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Ramblings: Reflections & Observations Ramblings: Reflections & Observations

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Black History Month 2019

11th October 201917th April 2020 By Engrossed Reader

https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/black-history-month-schools-resource-pack/

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Horror Week – October 2019

10th October 201917th April 2020 By Engrossed Reader

It was a grueling week of back to back terror, fraught emotion and highs and lows. Naturally, as a fan of such things, I would do it again in a heartbeat.

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Wild Cards
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Wild Cards
by George R.R. Martin
tagged: superhero, charity-shop, fantasy, alternative-earth, mystery, own-p...
Life After Theft
Life After Theft
by Aprilynne Pike
tagged: currently-reading and library-ebook
The Pleasures of Men
The Pleasures of Men
by Kate Williams
tagged: currently-reading

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engrossedreaderEngrossed Reader@engrossedreader·
September 25, 2020

โค๏ธ sometimes there are no words..

Deftones@deftones

Experience every song from our new album through the _Ohms Visual Tracklist: http://Deftones.com/OhmsVisualTracklist

#Ohms is now available everywhere to stream and purchase: http://Deftones.lnk.to/Ohms

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engrossedreaderEngrossed Reader@engrossedreader·
September 23, 2020

This sums up my Wednesday perfectly. See you for tea tomorrow anytime after 9am. FYI, I have a selection (shelf full ๐Ÿ˜‰) but at the mo am favouring Rooibos or Cranberry and Raspberry. Unfortunately have run out of Empress Grey. Do join if you can #timefortea

Audible@audible_com

Just leaving this here, bc Bilbo is a whole mood. #HobbitDay

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engrossedreaderEngrossed Reader@engrossedreader·
September 11, 2020

Can't complain about ย #YouTube algorithm again as it slipped #FallenTorches by @mastodonmusic into my feed. Went back to Blood Mountain while waiting for Medium Rarities to release. Listening now, enjoying the mix and loving the live songs. #neededthistoday

Mastodon@mastodonmusic

Medium Rarities is out now! The album features a collection of rare tracks released digitally for the first time, plus a brand new song, "Fallen Torches." http://mastodon.lnk.to/mediumrarities

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engrossedreaderEngrossed Reader@engrossedreader·
September 9, 2020

This better be good ๐Ÿคž๐Ÿพ

WarnerBrosUK@WarnerBrosUK

Beyond fear, destiny awaits. Watch the trailer for the highly anticipated #DuneMovie now.

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engrossedreaderEngrossed Reader@engrossedreader·
September 5, 2020

So much to look forward to ๐Ÿ‘€ #TheBoys https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/antony-starr-the-boys-interview

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Added to the bookshelf

Legacy
Legacy
by Michelle E. Lowe
tagged: to-read and booksirens
Boom Time
Boom Time
by Michelle E. Lowe
tagged: to-read and booksirens
Innocence Tainted: Epidemic of Lies
Innocence Tainted: Epidemic of Lies
by Chiemeka Nicely
tagged: to-read and booksirens
Optima Terra: The Many Lives of Darren Decko
Optima Terra: The Many Lives of Darren Decko
by Scott Simms
tagged: to-read and booksirens
From a Shadow Grave
From a Shadow Grave
by Andi C. Buchanan
tagged: to-read and booksirens

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Ramblings: Reflections & Observations.
What's on her bookcase, what she's reading and her thoughts about this, that and the other.

Engrossed Reader
Publication Day Review . The Black Sky by Timothy Publication Day Review . The Black Sky by Timothy D. Minneci did not live up to expectations - the synopsis was inviting. However, the characters were inconsistent, the writing off putting and the plot inconceivable. The only redeeming feature was glimpses of new technology. . Not surprisingly my wrap up is: a wasted opportunity. My views are in the minority (of reviews) but still have to share because it is what it is...and I agreed to provide a review of the book. . If you want to know more - but do not feel obligated - the full review is on the blog - link in bio ๐Ÿ‘†๐Ÿพ . #bookreview #TheBlackSky #TimothyDMinneci #engrossedreaderreviews #engrossedreader
When I was Ten kept me up late reading from beginn When I was Ten kept me up late reading from beginning to end in one sitting. I literally did not move once I started, so caught up in this intriguing tale of a preteen who murders her parents, the surrounding events at the time and flashforward years later when publicity is rearing it's ugly head on this sensational crime. This isn't so much a who or why done it, as to what is the effects on the lives of those who were directly or indirectly involved in the case. How it has shaped their future, behaviour, mindset and the consequences for them and those around them. That is literally my last word on the plot as to give away even the smallest of spoilers would be unforgivable. However I will conclude with the following facts: - you will enjoy the twists and turns, be horrified in places, angry in others and amazed throughout. - you will find the characters believable in that they are realistic and true to life, even on occasion annoying - you will think about this book and the issues it highlights after you have finished reading it. Excellent read. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a copy of this digital review copy in return for a candid review. Least I forget, my thanks also to family who came when I called for nourishing cups of tea to keep my strength up to finish and find out what really happened to these siblings. Want to read the full review? ๐Ÿ‘‰ Link in Bio #WhenIWasTen #bookreview #bookstagramuk #Thrillerbooks #Readersofig #engrossedreader
๐Ÿ“ฃPublication Day Review . Outraged will make yo ๐Ÿ“ฃPublication Day Review . Outraged will make you consider your social media usage and reflect on where you place your support. . Serious stuff, No? . Actually yes and no. . All this information is cleverly encased in wit, humour and perfect examples to make you laugh out loud. . Dotty is a Radio DJ on BBC Radio 1Xtra in the UK who is good at talking and also unbeknownst to me writing too! This articulate rendering has her voice and is as funny as she is on a daily basis. . It gets to the heart of why social media scrums... trends occur and why we should mobilise our rightful indignation or random support into purposeful action. . A very good read. . Read the full review โ˜๐Ÿพ Link in Bio . #lovebooks #NetGalley #ReadingIsFun #BecauseOfReading #bookquote #Readthisbook #booksbooksbooks #NonFiction #Outraged #AmplifyDot #bloomsburypublishing #engrossedreaderreviews #EngrossedReader
๐Ÿ“ฃPublication Day Review . Dark Blue Rising is a ๐Ÿ“ฃPublication Day Review . Dark Blue Rising is a full on mystery wrapped up as a young adult read. Why is Tabby's past an enigma, why is she so drawn to the sea and what does the future hold when secrets are revealed? . It's difficult to say anymore without giving away spoilers. What I can say though is that I am looking forward to book two for more revelations. I thought the author really captured the voice and emotions of a teen going through extraordinary circumstances. . Read the full review โ˜๐Ÿพ Link in Bio . . . #bookstagramuk #IreadYA #Dystopia #readingforfun #Netgalley #becauseofreading #Mysterybook #bookworm #DarkBlueRising #TeriTerry #booksbooksbooks #Readersofinstagram #Hachettekids #EngrossedReaderReviews #EngrossedReader
I'm in a little bit of a reading slump at the mome I'm in a little bit of a reading slump at the moment, which has lasted for a while now. To combat it, I've started several good reads but without fail, each book has kind of tapered off a the mid way point or earlier. . The Boy In The Black Suit however is bucking the trend as I am looking forward to listening to a chapter a day. I'm at the point where Matt has had too many setbacks: his mother has just died and his father has given up on being a recovering alcoholic. Life is hard. . The writing is good, the grief is real and I'm expecting things to get worse before they get better. But I'm hopeful that things will be alright in the end for Matt as he's a trier. . Already looking like a great YA book. . Fingers crossed that I make it to the end. . . . #readingslump #readinghelps #goodbooksmakeitbetter #yareads #ownvoices #booksbooksbooks #TheBoyInTheBlackSuit #JasonReynolds #EngrossedReader
Station Eleven shows us a world crippled by a viru Station Eleven shows us a world crippled by a virus and the survivors who remain in the aftermath. This is a perceptive and astute retelling of humanity struggle to come to terms with this loss and the future they have to create for the new normal. . It raised so many questions that my review is less about what I read and more about self examination, loss, resilience and hope. . I was completely wowed - this is a tremendous book. . It had to be May's Book of the Month. . Read the full review on the blog - link in bio ๐Ÿ‘†๐Ÿพ . . . #bookblog #bookreview #blogger #alwaysreading #bookrecommendations #bookstagramuk #bookishlove #goodread #lovereading #backlistbooks #sciencefiction #scifibooks #Dystopia #PostApocalyptic #pandemic #virus #StationEleven #EmilyStJohnMandel #engrossedreaderreviews #EngrossedReader
A better late than never preview. There were lots A better late than never preview. There were lots of scrumptious books in my tbr for June. But I paced myself as who knows what may happen during the month... #engrossedreaderpreviews #EngrossedReader
So a little unorthodox and also lazy - we're in J So a little unorthodox and also lazy - we're in June - but here's my wrap up of May. . May's Recap is short and sweet. . I read most of the books that I had planned to and the ones that didn't make the list this month will be on June's list of tbr...probably. . I didn't get to an ARC (publication date September) and a new release (March) because Station Eleven and Binti were pushy library ebooks, jumping the queue. However both were well worth it. . Finally there wasn't a disappointing book in the bunch, for that I am happy as a clam. . Check out the blog for recent book reviews #bookreview #EngrossedReader #engrossedreaderrecaps
Black Pound Day is launching this weekend and will Black Pound Day is launching this weekend and will be celebrated for the first time ever on Saturday, 27th, in the UK. . The special day marks a significant step forward following the Black Lives Matter movement and it will be celebrated once every month, in future. . The campaign will see people across the UK supporting and investing in Black-owned businesses for the day, with the description reading: "We will replace our normal purchases with Black-owned business where possible for one full day." . . . I didn't need anything today but you can never have too many books so I ordered from @roundtablebooks and got a head start on my #tbr list. . ๐Ÿฅณ๐ŸŒŸCOMPETITION ๐ŸŒŸ๐Ÿฅณ If you can guess two out of the three books that I purchased, then I would be happy to purchase one of them for you and also donate ยฃ10 via their Free bookshelf initiative today. And that's my book budget done for this month ๐Ÿ˜ UK delivery included . Hint in my bio ๐Ÿ‘†๐Ÿพ If there are no correct guesses then I'll donate in July instead. . Happy Black Pound Day and have a great weekend, shopping and reading . #middlegradereads #readreadread #readinglist #readingforfun #toberead #booksbooksbooks #blackpound #blackpoundday #blackpoundsmatter #booksmadebetter #_KnightsOf #bookstagram #blackbookstagram #bookcompetition #EngrossedReader
Wise words from a talking cat Yet another reason t Wise words from a talking cat Yet another reason to read #Gargantis. A thrilling middle grade mystery chock full of more sinister happenings in Eerie-on-Sea. . #Bookthoughts #BookQuote #Readingforfun #EngrossedReader
We (Eldest, Youngest and I) look forward to our af We (Eldest, Youngest and I) look forward to our afternoon reads and not just because there's usually a snack. . We started The Last Wild in March, finished The Dark Wild last week and today we're about to wrap up this series by embarking on the last book in the trilogy: The Wild Beyond. . Good luck Kestor we're rooting for you! . #nowreading #amreading #currentlyreading #whatImreading #reading #igreads #booksaremagic #backlistbooks #blogger #becauseofreading #alwaysreading #bookrecommendations #booksandteatime #bookstagramuk #readingforfun #HomeSchoolReads #TheLastWild #TheWildBeyond #PiersTorday #EngrossedReader
Whilst drinking copious amount of strong Lemon and Whilst drinking copious amount of strong Lemon and Ginger tea -thanks #dalgetyherbalteas for pepping me up, I was able to blitz through Breakfast At Bronzefield by Sophie Campbell. . As I was able to stop, start, move from room to room, then garden when the weather was nice, it struck me how easy it is to take autonomy for granted. I could do what I liked and when I liked (that is to say,in regards to reading at home). . When you're in prison, you do not have that luxury, your time, access to everything (clothes, family/friends, education, food even) is at the mercy, vagaries, whims of others. Otherwise known as the rules. I guess when you are incarcerated, the expectation from the general public ...the Government is varied: you will be punished for the crime, rehabilitated, in some cases experience restorative justice. Or the popular scenario of ' turn your life around' whatever that is supposed to mean (the latter means different things to different people...government departments). . Thus being inconvenienced should be the least of the inmate's problems, given the fact that a crime was committed. But does the punishment, fit the crime? Does the current system do its best for inmates and the community they are from and go back to? . Breakfast at Bronzefield humanised this issue; it wasn't an eye opener as I knew some of these themes already, but it really shone a spotlight on areas that I was hazy on the details of and gave context to those inflammatory newspaper headlines. It is written from the point of view of a young black girl who is clear in the recollection of her behaviour and the experiences she went through whilst in the prison system. Do give it a read, it is accessible on many levels: a memoir, as a reference to black, female experience, a reflection on the prison system, a thematic insight into the current issues that are faced by inmates and a reference book for specific prisons. Read the full review on the blog - link in bio ๐Ÿ‘†๐Ÿพ . #reader #bookstagramuk #publicationday #memoir #autobiography #diversevoices #ownvoices #ownvoicesbooks #prisonlife #prisonreform #BreakfastAtBronzefield #SophieCampbell #EngrossedReaderReviews
Wonderscape is a full-on adventure, that sweeps yo Wonderscape is a full-on adventure, that sweeps you up into different worlds, hints at time travel, presents the value of knowledge, ideas and is just plain fun. We're introduced to three teens who are disconnected (to varying degrees) from family, friends and the world in general. By the end of the book, introspection, camaraderie and action has made them see their worth and place in the world. That is priceless. . Read the full review on the blog - link in bio ๐Ÿ‘†๐Ÿพ . My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a digital copy of this book in return for a candid review. . #advancedreaderscopy #bookstagramuk #fantasyreads #bookquote #readingforfun #middlegradebooks #middlegradefiction #backlistbooks #alwaysreading #becauseofreading #BookReview #BookBlogger #Timetravel #Netgalley #Wonderscape #JenniferBell #EngrossedReader
Today Saturday 20th June 2020 is the Summer Solsti Today Saturday 20th June 2020 is the Summer Solstice. It is the longest day (most daylight hours) of the year for those living in the northern hemisphere. It is also the day that the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky. . In this part of London, it isn't sunny however it's warm..ish and not raining so a win in my book. . Stonehenge one of the world's most famous monument, is also known for its alignments with the sun, with thousands of people gathering at the site to witness midsummer sunrise. Sunrise was at 04:52 and Sunset today is due at 21:27 (BST) . Trips to Stonehenge are off due to the pandemic but it is life streamed online - check out the link in bio. . Enjoy your day whether inside or out. #summersoltice #summersoltice2020 #Stonehenge #EnglishHeritage
Do not mistake Hyenas for your run of the mill zom Do not mistake Hyenas for your run of the mill zombie horror, it is that and more. . "Five months ago, the apocalyptic โ€˜Joltโ€™ turned the majority of humankind into the atavistic savages 27-year-old Jay Garvey calls โ€˜Hyenasโ€™ on account of their insane, shrieking laughter." . It is scary, terrifying but also thoughtful giving a twist to this genre. . It scared the heck out of me in the most enjoyable of ways. . Read the full review on the blog - link in bio ๐Ÿ‘†๐Ÿพ . #scarystories #horror #extremehorror #addictedtoreading #Bookthoughts #bookstagramuk #backlistbooks #alwaysreading #ilovebooks #ireadthis #Instabooks #alwaysreading #bookstagramuk #backlistbooks #ilovebooks #booklife #BookReview #BookBlogger #Kindle #Hyenas #MichaelSellars #EngrossedReader #engrossedreaderreviews
#Quote #Poem #PabloNeruda #Quote #Poem #PabloNeruda
#quote #Goethe #quote #Goethe
The Island of Animaux by Milo McGivern is a lovely The Island of Animaux by Milo McGivern is a lovely book, telling us of the adventures, no shenanigans of anthropomorphic animals. . The stories centre around the main character of Aubrey, who is a turkey with many bad habits, he's dirty, rude and greedy. But on occasion, can be charming and persuasive which it what usually leads to many disastrous schemes. He really is the bane of his second best friend Georgina the goat, who is very forgiving. . The characters and their personalities are funny. Each story tells us more about this strange island and the inhabitants. The illustrations are detailed and bring to life each scene. . A fun, funny read. . Read the full review on the blog - link in bio ๐Ÿ‘†๐Ÿพ #advancereadercopy #Netgalley #bookreview #blogger #instabooks #readabook #alwaysreading #bookstagramuk #readingforfun #middlegradebooks #middlegradefiction #troubador_publishing #TheIslandofAnimaux #MiloMcGivern #EngrossedReader #EngrossedReaderReviews
Hopeless Heroes is a 10 book series about a young Hopeless Heroes is a 10 book series about a young boy's adventures with Greek Gods. In Book One: Here Comes Hercules! Tim encounters Hercules the demi-god and gets into a succession of mishaps as he tries to help Hercules return home. . Here Comes Hercules! is a fun read integrating life lessons addressed with the right emphasis, at the right age level. Themes such as causation - actions leading to consequences and the responsibilities of a single parent household are explored and nicely dealt with. . What is also a plus is the way Greek terms and mythology are effortlessly incorporated. Enjoyable fun. . My thanks to Sweet Cherry Publishing for a copy of the boxset - 10 books! Expect more reviews to follow. . Read the full review on the blog - link in bio ๐Ÿ‘†๐Ÿพ #bookstagramuk #readingforfun #middlegradebooks #middlegradefiction #readingisfun #backlistbooks #alwaysreading #becauseofreading #BookReview #BookBlogger #Netgalley #SweetCherryPublishing #HopelessHeroes #HereComesHercules #StellaTarakson #EngrossedReader #EngrossedReaderReviews
Today is a bank holiday in England so we took the Today is a bank holiday in England so we took the bikes and went to Epping Forest which is excellent for walking or biking. . Thankful for the weather which is not as exceedingly warm as last week but still lovely and sunny. . Enjoy your day . #EppingForest #BankHolidayMonday #EngrossedReader
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