Another month and another reading wrap-up. In terms of the number of weeks to books, September has been a good month for me. In that, it was 4 weeks long and I finished 5 whole books and am well on my way with the 6th. I think getting rid of Netflix helped a bit. I know I’ve got Prime now but it’s such a pain trawling through Prime that there have been more occasions when I’ve just given up and gone off to read. I think it also helps that I’ve been reading books that I was really excited to read as well. My biggest struggle was the Stranger Things book that took way longer than it should have. I could probably have got another book done if it hadn’t been for that.
Number of books read: 5 – A damn sight better than last month but still nothing compared to the hardcore readers getting through 8 or more a month. I honestly don’t know where they find the time.
Number of physical books: 5
Number of eBooks: 0
I read this after watching the DC straight to DVD animated adaptation. It’s Batman story that I read years ago and haven’t necessarily been in any rush to go back to. However, it is often considered one of the biggest storylines in the character’s literary history. If nothing else, this graphic novel does feature some superb illustrations and a couple of iconic moments. It’s just a shame that the actual story isn’t as engaging as the visuals.
Darkness on the Edge of Town by Adam Christopher
I, like most Stranger Things fans, have a certain love for the gruff Jim Hopper. Okay, he might not be the world’s greatest policeman and the last seasons introduced us to his toxic jealousy. However, there is something about it. So, when I saw this television tie-in novel, I decided I had to give it a try. A murder mystery set in Jim’s past? I was there for it. Unfortunately, it was typical YA nonsense. No character development and no decent narrative. And it was fucking expensive.
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
If I was going to start reading The Testaments this week, then it only seemed fair that I give Margaret Atwood’s classic tale of a misogynistic society a reread. The tyrannical state of Gilead was a horrifying speculative idea when it was released in 1985 but, nowadays, it is becoming less outrageous. It’s the kind of book that everyone should read and regularly. You can find something new each time and, as you age, you notice things you didn’t the first time. Loved it.
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
It’s one of the biggest literary releases of the year and it feels like everyone has either read it or is reading it. So, I knew I had to get through it as soon as possible or it would get ruined for me. I enjoyed reading this book but, if I’m honest, I’m still not convinced it was necessary to do a follow-up book. Especially as the ending of the first book was so perfect.
I posted my review of this book on Wednesday because it was a bit of a shock addition to my reading list this month. Ian McEwan’s surprise novella abut Brexit takes some inspiration from Kafka’s The Metamorphosis. So, I was pretty excited to read it. I mean Brexit is all we hear about these days and the Kafka connection was an exciting one. I was excited to see how McEwan would combine the two. Turns out, he just didn’t. Very disappointing.
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