This week’s topic from That Artsy Reader Girl is all about the animal companions, whether they’re loyal, cuddly, amusing or terrifying.
Le Chat Noir by Théophile Steinlen
This Art Nouveau poster, advertising a 19th-century Parisian cabaret, has been reproduced endlessly on mugs, cushion covers, tote bags and fridge magnets. Though it’s iconic to the point of cliché, I could not resist hanging a framed copy in my own living room.
Challengers – Film Review
This Zendaya-starring, sweat-drenched tennis drama is stylish and luscious, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
Born Yesterday – Film Review
This 1950 comedy-drama doesn’t quite overcome its stage origins, and its political satire may feel tame by today’s standards, but it’s elevated by Judy Holiday’s irresistible performance as a smart dumb blonde.
Rodrigo y Gabriela @ Northcote Theatre
My first time seeing the genre-bending Mexican guitar duo, who put on one of the most riveting and virtuosic live performances I’ve ever seen.
Intermezzo by Sally Rooney – Book Review
I remain unconvinced that this tale of two grieving brothers and their messy relationships with women in their lives needed to be told over four hundred pages, but all in all I enjoyed Sally Rooney’s latest.
Orbital by Samantha Harvey – Book Review
I had an interesting experience with this unusual novel, showing that sometimes you need to be in a right frame of mind to appreciate a book.
Stories of Your Life and Others by Ted Chiang – Book Review
This collection of impressively varied sci-fi short stories is dry, cerebral and at times challenging, but ultimately I found it rewarding and stimulating in the best way science fiction can be.
Top Ten Tuesday – Books with Springy Covers
We’re actually moving into autumn down here in the southern hemisphere, but that’s no reason not to have fun with the spring theme from That Artsy Reader Girl. I won’t lie, I still miss the proper European spring I grew up with, especially all the beautiful wildflowers.
MSO: Vivaldi and More @ Hamer Hall
yggdrasille.com 