We’re one week down in December already. With only 17 days left until Christmas, I still have a bit to do. Just when I think I’m all sorted for presents, I remember that there is somebody left to buy for. I don’t think it’s all that bad though. But we’ll see as I start wrapping things and realise that I’ve not got my sister something because I bought myself something I didn’t need on Black Friday. I tend to do that a lot. Especially when I discover how many great deals there are on Funko Pop Vinyls. It’s been ages since I let myself buy any and I feat that the floodgates are open. I may never stop.

Weekly Blog Posts

• BOOK REVIEW – The Wall by John Lanchester

I can’t stop writing John Lanchester’s name as John Lancaster. It’s getting really annoying. Almost as annoying as I found this book. I was hoping it would be something like Game of Thrones. Lots of cold and angry men in fur coats chatting away. That’s what I wanted. That’s not what I got. Read my review to find out what I did get.

• TUESDAY REVIEW – Last Christmas (2019)

This review got me in trouble on Instagram. I posted a particularly hyperbolic and angry section on my story as I do with most posts. Unfortunately, this prompted someone to reply that I was wrong and it was a great Christmas film. Now, I’m not one to tell someone that their opinion is wrong because it’s not the same as mine. So, I replied saying “I’m glad you enjoyed it. I have to admit bits of it were sweet and its heart was definitely in the right place. I’m afraid it just wasn’t for me.” I hoped that would be respectful enough to not make it a big thing. Apparently, not good enough. She replied telling me that it brought her family together and I was wrong. It was a great film. Turns out, not everybody accepts that everyone is different. It’s all okay now and she’s a very lovely person. It just wasn’t my favourite exchange ever. Go check out my review to find out if you want to argue with me as well.

• BOOK REVIEW – The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

My new habit of listening to an audiobook every Sunday gives me the chance to revisit books that I haven’t read for a while. Last week was Coraline by Neil Gaiman. This week? One of my favourite Agatha Christie novels. Certainly one of the most famous and containing one of the greatest twits in literary history. If you fancy checking out an old favourite then have a read of my review.

• T.HROWBACK THURSDAY – Christmas Do-Over (2006)

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know that I’m trying to watch a different Christmas film every day of advent. I’m doing well so far but we’ll see how difficult it gets as we get closer to Christmas. I know that Friday 20th will be tricky cause I’m seeing Star Wars after work. But that’s a Christmas film, right? Anyway, this week I watched some really dreadful ones. Including this old TV movie from 2006. It’s Groundhog Day meets Christmas. If you’re also feeling a bit nostalgic then head over to my review.

• FRIDAY FAVOURITES – Books to read at Christmas

Every year I try and theme my December reads. I always try and read Christmas related things. Inevitably though, I always end up reading my November/October/September read all the way through the month. This year I think I’ll do better. So, for my first Friday Favourites of the month, I thought I’d go over some of my favourite festive reads. Head over to my post to see my if your top ones are there.

• BONUS REVIEW – A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby

I’m back on Netflix and it’s basically just so I can consume all of their new Christmas films. Starting with my favourite franchise. I couldn’t wait to watch this and, I have to say, it didn’t let me down. See my review to find out how bad it was.

Just Finished

• Peter Pan by J.M Barrie

My audiobook for this week was the free Christmas one from Audible. But it’s an adaptation of Peter Pan starring Rupert Everett as Captain Hook. How could anyone not want to give that try?

Currently Reading

• Nothing Lasts Forever by Roderick Throp

Part of my festive reading this month is the novel that Die Hard was based on. Admittedly, it’s not as good and I’m pretty sure that certain bits don’t make sense. But I guess it’s fun. And interesting to see where the film came from.

• 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

Don’t think I’ve bought any new books this week. It’s all about the Christmas presents.

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
  • So many Christmas films. I’m off out soon so I don’t have time to list them. However, if you’re interested check out my Instagram story highlights.