Thank goodness it's over: July

What. A. Month. I'm not going to lie chaps, it's been crazy and I'm ever so glad it's over. I'm not terribly good at dealing with change and this month I started a new job and moved 200 miles up country, to the capital city no less. It has been a month of biggies. 

In all the excitement I have neglected the blog somewhat. Much to my distress. But I'm back, more enthusiastic than ever (watch out) and ready to get back into a routine of reading and writing. I may have neglected you guys (a slap on the wrist is thoroughly deserved) but I have not neglected my books. Oh no, my books and I are getting along swimmingly. I suddenly have more time than ever to read. That obviously goes hand in hand with the fact that I have no life as yet in London. So to fight off the loneliness I have been immersing myself in my ambition to read ALL THE BOOKS. I may not have managed to read ALL THE BOOKS this month but I think I've made a recognisable and commendable effort. Particularly considering I finished the stonker that is AK. An achievement? I think so.

42. Running Like a Girl by Alexandra Heminsley
43. The Colour of Milk by Nell Leyshon
44. War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
45. The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald
46. Strange Meeting by Susan Hill
47. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (Classics Club and Translation Challenge double whammy)
48. The Pre-War House by Alison Moore


My total for the year so far is up to 48. I have no idea if that's a good or bad year because I've never kept track before but I think it's a healthy number. I am pleased.

This month I set myself the challenge of reading more non-fiction. I have read 1.5 non-fiction books so far although, in typical Lit Nerd fashion, neither of them are on my list of to-reads for the challenge. Both are memoirs, one about running and the other about books (The Yellow Lighted Bookshop by Lewis Buzbee). Obviously not hard to see where my loyalties lie. I do think that both of these reads have set me on the path to non-fiction enlightenment. Here's to another few thoroughly enjoyable non-fiction fuelled months.

I'm excited for August. In terms of life things (getting more settled in London) and reading things. I'm joining in on Adam's Austen in August event for which I'll be reading Sense and Sensibility. I do think summer is the best time for a bit of Austen lovin'. There is also Bout of Books 8.0 coming up at the end of the month which I am definitely going to sign up for after the awesome time I had earlier this year.

This month I have been to see War Horse (you'll be pleased to know I held my emotions together. Just), a play about the suffragettes called Oxygen, and stumbled into a comedy club to find Jack Whitehall was headlining. I've found a local independent bookshop I will be making my home. I have adjusted to a long distance relationship. I have missed my friends and family. I have tried new restaurants and attempted some home cooking. I have visited the South Bank Book Market more times than is healthy. I have attempted to train for the half marathon in this heat. I have failed in that attempt. I have trialled one gym and joined another. I have started to get used to my own company again. I have turned 23. I have surprised people. And myself. I have explored my area. I have been scared of my area. I have been reading and I have been writing. August: let's be having you.

Sunset from my balcony

Yes, I live with a chef

Sunny days on the South Bank

Moving day

My bookshelf on moving day...now considerably more populated

I hope everyone has had a fantastic July!

twitter | facebook | pinterest | instagram