Hello, Molly! by Molly Shannon

Hello, Molly! by Molly Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You probably know Molly Shannon from Saturday Night Live in the '90s. She's been in many movies and TV shows since then, but I always think of her first as Mary Katherine Gallagher (Superstar!) or the radio host from the Schweddy Balls sketch.

Hello, Molly! rounded out my picture of who she is and the amazing, hilarious, tragic, upbeat life she's led.

Sprinkled throughout are stories illustrating how a positive outlook repeatedly made things better for her (and, I'm sure, those around her). It's genuinely inspiring. 

Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama by Bob Odenkirk

Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama by Bob Odenkirk
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5

If you're interested in the trajectory of how actors/comedians/writers slog away for years before finally making it, you'll probably enjoy this glimpse into Bob Odenkirk's professional life. If you're a huge fan of his, you'll LOVE this inside look.

I mainly know him as a dramatic actor with great comic chops as well from Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. I'd heard of Mr. Show, but forgot he was part of it and never watched. The descriptions of sketches from it reminded me why; it doesn't sound like my thing. I'm going to watch a few he mentioned, anyway, in case it's something I might love after all. 

Today a Woman Went Mad in the Supermarket by Hilma Wolitzer

Today a Woman Went Mad in the Supermarket: Stories by Hilma Wolitzer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Today a Woman Went Mad in the Supermarket is a fantastic title, and the book lived up to it.

Most of these stories were written in the '60s and '70s, with a new one from the Covid era, but they felt current. They were smart, funny, poignant, unexpected and kept me engaged in a way short stories usually don't. I'll pick up a book of 'em, enjoy the first few, then lose interest. Hilma Wolitizer's tales snagged me and held me tight throughout the book.

I'd never read her work before, but now I'm down for more. She's such a good writer! Here are a few lines I loved: 

What to Watch May 2022

May is blooming with new shows! Highly anticipated fare coming this month includes Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi, season 2 of Hacks, season 4 of Stranger Things, and the premiere of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. I'm also looking forward to Conversations with Friends (based on the book by Sally Rooney), The Time Traveler's Wife (based on the book by Audrey Niffenegger), and The Essex Serpent (based on the book by Sarah Perry). It's a very literary month for viewers!

As always, I've compiled my top picks and I'm sharing them here, along with links to everything new, so you can make your own picks for must-watch viewing. Most of what I've collected is on streaming, but a few shows can be found on good old-fashioned network TV. And away we go!