Best (And Worst) Things I Saw, Read, Watched & Listened To – July 2018 Entertainment Review

Hold on to your hats, it’s time for the July 2018 entertainment review. Here’s a quick recap of the books, TV, movies and online content that captured my attention this past month. Be sure to share YOUR favorites in the comments.

BOOKS

Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng – I read Celeste Ng’s other book, “Little Fires Everywhere” earlier and just got around to reading this one. I liked both of them very much. They are similar in the fact that she discloses the big “what happened” at the beginning and then the rest of the book slowly reveals the how and why.

Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo – I follow Diane on Instagram where she shares TONS of healthy recipes, makeup and skincare tips and healthy lifestyle advice. Her original Paleo book has been updated and it’s a great resource for paleo cooking as well as general health info. I especially appreciated the “Poop Pageant” guide that used cartoons to illustrate the various contestants including Ms. Ideal, Ms. Rocky, Ms. Toxic, etc. I got this book from the library but I might end up buying it. Diane is currently writing a new book that will focus on Keto.

MOVIES

Three Identical Strangers – My best advice is to see “Three Identical Strangers” but don’t read about it in advance. (That’s why I’m not even giving you a link.) The best way to see it is to go in knowing NOTHING and hold on for a ride as the story unfolds. Very compelling. I can’t stop thinking about it.

Mission Impossible Fallout – If you have to resort to a LITERAL cliffhanger, you might be running out of ideas. But it was still good escapist fun. And a good chunk of it was filmed in Paris!

Mama Mia Here We Go Again – I was going to post my review of “Mama Mia Here We Go Again” but The Onion said it much better. “Audience members who don’t have a stick up their ass will be dazzled by the flashy choreography and star-studded cast.” Seriously folks, this movie is good escapist fun. How often do you get to sit in a dark theater and sing along with strangers? Be sure to watch this video if you want a little chuckle:

https://www.facebook.com/TheOnion/videos/10156780552069497/UzpfSTE3OTE5NjUxNjIyNDYyMzoyNTUyNDI2NTE5NTMzNDI/

Skyscraper – Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson vs the world’s tallest building. Can you guess who wins?  To quote Rolling Stone’s review “a summer blockbuster that’s one part disaster flick, two parts Die Hard and all parts international market-friendly star vehicle. You could have named this movie Holy Shit The Rock Just Free-Jumped Into a Fucking Flaming Skyscraper at an Incredible Height! and it would be 100-percent accurate.” Enough said.

TELEVISION

Orange is the New Black (Netflix) – Since it premiered in 2013, “Orange Is the New Black” has helped shine a light on the inherent injustices of the American criminal justice system. Season 6 is getting mixed reviews, but I can’t stop watching it. This is not a show I can binge watch because it gives me nightmares (really) but I can handle one episode a night as long as I follow it with something more lighthearted and uplifting to “balance my chi.”

Iliza Elder Millennial (Netflix) – I love standup that is really funny but also insightful and smart. In her latest comedy special, newly engaged comic Iliza Shlesinger dives into undeniable truths about the insanity of the road she has traveled, and what more lies ahead now that she’s married. It’s a fun hour featuring the many voices, characters, and contortions Shlesinger is well-known for employing on stage, and definitely worth your time.

Younger (TV Land) – Don’t judge me because this show is one of my favorite guilty pleasures. And this season, viewers finally, finally get what they’ve been waiting for. If you haven’t watched Younger, it’s the story of a 40-something woman who pretends to be in her 20’s in order to re-enter the workforce after she gets divorced. You can watch full episodes online at this link.

PODCAST

Align Your Health Podcast – a great health and wellness podcast by Dr. Ryan Berlin and Ashley Berlin. Ashley was my very first employee (as an intern when she was attending Miami of Ohio University) but that doesn’t have anything to do with why I’m recommending this podcast. She went on to own/operate a CrossFit gym and she and her husband are very committed to sharing the gospel of good health through nutrition and healthy lifestyle. They have episodes focusing on hormones, nutrition, gut health and more.

What were YOUR July favorites? What should I include in my next entertainment review? Tell me in the comments below.

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