The international prize winner paints a dark, violent and uncomfortable picture of life in the rural Netherlands.
Book Review: Knight in Paper Armor
“This is a country of immigrants. Hate it all you want, but immigration is America. I’m America, more than you’ll…
On the Simplicity of Just Being
As an overthinker, it can be easy to get distracted from the present moment. Too often I find myself paralysed…
Book Review: The Stone in My Pocket
Mysterious goings-on are filtered through this coming of age novel with unique twists and turns. “Why would I want to…
A Return to the Status Quo is What America Needs
Please excuse my absence on this blog, I’ve had a busy few weeks. Some of you will be here for…
Book Review: Togwotee Passage
For deep thinkers, lovers of the great outdoors and readers who value a character-driven story, this is an ideal read.…
Lots of Words and Heavy Rain
From the moment I woke up, until well into the evening, the rain has been constant and unrelenting. But I…
When Writing Goes Well It’s Great
It seems rather self explanatory, no? I had a dry patch earlier on in the month and I couldn’t for…
A Change of Direction
Long time no see! It has been a while since I’ve been posting on this blog regularly, so I thought…
Sunday Post #6
In this weekly wind up, I recap what I’ve published during the week and share with you what I’m currently…
Book Review: Such a Fun Age
Loved this from start to finish – go and get yourself a copy now!
Sunday Post #5
In this weekly wind up, I recap what I’ve published during the week and share with you what I’m currently…
Book Haul #1 ~Ali Smith, Ottessa Moshfegh, Zadie Smith & More
I recently treated myself to some new books, this is what I got!
Sunday Post #4
The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted at @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news ~ A post…
Book Review: Salvation Station
Firstly, many thanks to She Writes Press and Book Publicity Services for providing me with a copy of this book,…
Book Review: Alone Together
91 writers reflect on their experience in this diverse and reflective book, curated during a global pandemic.
Surviving Another Year Around the Sun
I’m never one for making a big deal out of birthdays. The more I have of them, the more I…
Sunday Post #3 A Hint of Autumn
The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted at @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news ~ A post…
Should Book-lovers Be Boycotting Goodreads?
Amazon owner Jeff Bezos made a $24 billion profit during the pandemic. Should booklovers continue to endorse the company through Goodreads?
What I’ve Learned from Writing Book Reviews
I’ve been writing book reviews for close to a year now – this is what I’ve learnt so far.
Sunday Post #2 Wild adventures
Weekly round up including what I’m currently reading and my favourite articles I have read this week.
What I read in August ~ 2020
What I Read in August (45/50) ~ Reni Eddo-Lodge, Stephanie Meyer, Donna Tartt and David Stuart MacLean.
Book Review: How I learned to hate in Ohio
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a e-ARC copy of this book, I am slowly but surely getting…
Sunday post #1 A busy writing week
The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted at @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news ~ A…
8 Thoughts From Reading The Little Friend, by Donna Tartt
*Caution* may contain spoilers – A disappointing read from an author I usually love.
A fascinating Edition to a Nostalgic Series: Midnight Sun
Very grateful that I got to re-live my teenage years through reading this…
Book Review: Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race
An essential, alarming and powerful read.
10 things that make me happy
I’ve had a bit of a down few weeks, so I thought I would share with you a list of…
What I read in July ~ 2020
This is what I read in July! A real mix that features: If I Could Say Goodbye, A Tale of Two Cities, Broadwater and An American Marriage.
An update & thoughts on the booker prize
Long time no see! It’s been over a week since I published my last blog post and it’s because I’ve…
Currently reading ~ 21st July
Just a quick mid-week catch up from me. There won’t be any reviews this week as I don’t think I…
100 Followers: A Reflection on blogging so far
This week I reached a small milestone… In this post I reflect on my journey of starting this blog.
Book Review: An American Marriage
Why was I so late to the party in reading this? An excellent story that displays the racial injustices that still dominate within American society.
PMQs ~”getting on, helping companies through it, helping people through it”
Jobs, Huawei, businesses, and the inevitability of a second wave this winter. This is the background to this week’s PMQs.
Book Review: A Tale of Two Cities
Dickens may be writing about the past, but his message is certainly one for the present, “I see a beautiful city and a brilliant people rising from this abyss”. Pure brilliance.
Book review: Broadwater
“Look, however you dress it up Ricky, so-called regeneration is just a pretty word for social cleansing.” A powerful short story collection set in Broadwater Farm, one of the most deprived and diverse areas of London.
The halfway point: reflecting on my best and worst reads
My ONE best read for the year (so far) and my ONE worst read. Enjoy!
Covid-19 has made a government of disgrace the new normal
An unprecedented crisis can often make or break governments, and the evidence in this case is clear: disgrace has become the new normal.
Book review: If I Could Say Goodbye
A refreshing and realistic portrayal of grief, told through a husband and wife.
How Lockdown changed my reading habits
Are you leaving lockdown wishing you had read more? The experience of lockdown across the world lead to a kind…
PMQs ~ “The Prime Minister should welcome challenge that could save lives”
Reviewing the week in British politics. This weeks PMQs saw the return of Johnson refusing to co-operate by avoiding difficult questions. Just days before the grand reopening, it is worrying that the PM cannot even give the public an ounce of clarity.
What I read in June (2020)
What I read in June. Featuring: The Truants, My Sister, The Serial Killer, The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, All Men Want to Know, The Shelf, and Half a World Away.
Book review: The Sacrifice
The Sacrifice is a collection of three short stories, each exploring the extent of human perseverance and the struggle to stay afloat.
Isolation day 95: heatwave, ‘independence’ day and insomnia
Just a quick update from me, nearly 100 days on since lockdown began.
Book Review: The Truants
Something rather dark lurks beneath this seemingly picturesque portrayal of student life, which is discovered as the book progresses. Eerie and full of suspense. (4/5)
Notes from an insomniac
I’m writing this in the hope that it may enlighten some people and shed light on the struggle. But also, because I need to do something to fill the spare hours! I hope that it may be insightful or comforting to people in some way.
Currently reading ~ June 18, 2020
Just a mid month update from me (well actually more than midway through…) thought I would do a quick post…
PMQs ~ poverty, schools, and the “wibble wobble” opposition
Summary and analysis of this week’s PMQ’s and political developments in the UK.
The “classic” debate: to read or not to read?
Classic literature has been the talk of the town since lockdown began, as people turn to those dense, un-read books…
Book Review: My Sister, the Serial Killer
Being dark and comical, this novel is never shy of originality. However, I left feeling disappointed by the lack of depth across all aspects. It may be weird and wonderful in many ways – but lacked in execution.