What a time to be alive, eh? I hope you’re all keeping safe. I still can’t believe that we’re still seeing images of people going out in public in big groups. You’d think people would have got the message by now. I know people under the age of 70 think they’re going to be fine if they contract it but it’s a whole new level of selfishness. Do none of these people have elderly relatives? Don’t they know anybody vulnerable? I know the UK didn’t really help itself when Boris and co. failed to act quickly enough. I know we’ve officially left the EU but you’d think we’d still be able to see what was happening in Italy and act before it started to become an issue. Of course, the Tories don’t really care if the poor and vulnerable members of society contract coronavirus anyway. It’d be a load of their mind if anything. As you can tell from this rant, self-isolation is going well so far. I’ve not been out of the house since Wednesday morning. The medication I take suppresses my immune system so I am one of the vulnerable. I’m doing everything possible to stop myself from picking anything up. For selfish reasons and also because I don’t want to take vital NHS resources away from people who need it. I’d rather not potentially take away a bed from somebody else just cause I can’t bring myself to stay inside for 5 fucking minutes. Although, I might need to go for a walk soon.

Weekly Blog Posts

• BOOK REVIEW – Inside the Sun by Alexis Marie Chute

The final book in Alexis Marie Chute’s YA fantasy trilogy comes out in April and I was lucky enough to get my hands on an ARC. I have loved the series from the moment I first heard about it and the first two books were such great reads. They had shades of Neil Gaiman and the world-building of Tolkein. So, the third book was one of my most anticipated books this year. Read my review to see if it ended up being the perfect end to the series.

• TUESDAY REVIEW – Onward (2020)

Pixar has quite the reputation these days but they haven’t released an original film since Coco came out in 2017. Instead, we’ve had a run of fine sequels. Nothing wonderful but all watchable. Of course, everything has the traditional glorious animation but the stories were starting to feel a bit stale and repetitive. So, would their new film be any different? Or would it just be reusing old formulas in new locations? Read my review to find out.

• BOOKISH REVIEW – Ayoade on Ayoade by Richard Ayoade

I am an Ayoade fan and, obviously, a bit of film nerd. So, when his first book came out, I bought it straight away. I read it years ago but, I have to be honest, I was a little disappointed. I know Ayoade has recently started to build his career on his awkwardness but it felt too awkward. The humour was there but it didn’t really all work on the page. I was disappointed because I was really looking forward to it. When the book finally came to Audible, I decided to see if it worked better being read out by the author. Head over to my review to find out if a reread changed my mind.

• THROWBACK THURSDAY – Trolls (2016)

Hands up anyone who loved troll dolls in their youth? I certainly did. I couldn’t get enough of their weirdly cute faces and amazing hair. I’d heard and become obsessed with Justin Timberlake’s song. But, I hadn’t seen the film. I decided it was time. If you’re also feeling a bit nostalgic then head over to my review.

• FRIDAY FAVOURITES – Self-Isolation Reads

For those of us stuck inside at the moment, it’s going to be important to find plenty to do so we don’t slowly go insane. I had such high expectations for what I’d do with my time stuck inside. I’m working at home, so don’t need to get up as early in the morning. I also don’t have to worry about the train on the way home. I figured this extra time would be used for reading and getting ahead with the blog. Not at all what happened but I’m hopeful. So hopeful that I wrote a list of books I’m hoping to read while I’m cut off from the world. Head over to my post to see them.

Just Read

• Inside the Sun by Alexis Marie Chute

If you’re looking for a great series to read in self-isolation then I can’t recommend this trilogy more. The final book is out in April so it’s a great time to start reading the series now we can’t go outside. Check out my reviews for the previous books to see why. Above the Star and Below the Moon are both worth a read.

Currently Reading

• Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo

I’ve been really bad at reading right now because I’ve generally been bad at everything. It could be down to anxiety or boredom or just the fact that I’m so tired. Whatever it is, it’s making it difficult to do anything. But I have started this book. I had wanted to get more read today but it didn’t happen. Tomorrow will be better. I hope.

Recently Purchased

A lot. I went a bit mental worrying about being stuck inside so I spent most of my birthday vouchers. Most of them can be found on my latest Friday Favourites post but I also bought another (and completely unnecessary) copy of Daisy Jones & the Six. This time in paperback because it’s so beautiful. I also made some pre-orders because why not? We don’t know how long this will last.

• Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo
• Winter in Sokcho by Elisa Shua Dusapin
• Beastie Boys Book by Michael Diamond
• My Last Supper by Jay Rayner
• Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
• Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman
• Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo
• The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa
• Little Eyes by Samanta Schweblin (Preorder)
• The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman (Preorder)
• Slime by David Walliams (Preorder)

See, I told you. Not all of those were full price and a few were super cheap second-hand. The Waterstones ones were all bought with vouchers and most were on offer anyway. Then the rest were either cheaper than normal or used. So, it’s not actually as bad as it looks. Okay, it’s bad but this is a very difficult time and buying books make me feel better.

Recently Watched

• TV:
  • Modern Family – I decided to watch the final two series of this show but I started with the 8th series just to remind myself. It’s not as good as it once was but it’s still watchable.
• Films
  • To busy to watch much this week. I barely had time to finish what I needed to watch.