Monsta Reader

A day in the life of the Monsta Reader!

Disclaimer: if you should make a purchase through any of the links in this blog, I may earn a small commission from the sellers. However, this does not affect the cost to the consumer, and it does not influence the content of this blog.

I start the day, as I imagine many people do, by reaching for my phone. I can tell myself that I am just checking the time but, as I scroll the notifications, I am aware of the pull they have on my attention. The desire to indulge for a while in everything the algorithms want to feed me. But I resist, ignoring the suggested topics in which Google thinks I might have some interest, and instead I do a search on a conservation charity I had made a note of some time ago (Buglife - The Invertebrate Conservation Trust). It's a tiny little act of rebellion, to resist the algorithms and instead follow my own interest - maybe it's an empty little act too. I don't know.

My bedroom is not tidy, and it is small. A few clothes are strewn on the floor and a coffee mug that has found its way here, empty and the bottom stained with the residue of yesterday's caffeine fix. I remove some of the mess and make some room. When I have done this, there is space, between the bed and the chest of drawers, where I can workout on the turquoise-ish rug. The room is cold and I am not particularly keen on the idea of exercising, but I have made the promise to myself and my body could definitely do with the attention.

"Hiya, and welcome to Lean in Fifteen . . . "

Joe Wicks, The Body Coach, is talking to me from the screen on my television. Not me specifically, but anyone that might have bought this DVD and - I am willing to bet that not everyone who made the purchase necessarily made it this far - actually popped it into their player. Joe is an advocate of HIIT (High-intensity interval training), a form of exercise that alternates short periods of high intensity exercise with short periods of rest. For the most part, I can keep up with Joe. But his lumps and bumps are in all the right places, whereas mine stick out in all the unattractive places. This is why I can't go to a gym - all the pretty people that actually look good working out, and not like some dying mess.

I am wearing vest and shorts, despite the room being cold, because the workout is pretty intense and, as the exercise progresses, I work up a sweat. I feel exhausted but good during the post workout stretches. And I am glad it's over, and I look forward to a hot shower.

I have a copy of Veggie Lean in Fifteen by Joe Wicks amongst my small collection of cookbooks. I wish I could say that I only eat healthily and mindfully but, I'm afraid, I love pizza and making noodles just a bit too much. Still, this cookbook is a nice addition to any shelf, whether or not you are trying to lose weight or stay in shape. The recipes are good and the food is tasty.

Damn him for being good looking (Wikipedia tells me he is two months older than I am - for f**k sake!), a nice guy (the "PE with Joe" videos he made for kids when the schools closed during the lockdowns), and also his range of cookbooks full of delicious recipes!

Not that I am jealous or anything . . .

*ahem*

You can buy Veggie Lean in 15 : 15-minute Veggie Meals with Workouts by Joe Wicks here.

Showered, I make myself a coffee. I boil the kettle. Meanwhile, I make sure that my cafetière and mug are clean, washing them and drying them off. I then spoon three teaspoons of ground coffee into the French press. By now, the kettle has boiled and has been sitting for a minute or two. I then pour the hot water into the press, over the coffee grounds. I stir a little and then I put the top on, pressing the plunger down so that it just touches the dark brew. It already smells delicious. Then I leave it for four minutes, watching a YouTube video on my phone. When the four minutes is up, I pour the coffee into my mug, topping it off with coconut milk. A stir, a little honey, and I am done.

I do a little research into SEO (search engine optimisation) on my phone whilst drinking my coffee. SEO is all about the ways in which one can improve the quality and quantity of traffic to a website or webpage from search engines. Handy to have some understanding of these things when you write a rather bookish blog!

(Remember, dear reader, that if you have any bookish friends that might enjoy my little ponderings, I would very much appreciate your sharing my humble little blog in the relevant places.)

Two packages arrive today. Books, of course. The first is The Help by Kathryn Stockett, and the second is Summer by Ali Smith - they are added to the ever expanding TBR pile and the ever expanding guilt of spending money I don't have on this bibliophilia of mine. But it was my birthday not too long ago and, thanks to some kindnesses I am not sure I deserve, I had a few quid to spare.

You can purchase The Help by Kathryn Stockett here.

And, you can purchase Summer by Ali Smith here.

I spend most of the day in my bedroom. I like it here, where I can read and listen to music. The Clash. Bob Dylan. The Cure. David Bowie. Eminem. Example. Foo Fighters. Garbage. Green Day . . .

And, as the music of these various artists fills the room, as does the aroma of the coffee, I immerse myself into the pages of a book. I am reading The Age of Extremes : 1914 - 1991 by Eric Hobsbawm. From wars to the beginnings of a new millennium, this book is a review of both the creative and the destructive powers of the twentieth century.

I will write more on this book soon, in a post dedicated especially to this non-fiction work, and if you would like to purchase The Age of Extremes : 1914 -1991 by Eric Hobsbawm, you can do so here.

I haven't eaten all day and in the evening, probably undoing all the good work I did in my morning workout, I have some chips and curry sauce. I chew away happily enough, watching Black Spot on Netflix (I recommend this supernatural thriller if you haven't seen it already). Now and then I look at my laptop, wondering what to write about in my blog post I today . . .

Thank you for reading. If you would like to support my writing, you can buy me a coffee on ko-fi.com - writing is hard, but the caffeine gets me through the day, and when I still have the energy left I drag myself to the keyboard and write all about my bookish wanderings and ponderings here! Thank you to every supporter!

Want to find some bookish gifts for book lovers? Here's some ideas . . .

Disclaimer: should you make a purchase through any of the links in this blog, I might earn a small commission from the sellers, but that does not affect the price to the consumer and it does not influence the content of this blog.

It's official. Christmas is on the way and, with only one more payday between us and the big day, maybe you are still on the lookout for a few ideal gifts and stocking fillers for the booklovers in your life. Or maybe you deserve a little something for yourself. Whoever you have in mind, I hope that this little list of eight ideas sparks something for some of you . . .

1. Team Asthers - https://teamasthers.co.uk/

Team Asthers are dedicated to bookish gifts for booklovers. It's a one stop shop for bibliophile gifts! There are journals, mugs, tote bags, bookmarks . . . The list goes on! And the booklovers will appreciate the bookish references that adorn many of their perfect gifts.

I challenge you to NOT find a satisfying stocking filler here!

2. A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Writings by Charles Dickens

The classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge's journey towards salvation and the Christmas spirits that guide him along the way has become so much a part of our cultural landscape that it's hard to imagine Christmas without this ghost story. This tale reminds us that Christmas is not about wealth and gifts, but the people we share our lives with.

If you've the chance, on what can be a hectic day, I can't think of many better ways to grab a bit of peace on the twenty-fifth of December than to take oneself off with some hot mulled wine, settle in somewhere comfortable, and open up this book.

You can purchase A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens here.

3. F*ck off, I'm Reading mug

Do you ever tire of people interrupting your reading time? Well, when you settle down with a good book, be sure to make this the mug in which you have your tea or coffee, make sure it's well in view of any potential interrupters, and see who still dares approach!

You can purchase the mug here - https://www.etsy.com

4. Village Christmas and Other Notes on the English Year by Laurie Lee

The author of Cider With Rosie provides readers with a portrait of England through the changing seasons and years.

The book begins with winter, starting with the English village Christmas, and moves through the seasons as Lee writes powerfully and lyrically. Another read that ought to be enjoyed with a glass of something warming.

You can purchase Village Christmas by Laurie Lee here.

5. 221b Baker Street: The Sherlock Holmes Master Detective Game

Ever fancied yourself a bit of a sleuth? Maybe you could even give Victorian London's most famous detective a run for his money?

Well, this game gives you the perfect opportunity to prove it!

Christmas is a great time for playing games with your friends and family, and this is a great gift for the crime novel lover!

You can purchase the game from www.waterstones.com

6. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson (Author), and Axel Scheffler (Illustrator)

In recent years, an adaptation of this book for BBC television has become something of a staple of Christmas time viewing. But why not take the younger readers back to the book from which the animation was sourced?

A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood.

A fox saw the mouse and the mouse looked good.

You can purchase The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler here.

7. Classic Paperbacks 1000 Piece Puzzle

Is there a book lover in your life that also loves the challenge of a jigsaw puzzle? If so, this is like the beautiful coming together of two of their favourite things to create the perfect gift!

This puzzle is £14.99 from www.waterstones.com

8. Your local and independent bookshops

Don't forget your local and independent bookshops this Christmas. And, if you are short of time and need to make your purchases online, check out https://uk.bookshop.org/ - they support local and independent bookshops!

Thank you for reading. I hope you got some good ideas! You can support me by buying me a coffee on ko-fi.com - the caffeine keeps me searching the internet for bookish gift ideas and bringing them here to you! Thank you!

Going through the comments . . .

Disclaimer: should you make a purchase through any of the links in this blog, I may earn a small commission from the sellers, but this does not affect the cost to the consumer, and it does not influence the content of this blog.

The first thing I notice, as I take a look at the comments I receive on this blog, is that I don't receive very many comments on this blog. I mean, I have gotten some, but it's not like I am setting the internet ablaze with bookish conversation.

Is it me? I can chaaaaange!

*ahem*

The next thing I notice is that those people who do post a comment are usually the same five or six people. And I love those people (thank you for engaging!), but I can't help but wonder whether the rest of you are left bored by my bookish blog posts? Did you close the page down before you got to the end?

If you've made it this far I'm impressed. The internet has, as Bo Burnham put it, "a little bit of everything all of the time"; there's a lot for a humble little book blogger to contend with!

Thirdly, I notice the posts which have been commented on most are review posts. But, they don't take the title in a landslide. Instead they only just edge out the other posts with comments. The other posts being discussions with myself on book related topics (bookish social media accounts to follow, bookish controversies, tips on book blogging, etc.).

My book blog is a bit like my bookshelves - a varied and haphazard assortment of diverse contents.

Sometimes I write a post about a classic novel by Jerome K. Jerome, sometimes I write about controversies in the book world, and sometimes I write a review of a non-fiction book on psychology. I sometimes wonder if I haven't crippled myself a little bit by not focusing on one genre. That way people would know what they are getting and I might have guaranteed myself a larger readership.

But, to be honest, I kind of like the freedom in writing about any and all bookish interests, in writing about all of the books I enjoy reading. It does make it harder to create something of a brand/identity though, something to which people can respond with, "Oh yeah, that's the blog where . . . "

I suppose I could set up a number of blogs, each one concentrating on different aspects of my bookish interests. But, to be even more brutally honest, unless I start making money of of this writing lark, I don't have the time or the energy to invest in all that!

When I started blogging, I had no idea what I wanted to achieve. I enjoyed writing and I wanted to make something out of that. I still do. I think I am good at writing. I am not great, and there are others out there in the great big void that is the internet who are struggling away just as much as me, and getting perhaps even less attention than I am. But, there also people out there who are getting engagement I have been dreaming of and . . . well, I'm better. I said it.

Okay, so I like writing about classic novels, poetry, and bookish topics of interest. But, what do you like reading about? When you come to a book blog, what do you like to read? What is it that makes you feel compelled to become a part of the conversation?

I would love, love, LOVE to build a something of a little community here, in this little humble corner of the digital space we all come to for comfort, entertainment, and information. Wouldn't that be fun?

Please do leave a comment, share a post with your friends, and come back again soon. I'd love to have you back for more bookish discussions and whatnot!

Links to posts that have received comments from readers . . .

(This is not an exhaustive list)

How to get people to read your bookish blog . . .

A Good Man in Africa by William Boyd - review and analysis

You're a book lover? You need to see these!

Reading Challenges - Part 2

The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro - review and analysis

Thank you for reading. Please do leave a comment and some feedback if you have any, it is very much appreciated. And if you've any questions, I shall do my best to answer them. You can support MonstaReader on ko-fi.com with a coffee - the caffeine keeps me writing and reading through the comments! Thank you for your support and your time!

Wondering what the ultimate solution is to RUNNING OUT OF SHELF SPACE?

I can't stop buying books.

There are books on my shelves that I haven't yet read, and those shelves are pretty much full. But, still, I've a list of books noted down that I just have to get my hands on at some point. And every time I get an email from Waterstones or bookshop.org or one of the publishing houses, at least half the books mentioned in one of those emails end up being added to the list.

I am fairly certain I will die with books on my shelves that I never read. Of course I will; I buy books quicker than I can read them. It's the curse of the bibliophile!

Why do I do it? Why do any of us do it?

It's almost Sisyphean, right?

The TBR pile that never gets any smaller because, before you've even finished the book you're reading, you've found yourself in a bookshop handing over money to buy two more books that will be added to the pile!

There are books on my shelves that I bought excitedly months ago but still haven't got round to reading because of this habit.

But, the thing is, a book requires time and attention. A book requires consideration and thought and care. Reading a book is more than just taking in the words. Sometimes it requires some note-taking. Sometimes it requires going away to read something else, or visit a website, or contact someone . . . Reading a book can lead to a lot of things, and it takes time.

And in that time I am probably going to end up buying other books as well!

Buying a new book is all about the promise of what waits inside, between the covers. I am not particularly fussed about the beauty of the covers themselves, but the anticipation of discovering the beauty of the words inside . . . Oh!

Having a book on the shelves is having access to new ideas. And new ideas can spark so much. With a new idea, another way of looking at things, you may just end up discovering something wonderful. It could lead to a new project, a new friend, a new career . . . Anything really, depending on the kind of books you are reading. Who knows. There is a lot of promise in a new book on the shelves. And that, I think, is why I can't stop buying them quicker than I can read them. And why I feel wistful when I have finished a book that lived up to that promise; wishing I had savoured and appreciated the writing more as I'd made my way through the book, knowing that I'll never again be able to discover the book anew.

I'm afraid I don't have an answer to the question posed in the title of this post. I suppose I could buy a Kindle. But what sort of joyless existence would that be? I mean, jeez, go visit your local bookshop already. Bezos has made it! He and his buddies have enough money!

Thank you for reading. If you found anything entertaining therein, you can support my writing with a coffee on ko-fi.com because writing for free is fun, but at a certain point you're like, "Wait, I am making an effort here and writers worse than me are getting paid, so . . . " Stuff like that! Thank you - all support is much appreciated!

The Fear-Fighter Manual: Lessons From a Professional Troublemaker by Luvvie Ajayi Jones - an analysis and review

Disclaimer: should you make a purchase through any of the links in this blog, I may earn a small commission from the sellers, but that does not affect the cost to the consumer, and it does not influence the content of this blog.

The central theme of this book is a fairly simple one, and at the same time a fairly difficult one; how to overcome fear so that we might reach greater levels of success in our lives.

Luvvie Ajayi Jones does not suggest that we should be fearless, for fear can be useful and informative. It can keep us safe and prevent us from making poor decisions. However, some of the things that we fear have been bred in us not for our own good, but so that we might keep our voices small and quiet. So that we won't rock the boat and point out the absurdities of our world. Some of that fear is there because others felt uncomfortable with our differences of opinion, thought, feeling, appearance, circumstances . . .

Those fears, the author suggests, are fears that we ought to address and overcome because they serve no one, and only make us small where we could be grand.

These themes of overcoming fear, wanting for something more grand, "living our best lives" are obviously not going anywhere any time soon. Self help books are doing good business. They probably always will; there's always been troubles and inequality in the world and - sorry, just call me Mr. Pessimistic - I expect there always will be.

Drawing on research, personal experiences, and her grandmother's life, Luvvie Ajayi Jones has written a book that sets out to lift the reader out of their fears, and consider what they might be.

Luvvie Ajayi Jones began blogging in the early 2000's, and has been writing ever since. She is also a highly sought after public speaker. And, as someone who blogs (and has nowhere near the audience that Luvvie has) and who also cannot stand before a group of more than about eight people without wanting to disappear into the floor, I can tell you that that sort of work takes perseverance and guts. So, the author seems to be qualified to cover the topics of tackling fears and realising goals for this, her second book.

I like how the book is written in three parts (Be, Say, Do), covering the different ways in which we can address our fears and learn to overcome them, and that the author writes in her own warm and honest voice. In it's best moments, this book reads like the words of an honest and caring friend. I don't know that this book is for everyone, but there are some interesting and worthy ideas between the pages. If you're looking for a read that might just point you towards a bolder and brighter you, whilst also drawing a smile or two, you might love The Fear-Fighter Manual by Luvvie Ajayi Jones.

You can buy The Fear-Fighter Manual: Lessons From a Professional Troublemaker by Luvvie Ajayi Jones here

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this piece, you can buy me a coffee on ko-fi.com - the caffeine keeps me reading and reviewing! Thank you to all supporters!

Drop a 📚 in the comments if any of these authors changed your life!

Disclaimer: should you make a purchase through any of the links in this blog, I may earn a small commission from the sellers, but this does not affect the cost to you and it does not influence the content of this blog.

The book I remember really enjoying when I was young is a book called Now We Are Six by A. A. Milne, the creator of Winnie the Pooh. And though that famous bear is found within the pages of this book, this is not a Pooh bear story. No, Now We Are Six is a collection of verses for children, written by Milne.

I remember loving the music of the verses, how the words flowed. I think it is partly because of this book that I developed a liking for reading, and an appreciation for poetry in particular. I remember even taking this book to school with me.

Now We Are Six was published in 1927, and the author is very well known for his Hundred Acre Wood creation, but all of that didn't mean much to me; this book, and the poetry inside, was mine, all mine.

For that reason, A. A. Milne, I would say, might very well be the first author that changed my life.

When I was a little older, I discovered Sue Townsend's The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4. I wasn't quite as old as the hapless protagonist when I first read this young adult novel, and I think I felt a little grown up reading a book with naughty jokes, and mentions of politicians and the royal family. It was fun for younger readers, but the writer didn't talk down to her audience.

I can't help but think that, in creating a character like Adrian Mole, Sue Townsend achieved a master stroke. He is the perfect character for the young adult readership for which he was intended. True, he isn't a particularly heroic or likeable character, but he gives the reader a reason to laugh. And if the reader is navigating that unholy land of adolescence along with Adrian, they may find something within the pages to which they can relate. Though not too much hopefully.

I think the reason that Jack Kerouac's On The Road affected me so much as a teenager is that I wanted to take off on a similar trip. I still do!

The idea of taking off on the open road, and the characters and places and stories that could be found there, seemed kind of romantic and dangerous. And to find that it was based on the author's own real life experiences made it all the more appealing. I very much understood the desire to head out into the world, seeking something more than what seemed to be on offer.

From Kerouac, I sort of fell for the Lost Generation. I had a thing for the 1950's/1960's anyway, having been fascinated by Marilyn Monroe and James Dean, and that whole era of Hollywood and New York. But the beat writers were like the punks of that generation; they wrote in the voices they wanted/needed to hear. They created work that spoke to the people that weren't being spoken for on the cinema screen. And I love those writers and artists that see the unseen. I felt a bit unseen myself, maybe that had something to do with my appreciation.

As I draw this post to close, I want you to know that this list is not an exhaustive one. I could consider so many more writers to include in this piece. However, I am going to conclude this post with A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess.

I first found this novel when I was a teenager, in the school's library. And I was shocked by it and I was intrigued. It was, I think, the first book I had read that explored such adult themes in such an unflinching way. The imagery and themes were violent and graphic, and I realised that books could be a safe space to tackle those subjects that people perhaps don't like to discuss.

It was also the first book, I think, where I found a writer playing with language and words in such a way. That in itself was fascinating to me.

And so, that is my brief overview of some of the writers, and the books, that have changed my life. You can buy the books mentioned in the links below. If you enjoyed this read, you can buy me a coffee on ko-fi.com - the caffeine keeps me reading life changing books and then writing all about them here! Thank you!

Where to buy

Now We Are Six by A. A. Milne - bookshop.org

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13 3/4 by Sue Townsend - bookshop.org

On The Road by Jack Kerouac - bookshop.org

A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess - bookshop.org

Feeling uninspired by Halloween? Try these three horror filled books . . .

Disclaimer: should you make a purchase through any of the links in this blog, MonstaReader might earn a small commission from the sellers, but this has no affect on the cost to the consumer and it does not influence the content of this blog.

If you're left feeling cold by the idea of Halloween, try one of these three horror filled novels. And, if you're still left feeling cold, check your pulse, you may just be a zombie!

1. American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis

Twenty-six year old Patrick Bateman works on Wall Street; he is handsome, charming, and intelligent. And he lives a life that juxtaposes the American dream with a dark and brutal nightmare.

You can purchase American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis here.

2. Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton

In this science fiction tale, genetic engineers have created a dinosaur amusement park. Dinosaurs are now walking the Earth with human beings and a dream has been made real. But, there is a dark side to the dream and, when the park's defense systems fail, horror and suspense take over!

You can purchase Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton here.

3. Handling the Undead by John Ajvide Lindqvist

Something strange is happening in Stockholm. The dead are waking up . . .

David's wife dies in a car accident. But, when he goes to identify her body, she starts to move . . .

Across Stockholm, families find themselves able to see their loved-ones one last time . . .

This is a gothic horror story about love and death, a horror story that will shock you and move you.

You can purchase Handling the Undead by John Ajvide Lindqvist here.

I do hope that these three suggestions have sparked some spooky ideas for you this Halloween!

You can support my writing by buying me a coffee on ko-fi.com - the caffeine keeps me sufficiently prepared for any spooky surprises, as well as it keeps me tapping away at my keyboard!

Thank you to every supporter and every reader . . .

And, have a happy Halloween!

A day in the life of a book blogger

Disclaimer: if you should make a purchase through any of the links in this blog, I may earn a commission from the sellers, but this does not impact the cost to the consumer and it does not influence the content of this blog.

I'm afraid my first thoughts today were not bookish ones. No, my mind turned toward more horticultural matters.

I have come to stay at my parents house for a while because plumbers have been putting holes in the ceilings where I live. It's been a bit unpleasant, and I would have been left without a bathroom for days, so I threw myself on the mercy of mum and dad.

However, I have had to leave my potted plants behind. So, this morning, when I awoke, some of my first thoughts turned towards my flowers and my strawberry plants. I hope that they are doing all right.

I made up some egg fried rice and turned my thoughts towards my entrepreneurial endeavours. You see, I am starting up as a freelance content writer/copywriter. After losing work during lockdowns, and getting bored of waiting around for somebody else to give me a job, I decided to go for it and pursue an idea I had had for a while. I mean, I am already blogging (creating content/copy) for pleasure, and there are mofos (do people still say mofos? Should I ever have been saying mofos?) that get paid to do it!!

This is my second bookish blog post of the day. I wrote this one earlier. As you can see, I am not writing review posts today. One of the reasons for this is that I have left some notes on the last book I read, and could review, back at the flat . . . Not much use there! The other reason for the lack of a review post is that the last book I read is a book on grammar and I am not entirely sure there'd be much interest in that . . . Still, that concern hasn't stopped me before!

As well as my bookish blogging, I write a nature blog here. Nature and wildlife are, in many ways, more important to me than my love for books. I hope, if you'll give my little nature blog a chance, you won't hold that sentiment against me!

As I navigate the rest of the day, I will mostly be considering my blogging and my efforts in copywriting, in trying to start up my own business. But, because I don't want to be a dull boy, I shan't be all work and no play - I see a little lazy television viewing and a glass or two of something naughty in my not too distant future.

I hope your day has been a good one, and I hope that you enjoyed this read. If you did, perhaps you could buy me a coffee on ko-fi.com - the caffeine gets me through the day and brings me back to my keyboard where I can write all about it! Thank you!

Life and book blogging . . .

Disclaimer: If you should make a purchase through any of the links in this blog, I may earn a small commission from the sellers, but this has no impact on the cost to the consumer and it does not influence the content of this blog.

It has been about a month since I last posted here. And it's been a pretty draining month.

For my family, the last month has consisted of a funeral, two birthdays, and holes in the ceiling. A lot has been happening and sometimes things fall by the wayside. Blogging doesn't seem all that important when you're trying to be there for family, or you're trying to juggle the everyday stuff.

But, books are still present in my life. They have been one of those constants . . .

A little bookish concern . . .

The other day, my mum told me a little story. She had had an exchange with my niece via one of the social media platforms, I forget which one, and my mum asked my niece whether she was still as avid a reader as she had always been. But, as it turns out, my niece feels that she cannot read as much as she used to because the schoolwork that she is given keeps her from doing so. And, to me, that is pretty sad . . .

I just thought I would bring that up because, well, here we are on a book blog, and it seemed an absurdity to me that school, of all things, should be keeping kids and teens from reading! What do you think? Sound familiar?

Book blogging self doubt . . .

I think that I am a good writer. What do you think?

I don't think that any of the greats are under any threat of being knocked from their pedestals because of what I am doing, but I think that I am decent enough. And, to be honest, I look at what I am doing, what I am capable of, and I think I am quite a bit better than others who get more recognition than I . . .

Perhaps I should stop there on that one, before I move completely and unforgiveably into bitterness!

I think though that the lack of recognition might be one of the reasons that it's so easy to let this whole blogging gig slide for a while when life throws me some challenges. I look at some of the figures other bloggers report for their visitor numbers and I think, "Shit! Really! Halve that, halve it again, and we're still not hitting the embarrassingly low number of people that are visiting my rather bookish blog!"

So, tell me, is it me? Am I doing something wrong? If you are reading this, what can I do for you that will improve the chances of you sharing these little rambling and rather bookish ponderings?

And, as for monetising my efforts? Jeez, don't get me started! I see people paying for articles that are not as well written as my own. And, I think that some of this stuff I tap onto my screen and throw out into the ether of the internet is enjoyable, entertaining, or informative. Some of it is just filler, I'm aware of that. But still, decent filler is still worth something.

Maybe I should stop giving anything away for free? But I don't want to do that because this is also about reaching out, finding a community . . .

Oh, I don't know . . .

Fill in this clueless bookish blogger in the comments.

Life, and books, and writing, and other things . . .

I'm trying to start up a business (copywriting). A funeral (I'm not going into it here - I don't feel the need and, to be honest, I'm not going to write about it purely for engagement). Two birthdays. Holes in the ceiling (pipes and plumbers) . . .

Books and writing are still there in my life. Even when life is throwing shit at us, books are still there. And I don't know exactly why I can't let them go. Maybe it's just a habit. Maybe it's a crutch. Maybe if I really threw it under a lens I would see it for what it really is and learn a little more about myself. But, I can't be bothered with all that right now. I've got enough going on.

I am just happy that I have the time and space in my life for books and writing. Even when life and doubts and questions are flying around me, books and writing are there. And I guess I will keep them even if no one is paying attention.

If you made it this far, thank you for reading; I am truly appreciative of your time and your attention. If you enjoyed this piece, you can buy me a coffee on ko-fi.com - the caffeine keeps me reading, writing, and navigating all of life's highs and lows.

How to read more diversely!

Disclaimer: should you make a purchase through any of the links in this blog, I may earn a small commission, but this has no impact on the cost to the consumer, and it does not influence the content of this blog.

In recent years, I have increased my efforts to be a little more diverse in what I read and add to my bookshelves. And by this I mean not only that I am attempting to read more books authored by people who aren't white men, but also that I am trying to step a little further away from my comfort zone by dipping my toes into genres I might otherwise have ignored.

This is not an endeavour to win woke points, and I don't think anyone should be browbeaten into reading books that are considered righteous, nor do I believe anyone should be made to feel ashamed of books they do read. We might ask questions, but that's one of the reasons we read in the first place, right? To explore themes, issues, and have conversations?

For myself, I have never been the sort of reader that leans heavily into one genre over another and on my shelves you'll find Shakespeare's sonnets right through to modern day best-sellers. However, there have been genres of which I would steer clear. Not for any particular reason, just that I didn't really think they had anything for me.

Books like A Ration Book Wedding by Jean Fullerton, for example, would never have found there way on to my shelves. I am a chap after all, and I have had a preference for stories of adventure over stories of love in the past. But now that book, along with others exploring the themes of love and relationships, have come to occupy my shelves.

I understand entirely that people will want to read for comfort, for escape, and for pleasure. I read for those reasons, and when those are my reasons for turning to my bookshelves I might not be particularly interested in diversity. I might just want to pick up a book I enjoy and let the world go to hell! But, as I say, I've no interest in browbeating anyone into adding books to their shelves that they would have no interest in - this is just a friendly exploration of ideas.

How do I read more diversely?

Sign up to newsletters from your favourite bookshops and get all sorts of recommendations sent directly to your email inbox! (And give them real consideration - don't scroll through just because it's a genre you wouldn't usually bother with).
Read reviews, and get excited by them. Yeah, you might take a risk on something you wouldn't usually read and be disappointed. But you could be equally disappointed, if not more so, by that author you always read who writes a dud!
Follow book bloggers who write about their favourite genres. If you want to get into horror, follow a horror fan. If you want to get into romance novels, follow a fan of romance novels. If they are passionate enough about the genre that they spend their time and effort writing about it they might just know what they are talking about.
Follow bookish social media accounts. Mostly for reasons similar to those in the preceding bullet point.
If you have favourite authors on your shelves, do a little research and look at who their favourite authors are in turn. Many writers read diversely in the pursuit of being better writers and improving their craft. Through your favourite writers, you might just get turned on to something you hadn't considered before.
There are other ways, but to finish this bullet point list I will conclude with probably the most important point I can think of - just be a little bit more open. Even if you endeavour to try and read only those books that make you feel comfortable, you'll never get to read them all. You can easily spare some time, money, and effort and take a chance on something different. You may discover a gem you might have otherwise missed.

Well, that's my little rumination on reading diversely done with. I hope you enjoyed it or found something useful therein. If so, you can buy me a coffee on ko-fi - the caffeine keeps me reading and writing! Thank you!

Travelling to Infinity by Jane Hawking - a review and analysis

Disclaimer: should you make a purchase through the links in this blog, I may earn a small commission from the sellers, but that does not impact the cost to the consumer and it does not influence the content of this blog.

In this candid memoir, Jane Hawking, the first wife of Stephen Hawking, tells the story of their marriage. It is a love story. But this love story is a true story, not a fairytale. It includes all the tests and trials of a marriage as well as the beauty and joy.

As Stephen Hawking, the theoretical physicist and cosmologist, and his wife were coming to grips with the fame his work regarding black holes had drawn, they were also navigating the motor-neurone disease that was gradually and progressively paralysing his body. And, in Travelling to Infinity, Jane Hawking writes with honesty about the challenges they faced, navigating the worlds of fame and degenerative illness, all whilst trying to care for and support a growing family.

In the postlude section of the book, Jane Hawking writes that her initial hesitancy to write about her life with Stephen gave way because "my life was public property anyway as a result of Stephen's fame, and it would only be a matter of time before biographers started to investigate the personal story behind his genius and his survival: that would inevitably include me." And the author writes with honesty but with care and respect for her former husband. This is no 'warts and all' biography for the base celebrity gossip crowd; this is a considered and thoughtful book on the love shared in a family, and in a marriage.

As well as exploring family life and marital love, this book is also a consideration of what it takes to live with a degenerative illness, and the strength it takes to be a carer. This is a book that is worth the reading, even if you've no interest in physics or cosmology, because this is a book about neither of those things. This is a book about being human.

You can buy a copy of Travelling to Infinity by Jane Hawking here, from bookshop.org, who support independent bookshops!

Thank you for reading, if you enjoyed this piece, you can buy me a coffee on ko-fi - it fuels the writing and the reading! Thank you again!

Wondering where you can find some rock 'n' roll between the pages?

Nine books that rock!

Disclaimer: if you make a purchase through any of the links in this blog, I may earn a commission from the sellers but that does not effect the cost to the consumer, and it does not influence the content of this blog.

And, now that that's out of the way, shall we begin?

1. This is a Call: The Life and Times of Dave Grohl by Paul Brannigan

"Grohl and his groups dissected with gumption." - Mojo

Purchase this book here and be sure to look out for the new book written by the nicest guy in rock himself!

2. Heavier Than Heaven: The Biography of Kurt Cobain by Charles R. Cross

"A superbly researched and harrowing book . . . The squalor is ghastly but the sheer sadness of Cobain's brief life is conveyed here. Cross has painstakingly accumulated a wealth of telling detail." - Robert Sandall in The Sunday Times

You can purchase this book through the Waterstones link on this blog's home page!

3. Chronicles: Volume One by Bob Dylan

Chosen as a book of the year by so many different people it deserves it's very own post!

You can purchase the book here!

4. Bound for Glory by Woody Guthrie

"Wild as a train whistle in the mountains, a scrumptious picture of fighting, carousing, singing, laughing, migratory America." - The New York Times