Jane Mansour

It should be possible to find fiction that hits the same way and is a continual frustration that it’s so difficult.

Only 10% of boys aged 14-16 read daily for pleasure, National Literacy Trust finds Exclusive: Report says British teenagers’ time for books is being crowded out by schoolwork, screens and sports

My two sons (15 and 17) stopped reading fiction once we stopped reading it to them.

The older one reads factual info online linked to his interest in history, heritage transport.

The younger one doesn't even read the jokes I send him.

A big factor is the unsuitable literature available for them.

100% agree with this - if you don’t like magic, the scope is so narrow. Have also found the way back in is through narrative non-fiction which is basically ‘interesting stories, well told’

Haha also bought myself a gorgeous bunch of flowers today!!

Haha yes, emails are the pass the parcel of to do lists

YES!! This is a good one!!

Ah used to love the wild turkeys when we lived in Mass

Amazing -
So many good quotes/blurbs/reviews. Can’t wait to read!

Great to hear all this Stu!

So good

Incredible!!

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Ah - was it a good chat? Someone once asked me about a book I was reading (Michelle Obama's autobiography) but as I was getting off the tube, and it was more of a 'is it good?'

Someone on the tube was reading a book I’d just finished and longed to discuss - was so tempted to ask them what they thought of it, but didn’t… do you strike up conversations with strangers about the books they’re reading? 📚 💙

Ha!

Has anyone seen The Beast In Me on Netflix?? If not it’s a hard recommend from me. Thought it was great.

Yes, helpful! Did this last year, book was by an author I loved, couldn't believe I wasn't enjoying it, put it aside and am now able to see it's not for me and will give it away half-read. Another thing that helps is reminding myself of the space created for new books by moving away from a meh one

I temporarily abandoned The Common Years as I have book club this week, and so am reading Eurotrash which I am enjoying A LOT more. The big question is whether I return to Jilly Cooper afterwards or move on. I’m getting better at not finishing books but still find it hard - how about everyone else?

I’m reading Eurotrash by Christian Kracht. It’s pretty intense and odd - engaging and eyebrow raising

Am still having a daily dunk - really intrigued by how the ability to control the initial panic changes over time

So I went with Eurotrash by Christian Kracht which I’m about half way through and enjoying so far. The style is so acerbic but really engaging. Has anyone else read it?? 💙📚 #booksky #bookrecommendations

We’ve had three beautiful green parakeets in our garden, hanging off the bird feeder and making the place look fancy

In a move that’s totally out of character, I’ve had an ice bath every day since Dec 26. It’s outside, a bit like a bin, filled with freezing water - and due to the temperatures - a LOT of ice. I genuinely can’t believe how much I want to get in and how into it I am given I really dislike the cold!!🥶

This rings so true for me - including taking up arts that you’re not ‘good’ at - and enjoying them for the process. I’d love to try pottery at some point. What are your creative goals for 2026 #booksky?
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#newyear
#creative
#arts

I started with Olive Kitteridge which I loved - definitely worth a try!

Congratulations!! Can’t wait!!

Yes! I really love her - I’ve read them all bar this one and her latest one, Tell Me Everything. I love how they gently intersect. Have you read Lucy By the Sea? A Burgess makes an appearance there… that’s what made me want to read his whole story

Happy New Year!! I’m reading The Common Years by Jilly Cooper. Struggling a bit to be honest but don’t want to start the year with a DNF 📚💙