Good evening folks and welcome to another Sunday Summary from yours truly! I’ve got a little more to share with you in the way of reading progress this week, so let’s get to it!
Before that though, I usually take the chance to share the blog posts I’ve shared earlier in the week. However, this week, despite planning a book review, there isn’t one. Admittedly, I started drafting the review but wasn’t happy it was in a good enough state to publish. Therefore I made the decision to put a hold on it whilst I improved it.
Books Read
The Outsider
As of last week’s Sunday Summary post I had around 170 pages left before completing The Outsider.
I did so quite quickly actually – partly because Monday evening was spent restoring my phone. It took a good few hours and I couldn’t do much else. I got so close to the end that there was no way I was putting the book down.
As I suspected, the book took a supernatural route to the conclusion where my own preference would have been for a logical one. But, it’s Steven King so what did I expect?
Still, I enjoyed the book overall. It’s not what I expected for the premise either, but it’s good to be kept on your toes.
The Squiggly Career
Next, I picked up a non-seasonal read for a break. The Squiggly Career is quite a short read and a nice, digestible format. As such, as of this Sunday Summary I’m already 144 pages (60%) in.
I’m reading this now with a view to completing the exercises over time to see how my perspective and progression changes. Already I’ve found it useful in getting to understand what I value about work, what my skills are etc.
My aim is to finish this in the next couple of days; I’ll give you an update this time next week and let you know if I achieved that.
The Eye of the World
I fancied picking up a mood read, so this week I started The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan. This is the second attempt at this book; I originally started it a few years ago but I was struggling with long books at the time. Now I’m in a much better frame of mind to take on a long epic – and a good job too! This is a long series, but one I’m looking forward to reading.
I’m just a few chapters in so far, but this is one you’ll see more progress on in the near future. So, stay tuned!
Books Discovered
Thankfully, I have no new bookish additions to share this week. I think I’ve had enough lately… don’t you agree?
Coming Up…
I’m revisiting my review of Dear Child this week and hoping to get it finished and published by midweek. At least I have a solid foundation down, so I’m optimistic for better luck this time! Given we’re celebrating Halloween (or Hop Tu Naa) later this week, I want to share this seasonal read whilst it’s relevant!
Then, I’m back with a Sunday Summary next weekend as usual. Find out what I’m reading next week in that post!
Until then, have a fabulous weekend and I’ll see you again very soon!
In today’s Sunday Summary post I’ll update you on the books I’ve read, some I bought, andas well, what I’ve got planned for next week. Make yourself comfortable and we’ll dive in!
As always, before I get into what I’ve read this week, here’s a cheeky recap of what else I’ve shared on the blog. If you didn’t see my Top Ten* Tuesday post, this week’s theme was books assigned at school. Guys, I couldn’t even recall a full list of ten. I only scraped together six, so it’s a nice short read. Go on, give it a quick look if you haven’t already and tell me if you read any of them.
Books Read
The Outsider
I started off this week with 100 pages of progress into The Outsider. Considering I’ve been off work this week, I’ve not read a whole lot.
As of this Sunday Summary post, I can share a couple of hundred pages of progress with the book. I’m not sure what to make of it at the moment. A supernatural element to the storyline isn’t out of the realms of King’s writing, but I’m not sure what I think of it here. Secretly I’m hoping for a logical explanation for the murder and why there is proof of the accused being in two places at once. That would be a more clever ending in my opinion.
I’ll keep reading along and update you on progress in next week’s Sunday Summary post.
Books Discovered
I said last week I’d be mortified if I had more books to share. Good job I feel no such qualms this week, because I had a sneaky look in Waterstones yesterday. Well, what were the odds of me coming out empty handed? Slim to none. Clearly.
The first book is a copy of Carrie, which I intend to pick up later this month. I also own a good few King books now as physical copies. He’s an author I’ll almost auto-buy at this point.
Secondly, I got a copy of All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. It’s a book I’ve looked at several times, both online and a couple of times in store. This time I decided to commit and get it! I’m tempted to propose this book to the work book club next time it’s my turn. I’ll have to see how folks feel about the page count though!
Lastly, I picked up something I first started looking for in July (in Liverpool) as something new to try. Death Note is a manga novel, so completely out of my comfort zone, but with an interesting premise. I’ve heard great reviews and particularly school friends of mine love it. So, why not give it a go?
Coming Up…
My midweek post coming up is a review that’s seasonal. If you are looking for a book that fits into the horror and thriller genres, Dear Child might just be for you. I’ll share my thoughts in a few days time on why I think you should pick it up!
Finally, I’ll return with a Sunday Summary this time next week. I’ll still be studying for my upcoming exam, but I made the big push I wanted this week. So, I’m hoping to finish The Outsider and start my next read.
Until the next one, I hope you enjoyed today’s Sunday Summary and I’ll see you around!
Good evening friends! After a busy week at work, I officially put my out of office on and I’m ready for a week off work! It’s been a while since I last went on leave, and certainly for anything longer than a day. But now, I’m raring to go to share my latest Sunday Summary updates!
In between wrapping up everything for my break, I drafted and shared with you my review of Assassin’s Quest by Robin Hobb. That went out on Friday, a little later than planned. It was quite a long review though!
Books Read
The Rosie Project
Even though book club postponed the meet for The Rosie Project until this Tuesday, I would have *just* finished reading it in time.
As of last week’s Sunday Summary, I was only 31% in as of publishing my post. I read another third of the book before bed that Sunday night, and I finished it Monday.
It was a fun narrative for me and totally held up by Dom’s humorous lack of social skills. If it weren’t for book club I wouldn’t have picked it up myself. Still, it was an okay read and great to get out of my comfort zone for a little bit.
The Outsider
Taking a completely different tack, I picked up The Outsider after finishing The Rosie Project. It’s the first of two King books I’d like to read this month. As of this Sunday Summary, I’m about 100 pages into the book and intrigued as to where the story could go next.
At the point of the book I’m in, we’ve covered most of what the synopsis alludes to. So really, it could go anywhere from here. Knowing King, there’ll be something up his sleeve. I don’t know what to make of protagonist Terry Maitland yet. Did he commit the crime? I’m not sure. I definitely don’t like how the police are pinning it on him and trying to cut corners, but I’m not sure he’s entirely innocent either.
I can only read on and find out more!
Books Discovered
After last week’s book haul I’d be mortified if I had yet more to share. Thankfully, there are no new additions this week ☺️
Coming Up…
I’m sticking to my two post schedule even though I’m off. I have some plans for my week off, but around those I’ll be studying. I want to get a good block of that done this week.
With this in mind, my first post of the week will be a Top Ten Tuesday post. The topic this week is books I was assigned to read at school. I’ve got six listed already so I need to get my thinking cap on for the rest!
Lastly, I’ll be back with my next Sunday Summary update the same time next week. I’ll let you know how much reading I get done and catch up with you on all other bookish updates!
Until next time, have a great week and happy reading!
Am I likely to finish this October monthly TBR? If the past few months are anything to go by, the answer is no. However, I’m still setting myself the line up regardless!
You may recognise some of the books on this list from my recent Top Ten Tuesday Autumn TBR. Those posts are great ways to look ahead at planned upcoming reads. And, by sharing them publicly I’m held accountable as well.
Let’s take a look at the books I’m picking up this month:-
Fixed Reads
The Rosie Project
I’m currently reading The Rosie Project for our work book club. Currently, that meet is scheduled for next week so I need to get a wriggle on. So far, I’m only 15% or so into the book.
I’m enjoying the perspective of the protagonist so far, but admittedly, this book isn’t what I’d normally pick up for myself. However, the point of book club is to challenge my reading and try something new. I’m going to stick with this book as long as I can, even if that means I don’t finish it ahead of our meet. I’m not too worried about being spoiled for it.
Defiant
Defiant is on my fixed reading list for October because it is currently read that I carried over from September.
I didn’t listen to too much of Defiant last month even though I’m really enjoying the story. I tend to wax and wane with the format. But, I think this is impacted most by the fact that I’m studying for an exam. That said, I’m still going to continue with this book as and where I can. Equally, I won’t put too much pressure on myself if that takes a little longer.
Carrie
I’m including Carrie on my fixed reading list for October because I always try to read a classic around Halloween. I am relatively unaware of the story of Carrie considering how popular it is. I haven’t read the book before and neither have I seen any films on it.
Stephen King is one of my go-tos in the horror genre. It’s not a genre I really love, but there is enough in his writing that has a psychological element rather than just a cheap jump scare. That’s what gets me interested as opposed to basic fear-mongering tactics.
Mood Reads
The Outsider
Another Stephen King book I want to pick up this month, but won’t kick myself if I don’t get to, is The Outsider. I love the premise and I think this will also make a great spooky reading in October.
There is something about crime committed against children that riles people up against the accused. I am sure there is going to be a big element of that in this book, and how much I’m influenced by that remains to be seen.
I’m looking forward to giving it a try!
The Squiggly Career
The last book on this monthly TBR is a non-fiction. In my Autumn TBR post, I shared some non-seasonal reads that I want to pick up in the next few months. One of those is The Squiggly Career by Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis.
I enjoyed reading (listening) to You Coach You earlier this year. After listening to that book, I went on to purchase a physical copy of it so I can refer back to it again. At the same time, I bought The Squiggly Career. I have always believed there is always something new to learn and skills and ways in which I can develop into a better version of myself.
Summary
I have some great, interesting and seasonal spooky reads coming up in October’s monthly TBR. Have you read any of the books on this list? Are any of them on your list?
In today’s Top Ten Tuesday post I’m sharing my Autumn 2024 TBR. If you are unfamiliar with this series, Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature post across various different topics. Whilst I don’t take part every week, I have made a habit of taking part in the seasonal TBR posts. They’re a great way to plan what books I want coming up on my TBR.
That’s especially so for me this month, as I’m far more likely to seasonally read in autumn. I don’t really know what’s associated with Spring, but I’m not a Summer romance reader or a cozy Christmas girl. Autumn though? Roll out the mystery, thriller and horror genres!
That said, I’m not entirely a seasonal reader. This TBR is made up of six seasonal books which I’m looking forward to picking up over the next few months. However, that’s not the entirety of my focus and so there are four non-seasonal books that I am looking to pick up in the next three months.
Let’s take a look!
Seasonal
The Outsider
You can’t go wrong with a good Stephen King novel around October. In fact, I have two on this Top Ten Tuesday list. The first of those is The Outsider.
I don’t know how he does it, but the atmosphere in King’s books fits perfectly with the dark, chilly nights drawing in. An aspect I’m looking forward to in this book is that the story is made more unsettling by the crime being perpetrated against a child. Not that I would ever wish that on anybody, obviously. However, there is a sense of protectiveness for children that villainises anyone accused of crime against them. It’s going to create even more tension in the book and I can’t wait to see how the story pans out.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
It’s about time I got to one of the oldest books on my reading list, and the upcoming season will be the perfect time.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children has been on my reading list since July 2017. It’s been a long time since I added it and admittedly a while since I heard anything about the book.
However, I remember reading a lot of good things about it at the time I added it to my TBR. That’s why I added it after all! I’m going into this book pretty blind as to what it’s about, but I’m looking forward to giving it a try…
Carrie
I always make an effort to pick up a King classic around Halloween, (called Hop tu Naa locally) and Carrie is this year‘s choice.
I’ve heard good reviews of the book in general terms, but I know for a fact my mum and dad also enjoyed the film adaptation. I have no experience of either given I don’t really watch horror. For a classic, I’m pretty ignorant of the synopsis other than it involves a young girl with telekinetic powers.
Let’s hope in a couple of months time I’m able to tell you more about the book than here in this Top Ten Tuesday!
The Burning Girls
I’ve read a few books by CJ Tudor now and I have plenty more on my reading list. I love a good thriller, and autumn is the perfect time to read them.
The next on my list of CJ Tudor’s books is The Burning Girls. If I love the book as much as I expect, I’ll be watching the recently made TV series as well. I’m also a fan of cozying in and watching a little bit of telly when it’s miserable and cold outside. I may be a book woman, but I can be persuaded by a good drama now and then.
The Bone Collector
Another book that I feel has been on my reading list for a long time and would be perfect to pick up soon is The Bone Collector by Jeffery Deaver. I remember my sister picking up a copy of this book whilst she was at university. She graduated pre-pandemic…
I have watched the drama released in 2020 relating to this book and I really enjoyed the character development of Lincoln Rhyme. As ever, I’m always hopeful the book will build upon a TV adaptation so that the experience is more immersive and enjoyable overall (I hate being disappointed).
Let’s keep my fingers crossed that’s the case here.
Incendium
A book I didn’t get to last year, but really want to read around bonfire night this year, is Incendium. I’m a little bit gutted I didn’t get to it last year as it would’ve been perfect reading in November. However, I realistically would only have been able to start the book at the very end of the month and that didn’t feel quite right to me.
Instead, I’m using this post as a reminder that I want to pick up this book in good time so that I will be reading this in November. It’s also nice to include a book like this on my reading list as often autumnal seasonal reads are more associated with Halloween. It’s fun to have another festival of sorts to read around.
Non-Seasonal
Children of Virtue and Vengeance
Whilst I’m looking forward to picking up more books from the mystery/thriller/horror genres, my desire to pick up other books doesn’t go away. That’s why there are non-seasonal reads on this Top Ten Tuesday. A book I recently featured in a Shelf Control post is Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi.
It’s been a good few years since I picked up the first book of the series, Children of Blood and Bone. I want to continue with the series as I remember that book being a nice fun read. It’ll also help towards my reading goal of continuing ongoing series versus starting new ones.
Alan Turing: The Enigma
Another reading goal I set myself in my 2024 Resolutions post was to continue with non-fiction reads. Along these lines, I want to pick up a non-fiction based on a pivotable individual in our history, Alan Turing.
If you are unfamiliar, Alan Turing is the man who built the computer that cracked the enigma code in World War II. It’s because of him that we were able to intercept German communications and ultimately win the war. Thereafter he was influential in computer science and has had a significant role in building the foundations of our modern computers.
He also has quite a tragic personal life story, which I feel will be touched on in this book at some point.
The Squiggly Career
I’m the type of person to believe that every day is a school day. Reading and exploring personal development isn’t something to do in January, but all year round.
Earlier this year I read You Coach You, a book also written by the same authors. I really enjoyed that book and found it a useful guideline for both reading then but also future reference. I went on to buy a copy of You Coach You at the same time I acquired The Squiggly Career. I expect this will be a book I refer back to in years to come as well…
Notes on a Nervous Planet
My last non-fiction book featured in this Top Ten Tuesday is Notes on a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig. I’ve only read one book by Matt, The Midnight Library. However, I have read that book twice now and loved it on both occasions.
Based on my experience of that, I think Matt will have some quite poignant things to say in this non-fiction. I’m looking forward to reading it and finding out for sure.
Summary
So, those are the books I intend to pick up within the next few months.
Thanks for reading today’s Top Ten Tuesday! Are you a seasonal reader? Are you picking up any books from this TBR?
Hello readers and welcome to this monthly wrap-up for August. I had a decent month of reading, and this post is about sharing what I read over the last month.
I had a couple of carryover’s from July, as well as a varied list for August. As usual now, I didn’t get to all the books I set for August – but I had a great time with the books I did read.
Let’s take a look!
Books Read
The Power of Habit
Picking up from last month’s monthly wrap-up post, I was 30% into The Power of Habit.
I really enjoyed this book, and I’m hoping I have some good take away knowledge from it. The book has great examples of the consequences of bad habits – personal, organisational and as a society. The key takeaway I have from the book is that you can often change a habit by making changes in a seemingly unrelated way and gradually introduce change from there.
I’m hoping this will help me build more good habits in my own life!
The Other People
In my Monthly TBR post I shared that I was nearly through this audiobook. I’d already listened to 80%, so this month I was hoping for a quick conclusion.
Mum loved and strongly recommended The Other People and having finished it, I get why. If you enjoy mysteries that keep you guessing all the way along, this is perfect. Even up until the very end I was still trying to put pieces together and work out character’s involvement in the story line.
The Other People is the third book I’ve read by C.J. Tudor, and I still have plenty to read!
The Midnight Library
For our first ever book club at work, we chose The Midnight Library by Matt Haig to read and discuss. For me it is a re-read, but I agree with some feedback from another member that it’s better second time around!
I re-read The Midnight Library very quickly. It’s only a short read – one of the reasons I recommended it to book club in the first place. At the same time, it raises plenty of discussion points; it doesn’t lack for content! Admittedly I did leave this a little last minute. I finished it the night before book club. I wasn’t the last though – Helen spent the first half hour of the meeting finishing it!
Eruption
I’ve prioritised picking up our next book club read, Eruption, as I’m sharing a physical copy with another member.
As of the end of August I was 65% into the book. I’ve started reading it again after my bout of covid (so as not to contaminate the book!) so as of drafting this monthly wrap-up I’m a little futther.
I hope to finish this soon so I can pass on to Helen ASAP.
Wolves of the Calla
A book I very briefly started, but ended up shelving temporarily, is Wolves of the Calla by Stephen King.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the book and I fully intend to pick it up again soon. However, I started to read this right at the end of the month when I became unwell. I decided the time wasn’t ideal to pick up such a tome. When I’m back into the swing of things I’ll pick it up again.
Breathtaking
A short audiobook I enjoyed this month was Breathtaking by Rachel Clarke. Make no mistake, it’s an eye-opener.
I totally appreciate the book and subject may not be for everyone right now. However, I enjoyed listening to this perspective on the pandemic. I had no idea that care homes were so woefully under-supplied with PPE. What I also found interesting was Rachel’s (and colleagues) views of the advice being issued by the government. It is very much a view of too little and too late.
Undoctored
My last non-fiction to share with you in this monthly wrap-up is Undoctored by Adam Kay.
As of drafting this monthly wrap-up I have just finished the book this morning. You’ll get more thoughts on it in Sunday’s Sunday Summary update.
However, as a snapshot of where I was at month end, I was a couple of hours shy of completion.
Summary
I read quite a number of non-fiction books in August – more than average I’d say. However, given I was a little behind in my mid-year review on this goal, it’s a good change. I’m still slightly behind, but only by one book or so.
August was a good month of reading for subject diversity and I’m looking forward to an equally productive September. My reading list is coming out in the next day or so, so stay tuned!
Good evening folks – it’s Sunday once again (and it’s been a miserable one at that!) so I’m here with another Sunday Summary catch-up!
This week is the first in which I’ve cut down my blog schedule, so I’ve only shared one post with you so far. That post was my book review of The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker. If you like the sound of a Greek mythology with a feminist twist, I strongly suggest you check that out!
Books Read
Wolves of the Calla
As of last week’s Sunday Summary post I had only just started Wolves of the Calla by Stephen King. In reality, I’m not much further in this post. I started the book but ended up putting it on hold when I received a copy of Eruption. I explain why below.
As of this post, I am only 26 pages in, but looking forward to getting stuck in once Eruption is finished with!
Eruption
I’d debated ticking along with Wolves of the Calla by reading this in tandem with other books. However, I have more or less put that on hold in order to read Eruption by Michael Crichton and James Patterson.
The book club at work are picking this one up ahead of our next meeting. The reason I’m reading this one so early this time is because I am sharing the book with Helen. She wasn’t able to get a copy from the library and she’s trying to watch pennies at the moment. I’ve offered to share my copy, so I’m reading it first to give her as much time as possible with it before the meeting.
As of this Sunday Summary post, I am 277 pages into the book. It’s an interesting read, even if I think the premise is a little bit far-fetched. It’s also very readable as the chapters are short and sweet. If anything, perhaps a bit too short for my liking. It’s something I’m able to work with quite well though.
I’ll have this finished in the next few days. I can give you my final thoughts in next week Sunday Summary.
Undoctored
From the half an hour listening time I updated you in last week’s Sunday Summary, I have gone onto listen to another hour or so of Undoctored by Adam Kay this week.
The majority of that audiobook time this week has been when driving to and from work. It’s a good reliable quality time moment for me that I can crack out an audiobook and have a good listen.
Undoctored so far is every bit as funny as I expected it to be. I loved listening to This is Going to Hurt and T’was the Night Shift Before Christmas. I have high expectations of Undoctored based on these experiences, but also confidence that it will meet those lofty standards.
Books Discovered
Between reading for fun and studying for work this week, nothing new has come onto my radar in the last week to update you on!
Coming Up…
I’m writing a fun book tag mid-week as a bit of something different on the blog. I found the post over on Zezee with Books and I thought it would be fun to share.
I’ll be back with my next Sunday Summary instalment at the same time next week. In that post, I’ll update you on my recent reads, anything added to the reading list and summarise what’s coming up on the blog in due course.
I hope you can check out each of those posts and I look forward to seeing you around.
It’s Sunday night again, so I can only be back with you for another Sunday Summary update! I hope you’ve all had a great week?
I’ve shared my usual two posts so far with you this week. The first of those was my Favourite Books to Recommend discussion post which went live on Thursday. I shared books I love to recommend to others for a variety of reasons. If you want to find out more, or are looking for recommendations yourself… take a look here!
The second post I shared was my First Lines Friday feature. In this week’s post I featured one of the two new additions to my TBR (which I share below). Take a look to find out which one and what it’s all about.
Books Read
The Power of Habit
I’d temporarily put The Power of Habit on hold as I needed to finish The Midnight Library before Tuesday lunchtime. Once that was completed though, I got stuck back in and finished the book within a couple of days!
I enjoyed the different angles and examples of habit-building at individual, corporate and societal level. Some the examples also go to show that you can start to build habits in unanticipated ways – by starting small or looking at a habit that seems unrelated but has a knock on effect.
Breathtaking
My main audiobook listen this week was Breathtaking by Rachel Clarke. If you watched the four part TV series of the same name, it was inspired by this book.
As of last week’s Sunday Summary I was 60% into the book. This week, I made it to the finish! It’s quite a short read or listen, but no less impactful. Whilst it didn’t make me upset, it is a book of emotional ups and downs.
The perspective is told from that of a hospice nurse who volunteers part time to help on Covid wards between January and April 2020. In the grand scheme, it only covers the early pandemic. However, it is a good insight and commentary on the state of the NHS during one of its busiest periods to date.
The Midnight Library
My reading priority at the beginning of this week was to finish The Midnight Library ahead of our book club meeting on Tuesday.
As of last week’s Sunday Summary I was about 50% into the book. It’s quite a short one, and familiar to me so therefore quick to read. I blitzed the last 50% on Sunday night and Monday so I was able to go to our meet fully prepared.
It was our first club meet and you know what? It went really well! We all enjoyed the book and had a great chat about it.
Wolves of the Calla
I’m including Wolves of the Calla in this Sunday Summary so you know what I’m reading in the next week or so. I’ve only just started the prologue so I have nothing significant to report… just that this is my next read!
Undoctored
Another book I feature in this post as I’ve just started it is Undoctored. I’ve only listened to the first half an hour, but it’s been a good listen.
That’s hardly unexpected! Adam Kay is funny and his humour is shining though already. I’m looking forward to listening to more over the next week or so.
Books Discovered
I’ve added two books to my reading list this week after I read about them and they caught my attention.
I was recommended Curious Tides on Threads by a fellow reader after asking for recommendations for books in the dark academia genre. This also blends with fantasy, so it sounds like a perfect type of book for me!
I read about The Memory Police in an article about translated books. The Memory Police was originally published in Japanese. I like the dystopian nature of the synopsis and I’m intrigued if there are any cultural differences to the narrative given the difference in setting etc.
Coming Up…
On Wednesday this week I plan to share my review of The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker. I read this back in August 2022 and I can’t wait to share my thoughts on this 5* read!
I would usually share three posts a week and have a regular Friday feature. However, as I’m about to start studying for a qualification for work I’m going to cut the blog schedule from three posts a week to two until that’s done.
So, my next and last post of the week will be another Sunday Summary catch up. Will I feature as many books in next week’s post? Not likely – but I’ll update you all the same.
Until then, happy reading and I hope to see you in the next post!
I’m excited to share my upcoming reading list in this monthly TBR post. I always look forward to planning my reading and sharing the fantastic books I’ve got coming up on my blog.
This month’s list looks a little longer, but I also have some shorter than average reads. Do I think I’ll complete this TBR by the end of the month? Unlikely. However, I’m going to try and stretch myself as always!
Shall we get into this monthly TBR and take a look at what’s coming up?
Fixed Reads
The Power of Habit
The Power of Habit is a carryover from July, but I’m already a good way through this relatively short book.
This book weighs in at just under 300 pages. It’s quite an easy read too, so I should fly through the remainder of it.
So far I’m enjoying the easy writing style, multiple interwoven anecdotes and threads to explain and reiterate the author’s points. I’m hopeful that I can learn from this book and have the ability to be more mindful and influential of my own habits in future.
The Other People
My only other carryover this month is my audiobook listen of The Other People by C.J. Tudor.
I’m even closer to completion with this book. I’m now about 80% done and eager to get to the end and see how the story comes together. I’ve only got just over 2 hours listening time to go; I’m going to try and finish it before the weekend!
The Midnight Library
My last fixed read of August is a re-read of The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.
There is a new book club at work and this is the selected read. We’re meeting to discuss it on the 13th, so I’ll be getting a wiggle on with it. Thankfully it’s only a short one, and not a new story to me. It shouldn’t take long to read, and I’ve heard it’s better second time around!
Mood Reads
A lot of this monthly TBR has been set with my 2024 reading goals in mind. If you want to recap what those are, check out my Resolutions post I shared in January.
Wolves of the Calla
The first of the books on this TBR which aims to continue/complete series is Wolves of the Calla by Stephen King.
Wolves of the Calla is the fifth book in his The Dark Tower series. I’m enjoying the series so far, although I didn’t expect the last book, Wizard and Glass, to be on as much of a tangent from the ‘current’ storyline as it was. I’m hoping we pick up where we left off and the context we learn in the prior book makes sense in this next instalment!
Wolves of the Calla is the longest book on this reading list at a whopping 800 pages. Depending on how I go, I may end up reading this in tandem with other books and take a little longer to work my way through it. I’ll make a start and see how I get on!
Defiant
The second series related book I plan to pick up is Defiant by Brandon Sanderson. It’s the final book of the Skyward series and the only book I didn’t get to on my July TBR.
I think finishing this series will be bittersweet. I’ve loved it so far and of course I want to know how it all comes together. At the same time, I suspect I’ll be sad at the same time that once I’ve read it, it’s done. Finito.
It’s a good job there are plenty more Sanderson books I haven’t read yet, right?!
Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon
I featured Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon in my last First Lines Friday post and I am so intrigued by the beginning that it’s inspired me to read it. As a bonus, it contributes to my reading goal of more non-fiction.
I love A Game of Thrones and everything about it! The series as it is, all the backstory and lore and now (with any luck at least), the behind the scenes of filming the TV show.
It’s very unlike anything I’ve read before, so it will be something entirely new to me!
Undoctored
Having read two of Adam Kay‘s books already (This is Going to Hurt and T’was the Nightshift Before Christmas), I’m looking forward to picking up.
My experience of his books so far is that he is great at combining an interesting non-fiction topic with lots of humour. If non-fiction isn’t normally your cup of tea, I would strongly recommend you trying this anyway. Adam’s humour goes along way towards making these books both fun and an emotional rollercoaster. When reading both of his prior books I could be laughing one minute and crying the next.
He has a very candid way of expressing himself and really highlighting where there are major problems with the national health services in the UK through his own experience.
Breathtaking
Another medical based non-fiction book I plan to pick up in August is Breathtaking. For some people, the pandemic may be just a little too recent to read about. However, I’ve never wanted to shy away from such a difficult subject.
If you watched the TV documentary of the same name, I have every reason to believe that you would like this book also. It is because I watched that four part series that I realised it was based on a book. Naturally, I added it to my reading list.
It’s a relatively short book, so it should be quite a quick read. It’s a topic I also find compelling even though it is an event in all of our lives that has changed the way we live.
Summary
I have a fair bit of variety in this monthly TBR and I’m looking forward to picking up each and every book. Whilst the list is on the side of ambitious, I’m hopeful I can make as much progress as possible in the coming weeks. They all sound like great books and I’ll share them with you in my upcoming Sunday Summary posts to let you know how I’m getting on.
Have you read any of the books on this monthly TBR? Would you recommend any of them to myself and/or fellow readers?
This Shelf Control features an author I have read many times already, and will continue to do so in future. He is very prominent in his genre and is by all accounts a household name.
I added this book to my reading list as I was intrigued by the synopsis. I also know I love his writing style, so I can’t really go wrong here!
Before I get into details of the book, I share a reminder of what the Shelf Control feature is all about!
Shelf Control is a meme run by Lisa at Bookshelf Fantasies. It’s a celebration of the unread books on our shelves! The idea is to pick a book you own but haven’t read and write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up!
If you want to read more about the Shelf Control feature, check out Lisa’s introductory post.
A powerful tale of grief, love’s enduring bonds and the secrets of the past.
When Mike Noonan’s wife dies unexpectedly, the bestselling author suffers from writer’s block. Until he is drawn to his summer home, the beautiful lakeside retreat called Sara Laughs.
Here Mike finds the once familiar town in the tyrannical grip of millionaire Max Devore. Devore is hell-bent on getting custody of his deceased son’s daughter and is twisting the fabric of the community to this purpose.
Three-year-old Kyra and her young mother turn to Mike for help. And Mike finds them increasingly irresistible.
But there are other more sinister forces at Sara Laughs – and Kyra can feel them too . . .
My Thoughts
Stephen King is an author I intend to read over time. To date, I have enjoyed many of his books, from crossovers with the fantasy genre (The Dark Tower) to pure horror (The Shining, Pet Sematary, The Green Mile etc). And, I’m not much of a horror reader in general, so there’s a compliment, right?
The synopsis is as gripping as all King novels are. There is always something supernatural going on and we are never quite sure what is behind it all. That’s what I love digging into in his books, and Bag of Bones will be no exception.
It’s also a reasonably chunky book. You know that appeals to Queen of chunky books here!
Have you read Bag of Bones? What did you think of it if you have?
Genre: Horror
Top 1% in Epic