The Book Family Rogerson Round-Up : December 2018

Where did December go?!

I spent a lot of my extra time focusing on temporary transcription contract.  I really enjoyed working on this new area alongside my digital marketing projects. I’m still enjoying the Throne of Glass series although I took a break at the end of the month for variety.  I’ve written a review for Ghost Wall, an excellent literary novella and plan to post about our family read, The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, next week.

Al and Little M also read slightly less this month as the excitement of Christmas took over.  I’ve listed all our books below:

Mel

Books Read

• Heir of Fire – Sarah J. Maas 4/5
• Ghost Wall – Sarah Moss 4.25/5
• The Wolves of Willoughby Chase – Joan Aitken 4.25/5
• Queen of Shadows – Sarah J. Maas (partial)

Al

Books Read

• The Wolves of Willougby Chase – Joan Aitken 4.5/5
• A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens 4.5/5

Little M

Books Read

• The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy
• Mog on Fox Night by Judith Kerr
• The Wolves of Willoughby Chase
• Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai

Movies and TV

• Mortal Engines
• Mary Poppins Returns
• The ABC Murders

We made it to the cinema twice in December which is unusual for us.  Mortal Engines was slightly disappointing because despite the big budget, it deviated too far from the book.  I’ve posted my thoughts here.  Mary Poppins Returns was better than expected.  True, the songs aren’t quite as memorable as those in the original, but it had the necessary magic and Emily Blunt was a perfect replacement for Julie Andrews.  Little M gave it the thumbs up.

Al and I also watched the three-part series of The ABC Murders in its entirety which is definitely an endorsement.  We rarely make it that far when it comes to BBC Dramas. Suchet makes a great Poirot but it was so refreshing to see a darker, more mournful Malkovich at play.

Family Days Out

There were lots of social events in December – not so many of the bookish kind though.  A highlight was visiting The Barrister’s Book Chamber, a beautiful vintage bookshop in Retford.  We had a brilliant time browsing the shelves and eating cake in the Library Tearooms. We also popped into McNabs Books, a sweet little bookstore in Barnard Castle – the write-up will be coming soon.

Now, on the cusp of a new year, we’re busy planning 2019.  We’re aiming for lots more literary travels, bookshop visits and of course, reading.  A Happy New Year to you all!

Mel, Al & Little M

xxx