It’s been seven months into COVID-19. Through the months of isolation, we’ve had plenty of time to read, listen to music, watch tv, and stream shows. Here’s some of what I’ve been reading, listening, watching, and streaming.

Read: I joined my first online book club through Facebook, organized by a friend living in Cambridge. I’ve read The Rooster Bar; my first ever book by John Grisham. It was a good story, but left a few interesting threads on the table that would have made it better. Book two was my choice: The Book Thief by Marcus Zuask. It was my third time reading it, and I love I’ve gotten something different out of it each time.

Outside of book club, I’ve read Kevin Kwan’s Crazy Rich Asians. It was a satirical look at how lives that can appear perfect, are really anything but. Other books on my bedside table are Atomic Love- a 1950’s love story between two scientists who worked on the Manhattan Project, and one has to spy on the other for the FBI. And all the Light We cannot see, a novel taking place during W.W.II about the experiences of a blind girl, and a German soldier. The writing sets the pace on this one- quick chapters.

Listen… I’m more of a song person, not necessarily a band. I’ve been loving Alicia Keys’ Underdog, and Demi Lovato’s Commander-In-Chief. The latter is probably one of the best ‘protest’ type songs lately… Keys is at her most inspiring with Underdog. Honourable mention- the Lumineers’ cover of Democracy. I discovered the Arkells summer. If you want music that makes you dance in your home office chair, and gets stuck in your head for the rest of my day, this is for you.

Watch… TV is back! Finally. I’ve been watching Season 3 of Star Trek Discovery; curious to see how their story goes now they’ve cut off the original Pike/ Spock etc… universe. And This Is Us is off to another fantastic start. They’ve managed to perfectly meld reality with their characters. I’ve also been checking out Devils over W, where Patrick Dempsey plays a wealthy financier facing off against his protégé played by Alessandro Broghi. It’s a psychological thriller built around high finance in Europe. Due back later this month is Blacklist. One New show I’ve been watching is Filthy Rich. I was never a Sex & The City fan, but I’m loving Kim Cattrall in this one. Fox has cancelled this, but I’m hoping one of the streamers will pick it up, because it’s about to pay off big time.

Streaming: I think have six series across Amazon, and Netflix on the go right now. Three originals on Amazon highlight my favourites. The Man in the High Castle is soo good- it poses the question of “What if the Nazis won the war?” It’s had me saying WTF at least once an episode. Unpredictable story, and a relatable heroine. Speaking of swearing, I’ve watched season 2 of The Boys. It’s a satirical look at life as a superhero with extreme violence, swearing, and a wink at the whole superhero genre. Good Omens is a darkly funny mini series following Michael Sheen, and David Tennant as an angel and a demon who try to stop Armageddon. Honourable mention on Amazon is Hunters, which follows the adventures of a group of Nazi hunters led by Al Pacino whose character I’d describe as a Jewish Michael Coreleone.

Over on Netflix, I’ve got both Titans season 2 on the go, and have started on the Umbrella Academy. Not 100% sold on that, but Ellen Page keeps me coming back for more. I’ve finished Lucifer season 5A. Such a great show; the move to Netflix has been good for it. Watched Project Power on Netflix as well about a drug that can give humans superpowers for five minutes. I’ve also watched the movie version of Crazy, Rich Asians; its storyline is more narrow than in the book for obvious reasons.

What have you guys been watching, reading, and listening? Comment with suggestions. What movies are worth watching on Netflix? (I’m pretty behind on movies)