Being Bookish

It arrived on Disney Plus in the UK last week and if you had any idea how much of a fan of the show I was I you wouldn't even need to guess. This week I am going to be talking about the 1985-1992 series starring Betty White, Rue McLanahan, Bea Arthur and Estelle Getty, The Golden Girls . Join me as I talk through what I loved about the characters and what I think made it so special.

This week I am traversing back in time to 1980 and reviewing a book that I read in my childhood - however inappropriate that may now happen to be. Yes, I am going to be talking about Stephen King's novel Firestarter . This book is a bit of a minefield, or at least that's what I discovered when I picked it up for the first time in over 30 years and started to read it. So, take a listen and find out...

This week I am taking a look at Dollface which arrived on Disney Plus earlier this year. Starring Kat Dennings, Brenda Song and Shay Mitchell it's a study of female relationships and rebuilding ones that were abandoned. I also give you an update on my mental health and why last week was a no go as far as this episode was concerned. Also, if you wish to vote in the British Podcast Awards, don't wai...

This week I am reviewing a book that is only a few days old -in fact, it was released in the UK on 24th June 2021. I am revisiting a favourite author in the form of Paige Toon and her latest novel, Someone I used to know. This book has everything you could want for a sunny (or rainy) day with a cup of something and a comfy chair. So, join me as I take a look at this much-anticipated (by me and man...

This week I have moved away from the YA, the magical and the mystical and taken a trip to the world of old Hollywood glamour, courtesy of Taylor Jenkins Reid and her 2017 novel, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo . I have to admit, I had no idea what to expect when I picked this book up, but less than two days later it was done and I spent 7 days processing how I was going to talk about it. So, her...

This week I'm taking you to the Caribbean and the fictional island of St Marie, where having a secret can be murder! This British series has been a long-time favourite of mine; a procedural that offers up murder with a side of white sands and turquoise waters and I love every minute of it. So, if you want to find out more about a procedural that doesn't take itself too seriously (and airs in 236 c...

This week I am heading into mythological territory (yes, again), with the latest novel from American author, Alexandra Bracken. Lore , which was released earlier this year, is a tale of tragedy, discovery and vengeance with the added bonus of the fact it all takes place (pretty much) in modern-day New York. Want to find out more, give this episode a listen now. And no, it's nothing to do with the...

This week I am introducing you to Bernard Black and his amazing collection of books in a small shop near Bloomsbury. Yes, I am taking you on a trip to Black Books. I hope you enjoy the visit, just don't go near the shop owner, he'll bite your head off. Also, as I mentioned in the show, voting is open for the British Podcasting Awards . Get your votes in and, if you want, you can vote for Not Befor...

This week I am taking a look at a relatively recent release in the form of the first book in a new series by Canadian author, Kelley Armstrong. The book in question is Cursed Luck, which came out at the beginning of May 2021. It's the story of a cursed necklace, the curse weaver who can perhaps remove said curse and many deceptions that get the two together!

This week, I am revisiting Lucifer and looking at the most recent episodes released on Netflix as of the 28th of May 2021. This review is as spoiler-free as I can make it - in other words, I reveal pretty much nothing that will have you running away screaming I spoiled the show for you. In fact, this may well encourage you to watch it if you haven't already...

In this, the first-ever episode of The Bookshop I look at the first book in Leigh Bardugo's Six of Crows Duology, appropriately titled Six of Crows. I talk nothing but books in this spin-off of Not Before Coffee! So settle back and listen as I talk about this 2015 YA novel. Also, I mention an article on Polygon, which you can find here .

Welcome to season 2, brand new format, brand new concept, same old Raye! This week I am talking about the 1999-2001 TV show, Spaced . I also tell you all about the changes that come with the new season and go into a bit of detail about anxiety attacks. I'm so glad to be back!

In the finale of Season 1, I am talking about the new Netflix series, Shadow and Bone . Starring Jessie Mei Li and Ben Barnes, this is an adaptation of a book trilogy I have never read (I know, gasp, shock, horror). I also talk about a destructive pattern in my life I need to get control of. Oh, and your favourite segment, and mine, is back as I go through my most recent weird dream! Podcast Promo...

This week I am looking at another 1995 film in Clueless . Has it stood the test of time? Will I find it creepy watching as a fully grown adult who is analysing it, or will it never lose its charm? I also talk about my viewing for the coming week, my plans for the long weekend and my issues with social anxiety. Featured podcast: Talkin' Shiz

This week I am looking at 1995's other teen comedy, Empire Records , starring Renee Zellweger, Liv Tyler and Debi Mazar. I also take a look at a new novel from author John Murray McKay called The Girl's Guide to the Apocalypse , and after a brief talk about my viewing for the week, I'll be talking about how impulsive spending was a sign I should have been looking for when it came to my mental heal...

This week it's another trip back to 2005 as I look at the Ryan Reynolds film, Just Friends , also starring Amy Smart, Anna Faris and Chris Klein. I also check out my bookshelves for my favourite books - recommendations ahoy, and talk about my recent mental mood drop and how spending too much time with people can be damaging to the health of an emotional introvert. Featured Podcast: Wine, Dine and...

This week I have a guest, Griff from the Paul and Griff Show as we talk about 2005's The Wedding Date. We also cast the remake - you know, just in case! Featured Podcast: The Paul and Griff Show

We're out of March, which means that Chris Evans Season is over. So, this week I am talking about 2010's Easy A , starring Emma Stone and Stanley Tucci (love Stanley Tucci). I am also talking about a brand new (to me) author, Keri Arthur and her 2017 book, Blood Kissed . There's also a journey into a bit of my past that is rather painful. Featured Podcast: Infectious Groove

This week, in a departure from most of the films I have done, I am looking at a blockbuster. Yes, for the last episode in 2021's Chris Evans Season I am going straight for the big guns with 2012's Avengers Assemble . I will also be talking about Madeline Miller's 2018 book Circe as well as some recent mental health realisations. Featured Podcast: The Nerd Alternative

It's the third week of Chris Evans Season and I am looking at his fourth comic book outing, this time he's special ops with an interesting taste in T-shirts and a strange sense of humour in 2010's The Losers . I also review the 2000 book, Asking for Trouble by Elizabeth Young. And then I get real in my mental health update for the week. Featured Podcast: The Struggling Artist Podcast

We're in week two of Chris Evans season and this week I am looking at his second starring role in the film The Perfect Score from 2004. I also review the 2017 book from the comedic science fiction author, Tom Holt The Management Style of the Supreme Beings and there's yet another therapy session as I talk about my mental health. Featured Podcast: I Hate Your Taste in Movies

In the first of four episodes focusing on films starring Chris Evans, I talk about the second of two film projects from 2011, What's Your Number? which also stars Anthony Mackie, Chris Pratt and Martin Freeman. I also talk about the new book by Meghan Quinn, The Wedding Game . And then there's the weekly update on my mental health. Featured podcast: Film Rage

This week I am talking about the hidden 2015 gem, Mr. Right starring Anna Kendrick and Sam Rockwell. I also talk about my 22 years of writing fanfiction and job satisfaction and mental health. Featured podcast: Cinematic Blindspots

This week it's all about the 2009 film He's Just Not That Into You , the 2007 book Bite Me If You Can by Lynsay Sands and my mental health. You can find a list of Lynsay's books here . Featured Podcast: Once Upon a Nightmare

This week is a special one for me, as I get another year older, so after asking what you, the listener, wanted to hear I am talking about 1994's Australian film Muriel's Wedding . I am also going to be talking about The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman and my current mental state. Promo: Bedknobs and Broomflicks