NOMI'S PICS

The other night, I headed out with a friend to see The Bros. Landreth, and—honestly—it was one of those evenings that just filled my cup in all the right ways. I first stumbled on them years ago while listening to the CBC in my car. Because it’s public radio, the CBC is required to play a certain percentage of Canadian content… which means I often “discover” incredible homegrown talent completely by accident.

Every once in a while, a novel comes along that reminds me exactly why I love being part of a book club—why stories matter, why they linger, and why they invite us not just to read, but to feel. The Echo of Old Books is that kind of book.

Through our Sole Sister Ramblers Book Club Reading Challenge, we’ve shared countless reflections, laughter, and “wait until you get to this part!” messages—so these five books aren’t just great reads, they’re part of our shared journey this year.

David Byrne and his 12-piece band met that energy with open arms. His Who Is the Sky? tour radiates love, and playfulness, the kind that only Byrne can deliver.

There’s something endearing about rough, scruffy men with long hair and denim jackets singing heartfelt love songs. Chris Stapleton—big, bearded, and every bit the road-weary troubadour—does it better than anyone. The crowd, filled with cowboy hats and full hearts, sang along to every word.

The film is less a farewell and more a meditation on legacy—what it means to dedicate your life to understanding and protecting another species, and how that mission transforms your understanding of humanity itself.

I feel like I’ve known John Candy for most of my life. Growing up in Canada, SCTV was the perfect window for the world to discover our unique sense of humor. The Shmenge Brothers, Johnny LaRue, and Candy’s spot-on impression of Alfred Hitchcock were just a few of the quirky, hilarious characters that filled our living room with laughter.

Like Yellowstone, Landman isn’t just about power plays and big money—it weaves in complex family dynamics, political undercurrents, and surprisingly sharp social commentary. The stakes are personal and political, and the show does a solid job of reminding us that oil isn't just a commodity—it's a way of life, and often a burden.

What makes the film so powerful is its balance of themes. It’s a coming-of-age story about chasing dreams, but it’s also about loyalty, sacrifice, and the complicated love within families.

Pip Williams has crafted a novel that honours the overlooked, the discarded, and the ordinary words—the ones that never made it into the “official” record because they belonged to people without social power at the turn of the 20th century. 

What impressed me most was how candid the film is. Mariska shares personal stories and long-held family truths with care, and I was genuinely surprised that so much of this hadn’t been widely known. It’s rare to watch something that feels both so open and so carefully considered.

Whether you’ve mourned a friend, grieved a pet, or simply wondered what it truly means to be there for someone, this film offers a quiet, tender space to explore those questions. And for dog lovers? Bring tissues.

I love that this book doesn’t just focus on the war itself. It’s also about what happens after—how women like Frankie come home to a country that doesn’t want to acknowledge their service.

What particularly stood out were the long scenes that gave the show a raw, authentic feel. Rather than relying on quick cuts or exaggerated dramatization, it took its time to delve deeply into themes like toxic male masculinity, loneliness, and the gender divide.

Toxic Town shines a spotlight on the corruption and cover-ups that some corporations employ in the name of profit, that harm people. It highlights the palpable emotional toll and suffering experienced by mothers and children affected by the Corby toxic waste case in the 1970s.

What I appreciated about this film was how it blended historical authenticity with a thrilling, suspenseful atmosphere. It provides a fascinating, behind-the-scenes glimpse into one of the world’s most mysterious and powerful institutions.

The Law, According to Lidia Poët, is a celebration of a woman who defied expectations and broke barriers. With its engaging blend of mystery, history, and personal triumph, this series brings Lidia Poët’s legacy to life.

I recently stumbled upon the perfect podcast that features musicians talking about the creative process behind one particular song, breaking it down into its individual components. Some episodes are absolutely mesmerizing to listen to.

It’s been quite some time since I’ve read a truly gripping mystery, and this one certainly didn’t disappoint. While the plot is a bit convoluted, I was completely drawn in and thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

This meticulously crafted and deeply researched mystery novel seamlessly weaves together characters from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, set against the backdrop of New York during the Great Depression and World War II.