Having slowed down with my reading during the Autumn, I have got back into my rhythm again. Any fellow bookworms will know that sometimes work (and life in general) gets in the way of reading but it is really annoying when it does.
Even a bookworm has moments of distraction. But the hunger soon sets in.
Over Christmas I eased my way back in by reading a short Christmas story. Now I am in full swing, soaking up a variety of fiction and non-fiction texts on a daily basis.
What puts you in a reading mood?
For me, a cold weather spell gets me in the mood to sit on the sofa, with a throw over my legs, flicking through a good contemporary drama.
Being inside, cuddled up with a book, whilst outside is frosty and white, is a great way to take in a story.
On the other hand, reading is also a pastime I enjoy when I am waiting for a meeting or appointment.
If sat in a dentist’s waiting room I will open up my Kindle app on my phone and dip into a current ebook.
Similarly, when on my lunch break at work I love nothing more than to take the chance to read a chapter from one of my kindle books.
What gets you in the mood to open a book?
Do you prefer a paperback or ebook on a cosy evening in winter?
Thank you for taking the time to read my bookish post. Check out my Reading right now article for some book recommendations. Please consider following my blog for future similar content.
This book is another one from Liane Moriarty’s back catalogue and I was desperate to read it. Great reviews led me to this pleasing book, with its clever title and intriguing setting. I will never look at a barbecue the same way again. Check out my Truly Madly Guilty book review to find out more…
Skilfully Narrated
Liane Moriarty is one of my top three favourite authors and I am often singing her praises. Once again she has come up with a story that is interesting, full of fascinating characters and threaded together with precision.
Truly, Madly, Guilty is a patchwork of human awkwardness. The characters are all second guessing one another while constantly reflecting on a friendly barbecue that went pear-shaped.
Overview
Clementine is a cellist who is awaiting an audition for the Sydney Orchestra. Along with her husband and two kids she attends a barbecue with her friends Erika and Oliver. The narrative cleverly flips back and forth with constant reference to the barbecue, which involves a startling event.
With a mum who is a hoarder and a desperation to get pregnant, Erika has enough on her plate. Her neighbour Tiffany has kindly invited them over for food and fun but they all wish they never accepted.
Tiffany, with a secret history of her own, had no way of knowing the devastating impact her little barbecue would have. Her husband Vid is none the wiser. Ever the crowd pleaser, he just wants to move on. He also develops a fascination with one of the guests.
And Finally…
This book is written in the close third person where Liane focusses in on a different character in each chapter, but without writing in the first person. Her writing is clever and thoughtful with real insights into the character’s motivations and concerns.
A five star book with plenty to keep you hooked.
For another of my book reviews, have a read of my The Lost Daughter book review. Please also consider following my blog for more articles about books, films and climate change. Also drop a comment below and let me know your thoughts on Liane Moriarty or other novelists that you enjoy.
I wanted to try something different today and talk about three different types of media in one post. As you know I love to soak up TV shows and try to read plenty of books all of the time. I also really enjoy listening to podcasts. So it makes sense for me to drop some recommendations now and again.
Today I wanted to start sharing one of each. In this article I will mention three things that I am currently really into. Most days I read a few chapters from a book, listen to a section of a podcast and watch a couple of TV shows. Here are the ones I am loving right now.
Read
This Much is True – Miriam Margolyes
Ever since I saw her popping up as an actress in movies such as the Baz Luhrman version of Romeo and Juliet, I have found Miriam fascinating. She then appeared in a documentary called, ‘The Real Marigold Hotel’ with other celebrities who were exploring India. This series went on for a few years and allowed us to get to know her as a person.
Her hilarious stories and brash way with people made her comedy gold. She has since presented more documentaries on her own which were eye-opening and interesting.
So as soon as I saw that she had written an autobiography, I instantly bought it. Already I am loving it because she maintains her wit whilst reflecting on her interesting childhood and career.
I am still part of the way through this book but every time I pick it up I learn something new and have a giggle too.
Watch
Outer Range – Amazon Prime
I was drawn to this when I saw it advertised on an instagram account for Imogen Poots. She is a wonderful actress who I was lucky enough to see on stage with Imelda Staunton in ‘Who’s afraid of Virginia Wolf’. After this performance I got her autograph and had a lovely chat with her and she came across as very genuine and charming.
Anyway, after checking out the trailer I was quickly keen to have a look at this brand new series set in Western USA. Josh Brolin is the other lead actor in this really intriguing drama. I last saw him in a Kate Winslet movie called ‘Labour Day’. where he was an escaped prisoner who shacked up with Kate.
He is the patriarch of a family in ‘Outer Range’ who are living in the middle of nowhere on a cattle ranch. One day he discovers a large, mysterious hole in one of his fields which seems to be a portal to another dimension. Autumn (played by Imogen) comes to camp in a nearby field and things start to get really weird.
Well all I can say is I was hooked right away. It started off gentle and then ramped up the tension. This one is definitely well worth checking out.
Listen
Bridgerton – The Official Podcast
As a massive Bridgerton fan I was excited to listen to the first season of this podcast where they discuss plots, characters and everything related to the making of the TV series.
Shondaland has created a brilliant podcast which includes people who work behind the scenes and cast members. In the second series they are discussing an episode a week and have all of the main actors involved. Hearing them discuss wardrobe, dance practice, set design and dialogue, I feel my need for background information is certainly fulfilled.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post about the book, TV show and podcast that I am currently consuming. For more TV recommendations check out my post, TV shows I laugh at. Please comment your thoughts and consider following my blog for future similar articles.
