Lately With Lila May 2022 | A Movie-Filled Month
Hello, dear friends! I hope you are all well and if not, I hope better days head your way soon!
Well, friends, here we are at the middle of the year—can you believe it? It feels slightly surreal that we’ve made it here; it so often feels like the world is ending every day and yet here we are! I guess we’ve made it!!
My May was a surprisingly busy. I’m taking courses this summer, so those started back in mid-May and I’ve been hard at work ever since. Of course, this has meant less time for reading, sadly. Strangely enough, though, I did watch a bunch of movies? Which is weird considering I typically don’t watch movies that much, haha! Regardless, I had a pretty happy month, so let’s take a look at what went down!
what i posted
- Lately With Lila April 2022
- Introducing “Worlds Beyond Words,” A Podcast + Episode #1: Strong Female Characters
- My “Hot Girl” TBR
what i read
😈 Clara and the Devil Part II by Olivie Blake & Little Chmura (⭐⭐⭐⭐) This is a quietly elegant and mysterious webcomic that progresses at an achingly, artfully slow pace, but somehow manages to keep me hooked! Part II added so much more intrigue and I’m itching to see what The Devil has up their sleeve!
what i’m reading
👁️ The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake Yes, I am still reading and savoring this book. Yes, I am still wildly in love with this book.
👑 The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri This is our Pages in Colour book club selection for this quarter and I’m so excited to finally be digging into this Adult Fantasy that I’ve heard so many great things about!
🔍 The Agathas by Liz Lawson and Kathleen Glasgow This book looked so intriguing and like a great mystery, plus after finishing up all of the Truly Devious books that are currently released, I needed a new mystery book/series to obsess over. And so far, this book has been a really good option! I just LOVE the voice of both POV characters and the plot has me hanging on each word!
⚔️ Squire by Nadia Shammas and Sara Alfageeh I’ve loved Alfageeh’s art for years now, so when I heard she’d be working on a #OwnVoices Arab-inspired fantasy graphic novel with Nadia Shammas, I knew I had to get my hands on it! So, obviously, I’ve been borrowing it from my local library and reading it as much as possible whenever I get the chance.
what i watched
🍓 The Hating Game (⭐⭐⭐⭐) I thought this was really cute! I’ve never read the book, so I can’t speak on how it compares, but as a rom com movie on its own, I thought it was great (and that’s coming from someone who’s not that into rom coms in general)! The lead actors had great chemistry and there was a nice balance of cute moments and sexy moments! I will say that the third act conflict felt a little contrived, but that’s really my only complaint.
🔎 Death on the Nile (⭐⭐) I was so excited to watch this film, even without having read the book, but unfortunately this one was a major disappointment. Mostly while watching the film I found myself shockingly bored. The characters lacked charisma, the plot felt incredibly static, and, worst of all, I figured out half of the solution to the mystery from the start.
🏮 Everything Everywhere All At Once (⭐⭐⭐) This movie wasn’t my favorite, but it was interesting nonetheless. It had a lot of themes concerning anthropology and psychology and I definitely enjoyed that commentary, although I do think it got kinda jumbled in a couple of places. I will say that this is a very culturally Chinese film, and I think I would’ve enjoyed it and understood it infinitely more if I were Chinese. Apart from that, the cinematography was incredible and reflected the themes of the film with stunning accuracy. Trigger warning for depression and suicidality. Also wouldn’t recommend this film if you have seizures and/or get migraines easily, as the movie has a lot of rapid fire flashing lights and images.
🚲 Along for the Ride (⭐⭐⭐) I actually read the book this was adapted from back when I was fifteen! Nowadays I’m not the biggest fan of contemporary YA, though, so maybe it’s not super surprising that I thought this movie was just alright? I remember that back when I read the book I wasn’t a big fan of Auden, largely because her personality is the polar opposite of mine, and watching the movie brought back all of those feelings. The other thing is that the actor playing Eli spoke with a stereotypical “fuckboi accent” and it made it hard to take his emotional beats opposite Auden seriously. But I digress. I guess this movie just wasn’t my thing, and you know what? That’s okay.
💎 Ocean’s Eight (⭐⭐⭐) Wasn’t my favorite, but it was still cute. I haven’t seen the other films, though, so I might be missing context? Either way, the characters felt a bit stale and the plot lacked a certain gravitas. I guess, overall, the film felt a little…tame, I guess?? Y’all, I think Six of Crows has ruined me for heist stories…
what i listened to
may 2022 playlist
high notes
- “I’m A Lady” by Santigold If you’ve been looking for an awesome feminist anthem, I highly recommend this one!
- “The Deepest of Sighs, The Frankest of Shadows” by Gretta Ray I love this song so much. Brb, sobbing right now…
- “MEAN!” by Madeline The Person This song is so comforting and affirming.
- “It’s Givin” by Latto Gotta have a fun summer anthem on the list!
🌞 SOLAR This podcast was recommended to me by Spotify and I gotta say: I’ll be damned if the Spotify algorithm doesn’t have my taste in music and podcasts down to a T! I instantly fell in love with this immersive sci fi audiodrama about survivors of a space flight disaster who are stranded on separate sides of a spaceship. There’s so much intrigue and the stakes are high in this one, leaving me constantly on the edge of my seat. I’d highly recommend SOLAR, especially if you’re a fan of the audiobooks for The Illuminae Files by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff.
what i bookmarked
- Judy discussed why, as a Korean writer/actor, she doesn’t look for representation in media (Video)
- Kat investigated if she and Harry Styles are compatible readers
- Simone highlighted five books featuring the chosen one trope
- Write Through The Night featured an analysis of Six of Crows‘ Inej Ghafa and the power of faith
- Maria recommended books based on Eurovision songs
- Rosina talked about the magic of storytelling within roleplay
- Stephen discussed what should define a young adult book
- Sophie wrote a step-by-step guide to fantasy worldbuilding
- Reem shared writing prompts inspired by music
- The Book Nook put together a list of Eurovision outfits as fantasy book covers
- Stephanie examine whether or not 10 backlist books getting a “second life” on TikTok deserve it
- Lilly Lu guest posted on Bookish Brews to talk about decolonizing story structure and literary form
- The Smut Report debated “happily ever afters” vs. “happy for nows” in romance novels
- Kat compared the book and the tv adaptation of Sally Rooney’s Normal People
- Saima spotlighted dark academia books
- Kaya made the case for new adult as a genre
- Siena guided us through why you should start a book blog
- Jayati showed off 20 queer Asian books to add to your TBR
hidden gems of the internet
- The Carterhough School of Folklore and the Fantastic gave a free video lecture for Star Wars Day 2022 all about the intersections of folklore and Star Wars
- Nicole has a lovely review of the outstanding disability representation in Sarah J. Maas’s Tower of Dawn
- Tor.com featured a discussion by Stina Leicht all about antiheroes, villains, and their origin stories
what i did in may 2022
I actually had a pretty good month! My summer semester started on May 16th and I’ve really enjoyed being back in class after having taken the Spring 2022 semester off! I’m actually retaking Health and Intro to Communication (the first time I took both of these classes I had a health crisis and my grades suffered) and I’m surprised to find that I’m really enjoying both! Both of the classes are structured very much like applied sociology courses and, since I enjoy sociology, I’m enjoying that aspect of both courses. I also feel like both courses teach info that’s very applicable to my real life, so I really appreciate that as well.
I also got together with friends a couple of times in May. A group of my friends from school and I went to see Everything Everywhere All At Once, so that was really fun. I also reconnected with an old friend and have been enjoying catching up with them too. Other than that, though, May was mostly filled with schoolwork.
what i’m looking forward to in june 2022
I don’t really know what this June will bring except for more schoolwork, honestly. I am planning to go to the Smithsonian’s Folklife Festival, so I’m looking forward to that. I’d love to go to maybe a Profs & Pints lecture or attend Sunset for Dancers, but it’s all kinda up in the air for now. Other than that, though, who knows what the month will bring!
spill the beans, friends!
- How was your May?
- Did you read anything interesting?
- Is there anything you’re looking forward to coming up this June?
I’m glad you had a good month! And I especially love to see all the Olivie Blake content here <3 I love Clara and the Devil and The Atlas Six, I actually just reviewed her YA romance (which she published under the name Alexene Farol Fullmuth), which was just so much fun. She's quickly becoming an auto-buy author for me.
Thank you so, so much for sharing my posts! I hope you will have a lovely June!
thanks kat!! <3 ooooh i really want to read her YA romance since it seems so different from her typical stuff, so i'm glad to hear you enjoyed it!
Lila, I am obsessed with this wrap up. All of your current reads are on my TBR and I’m particularly excited to read The Agathas because I recently reread all the Truly Devious books and have been on a little YA mystery binge!
My May was weirdly quiet yet somehow stressful? I finally finished writing a university paper that I have been procrastinating for a solid half a year and wow, I feel so free! Unfortunately, I have to start writing my final dissertation and prep for a final oral exam so the stress isn’t over yet haha. I did end the month with a wonderful weekend with some of my best friends so now I feel more ready to start June. I can’t believe we’re halfway through 2022 already, where has the time gone?!
I hope you have a wonderful June! 💜
thank you so much lay!!! congratulations on finishing that paper and best of luck on your dissertation and oral exam <3 <3 <3 definitely let me know if you come across any good YA mysteries, as i'm absolutely trying to get more into the genre!
Great wrap up! And thanks for sharing my post 🙂 I keep hearing about Atlas Six, and everyone seems to be loving it. Maybe i need to check it out soon.
thank you stephanie! definitely check out The Atlas Six—it’s amazing! have a lovely june <3
Thank you! You, too! 😊
This is such an awesome way to wrap up the month. I love it. And absolutely savor The Atlas Six — it’s over too soon, and the characters are all so great.
The Folklife Festival sounds super interesting! I hope June is lovely for you!
aww thank you so much jordyn <3 i'm loving the atlas six so much—i don't want it to end lol! and yes—i'm so excited for the folklife festival! this year's theme is united arab emirates, so you KNOW the food and dancing will be amazing haha! i hope you have a wonderful month, m'dear 🙂
Lila!! Thank you so much for mentioning my post😭💜 I love this wrap-up, it’s so aesthetically pleasing. And YES The Agathas and TA6 are both favorites of mine, so glad to hear that you’re enjoying them! Hope you have a great june 🙂
thank you so much kaya dear <3 <3 i'm enjoying ta6 and the agathas so much, so i'm glad to hear you enjoyed them as well! have a lovely june too 😀
Lila!! Thank you so much for mentioning my post😭💜 I love this wrap-up, it’s so aesthetically pleasing. And YES The Agathas and TA6 are both favorites of mine, so glad to hear that you’re enjoying them! Hope you have a great june 🙂
thank you so much kaya dear <3 <3 i'm enjoying ta6 and the agathas so much, so i'm glad to hear you enjoyed them as well! have a lovely june too 😀
I plan to watch Along for the Ride today! I haven’t read the book yet, but I love the authors’ other books so I’m looking forward for this. But yeah, from the trailer I couldn’t really see the chemistry and emotional pull from the movie but hopefully it’s not that bad in the movie 🙂
oooh i hope you enjoy it!! (i think it might be that contemporary just isn’t for me at the moment lol) definitely let us know what you think of the film 🙂
I plan to watch Along for the Ride today! I haven’t read the book yet, but I love the authors’ other books so I’m looking forward for this. But yeah, from the trailer I couldn’t really see the chemistry and emotional pull from the movie but hopefully it’s not that bad in the movie 🙂
oooh i hope you enjoy it!! (i think it might be that contemporary just isn’t for me at the moment lol) definitely let us know what you think of the film 🙂
Best of luck with your courses! 🥰 I hadn’t heard of Clara and the Devil before, but it sounds really unique and cool. I will have to check it out online! The art looks really good as well! 😍 It sounds like you are in the middle of a few books and I hope you end up enjoying them all. I read The Jasmine Throne this year and loved it. I am waiting for the sequel to be released now!!
I remember watching Ocean’s 8 in the cinema and being a little disappointed too. It was pleasant enough but I expected more wow. I hadn’t seen the other movies either though.
I hope you have a wonderful June and thank you soooo much for sharing my post! 💕 p.s. I love the layout of this wrap-up!
thank you so much sophie!!! <3 <3 <3
i definitely hope you enjoy Clara and the Devil—it's got Blake's signature slow pacing and ✨angst✨ plus little chmura's absolutely GORGEOUS art! i hope you have a great june as well 🙂
Best of luck with your courses! 🥰 I hadn’t heard of Clara and the Devil before, but it sounds really unique and cool. I will have to check it out online! The art looks really good as well! 😍 It sounds like you are in the middle of a few books and I hope you end up enjoying them all. I read The Jasmine Throne this year and loved it. I am waiting for the sequel to be released now!!
I remember watching Ocean’s 8 in the cinema and being a little disappointed too. It was pleasant enough but I expected more wow. I hadn’t seen the other movies either though.
I hope you have a wonderful June and thank you soooo much for sharing my post! 💕 p.s. I love the layout of this wrap-up!
thank you so much sophie!!! <3 <3 <3
i definitely hope you enjoy Clara and the Devil—it's got Blake's signature slow pacing and ✨angst✨ plus little chmura's absolutely GORGEOUS art! i hope you have a great june as well 🙂
You’re so busy! I loved The Hating Game, but did prefer the book to the movie.
You’re so busy! I loved The Hating Game, but did prefer the book to the movie.
haha yeah i’ve been super busy of late (*sigh*). i definitely want to read The Hating Game now that i’ve seen the movie since i’ve heard so many people say the book is even better! have a lovely june and thanks for stopping by, wendy 😀
Omg, hi there! Thanks so much for linking to my review. Life happened and I don’t really blog anymore, but reading your post honestly made my day! It was great reading what you’ve been up to this month and I’m very touched you enjoyed what I wrote.
Omg, hi there! Thanks so much for linking to my review. Life happened and I don’t really blog anymore, but reading your post honestly made my day! It was great reading what you’ve been up to this month and I’m very touched you enjoyed what I wrote.
aww of course—you wrote a great post. it surprised me because as a disabled person i actually feel similarly about Tower of Dawn, but I don’t see many people discussing maas’s work(s) from the angle of analyzing the disability representation! i’m so glad to have come across it! thanks for stopping by and i hope you have a superb month, nicole 🙂
Thank you so much for mentioning my post! I really enjoyed The Jasmine Throne, and I hope that you will too; I can’t wait to read your thoughts on it.
Thank you so much for mentioning my post! I really enjoyed The Jasmine Throne, and I hope that you will too; I can’t wait to read your thoughts on it.
i’m glad to hear The Jasmine Throne has your endorsement, siena! i’ve heard so many great things about it now that it has some big boots to fill lol! i hope you have a great month 🙂
You seem to have had a really good month! I’ve only read The Atlas Six from the books you talked about, but absolutely loved it so I’m happy to see you’re enjoying it too. Thank you for including my post here 💕
You seem to have had a really good month! I’ve only read The Atlas Six from the books you talked about, but absolutely loved it so I’m happy to see you’re enjoying it too. Thank you for including my post here 💕
i think i’m becoming a tad obsessed with The Atlas Six—i just don’t want it to end, lol! thanks for stopping by, maria, and have a lovely month <3