February 2020 Films and Series

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. I thought this movie was too long and too slow. Definitely over-hyped.

The Borgias (Seasons 1-3). I really enjoyed this not-very historically accurate telling of the Borgia family history; I just wish it hadn't been canceled before they filmed the 4th and final season; apparently, it was too expensive to continue.

Beirut. A compelling film about the kidnapping of an American diplomat in the early 1980s.

Parasite. As good as the reviews said, although I would have preferred that it didn't take such a dark turn at the end.

Wolf Hall (Season 1). Based on the Hillary Mantel book; it was fun watching this series, which takes place just 30 years after the action in The Borgias. It was a little slow, but I enjoyed seeing Damian Lewis and Claire Foy in these roles as well.

February 2020 Books

Well-written historical novel that imagines what might have inspired Andrew Carnegie to give his fortune away to build libraries and institutions of higher learning.

Another fast-paced detective story from Kathy Reichs.

I loved this story about a woman hired to be a nanny for two young children who catch on fire when they get upset.

Amelia is a 15-year old who dies in the first few pages of this book, falling (or jumping?) from the roof of her private school in Brooklyn. Her mother, Kate, is still grieving a month later when she gets a text that questions the police verdict of suicide, which sets Kate off on her own investigation that uncovers secret clubs, bullying, and much more. this was a fast-paced read that alternates between Kate's point of view as she searches for what led to Amelia's death, and Amelia's point of view during the final few weeks of her life. It's very well-written but heartbreaking.