I haven't really been reading that much for the last few weeks. Doing plenty of thinking about books, and blogging about books but not that much actual reading. I did finish The Goldminer's Sister by Alison Stuart which I loved (my review is here) and then I started reading Something to Talk About by Rachael Johns. This book is a follow up to Talk of the Town which was originally published in 2017. I didn't read it until early this year because I knew this book was coming out. This book has been sitting on my bedside table for a couple of months but now that I have started it I have slipped straight back into the town of Walsh.
I'm watching....
We finished watching The Casketeers so now we are looking for a new series to watch. We watched a couple of episodes of Unsolved Mysteries on Friday night but I am not sure if we will continue with that or not.
We did also watch The Old Guard which is a new Netflix movie starring Charlize Theron. The movie is based on a graphic novel by Greg Rucka. who was also involve in the production of the movie. It's actually a pretty good movie, if you can live with a bit of blood and lots of shoot outs. My husband has been comparing it to The Highlander. And the story is tailor made for a sequel!
Life....
As I mentioned in my post on Thursday, we have gone back into lockdown as of last week and we will be in it for at least 6 weeks. The numbers of people being confirmed as positive for COVID-19 continue to rise. Our numbers are nowhere near as high as those in other countries but they are the highest numbers we have had since the beginning. One interesting thing is that, for the first time, it has been recommended that we wear masks when we are in situations where we cannot effectively socially distance, so far example on public transport, or in a cab.
Whilst it was almost inevitable that we would go back into lockdown once the numbers started rising, I still feel a little despondent I guess. Or maybe the word is tired. I am tired of watching the news and seeing so few positive stories. I am tired of the media skewing everything to their own agenda. Why tell a story about the good side of people when you can concentrate on the worst of people, both of which are on show at this time. I think our state premier has done a pretty good job in unprecedented circumstances, and yet there are people who constantly criticise what he has or has not done, and yet they don't really offer up sensible alternatives. What I know is that I would not want to be in his shoes. I cannot imagine how much pressure he is under, how many issues he is dealing with on a daily basis. There are now people who are calling for his resignation, but I can't think how changing leaders right now can possibly be the best thing for the people in this state.
Anyway....
Top Ten Tuesday: Authors I Have Read the Most Books By
Paris in July: Everyone loves Paris
Alphabet 2020: M is for Melbourne
Review: The Goldminer's Sister by Alison Stuart
Weekend Cooking: Cassoulet
Paris in July: French bookstores
I've linked this post to It's Monday, what are you reading? as hosted by Book Date
I've linked this post to It's Monday, what are you reading? as hosted by Book Date
Wow!You've got a few blogs. Hope I got the right one. I know exactly what you mean by 'thinking about books instead of reading' I've been collecting ones on my TBR. I'm going to try to go back to physical books this week and take out my notebook as I'm reading, that helps a lot to get through ones that are difficult.
ReplyDeleteThere's really only one active one Trin! Luckily you found the right one!
DeleteIt does make one tired reading the depressing news. I have to step away from it once on awhile and read novels that let me do armchair traveling. Our country is going into the toilet with Trump and I hope it can be salvaged soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info on The Old Guard. We like Charlize Theron but we don't have a cable feed so, no Netflix for us. Our library is pretty good about getting movies once they are released on DVD.
I do look at what is happening in the US and wonder how it came to that Tina!
DeleteThe Rachael Johns book looks good. I'll have to check that one out. We're still in lockdown too as our numbers keep rising. I hope you have a good week and stay safe.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a good week too Yvonne!
DeleteThe Old Guard looks kind of interesting. I think I liked the last movie I saw Charlize Theron in. And your virtual movie nights sound fun. :)
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about lockdown. Things are getting bad here again and I don't know what's going to happen or how bad it will get, but you're right- it is disheartening at times for sure. Stay well and hope you have a good week ahead!
I liked The Old Guard Greg. It's worth giving it a try at least.
DeleteI totally understand where you are coming from. I am tired of all that is going on, whether it be pandemic, protests, the upcoming election, etc. Gosh, I just want to live my life and have it be somewhat normal and happy.
ReplyDeleteRead your review of The Goldminer's Sister. It sounds fabulous. Something to Talk About sounds good, too.
Hope you have a nice week.
https://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/2020/07/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-july-13.html
It doesn't seem like too much to ask does it Cheryl!
DeleteI know what you mean about those who criticise - and in a way that's easy isn't it. Kudos to all those politicians and health people who are actually doing something. I read the first Rachael Johns book and have yet to pick up Something to Talk About. May get it from the library. Should go and reserve it soon! Take care and may Victoria soon be victorious.
ReplyDeleteThere is some talk about there maybe an even harsher lockdown Kathryn. Hopefully it won't come down to that.
DeleteIm sorry you are back in lockdown, I think Dan has done a fabulous job and honestly it won’t surprise me at all when we in NSW follow suit.
ReplyDeleteAt least there is always a happy ending with Rachael Johns!
Wishing you a great reading week
Shelleyrae, I will be super surprised if Sydney at least doesn't go back into lockdown again by the end of the week!
DeleteI'm so tired of it all too. BUT so important to stick with masks. At least it's winter for you. Wearing a mask even for a short time in 90+F weather is down-right uncomfortable. We mostly stay home, though, so not an issue.
ReplyDeleteIt's basically too cold to go outside here anyway BFR
DeleteI do wear my mask when I'm out in public. Our cases are rising too in the US but there hasn't been any talk of a lockdown. Our President is trying to ignore the virus and focus on his re-election which doesn't seem like the right course to me. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteRe-election would seem to be the least important thing right now and yet there's plenty of politics being played right now Kathy.
DeleteNow I am curious about the Rachael Johns book, and the previous one.
ReplyDeleteIn the US, it is a disaster, and we are led by an administration that basically ignores the public health advice.
Enjoy your reading and stay safe. Here are my WEEKLY UPDATES
It must be scary being in the US Laurel-Rain!
DeleteWe may have to watch The Old Guard. It sounds like one my husband and I could both agree on.
ReplyDeleteWe both liked it Carol!
DeleteAs of July 27 we are obligated to wear masks in indoor public spaces here in Montreal Quebec. This virus is not going away anytime soon and I understand how you feel. But I'm prepping myself for the reality. I hope you enjoy your reading this week!
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting how different countries are dealing with this issue.
DeleteHere in Oregon in the US, the governor just announced that we are going back to no more than 10 people at an indoor gathering and masks are being required if we're *outside* and unable to physically distance ourselves. My husband and I were doing that anyway (It just seemed an obvious extension of mask rules to us), but we'll see how many people actually do it. We've only been seeing maybe 50% of hikers we meet on trails putting on masks when we meet them.
ReplyDeleteI added The Old Guard to our queue last week. I'm glad to hear it's good! Enjoy your week!
We are going out so rarely anyway here anyway, but now all our restaurants are back to being takeaway only.
DeleteBoth the Johns books sound interesting. Need good books especially now. Take care!
ReplyDeleteIf you want to give Aussie rural romance a go Rachael Johns is a good place to start Beverley.
DeleteAndrews is completely being unfairly treated, IMO, when he is trying his best. I am pretty much waiting for the other shoe to drop and for Sydney to go into lockdown next, and the number of cases in Sydney now is not giving me hope that we will escape that. I watched The Old Guard this weekend too - it was amazing and oh yes, definitely make for a sequel!
ReplyDeleteI won't be surprised when Sydney goes back into lockdown too Verushka. Not that I am wishing for it, but I do think it will happen.
DeleteI may have to add that Charlize Theron movie to my list. My reading seems to have tanked again. I am reading some great books but between a lot of work and then the constant bad news, I am exhausted. So I hear you.
ReplyDelete