I’ve been pretty unwell this week with a headache, runny nose, lots of sneezing… kinda feels like the last time I had covid a few years ago…
So instead of trying to do anything “work” related, I decided to just focus on enjoying myself. As such, this email contains a few recommendations of fun things you can do in your free time 🙂
I. I started reading the Red Rising series by Pierce Brown. Holy smokes, this thing is incredible. I bought the 5-book paperback series a few months ago, after I saw a bunch of YouTube videos recommending it to fans of Brandon Sanderson. And in the past few days, I’ve torn through the first 2 books, and I’m now halfway through the third. I’ve been recommending it to everyone I’ve spoken to IRL and online since.
I don’t want to even tell you what it’s about – I had literally no idea what the plot was even vaguely about before I started reading it. I didn’t even read the back cover, and if you trust my book recommendations, I’d recommend you do the same, and just get yourself a copy of Red Rising, don’t read anything at all about the plot, don’t even read the front/back matter, just start reading. You won’t regret it.
Side note: I normally read everything on Kindle, but I decided to read this series in physical format, and found that I’ve quite enjoyed it. Definitely feels more vibey to be reading a physical book when laying on the couch, or with a matcha latte at the local coffee shop, or even in the sauna.
II. My wife Izzy and I have been watching Ted Lasso on Apple TV+ over the past few weeks. We’ve just finished season 1. Absolutely incredible show. It’s about an American football coach (from the US) who gets hired to coach an English premier league football team (in London). Absolutely hilarious, heartwarming, every episode makes Izzy and I cry at least once.
III. I started playing the game “Clair Obscura: Expedition 33” on PS5. I’m a huge fan of single-player fantasy-type role-playing games that have a narrative arc to them. Feels like being in a movie, or a really good book. Doesn’t require an internet connection, or playing high-octane competitive games against real people. You just sit back on the couch, controller in-hand, and get to immerse yourself in a world you can explore and work through at your own pace. Glorious.
Anyway, the plot and storytelling of Expedition 33 is incredible. Hooked me right from the prologue sequence. The combat and exploration is super fun too. If you’re into video games, this is a winner.
That’s it for this week. Keeping it short and sweet.
Quick request – I’d love to know: what’s your favourite (fiction) book series of all time that you’d recommend I read? Please do hit reply and let me know – I’ll ask my assistant Aly to compile all the responses and we’ll share the list in next week’s issue 🙂
My current top 3 would be something like: (1) Everything in Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere (reading order linked here) especially Mistborn and Stormlight Archive, (2) Harry Potter obv, (3) Red Rising series. But I’d love to get into more 😛
Have a great week!
Ali xx
