Reading when I can, Blogging if there's time, Listening on repeat

blog post - true loaf

Review – True Loaf by L. Austen Johnson

This incredibly short story inspired by Balkan folklore, was a fun read. It’s a cautionary tale of keeping your word, mysterious men, vulnerable girl, going on a night time adventure in the woods.

blog post - hexed

Review – Hexed by Julia Tuffs

Hexed is a fairly topical book, which covers #metoo issues around consent, institutional bias, pervasive sexism and the added bonus of being able to deal with these issues with the power of witchcraft. And set within high school. Seems like a lot of juggling balls, but it all works.

blog post - my name is leon

Review – My Name Is Leon by Kit de Waal

This version of the eighties isn’t rose tinted nostalgia. My Name is Leon is about a biracial child in care, how he gets there and how he comes to terms with the realities of his life. Tough in places, well observed and a terrific read.

blog post - galdem

Review – I Will Not Be Erased by gal-dem

Each story directly or indirectly, references a diary. Knowing you history, remembering your past is key to your present and defining your future. Importance of recording one’s thoughts equates with better knowing oneself

Midnight Guardians - Blog Post

Review – The Midnight Guardians by Ross Montgomery

The Midnight Guardians is a journey about a boy and his imaginary friends on a mission to save the world from darkness. This is a fine intertwining the history and mythology of England and providing a message of hope despite overwhelming odds.

blog post - hench

Review – Hench by Natalie Zina Walschots

Hench, like The Boys, set heroes in a world where they are three dimensional, showing their wants, desires and motivations.
Anna has been at their mercy and didn’t appreciate the experience nor the repercussions. Hench is her journey on fighting backing using modern methods including data mining and social media to take them down.
Hench is engaging, entertaining and a really fun read

Groke

WOTD – Groke

Groke is a word for our times: “gaze at somebody while they’re eating in the hope that they’ll give you some of their food”. This old Scottish word needs to come back into everyday usage. I’m looking forward to doing my bit by using it soon #wordoftheday