the months ahead.
I hope to do some more exploring this summer. I’ve been very fortunate because I have had the opportunity to travel a lot, and one thing I am excellent at is making sure that I’ve got something to keep me entertained while I’m on a flight.
If I’m being perfectly honest, I try to sleep for as much of the flight as I can, but sometimes that isn’t possible, so I do always ensure that I have some movies or shows picked out.
I don’t read on flights very often because I am prone to getting motion sickness, and I find that it doesn’t impact me as much if I’m watching something. I prefer to read when I’m tucked up in bed anyways. With all of this being said, I’m putting together a list of my plane picks. My absolute go to watch-list for when I’m in the air, and you might feel inspired for the next time you’re catching a flight!
The Golden Girls
It goes without saying that I watch The Golden Girls when flying. I watch this show all the time. It is my comfort watch, my go to, it is easy and fun. I use Disney +, so I usually download an entire season of this show before a flight so I can watch without Wi-Fi.
The episodes are 20 minutes long so watching 3 is a great way to pass an hour.
When I was flying to NYC back in January, the flight was 6 hours long. It was an early flight so I slept for the first 4 hours and then had 2 left. I watched 3 episodes of The Golden Girls, and then as we enter the last hour, we begin to descend anyways so that was a relatively long flight that went by in no time at all.
Speaking of Disney +, I usually have one or two classic Disney movies downloaded too so I can watch without Wi-Fi if the mood strikes me. I also download a few episodes of something like Modern Family, or something similar, so I have options of shows that are fun, easy, and not too long.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (Insert your personal reality tv pick here).
When I want to pass the time, when I don’t want to think, when I want to indulge in a guilty pleasure, this is when I turn to reality tv. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is my reality show of choice. It is ridiculous. It is lavish. It is an easy way to pass the time. An episode is an hour long, so 2 episodes is 2 hours passed without even noticing.
Father of the Bride
When it comes to movies, I like to turn to old favourites when I’m on a flight.
I usually don’t watch a movie that I haven’t seen before when flying because planes can be loud and I’m obviously using a smaller screen, and in my case, sometimes I feel sick if motion sickness hits, so that is why I like to watch movies I know and love. I like turning something on that I know I enjoy watching. I know it makes me laugh. I find that watching old favourites that are familiar helps when I’m not feeling 100% amazing, and something like Father of the Bride is a lovely way to spend an hour and a half.
Other movies that fall into my plane picks for these same reasons are Miss Congeniality,My Fair Lady, When Harry Met Sally, Roman Holiday, Ruthless People, and Dirty Dancing.
Here there is a pattern and you can see the idea. I like to watch short, easy to watch shows that pass the time, and if I am watching a movie, I like to turn to old favourites. I find doing this has always helped me enjoy flying more, and I think having a list of favourites saved and downloaded makes getting ready to travel so much easier.
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I have always been a reader. I’m sure that is very obvious by now.
Over the years I have built up a collection of books that I am proud of, and I’ve had some of the books since I was very young.
If you’ve been a reader of my blogs for a while, you already know that I am a Children’s Books Ireland book doctor. I absolutely love it when I have the chance to participate in the CBI Book Clinics. Chatting to young readers about the books they’re enjoying is always so much fun, and I always leave the event feeling inspired in some way.
If you follow me on Instagram @katelovesliterature, then you’ll already know that last Saturday I was in Galway. I got to join Patricia Forde’s #WholeWideWorldBusTour and it was a gorgeous sunny, book-chat filled day. I had the pleasure of chatting to kids from the ages of three to ten, and I came away from this book clinic with a new appreciation for picture books.
There’s been some exciting events happening in my life lately. I celebrated my Master’s graduation and I thoroughly enjoyed my ceremony. I have also set off on a new work adventure. After nearly two years of working with the wonderful Beehive Books team, I’ve started a new role. I mention this because the last two Beehive books that I had the pleasure of being part of were both picture books. Skipping Stones by Tatyana Feeney and The Moth and the Moon by Margaret Anne Suggs are both out now and while this piece is not an ad, or paid for in any way, I will say that I’m delighted to see these books on the shelves.
It is safe to say that lately ideas about picture books have been running through my mind.
I’ve been thinking about how much I enjoy them to this day, and I’ve also been thinking about how important they are when it comes to our reading journeys.
Unfortunately picture books don’t always get the credit they deserve. Sometimes picture books are referred to as “Not real books.” This couldn’t be further from the truth. Picture books are hugely important and in this piece I’m going to highlight that.
My favourite thing about picture books, and one of the most important things to note about picture books, is the way they help young readers develop their visual literacy skills.
When we are little and just beginning to look at books, before we even start to learn how to read words properly, we engage with picture books. I would argue that visual literacy is developed before we can understand the words on the page. You can understand what is happening in a story by looking at the pictures alone. In time, the pictures and the words work together to create meaning, but for readers who may be struggling with the words aspect, they can glean a high level of understanding from just the pictures. Picture books transcend language barriers. The saying “A picture is worth a thousand words”, comes to mind. This is true. We pick up so many visual cues from images and so many factors come together to create meaning.
When we look at a picture, we look at colours used, facial expressions, placement on the pages, and the scale of the drawings etc. An easy example that I use to explain this further is a playground scene. Imagine a picture of a playground. On one page, everything is bright, there are lots of children playing. Some on swings, some on the slides, they’re depicted smiling and laughing, the colours are bright and rich. Think yellows and oranges and greens. Now on the other side of the page – the other side of the playground if you will – imagine there is a drawing of a child by themselves. They’re smaller. They’re alone on the page. They’re not smiling. Maybe they’re crying, and the colours are muted. Think blues and greys. Let’s think about what all these factors portray when they come together. A picture has been painted of a child who is lonely at the playground. Everyone else is bright and having fun, but the lone child is sad, perhaps telling us readers that they struggle making friends or maybe they’ve been left out. We can decide what we think for ourselves, and by doing so we’re enhancing our interpretational skills and our emotional comprehension skills.
Looking at pictures and deciphering what they mean by using visual cues is a life skill and it is one that we should hopefully continue to develop as we grow up. For example when we watch a movie, we should be able to pick up on meanings based on what we see. In our personal lives, we may be able to tell how someone is feeling by the look on their face alone. When young readers engage with picture books, they are practising all of these key skills in a really fun way as picture books invite readers into bright, colourful worlds. Looking at beautiful pictures is a great way to encourage a reluctant reader, or it may entice someone who is a visual learner, and regardless, pictures make learning much more fun!
One of my closest friends is a speech and language therapist and when I told her that I was working on this piece, she told me to feel free to also share that speech and language therapists strongly advocate using picture books because they provide ways to model language by giving visual supports that help children understand what is being spoken about. I was delighted to learn this as I’ve always felt that picture books are an incredible tool in many ways, but even beyond a speech therapy setting, having a visual aid to help us understand what is going on is always appreciated in my opinion.
Picture books, especially wordless picture books, also give young readers a chance to build their confidence and use their imaginations. When you can decide for yourself what is happening based on what you see, you’re letting your creativity soar as well as building up confidence when expressing your thoughts and opinions.
So if you have some picture books at home from when you were young, don’t throw them out. If you have young readers at home who love picture books, don’t dismiss them. Dive in instead. You may just learn something new.
For all updates about what is #ComingUpNext make sure you’re following me on Instagram @katelovesliterature
If you thought I was finished mentioning New York, I’m afraid you were wrong!
Back in January I was whisked away to the big apple on a surprise trip. It was a dream, and while we were there my Mam and I went to see the magical Aladdin on Broadway.
I knew that the UK tour of Aladdin would be making its way to Dublin in April, so I already had my Dublin tickets when my Mam surprised me with this trip. My excitement only doubled as I love having the chance to see a production twice, especially in different places as small changes can be made. If you’re a theatre lover like me then seeing these little changes will fascinate you.
Let me start with the obvious. Aladdin onstage is a beautiful show. The costumes are bright, vivid, and they sparkle beautifully. The stage comes alive with colour and movement from curtain up to curtain down. It is a magical spectacle. The story of Aladdin is one we know and love, and the classic songs from the Disney movie are complemented by the songs that were composed for the stage production. If you’re a fan of the movie then you will love the show. It really is as simple as that.
Similar to the movie, the stage show is filled with pop-culture references as those references are part of what makes the role of the genie so iconic. This is where seeing the show in two different places becomes really interesting because in New York, some of the crowd work was catered to NYC landmarks, whereas those references were amended to make sense to an Irish audience in Dublin. These little details fascinate me as I love seeing all the ways a show can change and move.
The story of Aladdin is one that I believe will always have a timeless quality to it.
Aladdin is a poor, kind, young man who has no family and he has to resort to stealing and getting into mischief to survive, but beneath his bravado and schemes, there is a heart of gold.
He is earnest, he is charming, and he will always try to do the right thing. Aladdin and Princess Jasmine connect because they both feel trapped. Aladdin cannot do anything because he has no money, and people look down on his efforts to survive. Jasmine, while she acknowledges that she lives a privileged life, she too feels trapped because of the royal protocols that she must follow. The stage show takes the time to specifically illustrate her fears about being forcibly married off to a stranger. I appreciate this aspect of the stage show, because I think in stories where love interests come from two very different classes, it can sometimes be hard to relate to the person who has the wealth and the privilege, because while of course everyone can have struggles no matter their class, it is undeniably easier to deal with those problems when you have money, shelter, power and influence.
While Jasmine does not have the same financial struggles as Aladdin, the fear of being married off to a stranger and living a life in which your voice is never listened to is a real fear, and her desire to run away and live her life on her own terms is easy to root for because of how well the stage show illustrates her arc.
Jasmine and Aladdin also match because they both mirror each other’s desire to be fully seen. Aladdin wants to be seen for who he is as a person instead of being seen as nothing more than a poor man. He is viewed as a street rat and his worth as a person is dismissed entirely because of his station, whereas in Jamine’s case, her station is all that people see. They see her wealth, they see her title, they see the power they will have through associating with her and her father and they don’t care about who she is as a person or how she truly feels or what she has to say. So they both feel alone and when they meet, for both of them it is the first time that anyone truly listens to how they feel and understands it. Their plan to run away together is sweet and very earnest and their common ground makes them a very likeable couple.
It is a story filled with magic and love. When Jafar, the sultan’s crooked advisor, learns that Aladdin is the diamond in the rough that he needs to help him procure a magic lamp, he tricks Aladdin into retrieving it for him, manipulating Aladdin’s wishes to make his late mother proud of him. Of course Aladdin ends up rubbing the lamp instead so now he has a new friend in the genie who is going to change his life with three wishes.
While I adore Aladdin and Jasmine, the genie is the best character in the show. He is funny, he is full of energy. Huge props to all actors who have played this role because it is non-stop. The genie plays so many key roles in the show. He narrates, he does crowd work, he delivers larger than life performances, and he is the mentor character to Aladdin. He is significant to Aladdin’s emotional arc throughout the show, and it is the genie who helps Aladdin discover his self-worth and helps him understand that wish or no wish, he was a Prince all along because of his kind heart. Jasmine loved Aladdin before he made his first wish, and the genie helps him see that.
His role as Aladdin’s mentor is doubly touching because Aladdin is an orphan who misses his family, so the genie gives him the loving, parental guidance that he is missing.
From beginning to end, this show will have audiences completely in awe.
I am so thrilled that I had the chance to see this show twice. I would go again in a heartbeat.
It is dazzling, funny, and filled with magic. Perfect for date night or if you have a Disney lover at home. If you get the opportunity to see Aladdin don’t miss out.
Make sure to follow me on Instagram @katelovesliterature to stay up to date with what is #ComingUpNext
Derek Landy fans will be delighted to dive back into the world of Skulduggery Pleasant.
*Thank you to HarperCollins Ireland for sending me an early copy of this book.
Please note that while I received this book in #bookmail, my review is entirely my own.
This is not a paid review, nor is this review an ad or sponsored in any way.*
I always enjoy stepping into the world of Skulduggery Pleasant. Personally I’m a fan of crime thrillers and mysteries, so I was happy to see that Landy has returned to his investigative roots in this book. A Mind Full of Murder by Derek Landy is the latest installment in the world of Skulduggery Pleasant. This new book sets us up for a new trilogy and I must say that this book left me looking forward to what is coming next.
This book follows Skulduggery Pleasant and Valkyrie Cain as they try to stop a mysterious killer from murdering more innocent people. In order to stop this villain, they must solve riddles that the killer has left for them. Fast-paced and mystery focused, this book will have you gripped with each turn of the page. Concise, and featuring less characters than his previous works, Landy has created a story that flows really nicely. I also enjoyed the fact that Skulduggery and Valkyrie are working closely together again.
The tone of this book feels more mature than previous installments of this series. Landy’s passion for horror shines through in this book, successfully resetting the tone of this series. This book, while still showcasing Landy’s sharp wit, feels more serious than before. Some of the action described (injuries, deaths, etc.), definitely reads as though Landy is aiming for an older audience this time. Many readers have been a fan of Skulduggery Pleasant for years so I would argue that there is a certain element of nostalgia to be found in this book, and it is clear to see that Landy enjoys using certain tropes (mystery reveals, discovering parentage etc.)
I would argue that certain kinds of reveals can start to feel somewhat repetitive at times, however that doesn’t take away from the overall enjoyment of this book.
I think some characters will be missed, however I think the return to the classic Skulduggery/Valkyrie dynamic will please many readers, and we will see who returns to the pages as this new trilogy unfolds.
I’d recommend this book for readers 12+
Perfect for readers who enjoy crime mysteries as well as ideal for anyone who wants to become more familiar with horror.
Follow me on Instagram @katelovesliterature if you don’t already so that you are up to date with what is #ComingUpNext
If you follow me on Instagram then you already know that I didn’t expect to be so sick last week with strep throat, and while I am still not feeling 100% myself again, I am so relieved to be through the worst of it. Thank you to antibiotics and lots of sleep!
I will be #OutofOffice again this week as I am officially graduating. I received my master’s degree results back in November, however the official graduation is this week. I plan on slowing down and enjoying the moment.
Reviews, discussions, and chats about all things in the wonderful world of literature will be back soon, but for now I am celebrating my biggest achievement.
I had added some beautiful new books to my bookshelves recently and I want to talk about my latest reads as there are new reviews and new podcast episodes coming very soon.
I want to say thank you to HarperCollins Ireland for sending me an early copy of Derek Landy’s latest Skulduggery Pleasant book. A Mind Full Of Murder is the first book in a brand new trilogy.
It officially comes out on March 28th 2024. I will be reading this book and publishing my review very soon!
Please note that while I was very kindly sent this book, my review will be my own opinion and not paid for or sponsored in any way.
I celebrated my birthday not too long ago and one of my friends gave me a beautiful edition of Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. I think that this flowery pink cover is absolutely beautiful and not only did I not own a copy of this classic before now, but this particular copy looks stunning on my shelves.
At the moment I am reading Dubliners by James Joyce.
I am a fan of Joyce’s writing style. I especially enjoy the way he experiments with literary techniques and while it can take some getting used to, I enjoy reading his free-form prose as it reads as if we are experiencing his thoughts with him as they happen.
I will be discussing all things Dubliners with my co-host Seán on Episode #03 of Your Book or Mine?
You can listen on Spotify.
Make sure you follow me on Instagram @katelovesliterature for all updates about what is #ComingUpNext
Lately I’ve been leaning into my favourite comfort show more often than usual.
If you keep up with me on Instagram then you already know that I’m a huge fan of The Golden Girls. I began watching the show when I was very young with my grandmother. I ordered the entire seven series box set on DVD a few years ago and I was absolutely thrilled when the entire show became available on Disney +
I watch The Golden Girls all the time. I watch when I’m doing my makeup, I watch with a cup of tea in bed at night to relax. I watch when I’m travelling. I always download an entire season if I’m getting on a flight. It is a show that I know inside and out, one that I can throw on at any time. I find it relaxing. I always laugh. I think maybe it also reminds me of being with my own grandmother, which is lovely, and I especially find it helpful if I am feeling anxious. I enjoy knowing what is coming, I enjoy the stories each time, and I love that even though I know this show inside and out, I truly enjoy watching it every single time. It is funny, it is clever, it is poignant, and in so many ways it was ahead of its time.
While I can appreciate that this discussion might be very niche and very self-indulgent, I want to talk about my favourite episodes anyway. There are so many episodes that I adore. Picking solid favourites is so difficult, but I have selected three that I would regard as my top three episodes. These are the episodes that I am going to talk about in this piece. There are many more that I really love, so there may also be an honourable mention or two.
Please be aware that The Golden Girls discusses themes that some readers may find upsetting such as abuse, sickness, ageing, loss, and death. I will be touching on these themes and topics in this discussion.
I want to begin with a serious episode. The Golden Girls did not shy away from dealing with heavy topics. One of my favourite episodes is Not Another Monday: Season 5, Episode 7.
This episode is a perfect combination of comedy and poignancy. The A plot and the B plot are total opposites and yet they weave together beautifully to create one of the most touching episodes. I believe this episode displays some of Estelle Getty’s (Sophia) best acting.
In this episode Dorothy, Blanche, and Rose are reliving the days of early motherhood as they are babysitting for a local couple while Sophia is debating whether or not she can support her friend who wishes to take her own life. The babysitting portion of this episode features some of the funniest scenes in the show, scenes that are often listed in iconic moment countdowns etc.
The girls try to get the baby to sleep by performing a fabulous rendition of “Mr. Sandman” in the living room, and Blanche hilariously tries to flirt with the doctor when the baby gets an ear infection due to teething. This clash of warm comedy right beside a very heavy, poignant discussion shouldn’t work in the same episode and yet it is perfectly done. I think this expertly weaved juxtaposition of light and dark is what makes this episode so well written.
Sophia’s friend Martha is depressed, lonely, and frightened after she and Sophia attend the funeral of a mutual friend. Martha lives alone and she fears continuing as her health is declining. She decides she wants to die on her own terms. She plans to die due to an overdose. Determined that she does not want to die alone, she pleads with Sophia to be with her, and to hold her hand after she takes the pills.
Sophia battles with what to do. She does not want to leave Martha alone, but she also does not want her to take her own life. While the other girls are babysitting, Sophia goes to Martha’s house. There she reminds Martha of the day they met in the hospital and how they both couldn’t wait to get out of hospital after their procedures because they wanted to live. Sophia asks her if she is sure about her plan. Martha hesitates. Sophia tells her she can’t go through with it if she isn’t sure, because she can’t take it back. Martha admits that the loneliness she feels is the driving force behind her choices, but she isn’t actually ready to die. Sophia swears she will be there, she will make sure she isn’t alone. The two toast to being best friends.
In this scene, Estelle Getty delivers one of my favourite lines from the entire series. Martha states that she’s afraid of sickness and afraid of pain, and that their friend looked so peaceful at her wake. Determined, with tears in her eyes, and a hitch in her throat, Sophia says “We’re not in this life for peace.” Her point is that life is worth living, despite the many twists and turns that get thrown at us. It is a beautiful scene.
Later that evening, the girls are relieved when Sophia gets home and tells them that Martha didn’t go through with her plan, and they reflect on how lucky they are that they live together and not alone. Before the baby goes back to his parents, Sophia picks him up, rocks him, and tells him that he has a long life ahead of him and to enjoy all of life’s ups and downs. Despite the overall tone being heavy, the episode ends on a hopeful note.
The major themes of this episode focus on the fear of growing older, the impact that loneliness can have on people, loss, grief, and ultimately hope. A huge emphasis is placed on remembering those who may live by themselves and making sure we make time for those who may wish they had more contact and connection in their lives. While it is one of the most serious episodes of the show, and while it makes me tear up every single time I watch it without fail, it is also an episode that always makes me feel better if I am having a hard time.
I’d argue this episode is a masterclass in writing, and it features some incredible acting.
It is a must watch in my opinion.
The next episode I am going to talk about is The Actor: Season 2 Episode 14. This episode is completely different in tone, it is much lighter, and in my opinion this is one of the funniest episodes in the series.
In this episode, Dorothy, Rose, and Blanche are getting ready for the local community theatre’s upcoming performance. The girls are thrilled when it is announced that Patrick Vaughn, a well-known professional actor will be coming to the theatre to star as the leading man. Swooning over his good looks, all three of the ladies are determined to get the lead so they can act opposite him, and they hope to score a date too.
Shenanigans ensue when Patrick Vaughn dates all three of the ladies, insisting that the relationships must be kept a secret so that the press does not find out. A comedy of errors ensues when Dorothy, Rose, and Blanche find out on opening night that not only has Patrick been leading all three of them on, but he has been dating the entire female ensemble too.
Furious, they expose him onstage as a cheat and a liar in a brilliantly funny way. They confront him in the play and when the commotion is over, they bow as though it was all part of the performance. This spoof (A spoof of Picnic) play also features Dorothy as the Sheriff. She steps in when another actor gets sick as she is the only one tall enough to wear the costume. (If you’ve never seen the show, Bea Arthur who plays Dorothy is an extremely tall, regal woman. Her height is often played for laughs, as is her deep voice.) Seeing Dorothy enter the stage in her Sheriff costume is one of the best moments, and her drawl as she interrogates the drifter “Biff” is some of the funniest dialogue in the show.
Episodes that feature the ladies competing with each other are always very entertaining. The girls are competitive and not afraid to be petty. The hijinks that ensue are always brilliant.
No matter how many times I see the episode, I still get the giggles whenever I watch.
Returning to a more serious episode, I couldn’t talk about my favourite episodes without discussing Old Friends: Season 3, Episode 1. I debated choosing a different episode, as I didn’t want this discussion to be too serious overall. There are many, many wonderful and funny episodes of this show that I love, but I have to be honest in my reviews.
Old Friends is a classic. It is another Sophia focused episode and Estelle Getty is given another chance to shine.
I truly love her portrayal of Sophia. She’s cheeky, wise, and wise-cracking. She’s serious when she needs to be without taking life too seriously. She’s the oldest of the group, and the mother figure. She may be Dorothy’s actual mother, but she plays a mother role to Rose and Blanche too. She’s spunky, quick-witted, and stubborn. Her moments of sensitivity and sentimentality are some of the best in the show. I love when we get to see Sophia’s softer side. It shines through in Old Friends.
This is another episode that expertly mixes comedy and sadness. Blanche accidentally gives away a childhood teddy bear of Rose’s when she is having a yard sale. Hijinks ensue when she tries to get the bear back from Daisy, a supposedly sweet sunshine cadet (Scouts if you’re Irish). Blanche thinks this will be an easy task and Rose will never need to know, but Daisy spoils her plans when she holds the teddy bear hostage. Rue McClanahan is always brilliantly funny as Blanche, but her trying to negotiate with a little girl are some of her best scenes.
While Blanche tries her best to get the bear back, Sophia is at the boardwalk where she meets Alvin. The two share a bench and chat while they look out at the sea. They become fast friends, spending day after day sitting together on the boardwalk and talking for hours. One day, Alvin is upset, erratic, and it appears he doesn’t know who Sophia is. It becomes apparent that he is suffering from Alzheimers and it is getting worse. His daughter tells Dorothy that he will have to move from Miami to Chicago so she can care for him, meaning that he and Sophia won’t see each other again.
The episode is bittersweet. Sophia reflects on the time they spent together and how much she enjoyed his friendship, she tells Dorothy that she’ll always remember him even if soon he forgets her. She is knitting him a scarf and when it is finished she plans to send it to Chicago.
The episode ends with Rose getting her bear back and Dorothy bringing Sophia home. As they leave the boardwalk, a man comes and sits in Alvin’s spot. Sophia gets upset and tells him that someone is sitting there.
Again, this is another episode that touches on sickness and loneliness in old age. There is a very sad moment when Alvin remembers all over again that his beloved wife is gone and he misses her terribly. He cries for her all over again while Sophia comforts him, telling him that she misses her husband too and he can cry all he wants. It is a very touching scene.
I do want to emphasise that while the episodes I’m discussing highlight some of the fears that come with growing older, this entire show is dedicated to illustrating that life does not stop when we turn thirty and that everyone, especially women, can go on to live full, vibrant, busy lives. Age is just a number and The Golden Girls was ahead of its time when it came to a show featuring older women as the leads. They weren’t the butt of the joke, they weren’t helpless, their lives were not dull. They weren’t just mothers and grandmothers, they were smart, funny, intelligent, vibrant women who lived full lives. Yes they were mothers and grandmothers who adored their families, but they also had work lives, friendships, and they dated. They did everything and anything that they wanted to do. The show covered all kinds of topics, talking about hugely important things while keeping humour and love intact too.
The Golden Girls is an incredible show and I think everyone should watch at least one episode to see what they think.
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If you don’t follow me on Instagram, you won’t have seen that I am #OutofOffice this week.
I will be back next week with another book review.
In the meantime, you can tune in on Instagram, because while I am not publishing a discussion this week on Katelovesliterature.com, I will be posting some book chats on my grid and stories.
Lately I’ve been thinking about how much I love to watch movies. I truly could spend an entire weekend watching movie after movie. Last weekend we sat down to watch Rocky II, which I loved, but afterwards I was thinking about how in a short amount of time I had laughed, cried, and cheered when (spoiler alert) Rocky won the match.
Now I will admit that I love to let myself get swept away by movies, I allow myself to become completely invested, so perhaps not everyone will watch movies as enthusiastically as I do, but I also know I’m not alone. I’ve had some incredible conversations with people about movies, and there are certain times when being in the cinema with a crowd feels amazing. It is not exactly the same feeling as being in a live theatre, but there is something lovely about being part of a crowd of people who are all excited to watch the same movie.
Last summer, alongside the rest of the world, I went to see Barbie. The cinema was full. Everyone was wearing pink. There was a line to stand in the Barbie box outside the screen. An entire room of people laughed and cried together. Last Christmas season, I went to see Die Hard in the cinema because it is one of my favourite movies. Again, that night in the cinema was a communal experience. Everyone was quoting the famous lines, we were laughing together, and cheering those iconic John McClane moments. The point I’m making is movies mean something to people, and I love experiencing the ways that movies can bring people together.
Movies can serve many purposes. Movies can entertain. Movies can be a form of escapism, a way for people to step into another world and witness the life of another person. Being entertained by a movie can make us feel better if we are having a hard time. Movies can make us laugh and they also make us cry, and sometimes they can even make us feel truly understood.
Movies can also be more than a form of escapism. Movies can function as a mirror to society. Movies can reflect the good, the bad, and the ugly in life. Movies can tell a story about a particular time or event, and they can give voices to many people. Movies can move and inspire us, because in all of this, whether you’re watching a comedy or an action movie, or a rom com, or something terribly sad, there will be a moment, a scene, a character that resonates with you.
While I am an avid reader, I do love the medium of film, and I enjoy visual storytelling.
I am always encouraging people to read. I will always be an advocate when it comes to helping young people fall in love with books because I believe that being a reader can open so many doors, but I’ve been thinking about this a lot recently, and I think I would argue that it is just as important to foster a love of film in people. I believe that we must watch movies.
So what’s my argument? Why must we watch movies?
I believe we should watch movies because watching movies allows us to experience storytelling in various ways. Movies are made up of so many components, characters, setting, costume, the score, and all of those components come together to create a visual piece. While using our imagination when we read is fantastic, I do believe that there are some moments that are meant to be portrayed onscreen. There are also some movies that would be completely different if the score was different. Can you imagine Jaws without that famous two note motif? It wouldn’t be the same. When we appreciate how integral that musical theme is to that movie, we are appreciating music. When we stop to appreciate how a costume can make or break a character, we are appreciating design and fashion. When we take the time to recognise all of these components and the roles they play, we are actually beginning to appreciate the arts in a much broader way. When we appreciate the arts, we are appreciating ideas and doing so allows people to be more creative, more innovative, and more collaborative.
Watching movies also helps us with our levels of social intelligence. As people, we learn so much by watching. Watching a movie can let us see the inner workings of a character. We see what they go through, we see how they feel and why they feel that way, we see how they interact with others, and we see what they do in the movie, and we have opinions on all of these things.
When we can see why a character is upset, we empathise with them. When we can see why a character behaved a certain way, we can understand their actions but realise that maybe they should have acted differently. Movies can also be extremely educational. Watching a movie about a certain event or particular situation allows audiences to experience and learn about that event in a safe way. You can watch a character make mistakes and even though the movie is fictional, we as an audience can still learn from those fictional mistakes and apply the lessons to our real lives. The same can be said about movies that deal with heavier themes such as grief. The character in the movie is experiencing grief, and even though the movie is fiction (unless it is based on a true story), that story and that character arc can help a person who is grieving in real life. Perhaps they see themselves in the character, perhaps they feel less alone by seeing a story like theirs, and maybe the character getting through grief can provide comfort and hope in real life. I’ve certainly felt that way, and I know many others who have too.
I think movies can bring people closer together. As I mentioned above, some of the best conversations I’ve had have been over a bottle of wine after watching a movie. I’ve spoken about what I thought of the movie, why I liked it, why I didn’t, scenes that stood out etc. I’ve discussed themes with people and how those themes made me feel, and more often than not, chats about movies have become about more than movies. Suddenly those chats become personal, and I’ve connected with people on a deeper level, but the movie is the thing that broke the ice, the movie is the thing that allowed us to connect. I do believe that so many people just wish to be understood, and as a movie lover, and as someone who studies literature and film, I believe that movies can help us feel more understood.
An idea that I’ve mentioned a lot recently is the idea of a “must watch”movie. This is not a new concept. Just like how there are books that are considered to be books that everyone must read, there are movies that are classed as “must see” movies. A “must see” movie is usually a movie that covers a topic of cultural, or historical significance, or tells a story that is socially significant in some way.
I think that I am going to create my own version of a “must see” movie list. I think it would be fun to think about movies that have impacted me and why, and hopefully my list may give people some movie night inspiration so stay tuned.
Follow me on Instagram if you don’t already @katelovesliterature for all updates about what is #ComingUpNext.
I am also very excited because episode #02 of Your Book or Mine? will be coming soon on Spotify. You can #JoinTheBookClub by following us on Instagram @yourbookorminepod
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