This is a fairly ordinary January update. What I have been reading, listening to, and watching so far this year, and whether any of it has affected my writing.
This is not something I usually post, and it may well be both the first and last time. I wanted to share it anyway, since it feels connected to my dystopian poetry writing.
Books and Audiobooks
A large portion of the books are audiobooks. I usually listen while walking, doing chores, or working with my hands. If I’m painting or crafting, I’m almost always listening to something.
Red Rising (books 1–3)
I started these already in December, but they dominated my January. The worldbuilding and character roles are extremely compelling, and the verbal style, especially naming and terminology, is top-tier. This definitely sharpened my sensitivity to invented language.
Atmosphere
A quieter read compared to the sci-fi pile. More about emotional states and relationships than ideas, but useful as a reminder of pacing and restraint.
Project Hail Mary
I technically started this in 2025, but I am counting it here because the upcoming film adaptation makes it feel timely. A very efficient, problem-solving driven narrative. Comforting competence. Cannot wait to see the movie soon!
Toward Eternity
Super interesting and dense. I need to read this again and actually take notes. The cover alone is remarkable and likely influenced my own cover thinking more than I initially realized.
The Murderbot Diaries (book 1)
Light, funny, and slightly childish in tone, but still recommendable. Easy to consume and oddly reassuring. Works well in audio, haven’t seen the movies yet. Have you?
Series and Television
I try to rotate streaming services and keeping only one active at a time. Because I watch an unreasonable amount, especially series, and I am not the only viewer in the household, there are occasional overlaps. To me, it’s all or nothing. If I can survive past 30 mins, I’m most likely hooked for 3-9 seasons.
Altered Carbon (1-2)
I have watched this twice now. The atmosphere still holds up, even if the adaptation choices are debatable. Would have enjoyed these more with less blood.
Travelers
Seen three times. Still one of my favorite time-travel concepts, even with its limitations. One of the greatest sci-fi concepts.
Elementary
Second full watch-through, all seasons. I enjoy the procedural calm and character consistency.
Stranger Things
The final season. I loved the ending more than expected. I might watch again later with my son, though it’s not really my favorite genre.
In From the Cold
A strange Russian agent story. Messy, slightly off, but very much my kind of weird.
Snowpiercer (1-3)
I had postponed watching this for a long time based on the trailers. Once I finally started, it turned out to be a positive surprise. Interesting characters and just the right amount of strange and impossible sci-fi, contained in a tight, train-shaped package.
Movies
The Rip
Did not enjoy this one too much. The plot was fine, but stylistically not for me.
The Accountant and The Accountant 2
I enjoyed both, weird main characters are always cool. Straightforward, controlled, and surprisingly satisfying.
Bourne (films 1–4)
We watched all four together with my child. There was clearly a Matt Damon theme running through January. These still work well as grounded action films. Enough momentum and physicality to keep a younger viewer engaged, but restrained enough for me. At this point, this is exactly the level of action I still enjoy. I have no energy left for Marvel-style escalation.
Currently reading or listening
Woken Furies
I jumped into this because the Netflix adaptation of Altered Carbon only has two seasons. The tonal shift back into the book world feels weir, but necessary.
What Does This Button Do?
Bruce Dickinson is one of the most impressive people I know of, and listening to this audiobook is genuinely motivating. It works as inspiration and entertainment at the same time. An impressive man with an impressive story.
I am musically behind compared to many. While others were listening to heavy metal, I was listening to The Beatles and New Kids on the Block. I only discovered heavier genres later in adulthood, including Iron Maiden.
The Murderbot Diaries (book 2)
More of the same rhythm as the first. Works well in audio format.
Iron Gold
Very different from the earlier Red Rising books. The shift to younger narrators in sci-fi takes some adjustment for me.
Die, My Love
Film adaptation coming in 2026. I want to read this before seeing it. The tone already feels uncomfortable in a way I appreciate.
We Are Legion (We Are Bob)
Started strong, but once the AI began mass-cloning itself, I lost interest. Not sure if I will finish this one.
About That Screen Time
Too much? Yes, I can safely say my screen time has been high. Whether that has helped or distracted my writing depends on the day, but immersion in other worlds always leaves some residue.
Kids, do as I say, not as I do.
Discover my Poetry or read more about my writing process:
This is not my regular type of post, probably the first and last time at once. I felt like sharing, because these seem to be related to my dystopian poetry writing.
How many of these have you read or watched?
And what would you recommend for me this spring?
I see what you mean about the many images xD and I love your taste!!!!!!! Hail Mary, Red Rising, and Murdetbot 😍😍 I love the Murdetbot Audiobooks, the tv series less so hurhurhur..
Sam, you shared a wonderful treasure, no doubt. Thanks.