For contemporary books, Natalie McGlocklin of Subverse Reads and Petya Grady of A Reading Life are stellar. Movie recs/tv I usually get from Apple News. Also you're fast becoming my go to as well!! (Don't enter me in the giveaway, currently reading The God Of The Woods-which is great btw!) ❤️🔥
Most of my entertainment recs come folks here on Substack whose taste I admire (like yours!) - the one that comes quickly to mind is Anne Helen Peterson - her crowdsourced threads on what people are watching and reading have fueled many of my recent faves!
i'm of the 'more the merrier' school for book recs - i will gather them anywhere and everywhere i find them. I am partial to the Atlantic ones, but I also like a number of Substacks including Jaclyn Crupi (and you ofc). Same sources - or lack of specific ones - applies to film and TV.
Book recs from TikTok! That’s where I first heard of Margo’s Got Money Troubles, Big Swiss, Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, The Guest, I’m Glad My Mom Died (don’t enter me in the giveaway bc I’m already reading God of the Woods! 🌲)
I rely on my friends for advice on movies and tv shows... I also subscribe to a bunch of newsletters strictly for recommendations on books which is why my TBR list is up over 1000. I do browse around the Book Girls Guide which sorts books into interesting categories.
Maybe I’m a little boring but I rely primarily on book recommendations from friends and from two of my daughters-in-law who are big readers. I also belong to a book club (30 years now!) which forces me to sometimes read a book I didn’t think I would like. TV, or streaming services, recommendations also come primarily from friends but also from my adult children who sometimes watch really good stuff!
I get most of my book and TV recommendations from Substacks like yours (my other favorites are Morning Person and Downtime) and podcasts. I love themed collections because it tends to provide things that aren't being shown everywhere at the moment, but I also move things to the top of my list if I've seen them mentioned in multiple places - like God of the Woods which I'm #225 on the library hold list right now lol.
1. For TV Recs I read Vulture to scout what's new, reddit threads and other Substack's recommendations on a weekly basis, truthfully, I usually go in blind, based on synopsis on streaming services.
2. For books, I mostly trust my local librarian and my dad - but I complement with bookish Substacks and The NYT or Paris Review.
3. I love that your content is all over the place (in the best way possible) I think you cater to like-minded people who enjoy consuming content as entertainment, reading good links and appreciating the little things in life. Personally, I love your themed edits and I have gotten a several great book recos from your suggestions!
No need to enter me to win the book as I read it already, I just wanted to offer my POV in case it helps :)
My strategy is very similar to SLH above. We don’t watch much TV, but synopses work fine enough when we do. Books are what’s getting buzz at my local bookstore, The Book Case Podcast, what people on Substack are crowing about, my writing group and my friend Jessie. Plus one for number 3 above. I like reading about things I may have little intention of consuming myself.
I suspect you'll love it. They are gold star literary citizens - usually interviewing one author and an independent bookstore owner each episode. They're also pretty vocal for getting kids to read - and it's father/daughter hosting team (Charlie Gibson from Good Morning America and his daughter Kate Gibson), a format for which I'm a total sucker.
I would love sources for exciting planned trips. Companies for biking and hiking, historical trips, nature excursions, family trips on any of these venues. Thank you
I've heard great things about Backroads for outdoorsy trips both in the US and internationally for couples and families; we've used Off the Beaten Path for family hiking trips within the US; and I've also heard that Road Scholar are wonderful - and they have trips for grandparents/grandchildren!
For film recs, I’ve been loving my Criterion Channel subscription—their editors pick new themed “collections” of consistently excellent movies every month, most of which I’ve never seen! And my local independent movie theater’s weekly newsletter helps me discover great new under-the-radar movies.
I am usually getting TV recs through word of mouth, chats with friends. I watch so little TV though!! my husband and I usually watch one episode of a show per night, if that, and then when the Olympics were on that's all we watched. We finished The Bear S3 and might jump back over to the latest season of House of Dragon?! I rarely watch movies (no time?)!!! I read a lot, write a lot, cook a lot, or am outside being active with the kids.
For contemporary books, Natalie McGlocklin of Subverse Reads and Petya Grady of A Reading Life are stellar. Movie recs/tv I usually get from Apple News. Also you're fast becoming my go to as well!! (Don't enter me in the giveaway, currently reading The God Of The Woods-which is great btw!) ❤️🔥
good tip on Apple News and thank you for the kind words! The God of the Woods is sooooo good!
I always love the website Cup of Jo for recs!
Yes, they have good ones!
Most of my entertainment recs come folks here on Substack whose taste I admire (like yours!) - the one that comes quickly to mind is Anne Helen Peterson - her crowdsourced threads on what people are watching and reading have fueled many of my recent faves!
yes - I have gotten great recs from the Culture Study threads too!
i'm of the 'more the merrier' school for book recs - i will gather them anywhere and everywhere i find them. I am partial to the Atlantic ones, but I also like a number of Substacks including Jaclyn Crupi (and you ofc). Same sources - or lack of specific ones - applies to film and TV.
Thank you - I'll check out Jaclyn Crupi - I wasn't aware of her!
You are my most trusted source of course.
😊😊
Book recs from TikTok! That’s where I first heard of Margo’s Got Money Troubles, Big Swiss, Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, The Guest, I’m Glad My Mom Died (don’t enter me in the giveaway bc I’m already reading God of the Woods! 🌲)
I really need to get with the whole Booktok thing!
I rely on my friends for advice on movies and tv shows... I also subscribe to a bunch of newsletters strictly for recommendations on books which is why my TBR list is up over 1000. I do browse around the Book Girls Guide which sorts books into interesting categories.
wow! a TBR list of over 1000 is seriously impressive! do you have a favorite newsletter for recs?
Usually rely on advice from friends and family on movies and entertainment. Scribbles has great suggestions including why suggested.
There is a lady at Barnes and Noble who also gives me great advice on books to read.
Maybe I’m a little boring but I rely primarily on book recommendations from friends and from two of my daughters-in-law who are big readers. I also belong to a book club (30 years now!) which forces me to sometimes read a book I didn’t think I would like. TV, or streaming services, recommendations also come primarily from friends but also from my adult children who sometimes watch really good stuff!
wow, that is impressive longevity for a book club! books recs from friends are usually the best!
I get most of my book and TV recommendations from Substacks like yours (my other favorites are Morning Person and Downtime) and podcasts. I love themed collections because it tends to provide things that aren't being shown everywhere at the moment, but I also move things to the top of my list if I've seen them mentioned in multiple places - like God of the Woods which I'm #225 on the library hold list right now lol.
Thanks Steph - I’m honored! Themed collections are a theme here (pun intended) and I really appreciate your input!
1. For TV Recs I read Vulture to scout what's new, reddit threads and other Substack's recommendations on a weekly basis, truthfully, I usually go in blind, based on synopsis on streaming services.
2. For books, I mostly trust my local librarian and my dad - but I complement with bookish Substacks and The NYT or Paris Review.
3. I love that your content is all over the place (in the best way possible) I think you cater to like-minded people who enjoy consuming content as entertainment, reading good links and appreciating the little things in life. Personally, I love your themed edits and I have gotten a several great book recos from your suggestions!
No need to enter me to win the book as I read it already, I just wanted to offer my POV in case it helps :)
My strategy is very similar to SLH above. We don’t watch much TV, but synopses work fine enough when we do. Books are what’s getting buzz at my local bookstore, The Book Case Podcast, what people on Substack are crowing about, my writing group and my friend Jessie. Plus one for number 3 above. I like reading about things I may have little intention of consuming myself.
thanks Kelly! The Book Case podcast sounds like one I should check out!
I suspect you'll love it. They are gold star literary citizens - usually interviewing one author and an independent bookstore owner each episode. They're also pretty vocal for getting kids to read - and it's father/daughter hosting team (Charlie Gibson from Good Morning America and his daughter Kate Gibson), a format for which I'm a total sucker.
Oh wow, adorable!
this is super-helpful and I really appreciate it! and of course you've already read the book - I really loved it!
I would love sources for exciting planned trips. Companies for biking and hiking, historical trips, nature excursions, family trips on any of these venues. Thank you
I've heard great things about Backroads for outdoorsy trips both in the US and internationally for couples and families; we've used Off the Beaten Path for family hiking trips within the US; and I've also heard that Road Scholar are wonderful - and they have trips for grandparents/grandchildren!
Thanks Nell, love this idea!
For film recs, I’ve been loving my Criterion Channel subscription—their editors pick new themed “collections” of consistently excellent movies every month, most of which I’ve never seen! And my local independent movie theater’s weekly newsletter helps me discover great new under-the-radar movies.
Our “Hallmark Season” is coming, Maddie. Danyel and I are already watching! 😂 💕 🎄
I’ve been slacking and clearly need to play catch-up! You two are an inspiration 💕
😉
you guys are definitely in the "cozy" category!
Yes! ☺️
Thanks Maddie, I really need to sign up for the Criterion Collection!
I think you’d adore it!
I am usually getting TV recs through word of mouth, chats with friends. I watch so little TV though!! my husband and I usually watch one episode of a show per night, if that, and then when the Olympics were on that's all we watched. We finished The Bear S3 and might jump back over to the latest season of House of Dragon?! I rarely watch movies (no time?)!!! I read a lot, write a lot, cook a lot, or am outside being active with the kids.
Where do you mostly get your book recommendations, Kristen?
lately all the wonderful substacks I subscribe to! Prior to that, the group texts with my girlfriends anddd the lovely Grace Atwood's blog.
for book, movie, and streaming recommendations i look to the new york times
and npr’s fresh air. the npr and recent new yorker critic justin chang and i have similar taste.
i also read the new yorker for
recommendations and listen to the new yorker podcast.
thanks Ginny! you're in the draw!