The SDC Team’s 2022 Recommendations
- Replies 4
As many of us take a moment to look back on 2022, we thought we’d share our ‘best of 2022’ recommendations. From movies and TV shows to reusable coffee cups and wellness rings – here’s what the SDC team loved in 2022.
Maddie
The best book I read in 2022 was…
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides. I read so many great books this year, but if I had to just recommend one it would be The Silent Patient. I think I read it in a day because I just couldn’t put it down! I did a post on the forum back in March to recommend it to you all, and so many of you got back to me agreeing that it was a great book, so if you haven’t read it yet, please do! And let me know what your thoughts are here…
The best TV show I watched in 2022 was…
White Lotus Season 2! I wish I could put into words how much I loved this series! I thought it was not only very entertaining, but it also captured 100% of my attention, so I really ‘lost’ myself in the show which I feel is rare with TV shows these days. It is a little crude with a lot of nudity and sex, but the message is very powerful. It’s a murder mystery that explores some really interesting themes around sex, power, money and fulfilment that I thought they explored in a really clever way. It’s also based in Italy so you get to see some incredible views!
If you enjoyed season 2, I recommend also going back and watching season 1. It was also very entertaining but explored the themes of race, money and power! If you end up watching the series, you’ll have to tell me your thoughts!
My favourite product of 2022 was…
Huskee 8oz Coffee Cup in Natural! Members, as you all know I absolutely love my daily coffee. I make my own coffee most days, but I like to drink it when I’m on the go whether that be when I’m walking the dog, on my way into the office, or running errands. Wherever I go this coffee cup comes with me (even ask April or Jon). I love it. I think coffee tastes better in it. It’s light, it’s a great size, and it means I’m doing something for the environment every day. When I first bought the cup I thought goodness me, $18 for a cup! But when I break it down to cost per use I think I’m below $0.01 per use (if that’s even possible). If you love coffee on the go, or visit your local cafe every day and get a paper cup, why don’t you buy one? Not only will it make a difference to the environment, but it’s also a good-looking cup!
Jon
The best book I read in 2022 was…
Flashman, by George MacDonald Fraser. This is certainly not exactly a new book – in fact, it came out in 1969 – but it was an absolutely fantastic read. The story follows the adventures of Harry Flashman, a British soldier who is thrust into a series of swashbuckling escapades in the 19th century. Flashman is a fascinating character, and the story is full of humour, action, and memorable moments.
A bit of a warning though - this book is not for the faint of heart. Flashman is very much an ‘anti-hero’, and his adventures will take him through some dark and dangerous places. He’s an awful person, completely lacking in morality, and yet refreshingly honest with the reader about all of his many vices and character flaws. It’s decidedly non-politically correct and uses some very ‘colourful’ language, but if you can handle it, you'll be rewarded with a great story and an unforgettable character.
And the best part is, it’s the first in a series of 13 books! So if you like the first one, you’ll be set for months.
The best TV show I watched in 2022 was…
Severance
How do I explain this unique show? It defies being placed in any one genre, but is really a unique mix of science fiction, comedy, and drama. Employees of the shady and mysterious Lumen Industries agree to be 'severed' from their non-corporate lives and memories, essentially leaving them with two entirely distinct and separate existences without any overlap.
As the show progresses, the characters are forced – both inside and outside the workplace – to confront the past and the future, while struggling to find out the truth behind their employer's mysterious goals. With its blend of dark humour and suspense, Severance is a thrilling and thought-provoking ride.
My favourite product of 2022 was…
My Wellue 02 ring*. It’s basically a health-tracking device like a Fitbit or an Apple Watch but wraps around one of your fingers rather than being worn on the wrist. It measures (among other things) your blood oxygen saturation as you sleep, and then handily downloads it into an app the next morning for you – or your doctor – to analyse. It was a game changer for me because it definitively proved that I have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and was the main impetus for me starting on my CPAP journey.
It’s also been useful for trying to ‘optimise’ my sleep in other ways, and generally be more mindful about my health. For example, I was stunned to find out how much my blood oxygen levels dropped during the night after only a couple of glasses of wine. It’ll set you back around $220 but I think it’s well worth it.
Vella
The best TV show I watched in 2022 was…
The Sex Lives Of College Girls. I know it’s not that popular, but I found it to be a fascinating and insightful look into the complexities of college life. Despite its risque subject matter, the show was incredibly well-written, and I loved the way it explored themes of relationships, sexuality, and identity in a way that was both entertaining and thought-provoking.
This show follows the lives of four college roommates as they navigate their way through college. It’s funny, witty, and surprisingly honest in its depiction of college life. The show is also incredibly well-written, with engaging characters and great storylines.
I love this show not only because I feel seen but also because it’s simply entertaining. I’ve watched a couple of TV series this year, but this one is definitely my favourite. It’s just lighthearted, and it’s a comfort to watch. I’ve been veering away from traditional dramas with heavy plots this year, and this show has been a breath of fresh air.
Sethia
The best book I read in 2022 was…
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I’ve been trying to stick to classics this year and this one is by far my favourite. Without unintentionally spoiling anything for all of you, I highly recommend you get your hands on this one if you need a little pick-me-up. There’s just something about this story that sparks hope and gets you in a better mood. It only took me a few days to finish it as I couldn’t put it down!
The best TV show I watched in 2022 was…
Okay, I have recommended this before but as an avid fan of horror and true crime stories, I need to hand this one to Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. I think it perfectly depicts how serial killers shouldn’t be glamorised or admired by anyone. It shows the side of the victims so well and how people like Jeffrey Dahmer shouldn’t be forgotten for the horrendous crimes they’ve committed. I really enjoyed watching this series!
My favourite product of 2022 was…
Definitely air fryers. I know they’ve been around for a while now, but I finally hopped on the bandwagon this year and I have zero regrets. They make cooking meals easier and quicker – plus I can still enjoy crispy, fried food with so much less oil. Whoever invented air fryers is a genius.
Sean
The best book I read in 2022 was…
I’ve been trying to revisit the ‘literary classics’ that I read back in my high school days since the pandemic started and for some reason, as an adult, I find it harder to finish a book in a week or so (and I rarely read them so please don’t judge me).
However, one of the books that confused me as a teenager has become a favourite of mine now…
When I first read Franz Kafka’s The Trial, I was a teenager and unfortunately, I did not understand it very well. It seemed confusing and I was disappointed with it. After a decade, however, I decided to give it another go.
This time, I no longer lived in the world of childhood but had to face the harsh realities of employment and adulthood.
And there it was – the same story that I had read so long ago, full of people and events that were different and yet still strangely familiar. This time, the significance of it all really resonated with me.
In order to survive the system, Josef K. is forced to adapt to the ever-changing rules and regulations put in place by society. This story accurately depicts a certain kind of suffering – the feeling of foolishness we experience when we’re standing in a long line at some public office, only to be told at the last minute that we need to fill out one more form, or that something is incomplete, and then starting all over again.
Kafka’s The Trial is a fantastic portrayal of the travails and struggles of everyday life, and it can help us unlock a lot of the hidden truths about our society.
As much as most of us would like to look away from the uglier parts of our world, The Trial encourages us to take a closer look at the issues it conveys and become more aware of the joys and pains of life’s journey.
The best TV show I watched in 2022 was…
Hmmm, this is a hard one for me as I don’t watch a lot of TV shows but definitely what stood out with me was Netflix’s Monster: Dahmer and not because I enjoyed watching it per se but because of the controversies surrounding the production (e.g. not getting the consent of the victims’ families prior to filming, some inconsistencies with other details, etc.). The show, however, gave more insight into the events that happened during Jeffrey Dahmer’s series of crimes. Also, the actor who played Jeffrey Dahmer gave a phenomenal performance in the show, making the scenes believable.
James
The best book I read in 2022 was…
I have to say, my best read for this year goes to The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa, beautifully translated from Japanese by Stephen Snyder.
It’s about the story of an unnamed narrator who lives on an island where a wide variety of things, from the mundane to the extraordinary, mysteriously vanishes. And as quickly as these things disappear, so are the memories of those who experienced or had them. Anyone then discovered in possession of—or even remembering—these items after they have been declared ‘gone’ would be vanished themselves under the enforcement of a faceless organisation known as the Memory Police.
It's not the usual dystopian novel, which is why I like it so much despite the genre label. The real genius of this work is in its atmosphere, as there are no chaotic fights or confrontations to keep the reader turning the pages. A slow read, for sure, but uncertainty (and fear) lurks at every corner of every page.
Also, the story will be adapted soon into a feature film, with Reed Morano (The Handmaid’s Tale) producing and directing, and Charlie Kaufman (Synecdoche, New York, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) writing the script. Something to look forward to!
The best TV show/movie I watched in 2022 was…
I have to admit, there weren’t exactly many TV shows I watched this year (I’m sorry!), so I thought I’d make up for it by recommending a movie instead.
45 years is a 2015 film written and directed by Andrew Haigh, based on the short story In Another Country by David Constantine. It follows the story of a longtime married but childless couple, Kate and Geoff - both amazingly portrayed by Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay, respectively.
Without giving away too much of the plot, the two are contently living out their golden years in the English countryside until a shocking letter arrives a week before their 45th wedding anniversary party.
This film really struck a chord with me. What really hits home is how grounded in reality it is and how easily I could (sadly) see myself in a similar position in the future. Just makes you realise people can be familiar and intimate after decades of being together, yet still not know anything about each other.
It’s available for streaming on SBS on Demand.
My favourite product of 2022 was…
This honour goes to my NutriBullet blender, hands down! I use it literally every day, especially in the mornings when I'm too ‘busy’ (code for lazy) to make myself breakfast. To start the day off right, I have a cup of my favourite soy milk, a couple of slices of whatever fruit I have on hand, a scoop of protein powder, and a spoonful of chia seeds. It’s just so convenient (so easy to use, too!), I honestly don't know what I would do without it.
April
The best book I read in 2022 was…
The Shards by Bret Easton Ellis.
From the best-selling author of Less Than Zero and American Psycho. The Shards is a story about the end of innocence, and the perilous passage from adolescence into adulthood, set in a vibrantly fictionalised Los Angeles in 1981 as a serial killer begins targeting teenagers throughout the city.
The Shards is a mesmerising fusing of fact and fiction, the real and the imagined, that brilliantly explores the emotional fabric of Bret’s life at seventeen—sex and jealousy, obsession and murderous rage. Gripping, sly, suspenseful, deeply haunting, and often darkly funny.
Members, this novel does contain some shocking content, as all of his work does, so while I highly recommend this as your next read, it’s not for the faint of heart (or those with a sensitive stomach). The Shards will be available from January 17, 2023. Feeling impatient? For $10 a month you can subscribe to his Patreon and gain exclusive access to the first draft of the novel narrated by Ellis himself.
The best movie/tv show I watched in 2022 was…
My top spot has to go to House of the Dragon. As someone who followed Game of Thrones week-to-week as it aired, it was surreal to be back in the world of George R.R. Martin. There was a certain nostalgia attached that added to the…dare I say, ‘magic’. It features the talented Australian Milly Alcock in her international debut as young Rhaenyra Targaryen so you’re supporting home-grown talent! You can watch the show without catching up on Game of Thrones first, however, I think it feels more special if you watch with prior knowledge.
You can watch the first episode for free here. After that, you’ll need a subscription to the streaming platform Binge. They do offer a two-week free trial for new subscribers but you’ll have to be quick to cancel if you want to avoid any rolling fees.
My favourite product of 2022…
Mystery Bargain Box (30 Books)
While I am a huge advocate for frequenting your local library, I know that not everyone has one close by. That’s where the mystery bargain book box comes in. You receive 30 brand-new books for $100 (that’s just over $3 per book!). I like the mix of fiction and non-fiction but you can opt for one or the other. They even have specialised boxes eg. crime, romance, history – there’s truly something for everyone. The mystery box has my heart as I’m a varied reader AND I know I’ll always receive fantastic books I can give to friends and family.
The Book Grocer has kindly offered all Senior Discount Club members an exclusive 10% off discount code. Simply enter the code SENIORSCLUB10 at the checkout to redeem and enjoy!
Jarred
The best book I read in 2022 was…
This is hard because I’m sure I had a couple of great reads this year…
I’d give the distinction to The Hollow Heart, the second book in Marie Rutkoski’s Forgotten Gods duology.
It picks up right off where The Midnight Lie ended with the main character Nirrim undergoing a drastic change to free her people from ignorance at great personal cost. Meanwhile, her partner Sid confronts her demons at home with a mysterious illness slowly killing her mother and her father (touched by the God of Death!) unable to do anything.
I started the series because of nostalgia — it’s in the same universe as The Winner’s Kiss trilogy, which I also adore — and because morally grey leads make for a thrilling story!
The best TV show I watched in 2022 was…
I was able to watch many shows this year but none left quite a punch like the anime Odd Taxi!
It tells the story of a walrus taxi driver named Hiroshi Odokawa and his day-to-day experiences navigating the streets of Tokyo. I know it sounds boring (and weird, considering there’s a walrus driving a taxi in Japan!), but trust me, this is a classic case of delayed gratification because the last episodes tie up the narrative established in the earlier half nicely.
My favourite product of 2022 was…
Oh, this is a no-brainer. Coffee. Anything coffee. But for the sake of having a product to pin down, it's Moconna’s Instant Medium Roast. It just hits the spot for me and I really don’t know why!
Ally
The best book I read in 2022 was…
Technically not a book, but a webcomic! It’s called Lore Olympus, and it’s a retelling of Hades and Persephone’s love story – but told in a very modern way. The artwork is superb, and I find the artist has a way of incorporating ‘real-life’ elements within the fantasy genre.
For an actual book recommendation, I’d suggest Go Set A Watchman by Harper Lee. It’s the sequel to my favourite book, To Kill A Mockingbird, and it’s quite controversial too. In the sequel, Scout (the protagonist from the first book) is now a grown-up and returns to her hometown to visit her dad, Atticus. But she realises that the man she once admired for being ‘righteous’, now has different morals.
I tried putting this off for a while because of the scandal surrounding the publication of the book and the material it touched upon. To me, it felt ‘wrong’ to read the sequel because it contradicted everything that To Kill A Mockingbird stood for. But when I reflected on the story more, I realised that the author showed a different side to Atticus to make him more ‘human’, in a way.
The best TV show I watched in 2022 was…
Ooh, this might get me a few weird looks but I’m a huge fan of true crime and the horror genre. Dahmer is one of the best shows I’ve watched in a long time. Not because of the gruesome details presented in the show, but because it offers such a unique perspective on serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer’s psyche. One episode in and I knew that he was not human but a real monster through and through.
Netflix (in my opinion) did not glorify the acts that he did but showed how manipulative he was through and through. He had no remorse for the things he did, and if he wasn’t caught, I’m sure he would’ve terrorised a lot more people. I’d like to praise the actor who played Dahmer as well (his name is Evan Peters). I’ve watched numerous interviews of the real serial killer and Evan managed to copy his mannerisms – from the way he walked to how he talked, even the subtle accents he puts in his words and the quiet rage behind the eyes – to a perfect T. As a (former) actress myself, I know how difficult character studies can be, so kudos to Evan.
And that’s a wrap! What did you think, members? Find anything that sparked your interest? We’d love to hear your top recommendations from 2022 in the comments!
What got the SDC team’s tick of approval in 2022? Read on to find out. Image Credit: Shutterstock
Maddie
The best book I read in 2022 was…
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides. I read so many great books this year, but if I had to just recommend one it would be The Silent Patient. I think I read it in a day because I just couldn’t put it down! I did a post on the forum back in March to recommend it to you all, and so many of you got back to me agreeing that it was a great book, so if you haven’t read it yet, please do! And let me know what your thoughts are here…
The best TV show I watched in 2022 was…
White Lotus Season 2! I wish I could put into words how much I loved this series! I thought it was not only very entertaining, but it also captured 100% of my attention, so I really ‘lost’ myself in the show which I feel is rare with TV shows these days. It is a little crude with a lot of nudity and sex, but the message is very powerful. It’s a murder mystery that explores some really interesting themes around sex, power, money and fulfilment that I thought they explored in a really clever way. It’s also based in Italy so you get to see some incredible views!
If you enjoyed season 2, I recommend also going back and watching season 1. It was also very entertaining but explored the themes of race, money and power! If you end up watching the series, you’ll have to tell me your thoughts!
Maddie takes her Huskee Coffee Cup everywhere. Image Credit: floraandfauna.com.au
My favourite product of 2022 was…
Huskee 8oz Coffee Cup in Natural! Members, as you all know I absolutely love my daily coffee. I make my own coffee most days, but I like to drink it when I’m on the go whether that be when I’m walking the dog, on my way into the office, or running errands. Wherever I go this coffee cup comes with me (even ask April or Jon). I love it. I think coffee tastes better in it. It’s light, it’s a great size, and it means I’m doing something for the environment every day. When I first bought the cup I thought goodness me, $18 for a cup! But when I break it down to cost per use I think I’m below $0.01 per use (if that’s even possible). If you love coffee on the go, or visit your local cafe every day and get a paper cup, why don’t you buy one? Not only will it make a difference to the environment, but it’s also a good-looking cup!
Jon
The best book I read in 2022 was…
Flashman, by George MacDonald Fraser. This is certainly not exactly a new book – in fact, it came out in 1969 – but it was an absolutely fantastic read. The story follows the adventures of Harry Flashman, a British soldier who is thrust into a series of swashbuckling escapades in the 19th century. Flashman is a fascinating character, and the story is full of humour, action, and memorable moments.
A bit of a warning though - this book is not for the faint of heart. Flashman is very much an ‘anti-hero’, and his adventures will take him through some dark and dangerous places. He’s an awful person, completely lacking in morality, and yet refreshingly honest with the reader about all of his many vices and character flaws. It’s decidedly non-politically correct and uses some very ‘colourful’ language, but if you can handle it, you'll be rewarded with a great story and an unforgettable character.
And the best part is, it’s the first in a series of 13 books! So if you like the first one, you’ll be set for months.
The best TV show I watched in 2022 was…
Severance
How do I explain this unique show? It defies being placed in any one genre, but is really a unique mix of science fiction, comedy, and drama. Employees of the shady and mysterious Lumen Industries agree to be 'severed' from their non-corporate lives and memories, essentially leaving them with two entirely distinct and separate existences without any overlap.
As the show progresses, the characters are forced – both inside and outside the workplace – to confront the past and the future, while struggling to find out the truth behind their employer's mysterious goals. With its blend of dark humour and suspense, Severance is a thrilling and thought-provoking ride.
Move over Apple Watches. Image Credit: Wellue
My favourite product of 2022 was…
My Wellue 02 ring*. It’s basically a health-tracking device like a Fitbit or an Apple Watch but wraps around one of your fingers rather than being worn on the wrist. It measures (among other things) your blood oxygen saturation as you sleep, and then handily downloads it into an app the next morning for you – or your doctor – to analyse. It was a game changer for me because it definitively proved that I have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and was the main impetus for me starting on my CPAP journey.
It’s also been useful for trying to ‘optimise’ my sleep in other ways, and generally be more mindful about my health. For example, I was stunned to find out how much my blood oxygen levels dropped during the night after only a couple of glasses of wine. It’ll set you back around $220 but I think it’s well worth it.
Vella
The best TV show I watched in 2022 was…
The Sex Lives Of College Girls. I know it’s not that popular, but I found it to be a fascinating and insightful look into the complexities of college life. Despite its risque subject matter, the show was incredibly well-written, and I loved the way it explored themes of relationships, sexuality, and identity in a way that was both entertaining and thought-provoking.
This show follows the lives of four college roommates as they navigate their way through college. It’s funny, witty, and surprisingly honest in its depiction of college life. The show is also incredibly well-written, with engaging characters and great storylines.
I love this show not only because I feel seen but also because it’s simply entertaining. I’ve watched a couple of TV series this year, but this one is definitely my favourite. It’s just lighthearted, and it’s a comfort to watch. I’ve been veering away from traditional dramas with heavy plots this year, and this show has been a breath of fresh air.
Sethia
The best book I read in 2022 was…
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I’ve been trying to stick to classics this year and this one is by far my favourite. Without unintentionally spoiling anything for all of you, I highly recommend you get your hands on this one if you need a little pick-me-up. There’s just something about this story that sparks hope and gets you in a better mood. It only took me a few days to finish it as I couldn’t put it down!
Not for the faint of heart… Image Credit: Netflix
The best TV show I watched in 2022 was…
Okay, I have recommended this before but as an avid fan of horror and true crime stories, I need to hand this one to Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. I think it perfectly depicts how serial killers shouldn’t be glamorised or admired by anyone. It shows the side of the victims so well and how people like Jeffrey Dahmer shouldn’t be forgotten for the horrendous crimes they’ve committed. I really enjoyed watching this series!
My favourite product of 2022 was…
Definitely air fryers. I know they’ve been around for a while now, but I finally hopped on the bandwagon this year and I have zero regrets. They make cooking meals easier and quicker – plus I can still enjoy crispy, fried food with so much less oil. Whoever invented air fryers is a genius.
Sean
The best book I read in 2022 was…
I’ve been trying to revisit the ‘literary classics’ that I read back in my high school days since the pandemic started and for some reason, as an adult, I find it harder to finish a book in a week or so (and I rarely read them so please don’t judge me).
However, one of the books that confused me as a teenager has become a favourite of mine now…
One of Kafta’s most renowned works. Image Credit: Kobo.com.au
When I first read Franz Kafka’s The Trial, I was a teenager and unfortunately, I did not understand it very well. It seemed confusing and I was disappointed with it. After a decade, however, I decided to give it another go.
This time, I no longer lived in the world of childhood but had to face the harsh realities of employment and adulthood.
And there it was – the same story that I had read so long ago, full of people and events that were different and yet still strangely familiar. This time, the significance of it all really resonated with me.
In order to survive the system, Josef K. is forced to adapt to the ever-changing rules and regulations put in place by society. This story accurately depicts a certain kind of suffering – the feeling of foolishness we experience when we’re standing in a long line at some public office, only to be told at the last minute that we need to fill out one more form, or that something is incomplete, and then starting all over again.
Kafka’s The Trial is a fantastic portrayal of the travails and struggles of everyday life, and it can help us unlock a lot of the hidden truths about our society.
As much as most of us would like to look away from the uglier parts of our world, The Trial encourages us to take a closer look at the issues it conveys and become more aware of the joys and pains of life’s journey.
The best TV show I watched in 2022 was…
Hmmm, this is a hard one for me as I don’t watch a lot of TV shows but definitely what stood out with me was Netflix’s Monster: Dahmer and not because I enjoyed watching it per se but because of the controversies surrounding the production (e.g. not getting the consent of the victims’ families prior to filming, some inconsistencies with other details, etc.). The show, however, gave more insight into the events that happened during Jeffrey Dahmer’s series of crimes. Also, the actor who played Jeffrey Dahmer gave a phenomenal performance in the show, making the scenes believable.
James
The best book I read in 2022 was…
I have to say, my best read for this year goes to The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa, beautifully translated from Japanese by Stephen Snyder.
It’s about the story of an unnamed narrator who lives on an island where a wide variety of things, from the mundane to the extraordinary, mysteriously vanishes. And as quickly as these things disappear, so are the memories of those who experienced or had them. Anyone then discovered in possession of—or even remembering—these items after they have been declared ‘gone’ would be vanished themselves under the enforcement of a faceless organisation known as the Memory Police.
It's not the usual dystopian novel, which is why I like it so much despite the genre label. The real genius of this work is in its atmosphere, as there are no chaotic fights or confrontations to keep the reader turning the pages. A slow read, for sure, but uncertainty (and fear) lurks at every corner of every page.
Also, the story will be adapted soon into a feature film, with Reed Morano (The Handmaid’s Tale) producing and directing, and Charlie Kaufman (Synecdoche, New York, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) writing the script. Something to look forward to!
The best TV show/movie I watched in 2022 was…
I have to admit, there weren’t exactly many TV shows I watched this year (I’m sorry!), so I thought I’d make up for it by recommending a movie instead.
45 years is a 2015 film written and directed by Andrew Haigh, based on the short story In Another Country by David Constantine. It follows the story of a longtime married but childless couple, Kate and Geoff - both amazingly portrayed by Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay, respectively.
Without giving away too much of the plot, the two are contently living out their golden years in the English countryside until a shocking letter arrives a week before their 45th wedding anniversary party.
This film really struck a chord with me. What really hits home is how grounded in reality it is and how easily I could (sadly) see myself in a similar position in the future. Just makes you realise people can be familiar and intimate after decades of being together, yet still not know anything about each other.
It’s available for streaming on SBS on Demand.
The Nutribullet 600 Series NBR-0507LG is available for $99. Image Credit: Target
My favourite product of 2022 was…
This honour goes to my NutriBullet blender, hands down! I use it literally every day, especially in the mornings when I'm too ‘busy’ (code for lazy) to make myself breakfast. To start the day off right, I have a cup of my favourite soy milk, a couple of slices of whatever fruit I have on hand, a scoop of protein powder, and a spoonful of chia seeds. It’s just so convenient (so easy to use, too!), I honestly don't know what I would do without it.
April
The best book I read in 2022 was…
The Shards by Bret Easton Ellis.
From the best-selling author of Less Than Zero and American Psycho. The Shards is a story about the end of innocence, and the perilous passage from adolescence into adulthood, set in a vibrantly fictionalised Los Angeles in 1981 as a serial killer begins targeting teenagers throughout the city.
The Shards is a mesmerising fusing of fact and fiction, the real and the imagined, that brilliantly explores the emotional fabric of Bret’s life at seventeen—sex and jealousy, obsession and murderous rage. Gripping, sly, suspenseful, deeply haunting, and often darkly funny.
Members, this novel does contain some shocking content, as all of his work does, so while I highly recommend this as your next read, it’s not for the faint of heart (or those with a sensitive stomach). The Shards will be available from January 17, 2023. Feeling impatient? For $10 a month you can subscribe to his Patreon and gain exclusive access to the first draft of the novel narrated by Ellis himself.
The best movie/tv show I watched in 2022 was…
My top spot has to go to House of the Dragon. As someone who followed Game of Thrones week-to-week as it aired, it was surreal to be back in the world of George R.R. Martin. There was a certain nostalgia attached that added to the…dare I say, ‘magic’. It features the talented Australian Milly Alcock in her international debut as young Rhaenyra Targaryen so you’re supporting home-grown talent! You can watch the show without catching up on Game of Thrones first, however, I think it feels more special if you watch with prior knowledge.
You can watch the first episode for free here. After that, you’ll need a subscription to the streaming platform Binge. They do offer a two-week free trial for new subscribers but you’ll have to be quick to cancel if you want to avoid any rolling fees.
Fancy 30 varied books to be chosen and sent to you? Image Credit: Book Grocer
My favourite product of 2022…
Mystery Bargain Box (30 Books)
While I am a huge advocate for frequenting your local library, I know that not everyone has one close by. That’s where the mystery bargain book box comes in. You receive 30 brand-new books for $100 (that’s just over $3 per book!). I like the mix of fiction and non-fiction but you can opt for one or the other. They even have specialised boxes eg. crime, romance, history – there’s truly something for everyone. The mystery box has my heart as I’m a varied reader AND I know I’ll always receive fantastic books I can give to friends and family.
The Book Grocer has kindly offered all Senior Discount Club members an exclusive 10% off discount code. Simply enter the code SENIORSCLUB10 at the checkout to redeem and enjoy!
Jarred
The best book I read in 2022 was…
This is hard because I’m sure I had a couple of great reads this year…
I’d give the distinction to The Hollow Heart, the second book in Marie Rutkoski’s Forgotten Gods duology.
It picks up right off where The Midnight Lie ended with the main character Nirrim undergoing a drastic change to free her people from ignorance at great personal cost. Meanwhile, her partner Sid confronts her demons at home with a mysterious illness slowly killing her mother and her father (touched by the God of Death!) unable to do anything.
I started the series because of nostalgia — it’s in the same universe as The Winner’s Kiss trilogy, which I also adore — and because morally grey leads make for a thrilling story!
Fancy a walrus taxi driver? Image Credit: IMDb/ Odd Taxi
The best TV show I watched in 2022 was…
I was able to watch many shows this year but none left quite a punch like the anime Odd Taxi!
It tells the story of a walrus taxi driver named Hiroshi Odokawa and his day-to-day experiences navigating the streets of Tokyo. I know it sounds boring (and weird, considering there’s a walrus driving a taxi in Japan!), but trust me, this is a classic case of delayed gratification because the last episodes tie up the narrative established in the earlier half nicely.
My favourite product of 2022 was…
Oh, this is a no-brainer. Coffee. Anything coffee. But for the sake of having a product to pin down, it's Moconna’s Instant Medium Roast. It just hits the spot for me and I really don’t know why!
Ally
Likely one of the most sought-after books this Christmas. Image Credit: Amazon/Lore Olympus
The best book I read in 2022 was…
Technically not a book, but a webcomic! It’s called Lore Olympus, and it’s a retelling of Hades and Persephone’s love story – but told in a very modern way. The artwork is superb, and I find the artist has a way of incorporating ‘real-life’ elements within the fantasy genre.
For an actual book recommendation, I’d suggest Go Set A Watchman by Harper Lee. It’s the sequel to my favourite book, To Kill A Mockingbird, and it’s quite controversial too. In the sequel, Scout (the protagonist from the first book) is now a grown-up and returns to her hometown to visit her dad, Atticus. But she realises that the man she once admired for being ‘righteous’, now has different morals.
I tried putting this off for a while because of the scandal surrounding the publication of the book and the material it touched upon. To me, it felt ‘wrong’ to read the sequel because it contradicted everything that To Kill A Mockingbird stood for. But when I reflected on the story more, I realised that the author showed a different side to Atticus to make him more ‘human’, in a way.
The best TV show I watched in 2022 was…
Ooh, this might get me a few weird looks but I’m a huge fan of true crime and the horror genre. Dahmer is one of the best shows I’ve watched in a long time. Not because of the gruesome details presented in the show, but because it offers such a unique perspective on serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer’s psyche. One episode in and I knew that he was not human but a real monster through and through.
Netflix (in my opinion) did not glorify the acts that he did but showed how manipulative he was through and through. He had no remorse for the things he did, and if he wasn’t caught, I’m sure he would’ve terrorised a lot more people. I’d like to praise the actor who played Dahmer as well (his name is Evan Peters). I’ve watched numerous interviews of the real serial killer and Evan managed to copy his mannerisms – from the way he walked to how he talked, even the subtle accents he puts in his words and the quiet rage behind the eyes – to a perfect T. As a (former) actress myself, I know how difficult character studies can be, so kudos to Evan.
And that’s a wrap! What did you think, members? Find anything that sparked your interest? We’d love to hear your top recommendations from 2022 in the comments!
Last edited:
.png){kind=icon}
