Cinemedia or Audiobooks? I enjoy both.

I have a long TBR (to be read) list and most years I can go through some 30 books. More recently, however, I’ve been having issues with my vision.

      Turns out the tendon in my right eye is ‘stretched’ and a recent eyelid lift and muscle tightening procedure –once all is healed –should correct it.  I hope to be back to reading at least one book per week by May.

     That said, this past winter season was spent listening to audiobooks and watching television.

     I’ve become quite fond of audiobooks. “Killers of the Flower Moon,” kept me occupied during the first day of post-surgery recovery, when keeping an ice pack on my eyes was crucial. The book was so heavily detailed with names and events that it lulled me to sleep. I am sure the book is a great read, but as far as ‘a great listen,’ it’s not. I blame it on the anesthesia.

I revisited Angela's Ashes, this time via audiobook. It was great when I read it back in 1998, and a treat to hear Frank McCourt tell his story.

     John Grisham’s audiobooks  (The Judges List, Sycamore Row, and The Guardian) kept me alert enough to follow the story arcs and were perfect for passing the hours in the day when I needed to keep my eyes closed. New to me was the series Grisham has for young readers. The protagonist is a boy version of Nancy Drew. The Scandal was an enjoyable four-hour listen with reader Richard Thomas (yes, John Boy of the Waltons).

     Years ago I discovered Ruth Ware’s books and this past winter, I checked out her audios (read by Imogene Church). I was hooked and listened to every audiobook our library contained. I like Ware’s story arcs and the ever-present twist. Church’s calm British melodic voice is second to none in my limited audiobook experience.

     I turn on the television for the sheer variety of movies and television series and I rarely doze during a show. This winter's binges include:

“Six Feet Under”—its finale is certainly the best EVER in my opinion.

“Resident Alien” (lots of fun)

Two psychological thrillers: “You” (a four-season thriller) and “What/If” (starring Renee Zellweger). 

For a time travel adventure, try “Travelers” (3 seasons) it stars Eric McCormack (Will from the “Will and Grace” sitcom)

     I binged on Wentworth, an Australian series. Could not get enough of this women’s prison series. At times, a bit cringeworthy, the characters were convincingly real.

     And then there was “Ozark” – who doesn’t enjoy watching Jason Bateman?

“The Woman King” with Viola Davis was superb!

“The Crown” found its way to my television screen; who can pass up another look at the Royals?

     If a multi-episode series isn’t your thing, try these two-hour +/- movies: “All the Light We Cannot See,” “Who is Erin Carter,” “Lou,” “Maestro,” “Emily the Criminal,” “Falling for Figaro,” “The Postcard Killings,” and “Good Grief.” I am still trying to figure out whether or not “Leave the World Behind” was worth the time. On that note, there were dozens of shows and books I started but didn’t finish.

     Now that we are into Spring, television watching (not book reading) is on hold until the rains start again in November. I’m looking forward to day trips to Westport beaches, hikes near and far, visiting local farmers markets, and outdoor events with my wife, Eileen, and our dog, Suzy. I'll be present at several book-selling events ( for a list of events, go to the Calico Lane tab ).

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Happy Spring!

Judy