What have you been reading this week?

This week started so well in a number of ways but quickly descended into more negative territory. I managed to finish some books but then my reading broke down. I’ve finished one short story and started one audiobook. That’s it. I’ve not been sleeping too well and, if I’m honest, have been spending too much time playing Animal Crossing. Well, I did pay for it so I might as well get my money’s worth. It does mean that I’m going to have to do something major today in order to get a review up tomorrow. I’m sure I can manage it. All I’ve got to do today is take this week’s photos and general weekend admin. Easy peasy.

Weekly Blog Posts

• BOOKISH POST – Spooky October Reads

It’s not that I hadn’t finished a book in time for this review but it’s that the last book I read was one a reread. As I only read My Sister the Serial Killer just under a year ago, I decided it wasn’t worth another review. My opinions haven’t really changed. So, I decided to offer some idea for spooky reads. I don’t often pick seasonal reads but October is different. It demands creepy and scary books. Which ones made my list? You’ll have to read my post to find out.

• TUESDAY REVIEW – Vampires vs the Bronx (2020)

A name can make or break a film. I love a name that tells you exactly what to expect. Snakes on a Plane wouldn’t have been half the film it was without that name. Sharknado tells you everything you need to know about what’s to come. So, would Vampires vs the Bronx be as stupid and joyful as its simple title suggested? You’ll have to check out my review.

• BOOK REVIEW – Evil Under the Sun by Agatha Christie

I’m planning on reading as much Agatha Christie as possible in the next few months. I love a cosy crime at this time of year. Why did I start with this one? Who can say but it felt right. I’ve always liked this story but it’s never been one of my top 10. Why not? Head over to my review and maybe I’ll tell you. (NB I definitely will tell you.)

• TBT REVIEW – The Lost Boys (1999)

I’m pretty sure that my ultimate teenage sexual fantasy was a toss up between Viggo Mortensen in Lord of the Rings or a bleach blonde Kiefer Sutherland in The Lost Boys. 30 year old me may have moved on to Sean Bean in the Lord of the Rings franchise but I still have a huge place in my heart for vampy Sutherland. So, I was more than happy to rewatch this film for my TBT post this week. If you’re feeling nostalgic, check out my review.

Just Read

• Evil Under the Sun by Agatha Christie

A classic Poirot mystery set on an island holiday resort. This book fascinates me because of how much Christie seems to reference her first marriage. There is something very personal in all of the scenes in which characters discuss an adulterous actress and the young husband who has fallen for her charm.

Currently Reading

• Love in Colour by Bolu Babalola

I’ve only read one short story in this collection so far but it was a bloody good one. I love the way these stories have been modernised. It gives them a familiar feel but there is still something so different about them. I’m definitely intrigued to see the rest.

• Black and British: A Forgotten History by David Olusoga

I started listening to this audiobook at work during a particularly repetitive period. It was a mistake. This is a book that needs your full attention and even doing mundane work tasks is enough of a distraction. I will get round to finishing this but I might leave it until my week off.

Recently Purchased

After my recent book buys, I’d promised myself that I wouldn’t buy any more books but I’ve had a book token burning a hole in my pocket since my birthday. I was leaving it until I could go and spend it in a real bookshop again. However, with my still working from home and avoiding taking any risks, that hasn’t happened. I finally decided to spend it online.

• Earthlings by Sayaka Murata – Having loved Convenient Store Woman, I was excited at the prospect of reading this. Although, as I wasn’t buying books, I was happy to wait until a little later to do it. Then I caved and used my book token. I’ve no regrets.
• The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton – Normally, I’m not much of a historical fiction fan because I figure I might as well just read a history book. Then I saw this book on Instagram and had to find out more. Then I bought it. Oops.

Recently Watched

• TV:
  • Futurama – I’ve watched this show more times than I can remember but it never gets old. It’s so clever. Watching it again, after recent events, I’m more than a little uncomfortable about certain voices (namely Billy West voicing Leo Wong).
  • Schitt’s Creek – It is a matter of deep shame that I’ve never seen any of this show. After the historic Emmy win, I decided that it was finally time to do it. It’s early days but I reckon I’ll be on board with it.