Josh Blackham > Recent Status Updates

Hmm. Not taken.

Who the fuck is this Freddy bloke?

We don’t like Gloria.

I don’t know where this book is going but I’m here for the journey. I don’t trust Tom.

Not entirely taken by the Innes/Lexie narrative, though Innes is very well written. The Elina /Tom stuff is interesting enough, too. A slow burner but I’m not in a rush so 🤷‍♂️

Yeah, I’m gripped. A completely different writing style to the other O’Farrell texts I’ve read but similar to Hamnet in the narrator’s emotional distancing. An unusual structure - rewinding for example - but I’m intrigued!

Eurgh. Please have some form of happy ending. May Rasheed have his head caved in or something.

Another note at this point. A rough week for a number of reasons - this text is unsettling to such a degree that if it continues I’ll likely just pop it down for a couple of weeks. I’m being an overly emotional individual this week and I’m unusually moved by this text. Reminds me of when I was reading McCarthy’s ‘The Road’.

From bad to worse.

Eurgh. This pretty rough going.

Sheesh - a tough one. Unsure what to make of Rasheed. There are elements of his character that seem genuinely charming or forgiving- yet he is rooted in cultural expectations and religious pressures. Tough to imagine both Rasheed and Mariam as anything other than victims of circumstance. I do not predict a happy ending. Loving the language being shared - really helps to embed a sense of authenticity.

A rough start but exactly what I’d expected. Not one to read before a 5 period day. Good development of character so far and setting of cultural barriers. I have a feeling that conflict is at the core of Mariam’s journey - I’m invested!

I must be the only English student never to have read 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘒𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘙𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘳. Picked this up a few months back in Sue Ryder (5 for £1 - do you hear me complaining?)

Heard a lot about Hosseini’s vivid writing style in the past so it’s about time I explored his writing.

I predict a strong 5* - let’s see.

337/~460 - unsure why the # pages is different on here. Action is coming to a close and I’ve no idea how it’s going to wrap up. Full of cold so will binge read this weekend. All planning for Monday done - I’m treating myself this weekend. Payday next week so a new book is on the horizon - any suggestions?

Still aiming for 30 minutes per day but currently one page ahead of Y11 in reading R&J again. Combine that with reading ACC with 3 different Y10 groups.

Left my book at home this morning so had to use DuoLingo on the bus instead. Sad.

Quick read this morning before heading to Filey (for 15 degree weather and a slice of sunlight).

Spoiler ahead:
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
It’s all going to pot and I worry for Isabel’s sanity.

oooOOooOoOooooHh

A proper Saturday morning reading session. 2 brews, 80-odd pages and a the cat hasn’t moved an inch since 9am. Blissful.

I hope Tom finds the peace he needs.


Lovely descriptors and very vivid in its portrayal of Janus.

A glorious opening few chapters and I’m fully invested. FYI - I’m doing a thing where I don’t read the blurbs on recommended or gifted texts - I’m living on the edge. Thanks to Ellie for this one 🥰

Getting back into the routine of reading for pleasure whilst working full time. 10 minutes here and there is better than nothing 🤷‍♂️