Hello everyone! I’m back for a very brief round-up because April turned out to be very different from expected. I ended up starting a freelance digital marketing contract with the brilliant Buxton International Festival at short notice which has pretty much taken over my life. It’s also changed my reading intentions. We have 56 authors appearing so I’ve switched my focus to catching up on their titles before July. If you live nearby definitely consider coming along – I’d love to see you!
We’ve all been adjusting to the new routine so I’m very behind on the blog, but I’m going to try to stick to at least 4 posts a month and also read everyone else’s updates too. In the meantime, here’s our rundown for April:
Mel
Books Read
- The Wall by John Lanchester (4/5)
- Ships of Heaven by Christopher Somerville (4.25/5)
- All Among the Barley by Melissa Harrison (4.5/5)
- Station Zero by Philip Reeve (4/5)
Al
Books Read
- Hunger by Michael Grant (4/5)
- Lies by Michael Grant (3.5/5)
Little M
Books Read
- The Worst Witch All at Sea by Jill Murphy (4.25/5)
- The Fairytale Hairdresser and Aladdin by Abie Longstaff and Lauren Beard (4/5)
- The Last Wolf by Mini Grey (4.25/5)
- The Magic Hour by Ian Beck (4.5/5)
Movies and TV
- Game of Thrones Season 5-8
We’ve basically been living in Westeros for 2 months now. I’m going to miss the TV series, but am really looking forwards to reading the books which I’ve deliberately avoided while the show has been running. Season Eight thoughts? We’re reserving judgement until it truly ends – I’m hopeful for a few more shockers yet.
Family Days Out
We visited Sedbergh book town for our big Easter day out – a place that all book lovers need to add to their travel lists. Watch this space for a write-up soon. Aside from this, we did a fair few local hikes to get in training for our summer hols which will involve a bit of hill climbing.
May is all about Hay. Al and I are going to see Robert Macfarlane talk about Underland (my main read this month) at the festival and we have several events booked with Little M. Really hope we’ll see some of you there!
Mel, Al & Little M
xxx
Glad April’s been productive and an exciting time for you all! I’m interested to see where they take Game of Thrones in the final two episodes (any predictions?). I’ve heard really positive things about the books from friends who’ve read it, though the length’s always deterred me.
Author
I agree about the length! I’m planning to start reading the books in August and will probs finish in December! As for predictions, we’re thinking that Sansa & Arya are still plotting together, Jaime will kill Cersei & that the Hound will overcome his fear of fire to save Arya from the Mountain but will ultimately perish. Have zero idea who will land the Iron Throne :/ How about you?
I agree with all yours — I’m thinking that the Iron Throne might be destroyed. So much of Daenerys’s character arc focused on her abolishing oppression in her quest to unite all kingdoms and bring about peace, that I think it’d be a fitting end for a new way of ruling the people/kingdoms to emerge.
But they’ve recently been foreshadowing that she’s going mad (a strange twist, this late in the game—the characterization’s felt off to me since the show passed the books), and I can see a downbeat ending, in which history repeats itself.
Author
Did you happen to see the script beforehand?! What an episode! We didn’t dislike it as much as the majority, but the escalation was too rapid. I would’ve preferred an extra 1-2 episodes to build the story & motivation. Still reckon that Jaime was planning to bump Cersei off but then changed his mind when all was lost.
Yes, you’re exactly right! The story itself was solid and made sense, but the escalation and pacing were so rapid. They crammed so many plot points into the final season and then abbreviated it. Looking forward to the finale!
Sounds like exciting time for you Mel.
Author
Everything has happened at once but I’m not complaining! My only regret is that I don’t have more time to see everyone else’s posts but I hope to be able to catch up in August.
Sounds like you are pretty busy! Good news about the marketing contract though!
Author
I am really enjoying it! It’s fascinating to be part of a festival. I hope you’re well 🙂
I’m so impressed your little daughter has read so many books! Wow! Impressive list. Nancy 🌙
Author
She loves stories Nancy! Some we read to her, some she reads herself. I hope you’re well 🙂
What a wonderful round up and some great books thi month. I too was a late adopter to GOT and watched series 1-7 last year. I too will miss it, there isn’t really anything like it xx
Author
What did you think of this week’s episode? I half-wish that this season could’ve been a little longer to smooth out some of the character arcs, but overall it’s been a fantastic ride!
Oh congrats on that contract! That sounds like such a fun, if demanding, gig.
Author
It’s loads of fun thanks Dee! V.exciting and also all consuming – I have no idea how people manage to keep their blog going when they have a FT job!