The Gathering is a summary of topics from the past month, the movies I watched, books I read, music I listened to, and things I found delightful.
In May, I finally got around to reading through the data that has been collected in regards to the success and demise of marriages in our country. Read more below.
As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “True hospitality consists of giving the best of yourself to your guests.” Here I share my experiences with hosting in our home and being an Airbnb property manager for five years.
Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning 2025 PG-13(in theaters, IMDB: 7.6/10)
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WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW. We already went to see it a second time. 👏🏻 Fantastic cinematography, unbelievable, suspenseful stunts, and a complicated plot. What I love most about it is the number of women in prominent positions. And I was right: Tom introduces the film, just as he did when he released the second Top Gun post-Covid. GO SEE THIS. 🏃🏻🎬
Thunderbolts 2025 PG-13(in theaters, IMDB: 7.6/10)
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Florence Pugh reassumes her role as Yelena (from Black Widow) in yet another Marvel flick that attempts to reboot a gang of superheroes. Some funny parts, some cool parts, and going in with low expectations helped me walk out of the theatre amused but never needing to see it again.
With Love, Meghan 2024 PG-13 (Netflix, IMDB: 3.2/10)
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Give this a chance, please. Despite the satirical videos about this new show hosted by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, I LIKED IT. After just two episodes, I remembered how much I also delight in hosting, in preparing snacks, comforts, and joy for the people who enter my home. Of course she has a gardener, stylist, maid, and money without end. So what? She is easy to watch, kindhearted and the things she makes are so very, very pretty.
Andor Season 2 2025 TV-14 (Disney, IMDB: 8.5/10)
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Watch the special Season 1 recap before you start Season 2. We found ourselves saying, “Wait - who is that?” and “Where are we again?” often. I’m a diehard Star Wars fan so I DID persevere. The fashion in Coruscant is to die for. Tension mounts and the last few episodes had us sitting on the edge of our seats.
The Americas 2025 TV-14 (Peacock, IMDB: 8.3/10)
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This was a great recommendation from my mom. Tom Hanks narrates this look at wonders and mysteries around North, Central, and South America. Amazing landscapes and stories!
All The Light We Cannot See 2016 NR (Prime ($2.99), IMDB: 8.0/10)
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Although I thoroughly enjoyed the book by the same name, this series didn’t do the author justice. However, the actress who plays one of the main characters knocks it out of the park. The director wanted to find a blind actress to play the part of a blind character, and he found the delightful Aria Mia Loberti. Nell Sutton, also blind, brilliantly plays a younger version of Maria-Laure.
A Plastic Ocean 2016 NR (Prime ($2.99), IMDB: 8.0/10)
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Although I watched this on a tiny screen on a flight, I found myself continually taking pics of statistics in the movie and exiting the plane vowing to eliminate all plastic from my life. The sad state of Fiji, sea birds dying from plastic in their gut, and other difficult situations were sobering to watch.
Black Bag 2025 R (Prime ($19.99), IMDB: 6.8/10)
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Stay awake until the end because everything comes together in the final ten minutes of this one. Uncomfortable. The entire thing. But clever and intriguing, leaving us rewinding and Googling an explanation of what happened.
One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter
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Another compelling work by Georgia Hunter. Impossible to put down, I cruised through this account of Jewish Italians during WWII. With both Italian and Jewish ancestors, the author intricately weaves a story of perseverance and survival. I found myself marveling at the determination required to endure war and the lack of basic necessities that impacted everyone. Just as good as her first book, We Were The Lucky Ones, which is a mini-series on Disney.
All The Colors Of The Dark by Chris Whitaker
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This will be in my top 5 for the year. The mystery drew me in tightly and surprised me many times along the way. The writing style is a bit awkward at first - it felt like commas and articles were often missing in the sentences - but I acclimated to the style pretty quickly. The subject deals with abducted young women, without much graphic detail, and there are a few curse words scattered throughout.
Dog Songs: Poems by Mary Oliver
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I have always found poetry confusing and this is my first foray into reading Mary Oliver. I. Am. Hooked. A nature and animal lover, I found such a connection to her imagination, observations, and reflections.
The Good News About Marriage: Debunking Discouraging Myths about Marriage and Divorce by Shaunti Feldhahn
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Finally, someone challenged the status quo and got to the bottom of what is actually true about marriage and divorce. I did a deep dive here if you want the Cliff Notes version. Note: we have never had a 50% divorce rate. There is hope!
None Of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
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While I finished this one, partway through I debated scrapping it. The main character’s personality really rubbed me the wrong way. When I’m reading a book that leaves me in a bad mood when I set it down, I struggle to find a reason to finish. This was my book club’s pick; otherwise, I wouldn’t have finished it. Some disturbing content (for me. maybe you too?).
Just Because by Matthew McConaughey
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This children’s book is a must-read. Just as in his memoir, Matthew confronts common cultural reactions and beliefs and pours a new perspective into eager young minds.
Forrest Frank is a new discovery for me and just in time for summer dancin’. I secretly want to drive through downtown Whitefish with my windows open and the pumping bass of this song making everyone wonder who the strange grey-haired lady is 💭🤣😳
This playlist features new-to-me music and fresh releases from a diverse range of artists. Check it out - you might find a new favorite too!
These days we usually have to get creative to distribute anything I bake, but these mini banana bread loaves freeze well to enjoy later.
Great post, Ellen! I know Tom Cruise is a bit crazy (well, according to the tabloids), but he's a fantastic actor! Not sure if he's a great person, but he makes great movies! I have not watched the documentary about him, have you? I added it to my list to watch! We'll have to watch the new Mission Impossible when I can rent it at home!