This is part of the weekly meme over at the Caffeinated Reviewer, where book bloggers can share the books and blogs they have written.
I was AWOL last week, recovering from a big family wedding. my sister and nephew came to lunch. It was wonderful seeing my nephew – formerly a confirmed bachelor – walk up the aisle with someone so well suited – their happiness shone through. I had the privilege of giving one of the readings at the lovely service at Bournemouth Town Hall, followed by an enjoyable reception in Christchurch, where catching up with family was the bonus to celebrating this fabulous couple’s
happiness. The only downside was the car journey there and back which made it a long day. Then last Sunday I finally finished working on Sally’s book – it was a gruelling five-hour session, but we both felt on a high at the end. On Monday, my sister and my other nephew – who’d been best man at the wedding – came over for a meal with us. It was a wonderful treat as I hadn’t had a chance to catch up with Michael for some time and he is excellent company.
On Tuesday, Himself and I relaxed, after doing the main shop and treated ourselves to lunch out. It was another hot, sunny day and we were also able to enjoy sitting in the garden as I played hooky from work. On Thursday, Frankie came to stay – Oscar stayed behind as his dad managed to get tickets for the Everton match this Saturday. So Friday saw us shopping till we dropped, swinging by Hobbycraft for art supplies as Frankie draws and paints and generally catching up. It seems a long time since I’ve seen him.
Last night we attended a performance of Fiddler on the Roof at the Alexandra Theatre in Bognor, braving stormforce winds to do so. It was worth it, especially as Tim was appearing. We thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful performances, haunting music and impressive production standard. Today we are planning to go up to Forbidden Planet in London so Frankie can check out their selection of manga books.
Last week I read:
The Heart of the Circle by Keren Landsman
Throughout human history there have always been sorcerers, once idolised and now exploited for their powers. In Israel, the Sons of Simeon, a group of religious extremists, persecute sorcerers while the government turns a blind eye. After a march for equal rights ends in brutal murder, empath, moodifier and reluctant waiter Reed becomes the next target. While his sorcerous and normie friends seek out his future killers, Reed complicates everything by falling hopelessly in love. As the battle for survival grows ever more personal, can Reed protect himself and his friends as the Sons of Simeon close in around them?
I thoroughly enjoyed this Netgalley arc – it’s always a joy when a book exceeds expectations and this one turned out to be an engrossing read unlike anything else I’ve read this year.
Heroes: Mortals and Monsters, Quests and Adventures – Book 2 of Stephen Fry’s Great Mythology series
Few mere mortals have ever embarked on such bold and heart-stirring adventures, overcome myriad monstrous perils, or outwitted scheming vengeful gods, quite as stylishly and triumphantly as Greek heroes. In this companion to his bestselling Mythos, Stephen Fry brilliantly retells these dramatic, funny, tragic and timeless tales. Join Jason aboard the Argo as he quests for the Golden Fleece. See Atalanta – who was raised by bears – outrun any man before being tricked with golden apples. Witness wily Oedipus solve the riddle of the Sphinx and discover how Bellerophon captures the winged horse Pegasus to help him slay the monster Chimera.
This enjoyable account of the Greek heroes who stepped up to rid the world of some of the monsters is a delight to listen to – every bit as good as Mythos…
Novacene: The Coming Age of Hyperintelligence by James Lovelock
James Lovelock, creator of the Gaia hypothesis and the greatest environmental thinker of our time, has produced an astounding new theory about future of life on Earth. He argues that the anthropocene – the age in which humans acquired planetary-scale technologies – is, after 300 years, coming to an end. A new age – the novacene – has already begun.
This short book covers a lot of ground and gives a heady insight into the vision of one of the greatest thinkers of our age. Review to follow…
My posts last week:
Review of AUDIOBOOK The Dark Lord of Derkholm – Book 1 of the Derkholm series by Diana Wynne Jones
Teaser Tuesday featuring The Heart of the Circle by Keren Landsman
Interesting/outstanding blogs and articles that have caught my attention during the last few weeks, in no particular order:
Favourite Fives – My Favourite Five Agatha Christie mysteries https://iwishilivedinalibrary.blogspot.com/2019/08/friday-fives-my-five-favorite-agatha.html?spref=tw This is an enjoyable meme, but what caught my eye was that some of Katherine’s selection were stories that I hadn’t read – what about you?
…a Writer’s work is never done… thankfully!… https://seumasgallacher.com/2019/08/09/a-writers-work-is-never-done-thankfully/ Successful indie author demonstrates the work ethic that has made helped him self publish a string of gripping Jack Calder thrillers.
Short story review: FIRE IN THE BONE by Ray Nayler https://spaceandsorcery.wordpress.com/2019/08/06/short-story-review-fire-in-the-bone-by-ray-nayler/ There is a link to this story – and since I’ve read it, I haven’t been able to get it out of my head… what a treat.
#AuthorInterview: #SFF #writer #AdrianTchaikovskydiscusses #writing #openinglines, #worldbuilding, and other bits of #writinglife. Thanks @aptshadow! https://jeanleesworld.com/2019/08/08/authorinterview-sff-writer-adriantchaikovsky-discusses-writing-openinglines-worldbuilding-and-other-bits-of-the-writinglife-thanks-aptshadow/ Top-notch interviewer Jean Lee quizzes talented SFF author Adrian Tchaikovsky on all things writing…
Thursday Doors – Goodbye Dublin https://jeanreinhardt.wordpress.com/2019/08/08/thursday-doors-goodbye-dublin/ I just love this quirky series – how does Jean find such a variety of wonderful doors?
Science Fiction in Kindle Unlimited https://books.bookfunnel.com/scifi-in-ku/4tecpf2y60 This is a book funnel promo I’m part of – if you are considering some sci fi goodness this summer, why not check out this selection?
Thank you for visiting, reading, liking and/or commenting on my blog – I hope you have a wonderful week…
Sounds like a wonderful wedding celebration. I hope you have a great week!
Thank you, Yvonne. I hope you, too, have a great week:)
Sounds like you had a wonderful week! I love the sound of Forbidden Planet and hope to go there one day. And Fiddler on the Roof- fun! I saw a theater production of it that the local school put on a few years ago and was so impressed with how well those young people did.
Congrats also to your nephew!
Thank you, Greg. Yes – Forbidden Planet is quite a place! And visiting London is always a buzz.
I was very impressed at the quality of the singing and acting of this production – while it was an amateur group, the performance was to a professional standard.
Hooray to you for such a lovely family time…and hooray for making the list this week! (insert fist pump here)
Fabulous interview – your inclusion was richly deserved!
Aw, shucks, thank you! xxxxxx
Congratulations to your nephew and his bride. The wedding sounds wonderful, Sarah. It must have been a lovely celebration. I love Fiddler on the Roof! I am glad you were able to go. I hope you have a great week. Happy reading!
Thank you, Wendy:). It was a great week – I’m hoping this week to get down to some work! I hope you, too, have a wonderful, book-filled week!
What a great week with family! There’s nothing like a wedding or a birth to make me feel happy about the world. I’m glad your nephew had made such a good match.
I really want to read that Stephen Fry Greek Mythology series. I’ve just finished listening to a selection of Chekhov stories that Fry read and they were wonderful.
I like how you highlighted all these great blog posts and sites. I need to do more of that.
Have a lovely week!
I know what you mean about weddings, Deb:). As I get older, these joyful major life rituals seem to feel more important and significant.
Oh – I highly recommend Stephen Fry’s series – it’s joy to listen to and he wears his learning with a lovely light touch.
As for the tweets – they scroll by so quickly, I like to feature the ones that I think other folks would find interesting. Have a wonderful week sailing with Ahab, Deb!
A wedding is a wonderful excuse to bring family together.
The Heart of the Circle sounds interesting.
Have a great reading week
Congratulations to the happy couple! It sounds like you had a wonderful time with family and also had some good reads. I hope you have a wonderful week.
Tina @ As Told By Tina
I love weddings! My cousin is getting married September 7th and I can’t wait! Have a great week and I hope you can stop by:
https://collettaskitchensink.blogspot.com/2019/08/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-81219.html
Colletta
Wow, sounds like a busy week but the good kind of busy with so many fun activities. Fiddler on the Roof is a show I haven’t seen yet but have always wanted to. Glad to hear you enjoyed it. 🙂
So happy you had such fun last week. The wedding sounds lovely:)
It sounds like a wonderful family wedding. Congratulations to your nephew and his wife. I guess there really is someone out there for everyone. I love Fiddler on the Roof, glad you got to go even with the terrible weather. Have a wonderful week Sarah.
I love Forbidden Planet – and arts and crafts shops – can I come and stay too please!
Seriously, sounds like you had a great week and I hope your next week is as good
Lynn 😀
Thank you, Lynn – you’re very welcome to come along the next time we head for Forbidden Planet:)). It was a wonderful week – I’m now back to work!
Sounds like the wedding was very special. Glad you were able to go. You read some great sounding books this week, Sarah, and as always I want to spend hours going through the links you give us!
Hope you have a great week!
Thank you, Jan:). I hope you, too, have a wonderful week!
What a busy week for the best possible of reasons! The weddings where you just know that they are the perfect people for each other are always the absolute best. Have a great week!
Thank you, Katherine. I hope you, too, have a much better week:)
I’m glad you had such a lovely time at your nephew’s wedding! Lovely picture.
I try my best to avoid hobbycraft… I spend waaay too much money every time I visit there!
Yes… I had no idea felt tip pens could be so expensive!
What a lovely post! I just love weddings, and the photos were grrrreeeat!
We had loads and loads of family pics – it was such a happy occasion!
I’ve been mostly AWOL for a couple weeks with moving and Book Bonanza. I’m trying to catchup now and next week will be a bit more normal.
Welcome back:). Hope the move went smoothly – it’s always a busy, traumatic time.