3 TV shows and books for the long weekend

I am thoroughly prepared to veg so hard this long weekend. I've been in Dubai long enough to know not to venture into any sort of mall or outdoor space during these times and therefore, I'm going wrap my blanket around myself babushka style, binge-watch a ton of stuff and be unproductive AF. I've been feeling slightly out of it these past few weeks and think I need to switch off for a bit.

Everyone needs these days - to shut down, unwind (or just be plain horizontal) and resurface back to a hopefully fresher self. I've been saving Stranger Things and a few others bits for this laze fest of a long weekend (it better be good) but here are some shows/books I've enjoyed that can keep you company.

Shark Tank

If you haven't watched Shark Tank as yet, what have you been doing? Also, I'm sorry. You're about to go down a rabbit hole so deep but you're going to lurrrve it. The show is simple - budding entrepreneurs pitch their businesses to investors a.k.a the Sharks in hopes of a partnership. Sounds quite basic I know but it's a really interesting watch!

Superstore

One of those shows where you don't have to think too much - a comedy with a charming set of characters based in a supermarket setting. America Ferrera (Ugly Betty) is in it as well some other familiar TV faces. Good laughs, simple stuff.

Unreal

Unreal's lead is Shiri Appleby who I find so terribly annoying but I have somehow managed to pushed past that because I really enjoy the show's theme! She plays a producer of a dating reality TV show and it's a look into what lengths people to go to for drama and high ratings. A bit farfetched but definitely entertaining.

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

If you're looking a short and sweet read (it's only about 150 pages), I cannot recommend this enough. The book is narrated by Enzo, a dog, who recounts his experiences and his life with his owner, Dennis Swift who is a race car driver. This book is absolutely precious and expect to have a nice long cry at the end - I don't think it's possible to avoid this. Thanks Ekta (Dollz in Dubai) for recommending this gem!

Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter

If you liked Girl on the Train, this book is on similar territory. A great thriller - follows the story of Claire and Lydia, estranged sisters who reunite when Claire discovers some horrible secrets of her recently killed husband. I finished this in one night!

God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy

This is one of my favorite books - probably will get around to re-reading this as I do every year. I know this is a super oldie but if you've been putting off reading this one until now, you really are missing out. The book has so many beautiful details - it is based in Kerala, India and follows of the story of fraternal twins growing up in a mess of a family combined with various political and emotional themes. Must warn you that it's an intense read!

Eid Mubarak everyone and have a lovely long weekend. Tweet me with who your favorite Shark is or if you have any recommendations for me - babushka out!

Mona xo

Current Book & TV Recommendations

I've been trying to make more time to read and possibly watch some new shows this summer. This is a task and a half for me because I'm always going back to a TV show that I've already seen way too many times (read Friends) and continue re-watching it till my eyes bleed (and then some more). The same applies for books (HP is my weakness), movies and pretty much anything else.

But luckily, I found some good ones to break into so thought I'd share for those looking to do the same. Let's start with some of my recent reads!

Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari

Summary: In Modern Romance, popular comedian Aziz Ansari teams up with award-winning sociologist Eric Klinberg to better understand dating in the modern world. The book shares his findings from this research in a light-hearted, comedic manner that you wouldn't usually expect from a book that contains a number of academic references.

Thoughts: When I started reading this book, I honestly couldn't get past the first few chapters. It's not that I hated it - I had heard great reviews and from what I had read so far, I was underwhelmed. But for some reason, I decided to get the audiobook from Audible. And lo and behold, I really enjoyed the audio version of this book! The audiobook is read by Aziz himself - he's done such a great job and it  has a lot of heart. If you're interested in trying out the audiobook, Audible has a 30-day free trial and you can get a book free!

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

Summary: The Girl on the Train follows Rachel who takes the train to work everyday and becomes quite obsessed with a couple she watches from the train when it halts at the stop in front of their house. Jason and Jess, she calls them, seem like the perfect couple and that's something Rachel never had. One day, Rachel sees something 'shocking' and there begins the real story.

Thoughts: This book! I made a huge mistake by starting this at 1 AM because I could not sleep until I finished it. Believe me, I tried. It is a psychological thriller alright, absolute page-turner. The book is told from different perspectives which I enjoy, characters are pretty interesting and the story definitely keeps you guessing. As most reviews say, it is reminiscent of 'Gone Girl'. So if you enjoyed GG, give this one a go.

Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal

Summary: Kitchens of the Great Midwest is the story of Eva Thorvald, a culinary prodigy and her journey to becoming a bad-ass famous sought after chef despite tragic times. Eva's story is told through perspectives of those around her and each of their chapters are named after the food they inspire in her life. Foodies, you'll love this one.

Thoughts: I have to admit - I'm yet to finish this book. But I am halfway through and like it so much - I had to include it! When I first read the summary, it sounded kinda serious but it's actually quite funny and light-hearted mixed in with some heartache. Again, love the different perspectives aspect of the book and the Midwestern setting is just lovely. Also, as mentioned - lots of food references, prepare to be hungry.


Now moving on to some of my new TV finds! 

Mr. Robot

Summary: Mr. Robot follows Elliott, a cyber security engineer day by day, hacker by night. He experiences severe social anxiety and so, he hacks people to get to know them better. Things get seriously interesting when one day, he gets recruited by a secret hacker society to take down one of the largest corporations in the world.

Thoughts: I started watching this because I'm a big fan of Rami Malek and I'm loving Mr. Robot so far, my favorite debut this TV season. The theme is intriguing and unique, recommend if you're looking something completely new to watch. It's only about 8 episodes in and has been renewed for a second season.

Humans

Summary: Humans is a remake of the Swedish sci-fi series 'Real Humans' which follows the story of Joe who gets a Synth named Anita, an android robot, in the hopes of helping out him and his wife Laura with their three kids and their housework. Soon after, things start to get complicated.

Thoughts: This series is creepy for sure but in a good way (I think). I love the almost dystopian setting of the show, hoping this one sticks. Scary how domestic robots are not way in the future, eh?

Younger

Summary: In Younger, recently divorced 40-year-old Liza Miller struggles to find a job in her line of work because of her age. But when she's reminded that she looks way younger than she is, she takes that idea, poses as a 26-year-old and soon lands a job as an assistant to an editor at a publishing firm. How long will this secret remain?

Thoughts: This show is so cute - Sutton Foster fits into the role of Liza perfectly. Take it as a TV show version of a chick flick. It's a good fun watch, nothing ground breaking or mind blowing. If you're looking for a break between serious stuff, this should do it.

I'm still on the lookout for more things to read/watch, so let me know your suggestions - tweet me @MonaGir! Meanwhile, let me know if you check out any of the above and enjoy them!

Mona xo