What This Week: November 21
Well folks, Thanksgiving week is upon us! I’m ready for a few days off, a little turkey dinner, and some uninterrupted reading time. After laboring all day last year to cook a meal for two (that lasted an entire week), I’ve elected to let Whole Foods cook my Thanksgiving Feast this year. While it’s extremely privileged, I needed a little peace and quiet this week. I’m hoping it will put time back in my day to finish a few of my current reads, all of which are featured in this edition of What This Week: November 21.
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What This Week: Reading
Work’s been kind of crazy this past week, so I’m a bit behind schedule in my reading. I’m trying not to sweat about it though, especially since we have some days off coming soon. Plus, I think I’ve finally bought myself a bit of breathing room when it comes to my Netgalley queue. I still have quite a few advanced reader copies to finish, but most are not publishing for a while.
As for this week, I’m deep into Woman on Fire, a thrilling art heist novel with ties to WWII. This book is a true page-turner so be sure to clear your schedule when you pick this one up. It’s the type of book you could read in a day, which is saying a lot for a slow reader like me.
I’ve had a bit of a book hangover after finishing Our Missing Hearts, so I’m still working on some of my reads from last week. But I’m hoping to breeze through both Belgravia and Factory Girls this week to start on Call of the Wrens and Mercury Pictures Presents. Both are historical fiction, so I’m certain I’ll enjoy them both.
And just to mix things up, I’ll probably start The Villa, the latest by Rachel Hawkins. Marketed as a gothic suspense story set in an Italian villa, the book sounds a bit like one of our favorite shows, The White Lotus. The synopsis says the story was inspired by Fleetwood Mac and the Manson Murders, both of which are interest me greatly. The book doesn’t publish until January 3, 2023, but it’s one to keep on your radar.
featured books
What This Week: Watching
I have an interest bordering on obsession with war films, books, and documentaries, so it’s no surprise that I loved the brand new version of All Quiet on the Western Front. The Netflix film is based on the classic novel of the same name which tells the story of several German soldiers on the front lines in France during World War I. Powerful imagery and excellent acting work together to achieve the unthinkable: empathy for the German soldier. With tons of violence, blood, and gore, it’s not for the faint or squeamish. But if you (or someone you know) enjoys a good war film, this should be on your radar. After all, it’s rated 91% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, so it must be good!
Speaking of The White Lotus, we’ve been really enjoying the new season with Aubrey Plaza and Michael Imperioli. This season is set in Sicily and features an eccentric mix of hotel guests, employees, and locals. Much like the first season, the guest’s lives are the central focus, but the location shots are stunning. Sharp and full of social commentary, this show is the perfect escape.
What This Week: Shopping
I’m a sucker for a sale, especially a Bath & Body Works sale. Like my book collection, my candle collection is totally out of control. I managed to only buy three candles this time (usually it’s MUCH more), but I couldn’t resist the cute new design for Tree Farm, one of my favorite holiday candles. Sadly, the sale ended Sunday, but here are a few of my favorite holiday scents in case you’re in the market for new candles.
Another sale caught my attention this weekend and for good reason. I watch my inbox religiously for any Kiehl’s sale, especially one as good as the Cyber Week 30% off site-wide sale. I stocked up on some of my personal favorites. You still have time to take advantage of this great deal, which ends Monday, November 21. Fight winter skin woes with the super rich Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask. It’s a personal favorite of mine, a secret weapon of sorts.
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