Where has the time gone? It only hit me yesterday that we’re well past the second quarter of 2025, and I still hadn’t updated my have-read list. April, May, and June were hectic, and I definitely read less than I would’ve liked. But in place of an extra book or two, I watched around eleven movies in-flight to London and from Paris, so I think that deserves its own mini-segment in this post.
Note: there will be spoilers for everything!!
Ex-Wife by Ursula Parrott
I absolutely love this book. It’s been quite a while since I’ve read something that made me envy the life or lifestyle of the protagonist, but this one truly transported me to the 1920s – or at least a version of it that has long been romanticised in my mind through the allure of the Roaring Twenties and flapper culture.
I know this book was heavily inspired by Parrott's own life, and I found her careful yet authentic descriptions of everyday life as a single woman – or a woman post-matrimony – charming and evocative. Of course, there were elements I didn’t fully agree with, like the tendency for many of the female characters to be pushovers or hesitant in their pursuit of independence. But even that felt like a reflection of the time, and it was explored subtly and thoughtfully. This added depth to the world-building and pulled me in even more.
Although fairly short, this book left a big impression on me. I’m definitely on the lookout for something similar in terms of theme and writing style. I also loved that the protagonist was a writer – it made the story even more enjoyable to read, especially seeing what the industry was like back then and how she navigated her day-to-day life as a copywriter in her twenties.
Regardless, the descriptions of romantic love and connection felt surprisingly contemporary. There’s still that longing for intimacy and understanding, even when relationships fail. It was fascinating to see how, despite nearly a century passing since its publication, the core desires remain the same – independence, love, autonomy, and a place in the world that still doesn’t quite accommodate women.
Definitely one of my favourite reads this year. 4/5
Woo Woo by Ella Baxter
Another incredible book. It’s one of those rare reads I’ll always think about when the topics of surveillance or making art for public consumption come up. It captures the disillusionment that can arise when you’re creating within a bubble, constantly comparing yourself to invisible benchmarks.
Set in Melbourne, the book frequently references familiar streets and buildings, which made the reading experience feel very personal. I could clearly picture the characters living just half an hour away from where I live – it gave everything a heightened sense of realism.
The characterisation is sharply drawn and well thought out. This feels like the kind of book you hope to write after completing a Master’s in Creative Writing. It genuinely showcases Baxter's talent and her ability to weave a broader narrative about the elitism of the art world, while also confronting its very real consequences – things like not being taken seriously, self-indulgence, and even the terrifying experience of being stalked.
It’s a bold, thoughtful, and deeply original novel. 4.5/5
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
A classic I’ve been meaning to read for a very long time, but kept putting off, knowing it would be devastating and gut-wrenching. I’ve been familiar with the film adaptation for years, though I only watched it once, about a decade ago, so the plot still held a sense of mystery, apart from the sadness I expected.
What I didn’t remember being part of the movie, or perhaps what didn’t translate well on screen, is the book’s most distinctive feature: its narrative voice. The story is told through the personification of Death itself. This voice is what makes the book so compelling – uncompromising and assertive, yet unexpectedly tender in its inner monologue.
It shows the brutality of war and the hatred that fuels loss and tragedy, but it also gently reveals the quiet softness that persists beneath it all. There are moments of humanity, beauty, and connection – even amidst the horror.
I won’t pretend I didn’t cry while listening to this. But after discussing it with a friend, I realised I should have read a physical copy alongside the audiobook. There are drawings and visual details that don’t come through in audio, and I definitely missed out on those. I imagine they would have broken my heart into even tinier pieces.
I’ll probably return to this book in a few years when I feel ready to experience the pain again – this time, with a hard copy in hand.
There’s really nothing I can say about this book that hasn’t already been said, and said more eloquently than I ever could. I don’t even feel qualified to give it a rating.
Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors
After reading Mellors’ debut, Cleopatra and Frankenstein, I wasn’t exactly eager to read more of her work. That book felt overwhelmingly white – catering mainly to thin, pristine blondes and wealthy characters – and didn’t really offer much that resonated with me. I wasn’t particularly drawn to Blue Sister either, except that I kept seeing it everywhere. Eventually, I figured I might as well give it a go.
And while I can say it’s definitely an improvement from her debut, I’m still not sure I enjoy her writing overall. Blue Sisters is a better book – you can see the progression in Mellors' prose, world-building, and particularly in the development of her side characters. The character of Chitty and their Indian family was a thoughtful touch, and I think it was done fairly well.
But beyond that, I struggled to find much substance. The book follows three sisters navigating grief after the death of their other sister, alongside work, relationships, and life in general. On paper, that should have been compelling, but I never got to the point where I really cared about any of them. I know you’re probably not meant to like one sister more than the others, but I found it difficult to even keep track of who was who. Their voices didn’t feel distinct enough, and just as I’d get a sense of one sister’s storyline, the chapter would switch perspectives, and I’d be scrambling to remember what was happening the last time we heard from her.
It didn’t help that one of the sisters is literally named Bonnie Blue – like, exactly that – which I found oddly funny. Mellors and the infamous Bonnie are both English, so it still struck me as a very pointed choice, especially considering when this book came out - there's no way Mellors hasn't come across the name before.
All in all, the book wasn’t terrible. It wasn’t especially memorable either. It didn’t offend, but it didn’t impress. Still, I appreciate the growth in Mellors' craft, and I’m curious to see how she continues to evolve. 2.5/5
Now for some honourable movie mentions:
Companion (2025)
Meh. Interesting concept, but mediocre execution. The entire cast (or maybe just the way their characters were written) was incredibly annoying and unlikeable.
Memoir of a Snail (2024)
Incredible stop-motion animation, but also incredibly sad. The plot was amazing until about two-thirds of the way through, when it started veering into tragedy porn and became too heavy to wrap up effectively. The ending felt confusing and rushed, like the filmmakers didn’t know how to dig themselves out of the emotional pit they’d created. Still, a solid film with undeniable effort behind it.
Legally Blonde (2001)
Can’t believe I never watched this before! It was such a fun and relaxing watch.
Challengers (2024)
I am so mad I didn’t see this in cinemas. It was playing for ages, and I just kept putting it off, and now I deeply regret not experiencing it on the big screen. This movie was amazing – honestly, one of my favourite films of all time. The tension, the pacing, the characters – all so tightly and beautifully wrapped in ambition, passion, and rage. I can’t wait to rewatch this for the rest of forever.
Love Lies Bleeding (2024)
A unique film (?) Kristen Stewart is one of the most beautiful people alive, and honestly, that’s probably why I stuck it out. The plot was decent but got pretty weird at the end. I’m sure it’s metaphorical – something about femininity, power, and control – but it didn’t fully land for me. The ending felt rushed and a bit incoherent. Still, the performances were phenomenal.
Drive-Away Dolls (2024)
Yes, yes, yes! Why aren’t more people talking about this movie? It’s hilarious, relatable, and really well done. I thought it came out a couple of years ago, but it was only last year, so maybe it’s still waiting to be discovered and appreciated as it deserves. Fantastic casting and performances. I’ll definitely be rewatching this with friends.
The Monkey (2025)
Possibly the most mid movie I’ve seen in a while. The plot was fine, the characters were okay, the tension was decent – but nothing wowed me. The portrayal of the monkey was supposed to be chilling, but it wasn’t. Also, it’s hard to believe Theo James as a shy, isolated loner. His performance didn’t convince me in that role or as his greedy, unhinged twin brother. They really could’ve cast someone else. The ending was strange too – the evil twin didn’t seem to realise his mother’s death would also affect his brother? Just didn’t land for me.
A Different Man (2024)
Now this was a truly unique movie. Sebastian Stan is phenomenal, and the cinematography elevated the entire experience. The themes and storylines were unlike anything I’ve seen before. It might not have the best IMDB rating, but I found it genuinely intelligent. You don’t necessarily walk away with an “aha” moment, but it left an impression. I think about it often and would like to revisit it someday.
Selena (1997)
A biographical drama that was... okay. It didn’t feel especially detailed or well-paced, but I understand the intention was to highlight Selena’s talent and rise to fame. This was the first time I’d seen J.Lo act, and she did a pretty decent job portraying Selena. Still, I wish it had delved deeper into her personality and the challenges she faced beyond her dad policing her clothes or relationships. I wanted to hear her thoughts on fame or see how her career actually took off in a more fleshed-out way. I’d love to see a new version of this, one with more nuance.
Speak No Evil (2024)
Classic horror-thriller vibes. The kind of film that’ll end up on TikTok in four parts, each ending with a cliffhanger and no clear way to find the next one. A solid movie overall. James McAvoy is unsettling in the best way, and Aisling Franciosi gives an incredible performance.
Juror #2 (2024)
A very engaging watch – I was hooked the entire time. As someone interested in true crime and familiar (to some extent) with court and jury systems, I found this movie really compelling. Nicholas Hoult’s performance was excellent as always, and Toni Collette was unmatched. I loved the tension and the way it played with memory and accountability.
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Thank you for reading, and catch ya in the next quarter! Xx
