Another month down and we’re getting even closer to Christmas. I don’t want to be one of those people but where has the year gone? On the plus side, I’ve smashed my original reading goal for 2019. Initially, it was set to 30 books but I went passed that weeks ago. So, I upped it to 50. I’m now on 44 and, with just over 8 weeks until the end of the year, I think it’s pretty clear I’ll make it. If I’m clever about my books, I’ll hopefully be able to smash it completely. I’m still not a fan of this competitive reading thing but, I have to admit, keeping a tally feels good when you beat it.

Weekly Blog Posts

• TUESDAY REVIEW – Joker (2019)

I bet Todd Phillips is ecstatic about how popular his version of the Joker was for Halloween costumes this year. It’s really the mark of truly artistic cinema when hundred of people dress up as your main character on October 31st. Just like all those people dressing up like Robert DeNiro in The Irishman. Oh, wait… I guess Phillips isn’t very much like his hero as he’d like. But, I digress. Joker has been phenomenally successful since it was released but there has been quite a division in opinion. Go check out my review to find out which side I fall on.

• BOOK  REVIEW – Ayodae on Top by Richard Ayoade

I love Richard Ayoade and have bought all of his previous books. I needed a quick read for my Wednesday review so I decided it was time. This was a super quick read that I got finished last Sunday. Ayoade sets about to give an in-depth analysis of the 2003 film View From the Top. It’s a film I saw many years ago so I was really interested to see him delve into it. Especially considering his quirky and unusual sense of humour. It sounded like exactly my thing. Read my review to find out more.

• T.HROWBACK THURSDAY – View From the Top (2003)

What else could I watch for Throwback Thursday this week? After revisiting this film via Richard Ayoade’s book, I had to give it a watch. I wasn’t expecting it to be better than I remembered but I, at least, had to remind myself of just how bad it was. If you’re also feeling a bit nostalgic then head over to my review.

• FRIDAY FAVOURITES – Instagram Special

I didn’t have a great idea for my Favourites this week so I decided to shamelessly plug my Instagram. I’d been having a lot of fun theming my photos in the week before Halloween. There was a lot of fake blood involved and I loved the results. But, because it’s Instagram, the algorithm was working against me. I’m not saying I deserve loads of likes but I would at least like to know that my posts were reaching a decent number of people. Anyway, I’ve crossed platforms and picked out some of my favourite photos. Head over to my post to see them.

• BOOKISH POST – October Reading Wrap-Up

In September I was super excited to manage 5 books. Imagine how thrilled I was to get through 6 whole books in October. I don’t what I did differently but something is definitely going my way. Head over to my post to see each of the titles.

Just Finished

• Ayoade on Top by Richard Ayoade

I was basically done with this book by the time I wrote last week’s rundown but I did have a few pages to finish that night. It was a super quick read that only took a few hours in total. Mostly because of how well it was written and how enjoyable to read the whole thing was.

• My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

I started this after Ayoade on Top and I definitely didn’t expect to finish it before the end of the month. Turns out, this was one of the easiest reads that I’ve picked up all year. Not that that’s a bad thing. It was really enjoyable and I wanted to keep reading. It’s one of those books that would be described as “unputdownable” if I didn’t hate that word so much.

Currently Reading

• A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

A YA crime thriller that I know I’ll probably end up hating but it was cheap. And, if I’m honest, I figured the cover would make for a cool Instagram post one day. I’m not entirely sure this is going to really change my world but it’s hopefully going to be something to pass the time. I at least think it’ll be easy to finish before Wednesday.

• 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

Unless I had a weird book-buying blackout, I think I’ve managed to get back on track with my no buying plan. Nothing new this week. Add that to the extra book I managed and that TBR is getting smaller. Not much smaller but smaller.

Recently Watched

• TV:
  • Australian Masterchef – I haven’t been watching much TV this week but I did start watching the next series of this show. It’s a great thing to have on in the morning or in the background. You can dip in and out without much trouble.
  • Taskmaster – Still watching old episodes of this and loving it.
  • The Office – I listened to some of the first episode of the Office Ladies podcast and got a desire to go back to this show. It will never be as good as the British version but there is some fun to be had there.
• Films
  • Too much reading for films this week.