Reading in 2018

There are many places that I like to read. Right now, in winter, there's nowhere better than curled up in bed with a massive cup of tea on a Sunday morning, or under a blanket in a corner of the sofa, under a lamp with a candle burning. In 2018, I read books on pebbled beaches in Dorset, on sun loungers under the blazing sun in Thailand, on many a train and plane, in the garden on the sunnier days, on bits of wall along the Thames Path, and, more often than not, in the comfort of home.

I think I was a bit slow to get through a few of my reads in the last year, as I only seem to have managed about 9 books (and a couple of travel guides in between). Of course the pile of Murder Mysteries remains the biggest, but I did make a point of trying to branch out a little this year, and have allowed popular opinion to lead me in a different direction on a few occasions.

This year's travel companion was another Daisy Dalrymple by Carola Dunn; The Winter Garden Mystery. I thoroughly enjoy escaping into Daisy's world, and it was even more satisfying than usual to be reading a book with a wintry setting as I lounged around in temperatures reaching 40 and above in Thailand. Poolside, beaches, and the many plane journeys provided ample opportunities to indulge in my reading, and as ever I loved the glamour of life in 1920s England.

The City of Lost Dreams is the sequel to The City of Dark Magic by Magnus Flyte, which I read and loved in 2017. I couldn't wait to get my hands on the second, and when I ordered it online I had to get myself a copy of the first book, too (yes, I'm one of those terrible book hoarders, because obviously I'll re-read them at some point...) The City of Lost Dreams did not disappoint, and was just as crazy as the first with many a dramatic twist and unexpected turn. This time set in Vienna, I was definitely left wanting to visit.

Not yet torn away from murder, mystery, and intrigue, my third book of the year was a recommendation from a friend who knows all about my penchant; The Mitford Murders by Jessica Fellowes (niece of Julian Fellowes). Like with the two before, I loved the setting, and as with The Winter Garden Mystery, the time period was perfect for escapism. Slightly twee at times, this was an easy read with likeable characters and it definitely hit a fairly dramatic climax towards the end.

A big fan of Dawn O'Porter's Instagram stories, her newest book The Cows was brought to my attention via the powers of Social Media, and I was drawn in. Glad I was because this was definitely one of my favourite reads of the year, and not murder mystery! The story is told from the perspective of three women whose lives intertwine in interesting ways. Books this year taught me that I'll most enjoy reading about likeable or relatable characters, and the women in this book tested this at times. Yet somehow I definitely found myself very invested in them, and plot twists had just the right amount of shock and awe. More Dawn O'Porter on the list for 2019, I think!

Submarine, I discovered after reading, was actually written by a fellow UEA student, Joe Dunthorne. This fact in itself makes me like it a little bit more, but it was probably the first book of the year that I almost put down. Personally I just found the protagonist really unrelatable, and slightly irritating. There was something of the nostalgic about Submarine (although I'm not entirely sure whether it was nostalgia of the right kind; awkward teenage encounters may be better left in the box of forgotten memories). Apparently a sucker for a good setting, I really liked the sound of the Welsh coast. This was a book that came out on lots of walks and daytrips with me, so I at least read it in lots of nice places.

Matt Haig was another recommendation from several people, and I opted for How to Stop Time because, I'm ashamed to admit (although I've definitely admitted it before) that I love a good front cover. Another character who I didn't feel was particularly relatable, I also found that this book was far too slow and soppy for my liking. Turns out I'm not a fan of romance, or wistful memoirs. I did make it to the end, though, and thought it ended well, which is something?

Another close contender for favourite book of the year, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman was, I thought, absolutely fantastic. Eleanor was relatable (possibly slightly worrying), and definitely incredibly lovable. This book was full of reality (sometimes harsh), and the narrative made for really easy reading while there was still an air of intrigue which kept me on my toes and wanting to come back for more. I was really disappointed to discover that this was Gail Honeyman's debut, as I'm very keen to read more from her!

Having thoroughly enjoyed my first Morse last year, I found the second in the series (decided I'd been away from murder for far too long); Last Seen Wearing. I really like the way Colin Dexter writes, and love Morse as a character. Thankfully either I haven't seen enough of the TV series, or it was long enough ago, that I don't ever remember whodunnit, and find myself trying to unpick the puzzle with Morse along the way. I'll happily add another to my collection in 2019 (like I can resist a golden spine…)

My final book of the year was another recommendation. This time, it was JK Rowling's pseudonym, Robert Galbraith. I went for the first in the Cormoran Strike series, The Cuckoo's Calling. Initially, I wasn't sure what I thought of Strike but him and his assistant Robin definitely warmed on me as I read on. It was a long read, and there was maybe a little too much dialogue for me, but I was kept intrigued throughout, and got particularly into the story as it came to its climax.

I've begun 2019 with another murder mystery that takes place at sea. Two weeks into the year, and I'm already half way through this one, and adding to my seemingly never-ending reading list. I look forward to finding more new material, as well as returning to the comfort of some old favourites, as always.

Anna Laurini - Faces

Tonight marked my final university session of the year. I've just got a deadline to meet in May then I'm done until dissertation looms next year and I'm actually incredibly sad that my Masters is flying by so fast! After a speedy (and successful yet terrifying) tutorial (apparently I'm about to fill a gap in the literature...), I made my way to Percy Street in pursuit of Anna Laurini's Faces exhibition.

Recognisable first and foremost for the line drawn (or rather painted) faces popping up all over the streets of London, those on display in the gallery had more colour and depth to them and I loved the way they had been curated. Having set up where a clothes shop stood before, there were pouffes and elegant chairs remaining and the positioning of these actually added quite nicely to the pieces.

No art critic by any means (as I expressed to the artist herself, music is my art, I'm no good at the other stuff), I just think Anna's work is incredibly stylistic and was particularly beautiful with the added detail so I wanted to share some of what I saw. Another postcard from me to you.

Lurking...

One of my favourites. I really loved the book pages collaged to form the background.

Want to admire with your own eyes as opposed to through the lens of my phone? The exhibition is on until this Sunday the 13th at 3 Percy Street, Fitzrovia and it's definitely worth a peruse!

I read some books

In 2015, I made a resolution to read more. Since university and academic literature overload, reading for pleasure is something that definitely took a back seat for me. Not just because I didn't have the time but also because a break of 4 years meant that I wasn't even sure at 22 what I enjoyed and wanted to read. Speaking to friends who read lots firstly provided me with a list of recommendations but also with inspiration for myself and how to choose books to read. So the year of reading began. I've only managed about 8 or 9 books, some of which are incredibly thin (and one which remains unfinished), but nevertheless by my standards, I'd say that's a great start!

I've made my way through nostalgia, amusement, surreality, beauty, peace, mind-bends, murder, childhood and kitchen life. It's been a wonderful journey so I wanted to share!

The year began with a sort of Christmas present (we found it in a charity shop on a foray into town one morning in the holidays) from my Papa - Tales from Moominvalley by Tove Jansson. In 2012 there was a documentary about Tove Jansson that we watched as a family and it completely renewed our love of Moomins and their wonderful world. Soon after the documentary, I sought out The Summer Book to read which I absolutely adored. It's a magical tale of a small girl and her grandmother who spend the summer together on a tiny island in Finland and it completely drew me into Tove Jansson's writing which is just all so beautiful! Unlike The Summer Book, Tales from Moominvalley is of course written for young readers but the language and the subjects (and the sweet little illustrations) are still so captivating! I wasn't expecting short stories in the book but that's what I got and actually, in the end I decided they were a good way to ease me in as it was easy enough to put down and get straight back into again. Adults and children alike, everyone should read some Moomintroll stories. I know I'll be returning to more and I'd love to share them with my class!

There was then an incredibly long pause while I tried for the second time to get back into Margaret Atwood's The Blind Assassin but try as I might, I still haven't managed to get through it all. It's a shame because The Handmaid's Tale is one of the only school texts I ever enjoyed and I really enjoyed it which is why I wanted to read some more by the same author. For one reason or another though, this one's just not for me and I think one problem was that, unlike a book full of short stories, it wasn't easy to get back into if I left it for a while. I still want to read some of her others though and I'm sure I must be able to find one I like.

So then before I knew it, the summer had rolled around and in a fit of I don't know what, I found myself in Foyle's making a rather extravagant purchase of several books. With a bag full, I wasn't really sure where to begin but I soon found myself lost in Jane Austen and a Penguin Little Black Classic containing short stories of drunks, poisoners, prison-breaks and taxi fare-dodgers written when she was a teenager to amuse her family. Jane Austen is another whose books I've never managed to read in their entirety. An enormous fan of the film adaptations from a young age, I've since tried them all but have never finished one. So again to read short stories was a lovely way to ease me in and I found myself giggling endlessly at her witty writing style. I think a 2016 mission has definitely got to be to give a novel another go.

From one Little Black Classic to another (one huge perk of their size is the ability to slot them into almost any handbag - I do wonder when I see people on the tube with books larger than bricks). This time, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was going to read a whole book (be it an incredibly thin one) that wasn't broken into short stories. At this point I believed my reading abilities had progressed enough to commit myself to something a little more taxing so I turned my attention to Mary Kingsley's account of her explorations in Africa, A Hippo Banquet. Admittedly, it was peppered with old fashioned words that had me completely stumped but other than that, reading about the adventures of a Victorian female explorer was pretty special.

My Foyle's splurge had resulted in two new books by Tove Jansson so having finished another tiny book, I decided it was time to move on to something heftier. Travelling Light was another selection of short stories (which actually I wasn't expecting this time so was a little disappointed) and of course they were written again with such beauty and delicacy and I was transported through places and lives all too quickly. It all felt very grown up to be reading something by Tove Jansson actually meant for adults this time and although I had another I could have delved straight into, I decided, like a good side dish, to save it for later so it wouldn't all be over too soon (and actually partly because the front cover felt more wintry that summery. Don't judge me for my strangeness).

Having therefore run out of new purchases, it was time to return to the bookshop. At 80p each, Penguin's Little Black Classics are not only handbag friendly (I'm starting to sound like a sales rep), they're totally guilt free too because they are so cheap! So I found myself with another, this time by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. Three short stories of mystery and disturbance, I was certainly intrigued.

Another gift from Papa (he's a man who loves to read) came next. It was a Daisy Dalrymple Mystery by Carola Dunn, Murder on the Flying Scotsman and it was my first venture into crime novels. I think in the end, this became my favourite read of the year because it was the one that I genuinely got really excited about going to bed to read or sitting in bed a little longer in the mornings at the weekend to read with my breakfast and Earl Grey. I'm not sure what made this book stand out above the rest but I have always loved a good murder mystery on TV and this was nothing short of those. Daisy Dalrymple was a fun character and there was nothing too scary for inducing nightmares of an evening yet the mystery did leave me in constant suspense. I liked that as the reader I could actually use clues to figure out 'whodunnit' and that it was perhaps the perfect balance between gripping and easy reading. Needless to say, I know what I'll now be receiving for every birthday and Christmas for the foreseeable future because it turns out there are a lot of Daisy Dalrymple Mysteries. It's also made me want to read an Agatha Christie so that's another added to the list for 2016.

A charity shop purchase of my own while at home, I found Allan Ahlberg's first book for adults, The Bucket. In my own childhood, Peepo and Each, Peach, Pear, Plum were two of my absolute favourite books not to mention the mischievous Burglar Bill and of course Funny Bones. I figure that anyone capable of writing truly high quality children's literature must be an interesting read for an adult too, so I had to have this book and it sure did not disappoint. From a teaching perspective it actually ended up being really fascinating too as tales of school were regaled but it was also really interesting with my own links to Birmingham and my love of the Black Country Museum when we visited a few years ago to hear how it was in the past. Interspersed with poems and excerpts from his children's stories, it was a really lovely read.

So finally, the book I finished just this week (hence why this post has waited until now. It's not that it's out-dated) was One Pair of Hands by Monica Dickens. I can't actually remember when or why I bought it but it was another charity shop find and it was a long time ago. The great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens, Monica Dickens was by no means hard up but she decided to venture into the world of work and became a cook general in various households over the course of a year. Again this was a book that I did start reading when I first bought it (whenever that was) but never finished so it was a pleasure to be able to get more into it this time. It still took me a while but by no means because of content but definitely this time due to the presence again of academic reading as I embark on my Masters.

I will vow however, to not let academia take over this time. Reading for pleasure has turned out to be very good for me, particularly good for my sleep and as previously mentioned, I've really enjoyed my journey through so many stories whether real or of the imagination. It may not be a resolution again this year, but 2016 is definitely going to be another year of books, books and more books.

This Summer

Try as I might to deny it (I've officially gone into hibernation mode and have barely moved for two days), the summer holiday is coming to an end and reality is looming. 

It's an odd feeling, the end of a 6 week break. I really wish it wasn't so long to be honest because I actually like, nay, love my job but when you're away from routine for so long, even returning to a job you love seems ominous. Right now, I'd rather not anyway.

I've been quiet a while, I know. And it wasn't because I wasn't doing lots to write about but I went home for a few days which was then followed by a constant stream of friends staying and visiting and I could hardly retire for an hour or so to write when I was required instead to entertain. I enjoyed it too! I made that sound like a chore which it wasn't at all. It was nice to finally socialise after what has generally been a pretty solitary summer.

This summer's been a strange one. In one sense it's been exactly what I expected it to be. In another, it hasn't. I think the hasn't part is simply because there's been so little sunshine. And I'm not just being a drama queen; even Monty Don agrees that this summer has been incredibly cold and dim (his tomatoes just haven't done well this year). While we may have had a reasonable amount of sunshine, we have been lacking in sunny days. I can't highlight a day when it's been sunny from morning 'til night. 

So I have done what I set out to do which was to 'make the most of being in London'. But I think I was hoping to have better weather for it. And I do feel ungrateful really because the weather's at least been good enough to go out almost every day, but I am a self-confessed sun worshipper. It makes me happy. 

Despite a lack of sunshine, this year I have still made plenty of delightful discoveries and have definitely become more closely acquainted with the city in which I live. I've managed not to spend an excessive amount of money, I've read three books (and am now onto my fourth), I've taken lots of beautiful photos and collected many a memory and story to tell. Maybe I've been a little antisocial and maybe my tan's not as on point as it is most years, but I hope I've still made the most of my time.

Having not written now in over 2 weeks, I'm absolutely not going to try to squash the latter third of my holiday into one elongated post (although yes, it's likely that this is going to be a little longer than the last few). Instead, I shall share the highlights and a few words about each.

Firstly, as promised, the Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings. An evening full of beautiful company, beautiful food & beautiful cocktails in a seriously beautiful setting! This is literally what I want my dining area in my own home way in the future to look like; all the glass, greenery & pretty furniture!

That's a Scandinavian school opposite. I'm pretty sure it's private, and it's in Central London so it's not really at all appealing, but I must admit I was intrigued.

The following day I headed to Camden. I decided to walk from Kings Cross along the canal to make the most of the weather as it had rained the day before and was meant to rain later on as well. In Camden I got a feather in my hair, bought rings & drank tea. Pure bliss.

Even on a grey day, I love to be by water. Reflections always look beautiful, no matter what the sky is doing and actually, even raindrops falling into water is (are?) one of my favourite things.

Eastbourne Airbourne was a brilliant day out. The sun tried its hardest to shine for displays from some of my absolute favourite planes, we had a picnic (from a proper hamper), ate ice cream and fully immersed ourselves in the eccentricities of air shows.

I was going to take video footage of the Chinook to show my children as I really got them into these beauties this year... then had that ever so slightly depressing moment when you remember you have a new class in September. 

So glad I got to see the Vulcan in her last flight season.

The Blades are an acrobatic team of serious skill. Apparently they take passengers... watch this space!

There is a plane up there somewhere? One of my favourite things about home is getting to see Typhoons flying over all the time. But let's face it, they are definitely their most impressive in show.

Red Arrows never fail to put on a good show! Back in 2003 I sat in the cockpit of a Red Arrow at the Eastbourne air show and seriously swooned. Not much has changed.

I think we suffered from heat or sun stroke (or both) as on Sunday we felt incredibly peculiar and after movement in the morning, surrendered ourselves to duvets on the sofa for the rest of the day. Then, the next day I headed home for some Norfolk respite. I did try to do some writing on my train journey but, my goodness, is it rickety. It was not a success and thus, I haven't got back to it until now. Whoops.

After an afternoon relaxing in the garden and a seriously tasty dinner, Dad suddenly called us upstairs. Sunsets from my bedroom window take some beating.

'Lynn Lumiere' is actually getting pretty impressive. I've seen the light shows on the Customs House many a time, but those on the 'Minster' as it is now known, or St Margaret's to the commoners amongst us, were particularly 'wow'! We were joined on our walking tour of them by a tipsy Irishman visiting the town. Only in Lynn.

After two days of rain, the sun really did shine and we headed to the beach to make the most of it. Four Typhoons continuously flying overhead and dogs running amok provided plenty to entertain. We did brave the sea for a moment but it was even to cold for me to go in beyond my ankles! Another picnic straight from a hamper followed by Norfolk Lavender for lavender tea and scones made for a very satisfied me.

Nothing beats the garden at home.

Back to London and visits from friends began! Having had such a wonderful time discovering some magical places, these visits provided great opportunities to share some of my favourites. The first port of call was Holland Park, seeing as the sun was actually shining!

Unlike last time when there was some James Bond-esque filming going on, this time the rose garden was open and boy is it pretty both in terms of sight and smell!

I've only seen photos of this pub before but now I actually know where it is! 

We didn't go in but one day I will.

Sunshine (and serious heat) continued the next day. So we obviously had to brunch outside! The Grain Store was the location of choice with its tasty food, colourful drinks and a very sweet outdoor seating area.

Having been desperate for sunny days, we were then desperate to find some shade so headed to Camley Street Natural Park, a find from last summer. Spot the terrapins!

On Sunday morning, the clouds made their return and so did our umbrellas. We began the day with the 11 o'clock service at Westminster Abbey then continued on to Kensington for lunch before a Prom performance by the Boston Symphony Orchestra (and the most entertaining conductor) at the Royal Albert Hall.

More rain. So a day of being touristy was restricted to being indoors. At £9 each, we really nursed our mocktails (seriously, £9 for no alcohol!?) at Aqua Shard, taking in the view for a couple of hours in the dry before it was totally enveloped by rain clouds.

And so the theme continues. One thing I will say is that I've become much better at finding rainy day activities and ways to brighten my mood when the weather's bringing me down. I was taken to Camden Garden Centre which I loved. I was also incredibly well behaved and didn't make any plant purchases, although I did invest in a new pot for my beloved cactus and some secateurs for proper pruning purposes.

We were only planning to stay for tea in the adorable café but the lunch menu just looked so good!

Ok as I come to each of these days I can see why I'm slightly depressed at this end of the holiday. Another way to beat the rainy day blues? Visit a National Trust property. Tucked away in Hackney, Sutton House is the oldest house to be found in the borough. Quite sad really, when not even the whole house survives. But it's a sweet place and had some nice art in a gallery upstairs too!

After Sutton House we went to find somewhere for tea and came across the Pacific Social Club. I will now not be satisfied unless my fresh mint tea comes with a cocktail umbrella and plastic bamboo stirrer (but also a teaspoon, just in case).

From the perfect fresh mint tea to a big box of Krispy Kremes (I've never had twelve before. Incredibly exciting!) Food and drink are always a good cheer up!

As the weather decided to take a slightly more positive turn (still no sun, but at least the rains came to a halt), I decided to get out and about like the beginning of the holiday and tick off a few more places on my summer To Do list. First stop, Ebury Square Gardens in Victoria where I spied some truly unusual and beautiful architecture.

Next stop, The Phoenix Garden. A peaceful haven literally just behind Shaftesbury Avenue. 

Impromptu visit to Covent Garden to see the 100 000 balloons installed there by French artist Charles Pétillon. I thought I was being wise by visiting on a Friday as opposed to at the weekend but we only discovered after the event that lights inside them 'pulse' so I guess I'd better go back in the dark.

Garden stop 3. Postman's Park by St Paul's. This photo sort of shows The Watts Memorial, commemorating the lives of normal people who lost their own trying to save others. I was also slightly intrigued by what can only be described as the pile of headstones laying beside it.

Although I'd hoped to return home again for the bank holiday weekend, various obstacles made such a visit unlikely so instead I managed to persuade Ma and Pa to visit me! They were under the impression that train tickets were hundreds of pounds, but with my thetrainline app, I was there to save the day.

The sun finally had his hat on again and as they came into Kings Cross, that's where we began our day. After Barbican, Kings Cross is fast becoming my second favourite part of London and that was before I'd even discovered what we found. Thank goodness my parents are just as curious as me!

A great day for a dip in the natural swimming pond! We didn't, we just admired it at a safe distance from the Viewing Platform.

There's a Skip Garden! Who knew? New favourite London garden?

Next, I took them to Camley Street and yet again, they opened my eyes to another dimension. On many occasions I have walked along the temporary towpath and admired a seating area on the other side of the canal. Well, this photo is taken from that very seating area because it turns out that if you go down the stairs, they take you here, not to what I've always thought was a storage shed!

From Kings Cross we took the towpath to Camden for lunch where Mum and Dad finally got themselves Oysters (all the excitement) which they then used to get to Hampstead. I showed them the Hill Garden & Pergola but not before we'd gone down various alleyways and interestingly named streets and ended up having drinks at Burgh House Museum. I love my parents!

Today (and yesterday, although it wasn't actually raining then, just grim), I have sheltered from the rain on the sofa with a candle and a cup of tea. Cosy reading days are surely really meant for the Christmas holiday but nevertheless I've enjoyed all of the books that I've read this summer, even if I haven't read them in my bikini on a sun-lounger. It's not over yet, but today felt like the right time to finally catch up on the events of the past couple of weeks. We'll see how much I can squeeze out of the last few days.