Here’s what I was reading in July.
Being out sick for two weeks of the month gave me loads of
extra time to read, so here’s a sample of what I’ve been digesting.
The ‘New’ Novel
JK Rowling ‘Casual
Vacancy’
I finally got around to reading JK Rowling’s first novel
since the Harry Potter series at the beginning of this month. I was a massive
Harry Potter nerd as I grew up (I still am), so I was worried that Rowling
would try too hard with this book to break away from Harry Potter. And in a
way, I guess she did. The book is distinctly ADULT. Sex, Drugs, and bad
language aren’t typically related to Rowling, but they work. I was captivated
by the small English village life that was so thrilling in ITV’s Broadchurch
last year. Overall, Casual Vacancy is
a pleasant surprise, and Rowling’s post-Potter writing provides a real insight
into the class divisions we still face in society today.
The Classic
Virginia Woolfe ‘To
The Lighthouse’
Woolfe’s classic tale based on her own childhood holiday has
been on my ‘must-read’ list for a while now, but when better to finally get around
to reading it then when I was embarking on my own family holiday? To The Lighthouse is actually a very
sweet story of family, relationships, and dreams. I loved her narrative style,
allowing readers inside the characters minds, but my favourite section was Part
II as she described the passage of time. I found it haunting and mesmerising. And
it is obvious why Woolfe is one of the most renowned writers of the past
century.
The History Book
Martin Meredith ‘The
State of Africa’
I’ve been reading more history books since I completed my
History degree than I did while doing it (Which doesn’t seem quite right...) African
history, for whatever reason, isn’t something you’re taught in school, but the
book provides a basic grounding on the most recent African history since
Independence. It’s the background to the stories that we’ve seen on the news
for years; Civil Wars, Genocide, the Aids Epidemic. It’s a massive book, but
every nation has its story to tell and this book tells it well.
The Guilty Pleasure
Ross O’Carroll-Kelly
I’ve read three Ross O’Carroll-Kelly books this month, in
fact I read the three of them in under a week... I have
a real weakness for the South Dublin chronicles. Having lived in South Dublin
for the past four years the reality and accuracy of Paul Howard’s portrayal of
Ross’ life makes the fiction all the more enjoyable. I’ve met and know too many
people that fit the D4 stereotype. The Miseducation
Years, This Champagne Mojito is the Last Thing I Own, and The Oh My God Delusion chart the peak
and crash of the Celtic Tiger in Ireland, and to be honest, Ross O’Carroll-Kelly
will definitely be making my August Book Read list too...
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