July 2015 Reading Round-Up
Posted 3rd August 2015
Category: Round-Ups Genres: N/A
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The slump – that lasted well over a month – is gone. And I am so glad (I think I’ve got that from a film…) Anyway, I read a few books in July, mostly near the end, and there was this wonderful day, the 23rd to be exact, on which I finished two. I may have had a grand total of 80 pages to finish between them but the way I’ve been lately it was something to celebrate. So celebrate I did by starting another book. I’m thankful for the events I attended this month because it was attending them that got me back into reading, gave me the inspiration and motivation to read and write again. I’m going to read lots whilst I’m in the mood and not worry about the fact that reading lots at once can lead to more slumps – I need books in my life now.
The Books
Non-Fiction
Stephen Hawking: A Brief History Of Time – Hawking talks about the theories behind what we know and think we know about the universe, including particles, time travel and relativity. This is a really great book, detailed but accessible, and Hawking is very much for including the possibility of God, showing how science and faith can combine, so it’s a good choice for those who don’t want to sacrifice religion for science.
Fiction
Angela Thirkell: The Brandons – Lavinia, victim of adoration, just wants a bit of peace, and nobody is interested in the inheritance Aunt Sissie has to give. It’s difficult to summarise this book as the plot isn’t at all important – it’s a hilarious character-driven novel from the last year of the thirties full of barmy characters, and is just a lot of fun to read.
Anna Hope: Wake – In the first few years after the First World War, three women struggle, though they don’t always realise it, with the realities of life as it now is. This book is really superb and the fourth thread in it, that of the (fictionalised) story of the Unknown Soldier’s homecoming is very moving; if this book is ever adapted for film I will be very happy.
Sarah Govett: The Territory – In a world where water has consumed most of the land, children in Britain take exams to see who will stay and who will be sent to the water-filled disease-ridden Wetlands. A good premise and fair tale but isn’t so strong when it comes to world-building and eliciting emotion.
I think it’s going to have to be Wake, my favourite this month. A Brief History Of Time and The Brandons were just pipped to the post on that one – I finished Hope’s book in the last few days.
Quotation Report
Aunt Sissie of The Brandons suggests staying in bed as a way to live longer, whilst Delia would likely not suggest anything due to her morbid fascination with death and disease. Being in the car with someone on their way to hospital for appendicitis is so brilliant after all, darling.
August, here we go.
What was your favourite read this month?
August 3, 2015, 4:33 pm
I am glad your slump is in the past, Charlie! Wake does sound good–and I love the cover.
August 3, 2015, 9:17 pm
I wish I could finish A Brief History of Time. I was asked to leave the O’ Level Physics class at school, so there’s a huge gap in my education. Everyone else in my family is a scientist, so they laugh.
Goodreads tells me that my favourite book in July was Eloise James’ ‘When Beauty Tames the Beast’.
August 6, 2015, 10:54 am
Glad you’re enjoying your reading again. I’ve not read a Thirkell, which is a big gap, I feel, as so many bloggers really appreciate her books (I think ‘barmy’ captures the attraction for me too!). I’ve now got a copy of Pomfret Towers to end this drought.
August 16, 2015, 2:49 pm
Hooray for slumps ending! I can’t think what I read in July now, and it was only a few weeks ago.
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August 3, 2015, 11:18 am
I am so pleased to see you got your reading mojo back. Long may it last! I had such a good month of reading. I couldn’t possibly pick just one favourite! Happy reading in August :-)