April recommendations: Books, podcasts, films & other bits
Jilly Cooper’s favourite author, movies to inspire a new start + plastic-free dishwasher tablets. Plus, why rejection hits so hard. A cultural smorgasbord.
Happy Easter Sunday!
Spring is in the air, and I’m harnessing that ‘fresh’ feeling to have a good old think about this newsletter, which recently turned two and a half years old – a milestone half-birthday, no? – and to plan what’s next.
I’ve got a couple of things to run past you guys. Firstly, today’s experiment: I’ve curated a monthly round-up of cultural recommendations – podcasts, books, films, articles and other bits. I’ve been getting lots of requests to do more recommendations in this newsletter, and this edition is something of a trial run. Jury’s still out on the exact format. As this newsletter evolves, I’m enjoying the process of trying things out and gathering feedback.
Which brings me neatly to my second point – more of a question – what do you think? Not just of this edition, but of The Shoulds as a whole. I’m conducting my first-ever reader survey right now, and it’s already been one of the most rewarding things I’ve done on this platform – hearing from many of you who’ve followed my work for over five years, ever since the early days of the Alonement podcast.
Some of my favourite responses so far (it is proving very hard to pick):
‘I love your work and that you celebrate solo living (my fave) as it definitely doesn't get the good rep it deserves generally!’
‘I enjoy the variety of topics and the individual perspective, as a happily married person who loves to be independent.’
Your feedback is GOLD (always believe in your soullll!)
And, while my ego is loving the praise (honestly, drinking it up), my rational brain would also like to hear the constructive feedback: what’s working, and what isn’t? I’d love it if you’d take two minutes now to complete the survey.
Oh… and as a special thank you, everyone who responds will be entered into a prize draw for a year-long paid subscription to The Shoulds (which going forward will include more and more perks, like subscriber events and extra content).
Right – let’s get to the recommendations. Starting with…
📚 Excellent Women by Barbara Pym - I’m having a gorgeous time reading this comedy of manners by Jilly Cooper’s favourite author Barbara Pym. It’s centred around a single 30-something woman in the 1950s, currently being adapted for TV.
📚 Shy Creatures by Clare Chambers - The bulk of my book club gave a 5* review to this month’s read. Here’s an Instagram-worthy snap of the cover taken by my fellow north London local Amelia (who writes the
newsletter).
📚 Mongrel by Hanako Footman - This was one of the best novels I read last year. It’s themed around biracial identity, homelands and longing, and set across Japan and the UK. I recommended it to my friend Sarah recently for her holiday read, and received the following impassioned response, which can speak for itself.
📚 Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know by Adam Grant - On my non-fiction pile, I am loving this smart-thinking book from the Wharton professor and New York bestselling author of Originals. It champions of the ability to ‘rethink’ and look past our biases- which is useful in reassessing our career paths, improving our careers (eg are you really as empathetic as you think you are?); etc. Adam Grant is both incredibly intelligent and incredibly good at communicating those complex ideas (and, judging from our brief email correspondence, a very nice person… some would say a triple threat!)
🎙️I adored
co-founder Parul Bavishi on this new podcast, The Mess We’re In – so eloquent, so soothing!🎙️Natasha Rothwell (Belinda from The White Lotus) on Wild Card - (this podcast has a fascinating format)
🎙️ Freakonomics co-author Steven Levitt on switching from academia to podcasting on Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford
🎙️How to feel like your creative work matters – with happiness researcher Dr. Isaac Prilleltensky. I was charmed by this man – and fascinating by what he had to say about ‘mattering’, interviewed by
New beginnings! For spring!
Going to the cinema is my ultimate escapism (especially when it’s solo)– however, I’m not the first to observe that cinema seems to be going through a post-awards season lull at the moment. No hay problema! Instead of the latest movies, I’ve done a mini round-up of films that, for me, capture the essence of spring: new beginnings, life overhauls, etc.
🎬 The Worst Person in the World (2022) on Amazon Prime - For anyone who’s ever felt like ‘a spectator in [your] own life’, as protagonist Julie says. Then read my interview with lead actor Renate Reinsve
🎬 My Old Ass (2024) on Amazon Prime – Heartfelt lessons, delivered across generations (with a bit of time travel thrown in). Also, Aubrey Plaza 💛 Overlook the title and just watch it, then check out this interview with the director
🎬 Someone Great (2019) on Netflix - A love letter to friendship in the wake of a breakup
🎬 Eat Pray Love (2010) available to rent on various platforms - Based on the Elizabeth Gilbert book of the same name, this film inspired a cultural movement
🎬 Thelma and Louise (1991) on Amazon Prime - An oldie but a goodie
Anything you’d add to this list?
📍In-person London event - with Emma Gannon! I’ll be interviewing author and Substacker
about her latest novel, Table For One, in the gorgeous surroundings of Second Home Spitalfields on 13 May 2025. The event is free, but tickets are limited– there are still some available on Eventbrite.Why rejection hits so hard for some of us [New York Times gift link]
The Beatles song I can’t get out of my head (inspired by a recent guitar singsong with my dad)
The Measure app on iPhone is the most useful thing ever – have you tried it?
Plastic film-covered dishwasher pods are no longer a necessary evil with these WABLU Naked Wonder Tabs (also available as laundry pods!)
What to buy in M&S food - While this may not land with our North American pals across the pond, Marks & Spencer (or Marks & Specter as we call it at my family home) is a British institution. I loved this inspiration from
on what to stock up on (the roast potato seasoning is a must)How to arrange tulips properly - for anyone as obsessed as I am with these flowers for spring
I’m still here for the The White Lotus hot takes, including
’s hilarious & punchy post ‘Don’t Date a Rick’ and this Guardian feature on all the books the characters were reading in this season (if you haven’t noticed - the White Lotus literature choices tell a subplot of their own)
The thinking man/woman’s alternative to the ubiquitous Adidas Samba trainers is the Puma Palermo, currently on sale (inspired by my friend Stuart, whom we’re all threatening to copy)
Right, gang – that’s all from this edition. Thank you so much for reading and – a final reminder – if you’ve still got an extra minute or two I’d be super grateful if you could fill in my quick reader survey.
I hope this bank holiday is everything you want it to be, whether that’s restful, fun-packed, ever-so-slightly debauched – whatever floats your boat. Talking of which, a little visual homage to last night’s cocktails, enjoyed with my writer pal
.
Until next week!
Francesca
❤️ ❤️ ❤️