What have you been reading this week?

This week I have a few days off work and I’m so ready for it. This week really hasn’t turned out how I was expecting and there have been plenty of ups and downs. Still, I’m going to enjoy my 4 days off work as best I can. I’m back in on Friday and then I have another 2 days off. After that, it’s 23rd and 24th December and then Christmas holiday. So, basically, I have 3 days of work to get through. I’m sure they’ll be busy but 3 days is certainly manageable. Then it’s a week or so of relaxing, reading, and eating. Sounds pretty good to me.

Weekly Blog Posts

• BOOK REVIEW – Starve Acre by Andrew Michael Hurley

I’d heard so much about how terrifying and haunting this novel was that I knew I had to read it. I am always wary of so-called contemporary gothic fiction because it never quite hits me in the same way as traditional gothic fiction. But I’m always willing to give it a try. Could this live up to its reputation? Read my review and you might see.

• TUESDAY REVIEW – Christmas on the Square (2020)

We know that Netflix take Christmas films seriously and this year they’ve pushed the boat out. Giving Dolly Parton the chance to star in a festive musical extravaganza was an absolutely stellar move. Especially when you take into account that she’s playing a rhinestone angel. Surely this couldn’t be as good as it sounds on paper? To find out, you’ll have to check out my review.

• BOOK REVIEW – The Invisible Child and the Fir Tree by Tove Jansson

I bloody love the Moomins and went a bit mad when I was recently on the Oxfam website. I got a paperchain kit, an advent calendar, and this book. This was after I’d edited down my basket to a more reasonable amount, obviously. I know that these stories aren’t new but it’s always good to go back. Head over to my review to see if these stories lived up to my memories.

• TBT REVIEW – Unlikely Angel (1996)

This was my second Dolly Parton is an angel film of the week and it all felt kind of familiar. Although, this time Dolly was the angel in training and there wasn’t a villain to overcome. Instead, she had to heal a grieving family. If you’re feeling nostalgic, check out my review.

Just Read

• Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

I had to read this again for my virtual book club this week. It’s a short book so I ended up putting it off until the last minute. Thankfully, I got it done in time for the Zoom meeting. Unfortunately, very few people actually liked the book, so I had to sit through a meeting of people tearing it apart. This is the third book in a row that I’ve already read and hasn’t ever turned out well. Fingers crossed next time it’ll be something new.

Currently Reading

• A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas

This cute little read is my current read but, I’ll be honest, I haven’t read an awful lot of it. So I need to get cracking today or I won’t have anything to review on Monday.

Recently Purchased

I don’t think I’ve bought any new books this week. At least for myself. I’ve bought a copy of Room on the Broom for my niece as she’s absolutely obsessed with it at the moment. I’m not sure if that counts or not.

Recently Watched

• TV:
  • Taskmaster – I will never find this show anything but enjoyable. It’s such a simple concept but so flawlessly executed.
  • This Way Up – This sitcom is set to return for a second series so I decided to finally watch it. I’ll be honest, I’m not a massive Aisling Bea fan and find her kind of irritating. It wasn’t as bad as I thought but it just seemed a bit rushed in places.
  • The Inbetweeners – I was never a huge fan of this show when it was on TV because it’s so awkward. I’ve since watched it again and found it easier. So, with a lack of enthusiasm for anything new, I’m watching this again.