‘Lord of the Flies’ by William Golding

This was a re-read – I’m teaching it next term and needed a refresh.

What can I say about this novel that hasn’t already been said?

It’s not a particular favourite of mine, but it will be good to teach to my slightly feral group of year 9s.

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So that’s it….

27 books read. I was aiming for 24 (two per month) but if you throw in a couple of short ones and a few pieces of teenage fiction it feels about right.

Good job.

‘In it for the long run’ by Damian Hall

I sort of know what to expect with this sort of running book. It’s about running and his experiences running ‘lumpy things’ – as the author puts it.

I quite like these sort of books – they often enthuse and entertain.

Damian Hill is clearly a very good runner, he has a great story: started running late in life and was very very good at it. The problem with the book for me, and often other books like this, is the ‘am I going to do it, it’s really hard, I can’t possibly do it, oh yes I did, and I beat the record by hours’ scenarios.

Having said that – Damian seems like a nice fella – I did enjoy it to a degree.

Next up: Lord of the Flies (forced upon me – teaching it soon).

‘A Slow Burning Fire’ by Paula Hawkins

I quite enjoyed this book. An interesting read – great plot with some surprising twists and turns.

This book is from the author of ‘The Girl on the Train’ which I didn’t really like – this book is better.

Definitely worth a read.

Next up: In It For The Long Run

‘The Good Neighbour’ by RJ Parker

The 24th book of the year – another crime thriller – not a bad read. I really liked the opening three quarters of the book – great idea and kept me interested. The last part became slightly too obvious and a bit boring in places – far too much dialogue.

The plan this year was to get to 24 books – that’s one every couple of weeks. Job done. But we just keep going…

Next up: A Slow Fire Burning 🔥

‘Grave’s End’ by William Shaw

A stereotypical crime thriller – it was ok – nothing much more to say really. The plot sort of worked – it kept you guessing.

Not sure if any of those will make it on the publicity material!!

Next up: The Good Neighbour

In other news….this happened…

‘Braiding Sweetgrass’ by Robin Wall Kimmerer

This was a bit of a struggle. It was a recommendation after reading ‘Overstory’, which I thought was great, so I half knew what to expect.

The book didn’t really do it for me. Too much biology stuff – not enough story.

Next up: Grave’s End