Spring Reflections: A Look Back on the Season and What’s Ahead

As spring wraps up, it's time to reflect on an eventful few months and look ahead to what summer has in store. Covering the period from April 17 to June 25, this reflection focuses on the books I read, the shows I saw, and what I'm excited about as the temperature rises.

This spring, I spent a delightful afternoon with Rory, my friend Sarah's dog, during one of those rare hot days in May. It's the kind of joy that makes you cherish simple moments amidst a busy life.

Favorite Quote From The Season

One particularly resonant quote from my reading this spring came from The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke: “Every genre uses the same deck of metaphorical cards, even if they use those cards to play a different game.” This insight reflects the beauty of storytelling and the diverse ways authors can connect with readers.

Spring in One Word

Busy! It seems to be my perennial choice, but it seems fitting as life continues at a brisk pace.

Most Popular Review

This spring, my most-viewed review has been for Unsouled, the third book in a fantastical series. It's curious that a book from a lesser-known series would gain such traction, especially when newer books are available. However, readers resonate with its unique perspective.

Read the review of Unsouled (Unwind Quartet 3)

Top Two Reads This Spring

During this season, I managed to finish three books and am about halfway through a fourth, maintaining my usual pace of one to two books per month. Out of my reads, two stood out as exceptional:

1. The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke

After feeling a bit let down by Bury Our Bones In The Midnight Soil and finding The Fragile Threads of Power slower than I had hoped, I delighted in Clarke’s work. The change in genre and collaboration with Cat Clarke breathed new life into the narrative. Their combined style worked beautifully, creating relatable characters and a captivating story, despite its slow-burn nature. I’m eager to read more of Evelyn Clarke's works in the future!

2. How To Cheat Your Own Death by Kristen Perrin

This book has easily become my favorite in the Castle Knoll series, which is interesting considering it’s the only one not set in Castle Knoll. The stakes felt significantly higher and the dual timelines intertwined more effectively than before, leading to a highly engaging mystery. I can't wait for the next installment!

Upcoming TV Shows to Watch

Despite a hectic schedule that often kept me away from the screen, there are several series I’m eager to catch up on this summer:

1. A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder Season 2

This recently released season is one I've been looking forward to since I read the book back in April. I just need to carve out some time to actually sit down and enjoy it.

2. Heartland Season 19

This has been on my watch list for ages, and I’m considering saving it for my upcoming holiday in Scotland.

3. Only Murders In The Building Season 5

I’ve intended to dive into this for quite some time. Hopefully, I can finish it before the release of Season 6 in September, though I’m not overly optimistic given my current pace.

4. Bridgerton Season 4

Like many others, I initially planned to binge-watch this once both parts were available but my busy schedule has pushed it to the back burner.

5. Emily In Paris Season 5

Though I recognize its flaws, sometimes mindless, feel-good TV is just what you need, so I’m keen to catch up on this series too.

Things I’m Anticipating This Summer

1. Theatre Experiences

As always, I’m looking forward to many theater outings. Though my current bookings are limited, I plan to attend various shows, including Operation Mincemeat in London and on tour, Cyrano De Bergerac, Hamilton, Jesus Christ Superstar, and War Horse, among others. The theater has become a central joy in my life.

2. Commonwealth Games

End of July will take me to Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games, where I’ll be watching gymnastics, an exciting event I hope will match the thrill I experienced in Birmingham four years ago.

3. 30th Birthday Trip

This year I turn 30 in September, and to mark this milestone, I’m heading on a grand trip through Budapest, Prague, and Berlin. The countdown to this celebratory journey is intense, and I need to start planning!

Most Engaging Blog Posts This Spring

1. Book Vs Movie: A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder

I anticipated this post’s popularity would spike with the release of the second season. Such content tends to gain traction as audiences reconnect with the first installment, and I'm looking forward to drafting more as I catch up on Season 2.

Check out the post here.

2. Unsouled (Unwind #3) Review

This review consistently ranks in my top entries, owing to the dedicated readership of this series.

Read the review here.

3. Book vs Movie: My Sister’s Keeper

This entry regularly appears in my top posts, likely due to the humorous tone I take when critiquing film adaptations.

Explore the comparison here.

4. Book Vs Movie: A Series of Unfortunate Events

An unexpectedly popular post that continues to engage readers, likely because of the unique opportunity to compare various media interpretations of the same narrative.

See the post here.

5. Jo Talks Books: Can Reading Be An Addiction?

This discussion piece regained visibility, and I enjoy engaging with topics that resonate with readers. While these take time to craft, I intend to produce more thought-provoking posts like this one.

Read the discussion here.

Highlights From This Spring

1. Theatre Attendance

This spring saw me attending an impressive 52 performances across 17 different shows. Some of my notable experiences included multiple renditions of Operation Mincemeat, The Play That Goes Wrong, and Moulin Rouge. This number includes repeats, which is testament to my love for certain productions, particularly with their frequent cast changes. Additionally, I enjoyed some cabaret performances, such as the Gentleman Jack ballet at Sadler's Wells, and a cabaret featuring Alex Young and Peter McGovern at Crazy Coqs.

2. West End Live

This fun-filled day brought together multiple shows in one place. Although it was hot and tiring, the joy of witnessing numerous performances for free, alongside friends, made it worthwhile.

3. Visiting Friends

To celebrate Nora's birthday, I had a joyful visit with her and Carmen. Their time here included a surprise return of Geri Allen in Operation Mincemeat, plus other memorable performances for Nora’s special day.

4. Brighton Getaway

I took a mini trip to Brighton with friends to watch Operation Mincemeat on tour. While the city didn't have enough attractions for a whole day, the escape from London was refreshing!

TV Shows I Caught Up On

Despite my busy schedule, I managed to enjoy a few TV shows this spring:

1. Beyond Paradise Season 4

After catching up on missed episodes, I found this series delightful, showcasing my fondness for feel-good cozy mysteries.

2. Nobody Wants This Season 2

Finally completing this series provided a nice, light-hearted diversion.

3. Percy Jackson and The Olympians Season 2

The recent adaptations have been engaging and show promise for the future with new story arcs to explore.

4. Resident Alien Season 4

My mother and I wrapped up this engaging series, appreciating its lighthearted humor and satisfying conclusion.

Songs That Were On Repeat

As for music, I found myself repeatedly listening to the following tracks:

1. I Knew It, I Knew You - Taylor Swift

This recent release has dominated the airwaves, treating listeners to its catchy melody.

2. The Fate of Ophelia - Taylor Swift

This track has similarly claimed its spot as a radio favorite.

3. Shivers - Ed Sheeran

The infectious tune provided a lively backdrop to my workdays.

4. Blank Space - Taylor Swift

This classic remains a radio staple, providing nostalgia and vibrant energy.

5. Opalite - Taylor Swift

Another notable favorite during my spring listening regimen.

6. Pink Pony Club - Chapell Roan

This catchy number lingered in my head, thanks to repeated airplay.

As we say goodbye to spring, it’s evident that it was another thrilling season filled with cherished memories. What were your highlights this spring? I'd love to hear about your experiences and thoughts in the comments below!