Today’s “Do Listen Read” post is heavy on the listen (and watch). I’m late to the party on some already-popular cultural experiences. First one: Hamilton. Second one: Amazon Video
and Amazon Music.
I’ve been an Amazon Prime member for years, but I only used it for the shipping benefits. I didn’t realize I could easily stream music and watch shows and movies with my membership.
DO/LISTEN/WATCH
HAMILTON: Almost everyone has been singing the praises of Hamilton for a long time. I held out because I wanted to see the show first. Well, I live in Minneapolis and don’t get out of town often so I finally succumbed to the soundtrack once I realized I could stream it for free with my Prime membership. I loved everything about it right away. Then I watched the PBS special about the making of Hamilton and appreciated the creativity and hard work that went into the storytelling even more. So yes, my most enthusiastic recommendation this month is to start listening to Hamilton even if you can’t see it on stage yet (or ever). My favorite song is Aaron Burr’s heartfelt “Wait For It
.”
RED OAKS: A friend recommended this show about a Jewish country club in the 80s. I liked it a lot! The season one trailer is here: Red Oaks – Season 1 Official Trailer
.
CATASTROPHE: This Amazon show is a bit on the crass side in terms of language and sex so for sure make sure no kids are around. The writing is clever and I love the acting. Highly recommend. Maybe even more so than Red Oaks if you have to choose one.
GILMORE GIRLS REVIVAL: I’ve been non-stop about Gilmore Girls. I wrote a long review of the four-episode miniseries on Netflix. The comments on my post from fellow fans are a great part of the conversation. If you’re in the mood for a GG discussion then head over to my post from a few days ago.
GIFT I BOUGHT MYSELF TO WATCH THIS STUFF: My cousin Amy (thanks Amy!) recommended the All-New Fire TV Stick. It’s a tiny gadget you plus into your TV, which allows you to access your Netflix, Prime, and other streaming memberships all in one place. It was $29.99 on Black Friday, which is what I paid. I think at most it’s $39.99 if not on sale. Let’s hope either Bryan or I can figure out how to set it up once it arrives.
READ
I loved these tips in the Minneapolis Star Tribune on how to be a good party guest. My favorite one: Don’t forget to reciprocate!
My 2016 reading list is as current as possible. I’m reading #46, #47, and #48 now in a hurry to make it to my personal goal of 50 books by the end of December. Does it matter if I meet the goal? No, but I get a thrill out of reaching it, and I haven’t missed the mark in six years of keeping track of the books. I don’t plan to underperform this year!
(FTC disclosure: links to Amazon could earn me a penny or two. You’re so generous!)
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14 Responses
I have two more books to go to reach my goal for 2016, although my goal is lower than it’s been in past years.
So glad you’re on the Hamilton train! You should get the book Hamilton: A Revolution to tide you over until (not if, until) you can see the show. It’s great. Love my fire stick, and I must watch Red Oaks – it’s been recommended to me by quite a few people.
By the way – thanks for recommending Book of the Month. I took advantage of the Cyber Monday special for myself, and I’m getting my mom a membership too.
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I want to get a membership for my mom for her birthday!
I love coming here to find out about new things. Oh, and I am now officially the last person on earth to get on the Hamilton bandwagon, I suppose. I cannot figure out my resistance! This may sway me though. 🙂
I think you’d appreciate the clever storytelling and lyrics and so much more.
Welcome to the Hamilton party!! “Wait For It” is my favorite song too. Or perhaps “Room Where It Happens.” Sometimes it’s “My Shot.” Okay, I love them all!
My #2 is the first song. And #3 is Dr. Theadosia. (spelled incorrectly, I’m sure. Too lazy to Google.)
Had no idea I could stream the Hamilton soundtrack on Amazon Prime. Thanks for the tip! (Still haven’t had a chance to watch GG yet. I’m saving it for when I can binge.)
I’m so happy that I taught you that! I’ve also made some fabulous 80s/early 90s playlists on Amazon.
In Chicago you can go to local theater and see London plays for 15.00. It would be great if Hamilton would agree sometime to be part of the program so that
more people could see it!
The Landmark theaters are
part of it.
That would be fantastic!
I think I replied? Tablet issues- but I was talking about the amazing books that inspired Hamilton, including for kids. Also, waiting on your GG post wind will have to watch them.
Now I’m totally open to the books that inspired. Did you read the big biography? I saw it at Barnes, but wanted to hear a personal recommendation first.
Yes!! Definitely worth it! I loved it. Even though it was long it was a very entertaining and relatively quick read. My son ended up reading Jean Frtiz’s book on Hamilton for kids, too. My sons love the music (even if I do censor it). Recommend both books!
I’m printing out your list now, so I can reference it when I’m putting items on hold from my library:) Our reading lists have overlapped some… I also read and loved It’s Ok To Laugh, 100% because of GNB’s awesome review. That one is definitely making the cut for my Ten Best Books I read in 2016 blog post. Same story with Tell Me Three Things. LOVED.
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