Callum McLaughlin's Blog, page 38

December Wrap Up

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The books I read in December

I can’t quite believe how quickly this year has gone, but there is at least time for one last monthly wrap up before we head into 2019. Throughout December, I finished 12 books, bringing my final total for 2018 up to 131 (the best of which I talked about here). Here are some thoughts on each of them, with links to my full reviews over on Goodreads.

Ice by Anna Kavan

[ ] I really wanted to love this, but just didn’t click with Kavan’s style at all, sadly. I felt held at such a distance that I could derive no thematic or narrative sense whatsoever. This, in turn, resulted in a complete emotional detachment, and a reading experience that felt like a hard slog with no worthwhile payoff. I’m not adverse to strange fiction, but this lacked any kind of grounding to guide us through, and became hallucinogenic to the point of being impenetrable. Not exactly a great start to the month, but we can’t love ‘em all.

Pages & Co. Book One: Tilly and the Bookwanderers by Anna James

[ ] If the concept of escapism through books has even been important to you, I can’t recommend this highly enough. It follows a young girl as she discovers the joy of ‘bookwandering’; a rare skill that allows devoted readers to travel in and out of the fictional worlds held within their books. Charming, intelligent, heartfelt, and utterly transporting, it works on two separate yet harmonious levels: It’s a fun and awe-inspiring adventure for young readers, but is also packed full of playful literary references for adults that tap into a special kind of nostalgia. Whilst one particular plot twist didn’t wholly work for me, the reading experience itself was one of the most magical I’ve ever had; like a cup of tea and a warm hug in bookish form.

Ghost Wall by Sarah Moss

[ ] Written with eloquence and pin-sharp precision, this is a subtly powerful exploration of sexism, class, xenophobia, and violence. Moss cleverly draws on the past to highlight the hypocrisy of nationalist ideals and rigid gender roles. Intelligent and rousing, it is at once a tense family drama that explores domestic oppression, and a thought-provoking, timeless social commentary.

If Cats Disappeared from the World by Genki Kawamura

[ ] Written in an off-beat, conversational manner, this book follows a terminally ill young man who makes a deal with the devil: for every one thing he agrees to make disappear from the world, he’ll gain an extra day of life. It’s a simple but stylistically effective look at the difference between living and surviving; of reconciliation with the past; and the acceptance of our own mortality. It’s all fairly predictable in terms of plot progression and character development, but the quirky tone and universal themes make it a speedy and surprisingly heartening read.

Winter by Ali Smith

[ ] There’s no denying Smith’s brilliant wordplay, and for those willing to submit themselves to her sense of abandon when it comes to the conventions of plot and narrative structure, there is much to be debated regarding possible deeper meaning. For me, however, I once again felt held at too great a distance, which resulted in a lack of any emotional resonance. I also missed the air of urgency, and the beautiful descriptions of the landscape that had been present in Autumn. Though there are thought-provoking and timely themes bubbling beneath the surface, the unrealistic philosophical dialogue, and magical realism-esque tangents simply proved too jarring.

The World is Full of Foolish Men by Jean de la Fontaine

[ ] A slim collection of classic French fables. The typically playful writing and the nostalgic nature of the tales made this a simple but charming little read.

A Literary Christmas by The British Library

[ ] This is a treasure trove of (mostly) classic Christmas writings, ideal for getting into the festive spirit, and trying out some new authors. As with any anthology, there were some styles I didn’t gel with as much as others, but I thoroughly enjoyed the overall reading experience, with the stand out piece for me being the poignant and evocative Christmas at Sea by Robert Louis Stevenson. The book is beautifully presented, well structured, and I enjoyed the blend of both prose and poetry.

Crooked House by Agatha Christie

[ ] Another great setup, and a group of well-realised characters that I enjoyed getting to grips with. As always, I flew through it, and loved the snappy dialogue. This is, however, one of the few instances with Christie’s work where I successfully predicted the twist. That said, she did still manage to keep me guessing along the way, and it all came together in such a clever, sinister, and satisfying way, that it almost didn’t matter.

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum

[ ] I wouldn’t often be won round by something as overtly sweet as this, but it’s a perfect encapsulation of the magic of Christmastime. Part origin story, and part fairy tale, this utterly enchanting read is both playful and clever in its take on the Santa Claus story, presenting us with explanations for all the big questions, from who he is, to how he manages to deliver all the toys in one night. Written by the creator of The Wizard of Oz, it’s as imaginative and charming as you would expect. As an adult, I was completely enamoured by it; I can only imagine how awe-inspiring and satisfying it would be for younger readers.

The Christmas Truce by Carol Ann Duffy

[ ] A strange and captivating moment in history, captured in a simple yet resonant poem; this details the Christmas of 1914 when soldiers on both sides of WWI put down their weapons, and entered No Man’s Land to meet as equals. As such, it speaks of the timeless notion of coming together at Christmastime.

Tales from the Inner City by Shaun Tan

[ ] I love surrealism when it comes to art, but really struggle with it when it comes to prose, which often makes reading Tan’s books a tale of two halves for me. Conceptually, I thought this was excellent; 25 short stories, each one focussed on a different animal, commenting on the beauty, brutality, and complexity that make up man’s relationship with nature. Each one is accompanied by a stunning double-page illustration. Whilst plot-wise, most did little for me, I always admired what the author was saying thematically, and I could lose myself in the artwork time and time again. Indeed, looking at Tan’s paintings is like stepping inside a dream world; a hypnotically rich and rewarding experience.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling

[ ] I think we’ve all learned the hard way that expanded universe material for Harry Potter can be very hit and miss, hence why I put off consuming some of it for so long. Thankfully, this one was a hit; pleasingly meta, yet tongue-in-cheek enough to sit nicely alongside the main series without sullying anything. The parallels with familiar, real-world fairy tales were also very enjoyable.

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There we have it! My favourite read of the month was Ghost Wall. What was yours?

Top Reads of 2018

It’s that time again! In terms of reading, 2018 has been pretty solid, with many great reads amongst the 129 books I’ve managed to complete thus far. (I may finish another one or two before the year is out, but I’m pretty happy with this list, and so was eager to just share it now.) And since we all like to reflect on the cream of the crop, let’s jump right in.

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I’m going to give an honourable mention to Ghost Wall by Sarah Moss. I should probably just make this list a top 11, because the exact number is arbitrary, but I do like the neatness of a top 10. Written with eloquence and pin-sharp precision, it is a subtly powerful exploration of gender, class, nationalism, and violence, as we follow a small group taking part in an Iron Age re-enactment. By drawing on the past, Moss is able to say much about the present day, showing the cyclical nature of men using physical power as a means of oppression. Tension builds at an unsettlingly good pace, reaching its claustrophobic best in the shocking yet beautifully understated climax. Dark, though tinged with a hope for the future that lies in the notions of youth and sisterhood, I found it thought-provoking and surprisingly impactful. The only reason it didn’t technically make the cut for my top 10 is that I just read it this month, and so it hasn’t had to stand the test of time yet.

A quick shout out as well to The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson, The Gloaming by Kirsty Logan, and Partners in Crime by Agatha Christie; the other reads that were in contention for this list. But enough dallying; on with the actual countdown!

 10. The Corset by Laura Purcell

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This is an intricately plotted and thematically rich gothic chiller that follows the dual narrative of a 16-year-old seamstress accused of murder, and the wealthy young woman who takes to visiting her in prison, determined to prove or disprove her guilt through the use of phrenology. An undercurrent of mystery and threat bubbles throughout this page-turner, which beyond its bleak and immersive core, manages to explore the notions of poverty, trauma, the class system, and female autonomy. Equal parts poignant and horrifying, Purcell maintains the perfect amount of ambiguity regarding its flirtation with the supernatural, leaving the reader satisfied, without losing the sinister tone of the book at large. It was also exactly what I was in the mood for when I picked it up, and there’s a lot to be said for finding the right book at the right time.

9. A Kiss Before Dying by Ira Levin

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This was the first read of the year to give me the elusive book tingles (that prickling feeling of excitement that a book could well become one of your new favourites), and for that, I still think back on it very fondly all these months later. We follow a decidedly menacing chap, whose plans to claim his fiancé’s inheritance are scuppered when she falls pregnant, and risks being disowned by her father. He resolves to get rid of the baby, and his fiancé too if necessary. Clever, masterfully plotted, and just damn thrilling to read, this is perhaps one of the best crime books I’ve encountered, with a deliciously sinister plot, and brilliantly executed twists.

8. The Last Witch by Rona Munro

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I adored reading this play, and I subsequently saw an excellent adaptation on the stage. It’s a powerful and atmospheric dramatization of the story of Janet Horne, the last woman to be executed for witchcraft in Scotland, in 1727. Janet as a heroine is fascinating, complex, and skilfully constructed; the atmosphere both tense and melancholy. As we delve into why Janet seems so hesitant to either confirm or deny the accusations against her, the story becomes a rousing look at the struggle for power between the sexes; othering; and the inherent hypocrisy of misogyny. I also loved its nuanced look at sisterhood, the power of language, and the magic of nature.

7. Mary’s Monster by Lita Judge

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This book completely defies categorisation. It is, essentially, a novelised graphic memoir written in verse. It presents itself as though it’s the diary of Mary Shelley, exploring the events in her life that led to the creation of her magnum opus, Frankenstein. The poetic prose is beautiful; the first-person perspective intimate and engrossing; the accompanying black-and-white artwork both haunting and transporting. It’s a fascinating, original, engaging, and enlightening insight into an iconic work of literature. Above all else, however, it is a stunning love letter to the genius of Mary Shelley, and how she channelled great suffering into great art.

6. A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay

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It isn’t easy to pen a horror novel that is as unsettling as it is achingly sad, but that is exactly what Tremblay has done here. Plot-wise, we follow a family who fear their eldest daughter’s increasingly strange behaviour may be caused by some kind of demonic possession. When the church gets involved, and money gets tight, they agree to let cameras into their home to document the attempts to exorcise her. On the one hand, the book is a very meta, critical analysis of the horror genre at large, with many clever homages to the classics, but it also has much to say about the demonization of mental health; religious pushback against the advances of science and medicine; and the moral depravity of a society obsessed with exploitation as a means of entertainment. It’s well worth checking out if you want to be disturbed and have your heart broken at the same time.

5. Dracula by Bram Stoker

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This is one of those classics that is so iconic I thought I knew it before I’d even picked it up. I got so much more from it than I anticipated, however, in terms of both reading enjoyment and literary merit. Its epistolary structure lends an air of realism that enhances the unsettling atmosphere, and as a lover of all things gothic-horror, I thoroughly enjoyed delving into the origin of many aspects we now consider conventions of the genre. From a thematic point of view, it was a rich treasure trove to pick apart: the primal fear of bodily and sexual corruption; gender dynamics; mistrust of the unknown; and fascinating queer coding being just a few of my favourite themes to mull over. It might not be perfect by modern standards with regards to pacing and climax, but I both appreciated and enjoyed the time I spent with this book.

4. Little Boy Lost by Marghanita Laski

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I found this book instantly absorbing, and utterly compelling throughout. An overlooked classic that focusses on the instinctual draw of paternal love, it follows one man’s attempts to track down his missing infant son, post-war. The emotional complexity of the hero is fantastic, as is the pacing, which sees the narrative unfold with real elegance and poignancy. The central themes of loss and healing are cleverly reflected in several aspects of the story; the backdrop of war-torn France attempting to reclaim its identity following decimation and liberation highly effective as a setting. Beautifully realised, I took its characters to heart, and they remain there to this day, despite having read it early in the year.

3. The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham

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This was a gripping read with strikingly vivid world-building. As an early post-apocalyptic novel, it was also interesting and fun to read from the perspective of seeing where so many modern entries in the genre have subsequently drawn from. Beyond the enthralling tale of survival it presents at face value, there is also a surprising amount of depth and social commentary going on; with conflict between survivors, gender dynamics, and ensuing moral dilemmas proving more troublesome than the deadly, sentient plants that have devastated the population. The prose itself is very readable, with flashes of evocative beauty, and I loved its exploration of the illusion that humans have tamed nature and assumed ultimate power; making this, in many ways, a cautionary tale more relevant now than ever before.

2. Everything Under by Daisy Johnson

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There is so much narrative and thematic depth to this book, which made it a read for which my admiration only grew the more time I took to reflect on it. A tinge of almost ethereal otherworldliness is befitting of the classic myths and fairy tales it so strongly feeds from, but it still maintains a bold, original identity all of its own, thanks to its intricate plot, and its complex, fascinating characters. Its tragically inevitable outcome, and its sense of pathos and quiet magic may not work for everyone, but I was swept up by its lush prose, clever structure, and its nuanced look at identity and gender fluidity; fate vs free will; the power of language; storytelling as a means of preserving memory; acceptance of the truth; and whether or not children have a duty to their parents.

1. The Lightkeepers by Abby Geni

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In The Lightkeepers, we follow a nature photographer who secures a residency on a small cluster of remote, untouched islands, where the only other inhabitants are a group of scientists studying the indigenous animal species. Geni’s prose is utterly breathtaking, and she captures the raw beauty, daunting power, and savage menace of the natural world like no other writer I’ve ever encountered. When violence disrupts the group dynamic, the story becomes a fantastic meditation on the nature of storytelling as a means of coping with trauma. There are excellent parallels between Miranda’s work as a photographer and the ‘framing’ of a story to distort reality; between the cycle of the seasons and the process of grief; and a core of mystery with pleasing homages to Christie’s And Then There Were None. Rich, intricate, and expertly handled, I was utterly enthralled; by its narrative, its construction, and by its deceptive complexity. The Lightkeepers serves as a powerful and somehow timeless reminder that we too are just animals, doing what we have to do to get by – however ugly it may be.

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There we have it! Here’s to lots of great reads for us all in 2019. Have you read any of these? What were your favourite reads of the year?

Book to Film | Revolting Rhymes

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Revolting Rhymes’ book cover (left), and film poster (right).

The animated adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved fairy tale/poetry collection originally aired as a two-part special in 2016 during the festive period. I loved watching it then, and loved it just as much upon revisiting it now.

The TV film takes five of the six stories/poems from Dahl’s book, which were themselves twisted retellings of classic fairy tales, and weaves them together to tell one coherent, if delightfully quirky, narrative. Dahl’s original text is woven seamlessly into the narration, which does well to preserve his distinct style of storytelling, drawing on his playful sense of wordplay, rhythm, and rhyme to propel the story forward with characteristically dark humour, and surprising twists and turns.

Quentin Blake’s illustrations are synonymous with Dahl’s work. As such, it could easily have proven tricky to pair his words with a noticeably different art style. I thought the animation was wonderful, however; slick, vibrant, and brilliantly stylised; distinct enough from Blake’s work to stand on its own merits, but not a radical enough departure so as to feel alien to those who already loved the book. The film’s nomination for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film proves I’m far from alone in that line of thought.

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An example of the animation style. Fairy tales featured in the story include Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, and The Three Little Pigs.

The cast features many recognisable voices, sure to be familiar to UK viewers in particular. This includes the likes of Dominic West, David Walliams, Rose Leslie, Gemma Chan, Bertie Carvel, Rob Brydon, and Tamsin Greig. Their fun and enigmatic performances are bolstered by a suitably fanciful soundtrack that never overwhelms.

The notion of balancing the light of the festive season with somewhat macabre storytelling stretches back generations, right to the days when people would gather to share ghostly tales by the fireside. This keeps the sentiment of that tradition very much alive, with rejuvenated wit, energy, and a pleasing dose of girl power.

The Wizard of Oz | Theatre Review

Show: The Wizard of Oz

Venue: Pitlochry Festival Theatre

Date: 19th December 2018

Director: Gemma Fairlie

Writer: L. Frank Baum, adapted by John Kane

Music & lyrics: Harold Arlen & E. Y. Harburg

Musical director: Dougie Flower

Principal cast: Rachel Flynn (Dorothy), Daniel Bailey (Scarecrow), Will Knights (Tin Man), Marc Akinfolarin (Cowardly Lion), & Camille Marmié (Wicked Witch of the West)

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The Wizard of Oz

Based on the classic film adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s iconic tale, and originally adapted for the RSC, this stage version of The Wizard of Oz was every bit as magical as I could have hoped. Despite not being specifically Christmassy, the inherent magic and charm of the show was more than appropriate for the festive season. You only had to look around the theatre, and take in the vast age range present, to see how universal and timeless the story’s appeal really is.

Enigmatic performances from all the main cast, and slick backing from the ensemble meant there wasn’t a note missed or a toe out of line. The presence of a 10-piece live band was also very welcome. The soundtrack itself seamlessly weaved together original background material and all the big, familiar, crowd-pleasing numbers from the MGM film that you would expect.

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The principal cast; picture courtesy of Pitlochry Festival Theatre.

The attention to detail in the costumes and set design was excellent, really enhancing the immersive and enchanting nature of the show. The use of colour contrast between the real world (drab and neutral) and Oz (rich and vibrant) was particularly effective. Similarly, the superb choreography, clever puppetry, and dazzling aerial displays really elevated the visual impact of the production.

Indeed, I know a couple of people who have also seen it at some point during its month-long run, and I’ve read a few professional reviews: all share the sentiment that the production would not feel out of place on Broadway or the West End, such is the quality across all departments. Having now seen it myself, I quite agree. To pull such a feat off at local theatre level is testament to the hard work of all involved.

Most Anticipated Releases 2019

I’ve seen a few of my bookish chums posting about their most anticipated releases of 2019, and I couldn’t resist joining in. This is by no means a comprehensive list of exciting reads due to come out next year; just a few that are high up on my list of interest so far.

Keep in mind that precise release dates may differ depending on country and edition, but for the sake of ease, I’ve listed them chronologically in terms of their UK release, and have linked to them all on Goodreads, in case you want to know more.

The Twisted Tree by Rachel Burge – published 10th January by Hot Key Books

This is being pitched as ‘part ghost story, part Nordic thriller’, and sounds as though it may draw on fairy tale and mythology; which is all right up my street. It focusses on a girl who can absorb someone’s emotions and memories simply by touching their clothes, with things taking a twisted turn as she seeks to uncover the meaning behind this strange ability.

The Last by Hanna Jameson – published 31st January by Viking

Part locked-room murder mystery, and part dystopian, this follows 20 survivors of a nuclear war who are holed up together in a hotel. When a body is found, they realise one of them must be the killer. It’s pretty ambitious to combine two such distinct genres, but if Jameson pulls it off, this could be a thrilling read.

The Glass Woman by Caroline Lea – published 7th February by Michael Joseph

This is historical fiction set in Iceland (my favourite place on Earth). It’s also giving me some major Rebecca vibes, with the suggestion that our heroine feels haunted by the spectre of her husband’s first wife, which I’m totally here for. Set during the witch trials of the 17th century, ‘in a land governed by religion and fear’, I’m hoping this could be a dark, atmospheric, and transporting read.

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The Twisted Tree, The Last, & The Glass Woman

The Dreamers by Karen Thompson Walker – published 7th February by Scribner

The strange and intriguing concept of this one hooked me right away: a college town is swept by a strange new illness that sees victims fall into a deep sleep they cannot be woken from. But once unconscious, their brains show unusually high levels of activity. It sounds as though it’s going to be a quiet dystopian, low sci-fi, speculative novel with a focus on female characters; and if all of that is true, I can’t wait to dive in.

Inspection by Josh Malerman – published 23rd April by Del Rey.

In ‘a world of secrets and horror’, this ‘tantalizing thriller’ sees boys and girls trained in separate schools ‘for geniuses’, unaware of each other’s existence. I adore Bird Box, a novel by the same author, and it sounds as though this one could have a lot of creeping intrigue and gender commentary. Sign me up!

The Missing Years by Lexie Eliot – published 23rd April by Berkley

Described as ‘claustrophobic’, this is set in ‘an eerie, old Scottish manor in the middle of nowhere’. Frankly, I don’t need to know anything else, because if that’s not my brand I don’t know what is. Props to Rachel for instantly knowing that this would appeal to me, and for promptly bringing it to my attention.

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The Dreamers, Inspection, & The Missing Years

Things We Say in the Dark by Kirsty Logan – published Halloween 2019 by Harvill Secker

There’s no cover art or concrete release date for this one yet, but how could I not mention a collection of sinister, feminist horror stories? I’m already a big fan of Logan’s work, which often has good queer rep, and draws from folk and fairy tales. These particular stories are said to be ‘dark and visceral’, exploring ‘female experience, domestic claustrophobia, desire, family ties, and male aggression’. Consider me HYPED.

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There we have it! What are some of your most anticipated releases of 2019?

Let’s Recommend | Festive Reads

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Let’s recommend some festive reads

Tis the season for some festive book recommendations! As always, I encourage you to share your own recommendations in return, but without further ado, here are some books that are guaranteed to get you into the festive spirit in the run-up to the big day.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Most of us are familiar with the concept of Dickens’ classic tale, which sees miserable Scrooge learning the error of his ways with the help of the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. And whilst there are many well-known screen adaptations, I didn’t actually get round to picking up the original text until this time last year. Having not read any of his work for years, I was pleasantly surprised by how readable and evocative Dickens’ prose was, which made this a timeless and very worthwhile read.

The Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffmann

The ballet adaptation of The Nutcracker has become a staple of the festive season, but being another story that I finally read in its original form last year, I can heartily recommend it to those in search of something rich in festive charm and whimsy. Celebrating the magic of childhood imagination and dreams come true, it’s easy to understand why its appeal has endured for all these years.

Christmas Days by Jeanette Winterson

Christmas Days is a collection of twelve short stories interspersed with festive anecdotes and recipes that Winterson has accumulated over the years. Some of the stories have a fantastical, fairy tale edge, but they never lack real-world resonance. A varied mix, you can expect everything from quiet offerings about falling in love or dealing with grief, to spooky tales of ghosts and revenge, and even the nativity story from the perspective of the donkey that carried Mary. Winterson’s prose is very approachable, with moments of real beauty, and this certainly fuelled a desire to check out more of her work.

Another Night Before Christmas by Carol Ann Duffy

Duffy is the UK’s current Poet Laureate, and each year she releases a festive poem that has been illustrated by a different artist. I hope to build up a collection of these charming little hardbacks, and started with this delightful retelling of the similarly named classic. This version has a modern twist, and follows a young girl trying to find out once-and-for-all if Santa really exists. It’s a lovely, swift read, perfect for an afternoon by the fire with a cup of tea and a mince pie! As a fan of Rob Ryan’s paper cut-outs, I also loved the accompanying artwork in this particular edition.

The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher

A children’s novel fit for readers of any age, The Christmasaurus gave me all the warm, festive fuzzies. A bit bonkers, but full of heart, it’s a thrilling adventure with lovely messages about friendship, family, and believing in the seemingly impossible. It also has some good disability representation, with the protagonist being a wheelchair user. Fun and heartening, it taps into the inherent magic and nostalgia of the season, making us all feel like big kids again.

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There we have it! What festive reads would you recommend?

My Good Reading Habits Tag

In contrast to the Bad Reading Habits Tag that has been floating around a lot recently, Ally decided to start up the Good Reading Habits Tag. We bookworms can be pretty hard on ourselves, constantly striving to read more, read faster, and read better, so I think it’s lovely that Ally is encouraging us all to take stock of what we think we do well when it comes to reading. She was also kind enough to tag me, so without further ado, let’s just get started.

Writing reviews quickly

One of my biggest bookish pet peeves is when you see a Goodreads review posted months or even years ago that simply says, ‘review to come’. To avoid being a hypocrite and ending up doing this myself, I don’t even mark a book as ‘finished’ until I have a review written and ready to go up. By proxy, this means I almost always write a review the same day I finish a book, if not the next day. In terms of staying on top of my reading, and not forgetting what I want to say about a particular read, I’m pretty happy with this habit.

Reading diversely

This is obviously entirely subjective, and something we can all constantly strive to improve, but I do think I read pretty diversely. By this, I mean both in terms of content (genre, representation, translated work, and suchlike), and form (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, short stories, graphic novels, etc.). As a reader, I think it’s good to push beyond your comfort zone, and to take on new perspectives, so I’m glad that reading broadly has become natural to me, rather than something I have to force myself to do.

Mood Reading

I love the idea of a physical TBR, and sometimes I do have a rough idea of books I’d like to get to sooner rather than later, but I’ve learned that I’m very much a mood reader by nature, and forcing myself to pick something up is never a good idea. I used to get stressed thinking that some books sit on my shelves for ages, whilst others are read as soon as I buy them, but as long as they’re all books I know I’ll get to eventually, I’ve since determined to simply read what I want, when I want.

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There we have it; a few of my good reading habits. Since this is an original tag just started up by Ally, it would be great to see lots of people getting involved, so if you’d like to talk us through some of your own good reading habits, consider yourself tagged!

Bookish Christmas Gift Guide 2018

Perhaps the most ironic thing about a bookworm is how difficult it is to actually buy them books. There is, after all, the inherent fear that they’ll already own any you opt to gift them. That’s part of why I enjoy putting together these bookish gift guides, hopefully giving you some ideas for the festive season (whether you’re giving gifts to others, or simply treating yourself).

I would still heartily recommend everything I talked about in the previous two years’ guides, which you can find here and here. But without further ado, here is my 2018 bookish gift guide.

BOOKISH MUGS

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My own bookish mug of choice

A cup of tea serves as the ideal companion to a good book, don’t you think?

With that said, any mug could make a nice gift for a bookworm, but one with a particular bookish slant would be even more appropriate. As an example, I have one with a pleasingly snarky nod to Harry Potter (and The Handmaid’s Tale, technically). I also really like the lovely range of mugs available from Penguin and Virago that are styled to look like old-school book covers from back in the day. This means you could get someone a mug to match their favourite classic, which would give it a more personal touch.

Examples of these, and lots of other fun bookish mugs, can be found at The Literary Gift Company.

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Penguin and Virago mugs

TOTE BAGS

How else are we supposed to carry all those books home from the bookshop? Tote bags in general come in handy for book lovers, but again, if you opt for one with a bookish design, it’ll hopefully go down even better. You can find all sorts out there, but here are a few I think will appeal to most bookworms, available at Etsy, Not on the High Street (including personalisation), and Redbubble respectively.

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Bookish tote bags

KINDLE COVERS

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My kindle cover. Cute, huh?

Not all readers reach for physical books; there are those that prefer the convenience and minimalism offered up by a Kindle. But those who favour e-readers shouldn’t have to miss out on all the pretty bookish swag; that would just be sad! So, why not treat them to a new cover for their device?

Unlike buying them a book, which risks them ending up with duplicate copies, I think it’s a pretty safe bet, as even if they already have a cover, it can’t hurt to give them the option of switching it up from time to time.

Again, there are all sorts of different designs available to suit individual tastes, but I’ve included a picture of my own cover as an example. (I don’t use my Kindle very often, but yes, I do own one.)

HOUSE CREST BOOKMARKS

Most readers need bookmarks, and most readers are also fans of Harry Potter. So, what better than a bookmark that bears the crest of their own Hogwarts House? These officially licensed bookmarks should be widely available, but they’re decent quality and come in a box, which makes them look a little more gifty.

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My Hufflepuff bookmark

If, of course, you know a bookworm who isn’t all that keen on HP, standard bookmarks should still go down a treat, and there will no doubt be tie-in designs for virtually every major book or franchise. Here are a few from my own rather extensive collection.

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You can never have too many bookmarks, right?

BOOKISH NOTEBOOKS

It’s not a universal truth, but most bookish people tend to love a bit of stationery. As such, notebooks are often well received. But I’m sure you’ve noticed the theme by now: if you want to go one better, you could hunt out one with a specific book-themed design. This could feature anything from a mock-up of a Hogwarts textbook, to a portrait of a beloved character, to a recreation of a vintage book cover. Here are some examples I’m particularly fond of, available from Literary Emporium, Cultural Bindings, and Holly Dunn Design, respectively.

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Bookish notebooks

STOCKING STUFFER BOOKS

If you can’t resist treating someone to an actual book, but you aren’t sure what to get them, a little stocking stuffer could be the perfect compromise. Small, inexpensive, and the kind of read many of us are less likely to pick up for ourselves, here are a few suggestions:

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Stocking stuffer books

The Gifts of Reading by Robert Macfarlane. This simple but resonant anecdotal essay is about the joy of books both given and received, and the power they have to inspire and transform lives. It’s a message most bookworms should feel some affinity with.

The Christmas Truce by Carol Ann Duffy. Each year, the UK Poet Laureate writes a festive themed poem, which is published as a lovely little hardback, complete with illustrations. Last year, I read and thoroughly enjoyed Another Night Before Christmas, with The Christmas Truce on my TBR for this year. Centred around the extraordinary real-life ceasefire that took place on Christmas Day in 1914, it would make an especially timely gift this year, given that it’s the centenary of the end of WWI.

The Robber Bridegroom by The Brothers Grimm. This is essentially a placeholder for Penguin’s Little Black Classics range in general, which give you bitesize samples of classic authors’ work. There’s something about the timeless magic and dark whimsy of fairy tales that makes them feel particularly appropriate for this time of year, hence picking Grimm, but with short stories, poetry, essays, novellas, and other forms all featured within the collection, there should be something to suit every reader’s taste.

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There we have it! I hope you picked up an idea or two, and I wish you all a lovely festive season, however you may be spending it.

November Wrap Up

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The books I read in November

Hello, book chums; it’s time for another wrap up. Throughout November I finished 11 books, taking my total for the year up to 119. Here are some thoughts on each of them, with links to my full reviews over on Goodreads in case you’d like to know more.

Only Ever Yours by Louise O’Neill

[ ] This dystopian novel is all the more unsettling for how plausible and familiar its concept feels. Teenage girls are trained in schools to reach peak physical ‘perfection’, before being assigned rigid roles within society, based on how well they conform to the desired standards. O’Neill handles the world building with aplomb, showing rather than telling. Though I felt its pacing wasn’t perfect, its intersectional look at gender roles, flawed heroine, and bold story made for a very memorable read that I can easily see as a future staple of feminist lit.

The Distance Between Me and the Cherry Tree by Paola Peretti

[ ] A simple but charmingly bittersweet story about a young girl coming to terms with the fact that she is losing her sight. The narrative voice is believably youthful and naïve, and the representation of disability is both honest and sensitive; enhanced, no doubt, by the fact that the author has the same condition as the heroine. It didn’t delve as deep emotionally as I wanted, but it has a nice message about self-acceptance and the importance of friendship, with the translation from Italian smooth and effective.

Sleep No More by P.D. James

[ ] The six murderous tales in this collection are surprisingly subtle in delivery, focussing on the how or why more than the whodunnit. With most written from the perspective of the criminal, and a general tone of cool detachment, they do well to expose the surprising normalcy of our capacity for cruelty, and our thirst for revenge. Harking back to the golden era of crime, the stories are well structured, delivering satisfying twists; but the kind more likely to elicit wry smiles than dropped jaws.

Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

[ ] I went into this pretty much blind, other than knowing it’s considered something of a modern classic within the fantasy genre. I found the story surprisingly domestic, and not as exciting or adventurous as I would have liked. However, I thought the world itself was vivid and enticing, and I loved its many playful references to fairy tales and classic works of fiction.

On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan

[ ] A quiet yet powerful book, McEwan manages to say so much with so little. Focussing on a pair of young newlyweds, and their ill-informed attempt to consummate their marriage, it explores the surprisingly poignant themes of miscommunication, crippling societal pressures, class differences, and asexuality. McEwan is also successful in capturing a very specific moment in time, reflecting the mood of a society in flux between the formality of the past, and the social and sexual freedoms we now consider the norm.

Survivor by Harry Borden

[ ] Photographer Harry Borden spent five years travelling the world, photographing survivors of the Holocaust in their own homes. Each sitter was also asked to write a brief message to accompany their portrait. Learning their names, seeing their faces, and reading their words is a simple but powerful way to make their unparalleled suffering feel somehow more relatable. It stops them from becoming mere statistics, and preserves their individual humanity for future generations to learn from.

Margaret the First by Danielle Dutton

[ ] I concede, with hindsight, that I probably read this at the wrong time, as I wasn’t in the mood for something as flowery in prose as this quickly proved to be. Undeniably beautiful at times, however, I liked that it introduced a new generation to a woman who boldly went against the grain. But that said, I thought its use of perspective (shifting from first to third, and attempting to weave in extracts from the work of the real Margaret Cavendish) was jarring, and served to remind the reader how much Dutton was extrapolating. Having finished the book, I wanted to feel like I had a much better understanding of the woman she really was, but sadly I didn’t.

The Gifts of Reading by Robert Macfarlane

[ ] A simple but resonant anecdotal essay about the joy of books both given and received, and the power they have to inspire, transform, and perhaps even sustain lives.

By the Pricking of My Thumbs by Agatha Christie

[ ] I can recognise that this isn’t one of Christie’s best, with a couple of tropes that haven’t aged all that well, but it was still a thoroughly enjoyable read. I like that she went dark with the subject matter, and I was impressed once again by her unwavering ability to bring seemingly disparate plot threads together to deliver a satisfying twist.

The Last Children of Tokyo by Yoko Tawada

[ ] Strange, understated, and somewhat thin in plot, this quiet dystopian won’t be for everyone, but I was drawn in by its singular charm, and its intelligent delivery of some prescient home truths. Tawada has a unique narrative voice, using direct language combined with unusual imagery to create a tone of pathos, tinged with hope. Timely themes soon emerge, including the rise of nationalism; the concept of gender fluidity; the use of language to incite fear of the Other; and how the pursuit of self-gain is dooming the planet – and those who must inhabit it after us.

Starfish by Akemi Dawn Bowman

[ ] Starfish is about a biracial 17-year-old girl, and her desperate ambition to get into art school so that she can leave behind her emotionally abusive mother, and overcome the crippling social anxiety she has lived with since she was sexually assaulted as a child. Life with anxiety is captured excellently, and the themes of internalised racism, self-acceptance, and recovery through art are all brilliant. For me, however, the romantic subplot fell back on too many clichés, and the supporting characters could have been better developed. Still, this is a book with many merits that I highly recommend. It’s the kind of read that will hit home for a lot of readers.

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There we have it. My favourite reads of the month were probably On Chesil Beach and Only Ever Yours. What were your favourites?

Book Blogger Memory Challenge

I saw this challenge over on Rachel’s blog, and couldn’t resist giving it a go. The rules are simple: You must answer the questions without looking anything up on the internet, and without looking at your bookshelves! Let’s get started.

1. Name a book written by an author called Michael.

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo. I haven’t actually read this one yet, but I do own a very nice edition. I’m seeing the stage adaptation next year, and so I’ll hopefully pick it up before I go, so it’s fresh in my mind.

2. Name a book with a dragon on the cover.

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Proof of dragon.

I was worried about this one for a second, because I don’t pick up a lot of fantasy, and Harry Potter felt like an easy way out, but then I remembered Franklin’s Flying Bookshop by Jen Campbell, with illustrations by Katie Harnett. This is a children’s picture book about a friendship between a young girl and a dragon, both of whom love to read.

3. Name a book about a character called George.

George by Alex Gino – it’s right there in the title! This is about a young trans girl, who is determined to both embrace and prove her true gender identity by landing the title role in her school’s production of Charlotte’s Web.

4. Name a book written by an author with the surname Smith.

Autumn by Ali Smith. This is the first instalment in Smith’s ongoing Seasonal Quartet. It’s the only book by her that I’ve read so far, but I’m hoping to pick up Winter next month, given that it’s set at Christmastime.

5. Name a book set in Australia.

The Bus on Thursday by Shirley Barrett. This one came to mind because I only very recently added it to my TBR, and I’m very excited about it. It seems to be something of a strange horror/comedy hybrid? Well, the tagline describes it as ‘Bridget Jones meets the Exorcist’ – and perhaps that will prove to be the mashup the world didn’t know it needed until now.

6. Name a book with the name of a month in the title.

The Mars Room? That really is pathetic, but I’m having such a mind blank, and Mars is French for March, so…

7. Name a book with a knife on the cover.

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Proof of knife.

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness, which is book one in the Chaos Walking Trilogy. It’s set in a world populated only by men, where everyone can hear everyone else’s thoughts in a constant, hectic mass known as Noise. When our hero stumbles upon an area of complete silence for the first time, he learns truths that upend his whole life.

8. Name a book with the word ‘one’ in the title.

I’m going to be very literal with this one and say… well, One by Sarah Crossan. This is a YA book, written in verse, about conjoined twins. It follows them as they come to terms with the reality that they may have to face life-threatening separation surgery.

9. Name a book with an eponymous title.

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. I know I mention this in tags/challenges all the time, but I adore it, and it’s genuinely the first book that came to mind for this prompt – aside from Harry Potter, obviously. I also think Rebecca is pretty interesting in comparison to other eponymous characters, when you consider how greatly her power and influence hang over the narrative, without her ever actually appearing in the book.

10. Name a book turned into a movie.

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Proof of movie; which you should check out if you like very weird, very dark, visually gorgeous stuff; especially when it’s led by excellent women.

Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer. Firstly, I think both the book and the film are hugely interesting and thought-provoking, and it’s a shame they don’t seem to be spoken about more often. Secondly, it’s one of the rare examples where I actually enjoyed the film more than the book, but both have really stayed with me.

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There we have it! I was going to pretend to gloat about coming up with an answer for every prompt, but then I remembered that I said The Mars Room, so never mind.

I wasn’t specifically tagged for this, so I’ll leave it open to anyone who’d like to give it a go. Let me know if you do so I can check out your answers!