Other Things Consumed Since April

It's been a while since my last blog post, and that is not without reason: It's actually been a while since I read a book. Well, I should be more specific: It's been a while since I have actually read a full-length novel that would merit a full-length review. I have read a fair bit, certainly, but the books I have been reading are either compilations, non-fiction, or audiobooks. I've been trying to refrain from starting any new series or buying (or renting) any new books, instead focusing on cleaning out my own already stuffed shelves of books I haven't read. With the world shut down in recent months, this became pretty easy, but most of what I have consumed would not do to be compared alongside the other standard fiction novels I review here. So here are just some small anecdotes on what I have read and listened to in the recent months.


PHIL VISCHER: ME, MYSELF & BOB (2007)
The true story of Vischer and his animation sensation is as engaging as any fictional novel one could contrive, so as a story it wholeheartedly succeeds, and it's easy to see how the author achieved success in the storytelling world with writing like this.
Rating: Good







C.S. LEWIS: THE PROBLEM OF PAIN (1940)
Lewis is obviously an established icon of literature, and thank goodness for that, because anyone else writing about this subject would probably be drier than a desert. That being said, it's still pretty dry, from Lewis maybe delving into the realm of semi-arid shrub steppe. Then again, maybe it's just not my favourite subject.
Rating: Probably good if you're into that kind of thing






J.R.R. TOLKIEN: THE LEGEND OF SIGURD & GUDRÚN (2009)
For epic Norse prose, it's pretty darn good (I admit I haven't too much to compare it to). Tolkien's voice is prevalent and yet it still retains an unmistakable sense of mythic grandeur. The other 50% of the book, Christopher Tolkien's essays, I'm sure are also interesting to people who like whatever he was talking about (didn't absorb much from those parts).
Rating: Probably good if you like either epic tales or essays about the translation and explication of those tales





SPAWNED OUT OF THIN AIR WITH NO AUTHOR: FANTASTIC BEAST - THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD: THE ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY (2018)
Hahahaha what was I even doing buying this. Full disclosure: I have not seen this movie. The screenplay was ok though.
Rating: Why would anyone read a screenplay before watching a movie actually I guess that's what everyone making the movie does so it's not that weird but still





J.R.R. TOLKIEN: TALES FROM THE PERILOUS REALM (1949)
Brilliant. It is wholly refreshing hearing Tolkien's voice in a range that is not fantasy epic, but rather children's bedtime story. It retains everything that people love about Tolkien and adds countless scrumptious bits of whimsy that are hinted at in tales like The Hobbit.
Rating: Perilously good




MICHELLE ALEXANDER: THE NEW JIM CROW (2010) - Narrated by Karen Chilton (2020)
The message is repeated, emphasized, and pounded into the listener's mind, and I'll be damned if it isn't an important message. Alexander's writing style is engaging and the information she dictates is, all at once, shocking, eye-opening, and wholly essential for everyone.
Rating: Yes. Read it.


AGATHA CHRISTIE: THE MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR AT STYLES (1920) - Narrated by Penelope Dellaporta (2006)
Having not read any other Christie, but obviously knowing of her acumen in the realm of mystery, I would assume I am not wrong in stating that this is not her best. It's well thought out to be sure, but it drags a little, especially towards the end.
Rating: 6 Little Gray Cells / 10



IJEOMA OLUO: SO YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT RACE (2018) - Narrated by Bahni Turpin (2018)
A raw, personal account of racism in America combined with the sources to back it up. Simultaneously engaging and informative. An essential read that must be taken in if one wants to gain perspective.
Rating: Yes also read this




DOUGLAS ADAMS: DOCTOR WHO - THE PIRATE PLANET (Full Cast Audio Drama) - Narrated by John Leeson (2012)
Yeah it was good. Funny, unique, enjoyable. Not sure if this counts as a 'read' but whatever. Sorta weird and confusing, but I mean, that's classic 'Classic Who.'
Rating: Affirmative, Master




Okay so that's pretty much everything new that I've read and listened to since the world changed. It may be worth mentioning that I've also re-listened to a lot of books, from Percy Jackson to Lorien Legacies to Fahrenheit 451, and they all retain the same magic from when I first read them.

Thanks for sticking it out. I am currently reading an 'actual' full-length book, and so my regular reviews will be back hopefully soon - although my current read is actually the behemoth known as Les Miserables, so it might be a while yet.