It’s been another tough week but, hopefully, it’s going to get better from here on out. We’ve been super stretched but things are getting easier. And I might actually get a break this month. Pre-Covid, I was meant to be going away with my family this month. Obviously, the holiday is off but I might still be able to use my days. Although, work may very well turn around and say they can’t spare me. Hopefully not. The idea of having a week off is the only thing keeping me going right now. A week to read, relax, and catch up on my sleep. Yes, it’s not like I go anywhere or do anything but I’m a homebody anyway.

Weekly Blog Posts

• BOOKISH POST – Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams

This week, Candice Carty-Williams’ debut novel won Book of the Year at the British Book Awards. This makes her the first Black writer to win the award. This is just one of many indications of the areas where the publishing industry is failing under-represented writers. I’d decided to read Queenie last weekend because I’d only ever heard good things about it. To see if it was my Book of the Year, check out my review.

• TUESDAY REVIEW – Blue Story (2019)

As we know, Hollywood doesn’t have a great track record of promoting Black stories and giving Black people their own turn in the spotlight. So, the fact that rapper Andrew Onwubolu had the backing of Paramount to turn his YouTube series into a film is a great step. I’d not seen this British film before and, as we’re still in lockdown, it seemed like a great time to rectify that. Read my review to see if the story translated from the internet to the big screen.

• BOOK REVIEW – Ghost Boys by Jewel Parker Rhodes

I needed a quick read for my second review this week, so I decided to check out the anti-racist offerings for younger readers. It’s important to find a good way to explain systemic racism to children. You need to make sure that they understand but that they aren’t overly worried about it all. Explaining the violence of racism and the deep history of prejudice is going to be difficult but vital if things are ever going to change. This one sounded like it had great potential. Head over to my review to see if it turned out to be a good resource.

• TBT REVIEW – Fruitvale Station (2013)

Continuing with my theme of anti-racism and Black Lives Matter, I wanted to watch this Micael B. Jordan film. It tells the real-life story of a young man who was shot by a police officer at a train station. The incident was filmed by loads of onlookers but the officer only ended up having to serve 11 months in prison. It’s one of those films that is essential viewing for a time like this. Although, it’s best to take it with a tiny pinch of salt. If you’re feeling nostalgic then check out my review.

• BOOKISH POST – June Reading Wrap Up

Another month of 2020 down and I’m still stuck inside. Yesterday, the UK eased a lot of it’s lockdown rules and plenty of people headed out to the pubs. It’s kind of crazy that people are so desperate to sit in a pub with strangers that they’re willing to put their health at risk. Even if I didn’t have to stay in for another month, I wouldn’t be rushing out. The numbers are already showing things are getting worse so who knows where we’ll be in 2 weeks. Anyway, another month inside will give me more time to read. I did okay in June. Not as great as I thought I would at the beginning of lockdown but alright for me. To see how I did in June, check out my post.

Just Read

• Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams

I finished Queenie last weekend and I’m still not entirely sure what to think of it. It wasn’t what I expected it to be but it was better than the link to Bridget Jones’ Diary suggested it would be. It’s a complex book and I might need more time to really unpack it.

• Ghost Boys by Jewel Parker Rhodes

You know I love a quick read so I can stick to my posting schedule and this collection worked out great. I finished it last Sunday night. Don’t get me wrong though, it’s short but impactful. It’s such a strong debut collection and I’m really glad I read it.

Currently Reading

• The Guest List by Lucy Foley

I’ll be honest, I didn’t like The Hunting Party that much, so I wasn’t in a rush to read her follow up. But then it was on offer on Kindle and I wanted something silly to read after some heavy reads. I’m already annoyed by the blatant foreshadowing but it’s an okay book to get lost in.

Recently Purchased

Aside from a book for my friends birthday and a copy of my book club’s latest read, I don’t think I’ve bought anything this week. Although, I may have bought a few 99p Kindle books.

Recently Watched

• TV:
  • Rick and Morty – Did I watch all the episodes currently on Netflix again? Yes. Do I regret it? No.
  • The Lizzie McGuire Show – I have to use my Disney+ subscription for something. This show is really weird but gives me all the nostalgia.