What Am I Reading?

Since I am now officially a Patron of Reading to a primary school outside of Peterborough (more to come on that beauty of a story) I thought I should let you all know what I've been reading lately. 

​As you know, all writers read all the time and I am no exception. I've usually got at least one book on the go, quite often two or even three! I listen to a lot of audio books, but I do this through my local library. Audio books are really expensive, but most good libraries will use a system that allows you to listen through your phone for free. My library uses Borrowbox. Not all the books I want to read are on there, but sometimes this is a good thing, as I end up listening to stories that I wouldn't normally have done. This is one of the things that makes libraries so great. 
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At the moment I am listening to The Time of Green Magic by Hilary McKay, having just finished listening to Jasmine Skies by Sita Brahmachari and before that Release by Patrick Ness and before that The Lost Witch by Melvin Burgess and before that Chasing Stars by Malorie Blackman and before that...and before that...

I tend to buy quite a few books, both paperbacks and for my kindle, but I also borrow them from the library and from friends and family. At the moment I am reading Not My Fault by Cath Howe, having just finished reading The Goose Road by Rowena House. The other books in the picture are ones I have recently finished reading.

I'm always reading an actual book, but not always listening to one. I have to be careful what I'm reading and/or listening to when I'm working on my own writing as it can influence my work. The only time I might take a short break from reading, is if I need a breather after reading something that has affected me strongly and I want to process it before I move onto something new, or if my own writing needs my full attention. There is always so much to read and I have a stack of books in my house waiting for me.

As you can tell, I love reading!

You might be aware that as a rule I don't tend to review the books I have read on my website, but, if I like them, I usually review them on Goodreads. If it's a book by a big name author and I haven't enjoyed the book I will sometimes still review them on Goodreads but I know how damaging bad reviews can be so don't tend to leave negative reviews for lesser known authors who need the sales!

I wonder what you're all reading at the moment and whether it is a book you would recommend. If it is who do you know that might like to read it too? Books can be such a personal thing and what I like is not always what my friends or family would like. That's why I try not to worry if some children don't like my stories. 

​Happy reading everyone!