Paul Kingsnorth, Alexandria

A post-apocalyptic novel, the last in a trilogy which began with the 11th Century-set The Wake, which I loved for its imaginative use of language. A similar approach was used here, although I couldn’t even tell you the name of the second in the trilogy or when it was set (quick google search reveals it was called 'The Beast' and is set in contemporary England). Much better than many post-apocalyptic novels and was very believable in the lives portrayed, although the religious elements went over my head. We're going on holiday in a few days and I've taken the decision not to read anything tough or edifying while away. I'm just going to take easy and comfort reads and see how that affects me - does it increase my appetite for reading or leave my feeling empty. I'm half-tempted to go the other way and take Ulysses with me. Apparently it works better as spoken word though. William's bike riding continues to improve, we had our first family cycle ride yesterday and went on to Horsell Common. Not very far, but we were all on our own bikes. Hopefully much more to come.

Chris Gosden, The History of Magic: From Alchemy to Witchcraft, from the Ice Age to the Present

 Much more wide-ranging than I thought it would be, and also very persuasive on the centrality of magic to human society as part of a 'triple helix' alongside religion and science, rather than being a primitive precursor of one or the other. The hot dry summer continues, and we go on holiday in a week. I took the day off yesterday as Freddie was volunteering at Butser Ancient Farm. I drove him down there and he seems to have had a really enjoyable day, repairing Iron Age roundhouses with packed manure, insulating neolithic dwellings with moss and herding sheep in the afternoon. most of the other participants were a lot older than him in his twenties, and he's shy around strangers at the best of times, but he seemed to have fun. While he was there I took Libby and one of her friends down to the beach at Hayling Island. There was no sand at the bit we went to thanks to my poor planning, but there was a Funland where Libby suckered me into getting the unlimited ride wristbands. They had a fabulous time going again and again on the rollercoaster and log flume. 

Michel Faber, A Tale Of Two Worlds

 More of a children's/YA book thant I realised when I picked it up, and an inventive concoction of Dickens, CS Lewis, The Wizard of Oz, Wonderland and the Phantom Tollbooth (James Thurber's Story of O' is cited by the author as an influence, but I haven't read that so can't comment). a young person goes on a journey testing her resolve and presenting moral challenges into a fantasty world where the letter 'D' has been stolen by the evil Gamp. along the way many odd characters are encountered and quandaries have to be overcome.  I enjoyed the part set in the real world far more than the Wonderland/Oz section, and I'll keep it to see if Ella and Amy would be interested, but it might be a little young for them. Said the 48 year old.

Samir Puri, The Great Imperial Hangover: How Empires Have Shaped The World

 Not quite what I thought it would be, but a nice lens through which the current geopolitical situation is viewed, rather than a narrative describing the decline of the great empires. Work is very quiet at the moment as it is August and Italy and Germany seem to shut, so I can get lots done. We had a 'Spirit Day' last week, when we should each spend time on personal development. I missed the first two as they clashed with leave, so this was my first. I wandered into the Vodafone store in Woking a few weeks ago and asked them if I could come in for the day to see how they work and the challenges they face in retail and they very kindly let me hang round observing. One thing they told me about was the 'mystery shopper' - they get two of these a month who are assessing them for being on brand, greeting customers within 20 seconds with an open questions, asking customers about broadband, etc etc. Of course, despite astronomical odds the mystery shopper came in on the day I was working when all members of staff were busy and came up to me. I tried my best and said it was my first day and I would go and get someone who knows what they are doing to talk to her, which was ok but hardly on brand. Luckily they passed the mystery test and I took some chocolates in yesterday to say thank you, but they may not be pleased to see me back again. 

John Le Carre, The Looking Glass War

 You know what you're getting, but still so very enjoyable. A world weary, cynical environment and an intelligence operation beset by interdepartmental rivalries and needless deaths and betrayals.  Have just started a book called 'The Great Imperial Hangover' which might work as a title for any of Le Carre's work. It's still incredible hot, I'm still having to sleep downstairs. Libby has been ill for the last few days but has perked up now, and brilliantly William is getting more and more confident on his bike. He has been riding to and from holiday club and getting better each day. At the start of the week he wouldn't do downhill or use brakes, and has now overcome both. He's still not at all safe anywhere near traffic, but he's getting there. Hopefully he'll be willing to cycle to school each day now he is the only one in primary school. . . 

Rosemary Tonks, The Bloater, Travis Elborough, Atlas of Improbable Places: A Journey to the World's most Unusual Corners

 'I only read 'The Bloater' as it was recommended by Stewart Lee, who wrote the introduction. It completely passed me by, didn't get the humour or care about the characters. The Atlas of Improbable Places was a good idea lazily executed - it could have been cribbed from websites about these undeniably interesting places, but no personal touch, no insights. My current crotchety demeanour may owe something to all the noise around at the moment. The neighbours at the back have had the chainsaws out chopping up trees and  the neighbours to the right at the Shaw Centre are in the middle of rebuilding and drilling through concrete. All this has set off the dog in the house to the left. . .  

Bob Mortimer, And Away: The Autobiography

 That was lovely. Not as laugh out loud funny as I thought it would be, perhaps because I've heard all the stories before and also because Bob Mortimer is a much better performer than writer. What was really great about the book though was his honesty about depression, chronic shyness and feelings of inadequacy. Confessionals are very common, but this was the story of a really nice, considerate guy who despite being immensely successful and talented in his field still feels like he is a sidekick at best.  It's made me want to revisit Catterick, one of the few things he's done that I haven't loved, and that he considers his best work. School holidays have started, and we are on countdown to holiday in Pembrokeshire in less than 3 weeks, hurrah