Anyone who read my November reading wrap-up yesterday will know that I did pretty well (for me) last month. I got through 7 books. That was mainly down to my decision to start listening to more audiobooks. It really does help in getting my numbers up. It also means that, as of today, I’ve read 52/50 books. And that’s after already increasing my target from 30. Last year I only just made it passed my target by the end of year and that was because I read a couple of quick books towards the end of December. It’s like a different reader has taken over my body this year. I’ve been getting through about a novel a week for the majority of the year. Last year it took me weeks to finish one. Fingers crossed I can keep it up next year.

Weekly Blog Posts

• BOOK REVIEW – The Diary of a Bookseller by Shaun Bythell

As I’ve said before, I would sum up my review of this book as “okay, Boomer”. I just didn’t get on with the writer’s opinions on so many issues. The way he views other people and modern life is just so out-dated. Treating people who like books as a huge rarity. Maybe when you live in a small town in South West Scotland but, take it from me, there are loads of us about. Read my review to find out what I objected to.

• TUESDAY REVIEW – The Good Liar (2019)

I read The Good Liar in 2017. I didn’t really mind the book but I don’t think it was as clever as it thought it was. I didn’t do a proper review of that book for some reason but my mini-review wasn’t very positive about author Nicholas Searle’s language. The book was fine as I remember it but I had been very much looking forward to it. So, I guess you could say that I was disappointed. I was interested to see if the adaptation would fare better. It got off to a good start getting Helen Mirren and Ian McKellen on board. Go check out my review to find if this film improved upon the novel.

• BOOK REVIEW – Coraline by Neil Gaiman

I don’t often have the time to reread books that I love. It’s because I buy so many bloody books in a year. My TBR list is far too big. But, thanks to my new tradition of a Sunday audiobook, I think I can start managing to fit some into my schedule. Last Sunday, I curled up in bed and listened to Neil Gaiman narrate his dark fairy tale about a young girl discovering a different version of her home. It was great going back. If you fancy checking out an old favourite then have a read of my review.

• T.HROWBACK THURSDAY – Coraline (2009)

Now that I’d revisited the book version of Coraline, I absolutely had to watch the film adaptation. Henry Selick’s stop motion animation is an absolutely amazing film. It is one of the few book adaptations that really does its source material justice. And Selick is the perfect man to bring it to life. If you’re also feeling a bit nostalgic then head over to my review.

• FRIDAY FAVOURITES – Film adaptations that are better than the book

I’ve been mislabeling my posts a lot recently. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I copy the Friday Favourites layout each week to make things easier and, apparently, I keep doing the same with the title. Unfortunately, I keep forgetting to change the title. So, my latest edition of the series had the same title as the one before until today. That must have been confusing for anyone who went to read it. Execting it to be about audiobooks and getting film adaptations that are better than the book. Head over to my post to see my favourites. Especially now I’ve given it the proper title.

Just Finished

• The Wall by John Lanchester

I included this in my November wrap-up even though I hadn’t officially finished it at that point. It took until the end of the day for me to get that done but I did. So it counts. My review will be posted tomorrow so check back then to see what I thought.

• The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

If you were to ask me what my favourite Agatha Christie book was I’d give you one of two answers. And Then There Were None is my actual answer because it is one of the greatest pieces of writing she ever wrote. It is so complex and exciting to read. No matter how many times I read it, the twist still gets me all aflutter. I love. My other answer is The Murder of Roget Aykroyd. Mostly because I like to be different and everyone loves And Then There Were None. But also because it was groundbreaking in its own time. It deserves respect.

Currently Reading

• 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

The only book that I’ve bought this week was a Christmas present for somebody else. So, if you ask me, it doesn’t count.

Recently Watched

• TV:
  • Parks and Rec – I got a bit bored of The Office so I’m having a break with this show. Again, I’ve seen it too much but it’s so lovely. I want to be Leslie.
• Films
  • Aladdin trilogy – Yep, yesterday evening I sat down and watched all 3 Aladdin films in a row. We had all 3 when we were kids and I remember not hating the second one as much as most people do. Watching now was eye-opening. It’s such a hugely flawed film. I don’t even know where to start. Thankfully, the third is on slightly firmer ground but it still can’t stand up to the first one. But what can?