‘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

‘Foolhardy Folk Tales’ by Beans on Toast.

A collection of stories about anything and everything: money, music, drugs, art and love.

If you’re a fan of Beans on Toast, or even if you’re not, this is well worth a read.

That’s 21 books read in the year so far…

Next up: Braiding Sweetgrass.

‘They Both Die at the End’ by Adam Silvera.

I enjoyed this.

Set in a world where you get a call from Death-Cast to tell you that you are going to die within 24 hours, this is a novel about love, life, loss and making every day count.

Two teenage boys, total strangers, both looking to make a new friend on their End Day. Using an app called Last Friend, they do just that. Rufus and Mateo have just one plan: to live a lifetime in a single day.

4 Stars. Well worth a read.

Next up: Foolhardy Folk Tales

‘Running Tracks’ by Rob Deering

Rob Deering is the co-presenter of my favourite running podcast: Running Commentary.

So, as you can imagine, the last couple of weeks have meant a lot of Rob Deering. Not a totally bad thing, but there has been a lot of Rob Deering!

‘Running Tracks’ is a book that does exactly what the title suggests: it includes lots of talk about running and lots of chat about music. What’s not to like?

Great book – 4 stars – well worth a read!

Next up: They Both Die at the End

‘Trash’ by Andy Mulligan

The 18th book of the year – a bit of summer reading homework – year 7 reader in September.

It follows the story of three dumpsite boys in India – it wasn’t exactly what I was expecting – it ended up being quite the adventure.

Now off to watch the film…

Next up: Running Tracks

‘Why You Should Read Children’s Books, Even Though You Are So Old And Wise’ by Katherine Rundell.

Chucking this cheeky little book in. Only 63 pages long – it was a present – I read lots of teenage fiction.

Defy those who tell you to be serious. Cut shame off at the knees. Children’s books are not a hiding place, they are a seeking place. Go to children’s fiction to see the world with double eyes: your own, and those of your childhood self.

Katherine Rundell

Next up: Trash