I’ve had a surprisingly successful weekend in terms of reading. I wasn’t expecting to have finished a book but, last night, I did. I’d been out to celebrate a friend getting a new job and I left early. Of course, the first thing I did was finish the final quarter of this book. I’m tired now but it was worth it. Only because it means my reading challenge for the year is getting better. I’ve definitely been reading more this year. I never expected to have got through this much. I know most book bloggers get through way more books than I do but, for me, this has been a big thing. I don’t tend to see reading as a competitive thing but getting to an average of a book a week feels great. I feel like a more accomplished bookish person.

Weekly Blog Posts

• BONUS POST – Martin Scorsese Says He Knows Best

We started off the week with a bonus rant post thanks to some comments made by legendary director Martin Scorsese. He’s just the newest in a long line of people to jump on the anti-Marvel bandwagon. A group that has just been joined by Jennifer Aniston. Aniston claims that Marvel movies are diminishing the movie industry. Unlike Murder Mystery which is showing everyone how fucking great it is. Unlike Scorsese, Aniston isn’t even worth ranting about. Her contribution to modern cinema has become pretty redundant nowadays. It just sounds like bitterness about not being cast. But if you want to hear me take on a genius director then check out my Scorsese rant.

• TUESDAY REVIEW – Judy (2019)

Critics can’t stop praising Renée Zellweger’s performance as Judy Garland in this film. They claimed the two had become one and all you could see was Judy Garland. Every time I saw the trailer, all I could see was Renée Zellweger. I often think it is a huge mistake casting someone so famous to play a real person. But I knew I had to see the film before I could pass judgment so I did. Was her performance everything I’d heard it was? Go check out my review to find out.

• BOOK  REVIEW – The Institute by Stephen King

I have struggled a lot with Stephen King over recent years. I get caught up in the premise of his new books but, ultimately, find myself disappointed by the endings. His latest book The Institute promised Stranger Things vibes and I was excited. After all, the Duffer brothers borrowed so much from the writer when they created the show. It seemed only fair and natural that King would do the same. But could it ever live up to all of that potential? Check out my review to find out.

• T.HROWBACK THURSDAY – Down With Love (2002)

When this came out, a friend of mine tried to convince me that this was a must-watch film. At the time, not even the promise of Ewan McGregor’s beautiful face was enough to get me to actually watch it. Needing something to watch for this post and being too tired for anything that required any kind of thought, it finally felt like the time to give it try. Was my friend right all of those years ago? Had I actually missed out on a piece of classic cinema? If you’re also feeling a bit nostalgic then head over to my review.

• FRIDAY FAVOURITES – World Mental Health Day

Last Thursday was World Mental Health Day, which is a day everyone encourages people to talk more openly about mental health. It’s an important topic and something that we should constantly be discussing. You never know who is struggling so it’s a great reminder to check up on everyone in your life. Just ask how they’re doing. In honour of the day, I decided to bring together some of my favourite quotes to help people keep on going when times are tough. Do you have a favourite? Head over to my post to see if it’s here.

Just Finished

• The Institute by Stephen King

I was dragging towards the end of this book. I thought it was never going to end. But I managed to get there. Was there a bit of skim reading? Yes. I just needed to get through it. It didn’t turn out to be the book I hoped it would be. Stephen King is a gifted writer but, seriously, he needs someone to help him with his endings man.

• The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware

I finished this book so bloody quickly that I didn’t even have time to include it in a Currently Reading section of my rundown. I started this as soon as I’d finished Stephen King and I was done with it last night. I can’t remember the last time I’ve raced through a book so quickly. Hold on for my review coming soon.

Currently Reading

• Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

If I hadn’t been so tired today, I could probably have finished this book by now. It’s a pretty easy and enjoyable read but I have not been in the right frame of mind for reading. I got up stupidly early to get stuff done and now I’m a zombie. Still, I could get most of the way through it before bed I think.

• Frankissstein by Jeanette Winterson

Not got any further with this for obvious reasons. It’ll be my next read I’m sure. Am I lying? Definitely.

• Supper Club by Lara Williams

I think I’m going to try the audiobook with this one. It might be easier to get through.

• The Sky Is Yours by Chandler Klang Smith

I’ve set this aside for the time being. It feels like it’s going to be a very dense read so I think I’ll leave it for a better time. A time when I’m in the right mood.

Recently Purchased

I’ve been a naughty girl this week:

• Frostheart by Jamie Littler – This is one of Waterstones’ books of the month and it sounded amazing. I couldn’t resist buying it, especially as it was on offer. Plus, children’s books are great for getting the reading count up.
•  Great Goddesses: Life lessons from myths and monsters by Nikita Gill – Everything about this books sounds perfect for me. Myths and legends. Women. Life lessons. I can’t wait to read this.
• The Way Past Winter by Kiran Millwood – Another book that sounded really great and, as a bonus, came in an absolutely beautiful edition. I definitely want to read this in Winter and it will be featured heavily on my Instagram.
• Written in History: Letters that Changed the World by Simon Sebag Montefiore – As you know, I love letters. I really love reading other people’s letters. And this is a collection of big letters. World-changing letters. Perfect.

Recently Watched

• TV:
  • Luther – I’ve watched a bit of this but I kind of dropped off with it.
  • UnREAL –  Instead, I’ve been madly watching this show. It’s insane, stupid, and incredibly over-the-top. But I kind of love it. I also really hate it but there’s some love there.
  • Taskmaster – This is what I’ve been doing instead of reading. I’ve been watching old episodes of this show and laughing myself silly. It’s so good.
• Films
  • Too much reading for films this week.