I was quite late to this idea of blogging about the books I am reading – partly because I just wanted to start blogging again – which means you get a number of blogs in quick succession about the books I have read so far this year. You’re welcome.

Book 2 of 2021

‘Ramble Book: Musings on Childhood, Friendship, Family and 80s Pop Culture’ by Adam Buxton

This was read about the middle of January…

Wasn’t particularly enamored with this book. I quite like Adam Buxton. I don’t have extensive experience or knowledge, I’ve never seen him in live. But I like him when he is in dictionary corner on ‘8 out 10 cats does Countdown’ and I’ve been an avid listener to his podcast. So was quite looking forward to reading it.

There were quite a few good things to say about it:

• It was funny – laugh out loud in places.
• I was born in 1970, so the 80s was my ‘growing up’ time – brought back some great memories.
• The stuff about his dad is both incredibly moving and incredibly funny.
• His rambles – who doesn’t like a ramble?

Some bits that were less good:

• David Bowie, he talks about David Bowie a lot. A lot. I quite like David Bowie – but not that much.
• The Adam and Joe Show. Never seen it. Don’t really fancy watching it. Again, it gets a lot of mentions.

What you definitely get is Buxton’s ‘voice’ coming through – if you’re a fan, even if you’re not – probably worth a read.

Next up: The 392

At the start of the year I promised myself to read a bit more, no real target, just read a bit more.

This also coincides nicely with the ‘blog a bit more’ challenge. As you’ve probably already guessed, no real target, just blog a bit more.

So 6 weeks into the new year, I’ve definitely been reading more, and therefore I can finally start catching up on blogging a bit more.

Book 1 of 2021

‘My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece’ by Annabel Pitcher

This was a re-read because the plan was to teach it to my Y8s – it’s been a while since I’ve taught it – as it happened the plan changed. But read it anyway.

I enjoyed it when I first read it and nothing has changed – a really good read – funny, sad, beautifully written and uplifting. Read it.

Next up: ‘Ramble Book’ by Adam Buxton

Unbelievably we have reached the 230th day of the year. Over halfway through August. The summer has appeared to have given up. AND only 2 or so weeks until the start of a new school year.

At the start of this morning’s run I was up for a lovely long run and feeling good. Although, about 3 miles in I wasn’t feeling it at all. So the run became a rather uncomfortable 6-miler before I jacked it in.

After this morning’s Parkrun the day continued with football and then some more football.

(The keyboard has not been played)

A relatively successful day on the keyboard.

I have a plan for the rest of the holidays: learn to play the keyboard.

First task: buy a new power adapter to replace the lost one.