Each week we bring you a sample of the books we’re reading, the films and TV shows we’re watching, and the music we’re listening to.

Lian Hingee is reading The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary

I’ve just finished reading The Flatshare by debut writer Beth O’Leary. Set in London, it’s the story of Tiffy Moore – a poorly-paid editorial assistant with a dreadful ex-boyfriend – who answers an advertisement for a housemate, and finds herself sharing not only a flat, but a bed with palliative care nurse Leon Twomey.

Tiff works days and Leon works nights, and for months the two are ships passing in the night, communicating only through handwritten notes, but when the two finally meet, the friendship that has sprung up between them develops quickly into more.

This charming romantic comedy is told in alternating first-person chapters, and both Tiff and Leon have their own clear and distinct voices. Tiff is a ball of chaotic energy whose infectious positivity has been dampened by an emotionally abusive relationship, and Leon is a gentle and empathetic soul who prefers to observe the world from outside than participate in it himself. The two of them make a believable and genuine love match that evolves out of a desire to support one another. It’s a lovely book, as sweet as it is funny, with elements of Bridget Jones’s Diary, Nick Hornby, and Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game.

Tom Hoskins is reading Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

I’m heading back to Tokyo soon so I thought I’d shoot for early immersion. After just finishing Nicholas Obregon’s taught but slightly inauthentic Blue Light Yokohama, I’ve moved on to Sayaka Murata’s Convenience Store Woman – and it’s amazing. The prose is sparse but unerringly precise and at times starkly unnerving. Kieko is the titular ‘woman’ who, after years of struggling to fit in, has found solace working in a Tokyo convenience store, content within its strict rules and customs. I’m desperately looking forward to the rest of Kieko’s journey as forces conspire to tear her away from her plain yet comfortable existence.

Jackie Tang is reading Greek to Me by Mary Norris

It’s Greek Orthodox Easter this weekend, and in preparation for what’s only my second ever Greek Easter lunch, I picked up this very funny, very smart short tour of Greek culture by New Yorker copy editor Mary Norris. This is an incredibly personable and subjective look at Greek history, myth and language, filtered entirely through Norris’ own experiences with the country. Throughout Greek to Me, we trace back through Norris’ life as she shares how she became fascinated by the Hellenic world and how it’s shaped so much of Western culture today. Like her other book, Between You and Me, it’s witty, warm and approachable. And there’s something incredibly invigorating about seeing the world through Norris’ inquisitive and curious mind– you’ll come out of this book wanting to dive into your own special interest topic, dedicating years to exploring all its facets.

Honestly, I’m not sure it’s going to be provide the dining table trivia or insouciant bon mots I was hoping to casually drop into the extended family chatter this weekend – I don’t think I could pull of Norris’ breezy erudition! (And it’s hubristic of me to try – and the Greek Gods really didn’t care of hubris.) But I’ll definitely be recommending it to anyone who wants to escape a little into something fun.