Chapter & Screen: A Monthly Read
What I loved in April, and what I'm looking forward to in May.
Welcome to the first-ever edition of Chapter & Screen, a monthly feature on The Quiet 20s where I’ll look back on films, books and music I loved in the past month and what upcoming releases I’m most looking forward to.
In the future Chapter & Screen will be exclusive to paid subscribers, but as it’s the first edition I thought I’d give everyone a taste!
April’s favourites
I read six books in April (including my first two audiobooks!) and two were absolute standouts for me. There is a monthly reads piece reviewing all six books coming on Monday, please make sure you’re subscribed so it hits your inbox!
Piglet by Lottie Hazell was a hilarious, fun and emotional read about a woman’s spiral after her partner makes a confession just two weeks before their wedding. I gobbled this up within a few days and totally adored the main character, despite her flaws.
The House of Hidden Meanings is RuPaul’s latest memoir, releasing at the end of March. I loved reading about the early life experiences of the Drag Race star - he has had such an interesting journey. The writing was poignant and reflective, and it’s the first book I’ve ever felt the need to add sticky tabs to so I can keep returning to key sections.
Upcoming releases
I’m currently working my way through my physical TBR before I buy any more books - because I have no space left on my shelves. As soon as I’ve got through the pile these will be straight on my list…
Hera by Jennifer Saint
I love Greek mythology and really enjoy mythological retellings. Last year I read Ariadne by Saint, which told the story of Theseus and the Minotaur and Ariadne and Dionysus from different perspectives. I thought it was brilliant and have high hopes for her next novel.
Hera is releasing on May 23rd and is a retelling of - you guessed it - Hera, wife (and sister) of Zeus. She is such an interesting goddess who I think has had a pretty bad rap, so I’m looking forward to her having some credit!
They Thought I Was Dead by Peter James
*Spoilers for James' Roy Grace series coming up!*
Any fan of James’ Roy Grace series will know of Roy’s wife Sandy, who went missing and was presumed dead. If you’ve not read the series yet… scroll on past this section, read the rest of this article, then pick up the first book and get reading (you can find the series, in order, here).
In his newest novel James finally tells us exactly what happened to Sandy during her disappearance. I, for one, am so excited to find out.
They Thought I Was Dead releases on May 9th.
You Like It Darker by Stephen King
Despite almost-hating horror, I adore Stephen King’s writing. In You Like It Darker, releasing on May 21st, he tells twelve short stories “that delve into the darker part of life”.
This might have to go on my Halloween reading list… or is it too soon to prepare for that?
April’s favourites
April was a pretty crazy month for me (a trip to Scotland at the start, approximately 5,000 birthdays after that) so I only made it to the cinema twice. My second trip was to see Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers featuring Zendaya, and it was five stars.
You can read my full review here, but let’s just say it exceeded all expectations and will probably make it to my “films of 2024” list.
Upcoming releases
I’m actually a little overwhelmed by how many amazing-looking films are coming out in May. If you need me, I’ll be in the cinema…
Releasing today (May 3rd) The Fall Guy just looks like good fun. Starring Emily Blunt, Ryan Gosling and Winston Duke, a stuntman finds himself in a conundrum regarding his film’s lead actor and must help to find him.
It looks action-packed with plenty of comedy too. I’m not expecting it to be the greatest film I’ve ever seen, but it looks to be good ‘easy’ viewing.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Releasing on May 9th in the UK, the newest film from the Planet of the Apes franchise takes place 300 years after Caesar’s reign. It will follow a young ape who begins to question the past, and the part he plays in the future.
I adore the PotA franchise (including the older films) and when I saw the trailer in my screening for Dune: Part 2 I was over the moon. I have very high hopes.
If there are two things you should know about me, they are that I love The Office (US) and easy, fun films are my guilty pleasure. With a cast including Steve Carell and John Krasinski, I think IF has combined the two.
Fun for all the family, a girl discovers she can see people’s forgotten imaginary friends (IFs) and tries to reconnect them with one another with the help of Ryan Reynolds’ character, who has the same ability. Judging by the synopsis and trailer, I imagine I’ll cry at some point.
IF is releasing on May 17th in the UK.
Much like the PotA franchise, I love the Mad Max movies. The clue’s in the name with this one, as Furiosa will tell the titular character’s origin story prior to her adventures with Mad Max.
Anya Taylor-Joy plays Furiosa and Chris Hemsworth stars as the villain. I’m really looking forward to learning about Furiosa’s journey, and the trailer looks just as wacky as all Mad Max films. It releases on May 24th and I’m sure it’s going to be brilliant.
April’s favourites
I was all about the audiobooks in April and listened to two books in the month, so there wasn’t a huge amount of time for music. While I expect no less than brilliance from Beyonce, I am really enjoying Cowboy Carter which released at the end of March.
Aside from music, I loved April 29th’s episode of The Receipts Podcast with guest Winston Duke (who is starring in The Fall Guy). He was intelligent, empathetic and very open on the show, and I loved getting to know him more.
May releases
Billie Eilish’s newest album Hit Me Hard and Soft is releasing on May 17th and I can’t wait. I’m a huge fan of Billie’s music and I’m really looking forward to some new songs from her.
Sam Tomkins’ debut album is releasing on May 24th, named hi, my name is insecure. My boyfriend listens to a lot of his music so I’m a vicarious fan.
So, there was the first-ever Chapter & Screen! I really hope you enjoyed it and found out about a cool new release or two. What are you looking forward to in May? Please let me know with a comment!
-Soph
I always love to see what upcoming movies others are looking forward to!
Can’t wait for You Like it Darker by Stephen King!!