The Basics. #17: Consumption diaries

A reading update, binge worthy tv and a few things I'm loving.

Happy New Year, friends. For those of you that are new to Basic B’s Guide, welcome!

I’m starting the new year with a reading update, some highly anticipated tv shows and a few other basics. These posts are meant to give you a sneak peek into what I’m consuming. Books, movies, tv shows, things I’ve purchased or tried and other random goodies I want to share with you.

These emails may be too long to view in entirety via your email boxes so make sure you hop over to the Substack app if needed or click on "View entire message" and you’ll be able to view the entire post in your email app.

I’d love if you took a minute to subscribe so that you don’t miss a newsletter from me.

---

Most importantly

My prayers go out to all those affected by the fires in California. Sending strength and love in these unimaginable times. Feel free to drop any resources or ways to help in the comments.

---

A reading update…

I just finished binging Daughters of Shandong by Eve J. Chung. This book was a selection for one of my book clubs and I finished it with just moments to spare. I’m kicking myself that I waited until just days before our meeting to start it but I’m also happy it didn’t continue to collect dust on my shelves. With a 4.49 average star rating on Goodreads, I can 100% see the appeal. I was completely INVESTED in the daughters and their Momma and never once thought about abandoning them. It was positively received by all book club members and made for a great discussion.

I also pulled this debut off my physical unread shelves so that’s another win.

A propulsive, extraordinary novel about a mother and her daughters’ harrowing escape to Taiwan as the Communist revolution sweeps through China, by debut author Eve J. Chung, based on her family story.

I’ve managed to finish SIX books so far this month and I have thoroughly enjoyed five of the six. I like this trend.

Any guesses on which book did not work for me?

The Heart of Winter by Jonathan Evison

The extraordinary new novel by Jonathan Evison, about a married couple in their golden years, from when they met across big ups, deep downs, and survive-it-all, opposites-attract love.

The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo meets First Lie Wins in this electric, voice-driven debut novel about an elusive bestselling author who decides to finally confess her true identity after years of hiding from her past.

Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister (Feb. 25th)

It is June 21, the longest day of the year, and the life of new mother Camilla is about to change forever. After months of maternity leave, she will drop off her infant daughter at daycare for the first time and return to her job as a literary agent. Finally. But when she wakes, her husband Luke isn’t there, and in his place is a cryptic note.

Then it starts. Breaking news: A hostage situation is developing in London. The police tell her Luke is involved—but he isn't a hostage. Her husband—doting father, eternal optimist—is the gunman.

The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom by Shari Franke

From eldest daughter Shari Franke, the shocking true story behind the viral 8 Passengers family vlog and the hidden abuse she suffered at the hands of her mother, and how, in the face of unimaginable pain, she found freedom and healing.

The Daughters of Shandong by Eve J. Chung

A propulsive, extraordinary novel about a mother and her daughters’ harrowing escape to Taiwan as the Communist revolution sweeps through China, by debut author Eve J. Chung, based on her family story.

Three Days in June by Anne Tyler (Feb. 11th)

A new Anne Tyler novel destined to be an instant classic: a socially awkward mother of the bride navigates the days before and after her daughter's wedding.

You can hear me talk about The Three Lives of Cate Kay on my latest podcast episode here.

January Book Release Preview

---

Currently watching…

Squid Game 2 (Netflix)

The second season of the South Korean dystopian survival thriller television series Squid Game, marketed as Squid Game 2, is created by Korean television producer and writer Hwang Dong-hyuk. It was released on Netflix on December 26, 2024.

I feel manipulated. I feel used and abused. Will I be back in June for more torture? You bet.

I do recommend viewers watch season 1 or at least a recap. I could have used with a recap because I missed a ton that I only caught later because my Instagram feed thought all I wanted to see was theories on the show. I mean they weren’t wrong.

For just 7 episodes this starts off a bit slow in my opinion but then shakes things up in episode 3-7 and only to leave us hanging.

Again, I feel a heads up on the fact that season 2 would be split in half would have been nice. I was however pleased to see some new games played and you better believe my anxiety levels were through the roof.

The Traitors Season 3 (Peacock)

Twenty of America's most cunning contestants, a mix of famous faces and everyday Americans, play the ultimate murder mystery game. Hosted by award-winning actor Alan Cumming at an ancient castle in Scotland, they will work together on exhilarating missions to build a prize fund worth up to $250,000.

The third season premiered January 12th and Peacock dropped the first three episodes. Viewers must then wait for a weekly episode to drop on Thursday’s.

If the entire season had dropped, you better believe I would have BINGED the entire thing.

This season is GOLD and I’m locked in. The drama! The twists! The deception! OH MY!

If you love competition reality shows then consider The Traitors a MUST WATCH.

Now for Tom Sandoval to get what’s coming to him.

Deal or No Deal Island Season 2 (NBC)

In a new twist on the classic game show hosted by Joe Manganiello, 13 contestants travel to the banker's private island, where they compete in daring challenges to find hidden briefcases worth over $200 million. Then, a player is selected to face the banker in a game of "Deal or No Deal," where they bank some cash for the group pot, hoping to make a good deal and avoid being eliminated from the competition. In the end, only one contestant will outplay the others and finally beat the banker for a shot at winning the ultimate prize.

I mentioned season one this summer. This post had LOTS of great reality tv recommendations so be sure to check it out.

Deal or No Deal Island is a great blend of Survivor and a game show and this season we have a few past Survivor contestants and a Big Brother fan favorite. The whole family is watching and we were thrilled a certain someone got the boot this week.

---

A few basic recommendations

This casual pullover hoodie has become a staple since I snagged it on sale a couple of week’s ago. It’s also under $20! Be sure to click on any stackable coupons once you select a size. I’m wearing a large in evergreen.

I purchased the Trader Joe’s Lip Butter Balm Duo as a gift for a friend this season and somehow resisted the urge to buy myself one. Imagine my delight when my sister gifted me the duo. This is said to be a dupe for the Summer Friday’s lip balm for which I haven’t tried. I love the scent/taste of these and the applicator is solid. At just $5.99 these are worth grabbing if they’re still in stock at your local TJ’s.

If you end up reading/listening to Shari Franke’s memoir (mentioned above) then may I suggest watching this 20/20 SN 46 Ep 22: Momfluencer to Felon episode if you haven’t already watched it. I knew little about Ruby Franke and 8 Passengers so this gave me further insight into the situation. Trigger warnings for child abuse and neglect. I did close my eyes during a scene or two.

Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

Thanks to my sister Caroline for this fantastic Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe recommendation. My family is addicted and my kids will even eat it the next day. I recommend doubling the recipe so you have leftovers.

---

In case you missed it…

---

That’s all friends. I’ll catch you next time!

For now let me know what you’re enjoying.