Monthly Roundup – August 2021

August has been a better month. After so many months of hard to suppress negativity it feels good to write that.

We have eaten out twice, both venues making us feel welcome. The first was a delayed celebratory meal for younger son’s 21st birthday at our local pub. A couple of weeks later we celebrated my birthday with a meal at a local town restaurant which was delightfully busy and buzzing – I was served one of the tastiest fish dishes I have ever eaten.

Hockey training has restarted and all three of my children have signed up for the new season. They have also met up with friends for drinks and various more active pursuits. Daughter and younger son both hosted small gatherings of friends – our guest room was occupied for the first time this year. It has been lovely to see and overhear everyone enjoy themselves.

My boys drove to Cardiff to clear younger son’s unused university accommodation after he opted not to pay for a further year of remote learning. Whilst sad that his higher education has been such an expensive let down, with the decision made he can now move forward. He is currently applying for jobs. These do not appear to be as readily available as the media makes out.

Daughter is settling in well at her new hospital job. We are all still adapting to life as a family of five adults living together after so many years of term time absences.

For my fellow teddy bear fans, the month included another update in my occasional series, Edward Explores. There are more planned adventures to come.

I posted reviews for 8 books in August. I was also delighted to host a guest review by fellow Bookmunch contributor (and editor), Valerie O’Riordan. Robyn added her thoughts on a further 4 books.

As is customary in these monthly posts, click on the title below to read the review and on the cover to learn more about the book.

Fiction

 
The Echo Chamber by John Boyne, published by Doubleday
The Angels of L19 by Jonathan Walker, published by Weatherglass Books

 
Dreamtime by Venetia Welby, published by Salt
An Island by Karen Jennings, published by Holland House Books

Translated Fiction

Elena Knows by Claudia Piñeiro (translated by Frances Riddle), published by Charco Press

Non Fiction

 
Goshawk Summer by James Eldred, published by Elliott & Thompson
Beethoven by Laura Tunbridge, published by Penguin

Guest Review

Things Are Against Us by Lucy Ellmann, published by Galley Beggar Press

Poetry

Bent for the Job by Mick Guffan, published by Tangerine Press

Robyn Reviews

 
Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, published by Usborne
Deeplight by Frances Hardinge, published by MacMillan Children’s Books

 
A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark, published by Orbit
Velvet Was the Night by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, published by Jo Fletcher Books

Sourcing the Books

Robyn was impressively restrained in her book buying this month, adding only one hard copy to her TBR pile.

I on the other hand, added many more than I managed to read (I shall use my birthday as an excuse).

As ever I wish to thank all the publishers who send me their books to review – the arrival of a book parcel remains a cheering event in my day.

My thanks also to those who share my words across their social media platforms. Your continuing support is always appreciated.

And to everyone reading this, I wish you and yours good health and as much mental stability as can be mustered in these challenging times. May we strive, at all times, to be kind  xx

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