First I must admit this wasn’t read entirely in 2022…just the last 20 pages. 😳

‘The Cottage’ by Lisa Stone

Loved the first half of this novel – it begins straightaway with creepy goings on in the cottage. A second plot line is introduced very early on with no obvious link.

Although, by the time you get towards the middle of the novel it begins to become much more predictable.

In the end, the novel felt a bit disappointing overall. I gave it three stars – that’s probably being a bit kind.

Next up: Every Day (it’s back to teenage fiction)

A lovely little gentle 2-miler to get a few roads done. A bit of red on the map…

Do you need proof of roads covered? Here you go…road signs…

Highlight of the run? Getting out the front door – first run of 2022.

Probably have another little go tomorrow.

The Triangle Challenge…has a nice ring to it. But what is this ‘The Triangle Challenge’ you speak of I hear you say.

Well, it involves running – you had probably guessed – all the roads in the surrounding area.

‘The Triangle’, as it is affectionately known, incorporates three villages: Burgh St Peter, Wheatacre and Aldeby. It looks like this:

I will of course be filling in my progress on the above map. You’ll be sick of the sight of ‘The Triangle’ by the time I’ve finished!

No rush to do it at all – just going to make a point of running on different roads when I go out.

Simple.

‘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