Watching on TV
I watched all 16 episodes of this historical drama and romance set in the Joseon era in Korea.The actor playing the King, Jo Jung Suk, is in contention in Korea for a best actor award this year, and I can see why.
From The Economic Times, English edition:
Exploring the Plot:
"Captivating The King" unfolds against the backdrop of the Joseon era, weaving a captivating narrative around Prince Jinhan, portrayed by Jo Jung-suk, and the enigmatic baduk player Kang Hee-soo, played by Shin Se-kyung.You Will Never Be Me by Jesse Q. Sutanto ( August 2024) put me in mind of Celebrity, (June 2023) the influencer Korean drama on Netflix I just finished.
In Celebrity, (see trailer) Seo A-ri achieves social media stardom overnight, but deadly consequences await in this glitzy, glamorous world of influencers. (with subtitles and dubbed on Netflix). The influencer plot in both Kdrama and the new book seem similar.
Now reading
River East, River West by
Publication: January 9, 2024; William Morrow, NetGalley. Genre: literary fiction, historical fiction, China
Description:
Set against the backdrop of developing modern China, this mesmerizing literary debut is part coming-of-age tale, part family and social drama, as it follows two generations searching for belonging and opportunity in a rapidly changing world.
In a stunning reversal of the east-to-west immigrant narrative and set against China’s political history and economic rise, River East, River West is an intimate family drama and a sharp social novel. Alternating between Alva and Lu Fang’s points of view, this is a profoundly moving exploration of race and class, cultural identity and belonging, and the often-false promise of the American Dream. (publisher)
My tv watching has eaten significantly into my book reading! But I'm having fun watching drama series. Don't know when my infatuation with Kdrama will come to a close....Watch this space...
Memes: The Sunday Post hosted by The Caffeinated Bookreviewer. Also, It's Monday: What Are You Reading, and Sunday Salon, Stacking the Shelves, Mailbox Monday
I'm just about to start 'National Populism - The Revolt Against Liberal Democracy' by Roger Eatwell and Matthew Goodwin. Then its 'The Road to Wigan Pier' by George Orwell. Presently I'm watching Series 2 of 'Reacher' and Series 5 of 'The Expanse' whilst looking forward to 'Fallout' in April.
ReplyDeleteI also read less because of my viewing habits! Now I am watching a new series called The Resident.
ReplyDeleteEasier on the eyes too, smile.
DeleteI understand how books can be neglected; this week I was so busy that I only finished a single one. I hope you will remember that many of us depend on you for your book reviews, however, and remember to break away from compelling tv for our sakes.
ReplyDeleteI'd also love to know more about kdramas.
You've mentioned my most hated "new" word of the year. It is influencer. It's a word one never used to see and now it's everywhere and definitely overused. Ah, well, this, too, shall pass and something probably even more annoying will take its place!
ReplyDeleteMy sister loves Kdramas! I need to try a few, then my reading time would probably drop, too. ;D
ReplyDeleteOoh, always nice finding something you just want to spend a load of time with! I'm so bad at finding time to watch anything, but I do get like with books and video games.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a good week!
You're getting so much from the Kdramas that it seems like a fair trade, for a while, anyway. Thanks for sharing them with us. That's something I'm not familiar with at all. It's great to have the opportunity to watch, now.
ReplyDeleteOhmygosh!!!! How did you know I needed this post???
ReplyDeleteLast week I randomly came across someone whose apartment is decorated in the style of interiors she's seen on K-Dramas. I loved her apartment so of course I'm like "Which K-dramas??? I want to seeeeeeeeeeeeeee."
And now here you are with your post and I'm like "I wonder if that Celebrity show on Netflix would show me some of these interiors?????"
I'm adding that and Captivating The King to my TBW list (I know Captivating is a period piece/costume drama so no, I won't be watching it for interiors--LOL)
You Will Never Be Me sounds really good so I added that to my TBR.
Please let us know your final verdict on River East, River West because it sounds really good but I'm not sure if I should add it or not. Kinda on the fence. Someone on Goodreads said it is "hard to digest". What does that mean? Hard to digest in what way? LOL I may ask them if it drives me crazy enough.
I'm personally glad that your tv watching has eaten significantly into your book reading! I may have to go back and catch up on some of your other K-drama posts. lol
I've watched a lot of shows set in small towns on the coast that would not have fantastic interiors. But others certainly do. Celebrity, for sure, and any drama that is contemporary and looks as if it's set in the big city, Seoul, for instance.
DeleteEnjoy all the Kdrama. I'm curious to hear how you like River East River West.
ReplyDeleteI've been watching a lot of TV these days too. It does cut into reading time, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteIt's always a dilemna - watch more, read more, blog more! Whatever brings you joy is the right answer and for each of us that will be individual!
ReplyDeleteI love when I find a good show to binge!! Enjoy your Kdramas!!!
ReplyDeleteI get like that when TV cuts into reading time. It was especially hard while I was binging on Game of Thrones. I always manage to find something to watch, though. Hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteI've been watcing some K dramas and C drama lately.
ReplyDeleteNow I'll have to start watching C dramas and even J dramas/terebi dorama. Thanks for mentioning that there are also C dramas.
DeleteSometimes I need a break from reading, so I get the binge watching of that historical drama. Sounds like an interesting one!
ReplyDeleteThese sound fascinating. Glad we never got into social media influencing around here. So many of them rise and fall quickly.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. Hope you enjoy your week.
https://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/2024/03/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-and_0361113059.html
I watch about 5 movies a week, usually thanks to Hallmark. I enjoy watching t.v./movies while I eat. Have a great week. Happy reading and watching! :-)
ReplyDeleteYes... I find especially if I'm bingewatching a series my reading takes a hit! Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteI am obsessed with K-dramas! They're so good, and I like that they don't drag on for season after season. Hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteI haven't watched any K-dramas but I'm intrigued and am really curious about them. Celebrity especially sounds like one I'd enjoy.
ReplyDeleteFunny how TV watching eats into reading time. You always have some interesting things going on. Happy watching and reading!
ReplyDelete