Saturday, 31 October 2026

November Reading


For bookclub we did My Brilliant Friend - this is one of my mum's favourite books, and she's watched the series and read all the others. I don't really get that reaction to it. It didn't really grab me, beyond the curiosity as to why my mum loved it so much. It's not bad, I just felt I was working through it to have it read for bookclub. That said some of my book club have mentioned they are enjoying it the second time so what do I know?? I did get a buzz when she got a prize from the teacher and it was Jerome K. Jerome's Three men in a boat.


I've read a number of books written by climbers on the expedition, plus David Breashears book who was also there on the IMAX expedition. This is basically just explaining events at a children's level. I didn't really understand the point to be honest. I listened to it and I'm guessing there are drawings in the paper format.











Someone had recommended this so I thought I'd give it a go. Her opening rants did make me laugh. It's a bit of fun - it's obvious but enjoyable enough. Fun holiday read for older women.



Rereading this before sticking it into the street library.  Just a little book on how to reduce waste - from packaging to reusing items. I clearly won't become zero waste in 30 days, as I didn't before, but I might be inspired to retry a few alterations in my behaviour....














Halloween reminded me of this play I saw in the 1980s at school. I discovered an audio version online and listened to it. A few attitudes had dated, on class etc but it still is very, very creepy and given the Manosphere, it still seems relevant. You can listen here if interested. I do think our school drama teacher really was smart to pick this play for school kids to perform, and for me to remember it 40+ years later.






This was picked at random - free on audible. It's really interesting looking at a family that is impacted early in the AIDS epidemic, and the fallout that causes, throughout the children's lives, well into adult hood. It's hard to talk about without giving things away. Non fiction, using recordings and interviews as well as journals and memory. I found it engrossing.


Went to see Jon Ronson live - he's always so entertaining. It was hilarious, and great to see some of the videos that went with the places and events in the book. (Review of book here)

Not picked it up since last time...so still not started book 3. Will read that before chucking it in the street library but it's not really motivating me to get back to it....(Previous mentions are here and here)



Linking with #TalkaboutitTuesday #TuesdayTwirl

11 comments:

  1. I don't think I've read My Brilliant Friend, will give it a try. I bet Jon Ronson is great live.

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  2. It's hard when reading a book that someone has recommended and you don't understand why they thought it was so good! I hope you have a great week!

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  3. I'm going to check out fabulous and furious, looks like a fun read!

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  4. I’ve heard people rave about Elena Ferrate , but I couldn’t get into it! Amy of Hearth Ridge

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  5. I think there are different factors why someone loves or hate a book and sometimes you just don't have the right combo at the moment when you read it yourself.
    I'm always interested in how people aim for zero waste, but sometimes their advice just isn't feasible for me which makes me feel guilty. Never wrong to look for new tips, though.

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  6. A Zero Waste Life sounds like a beneficial book. I would never get to zero waste, but it would be good to get lower. How fun that you got to see Jon Ronson live. I'm sure there were lots of laughs involved! :)

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  7. I hoping to get The Castle read this month for Nonfiction November.
    Thanks for sharing your week, happy reading!

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  8. I read My Brilliant Friend because it was on so many good book lists, but I didn't like the characters and I didn't really like the story. The last time I read The Odyssey it was in graphic novel form, and I thought it was well done.

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    1. Comic form would def be the way to go...might check that out...

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  9. Thank you for linking up at Unleashing Readers!

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  10. I didn't have the same taste in books as my mum, she preferred romances. I might take a look at My Brilliant Friend and see what I think.

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