After a few mellowed down weeks, I am happy to announce this week has been fairly good. That and the planning for the new year 2021 has made me excited and hopeful.
It might be a little late, but I have finally understood why everyone raves about Notion so much. I am in love!
For the uninitiated, Notion is a tool (app/program ?) that combines the power many apps in one workspace. Basically you can use it to substitute Google Docs, Evernote, to do lists, task manager and many other apps. ⠀
I am already on the planning process for 2021 and that is happening on Notion. Of course, my fingers are crossed, and only if we all survive this wretched 2020!
Aside, should I be posting more Notion and its pros and cons in a separate post?
Let us talk!⠀
What I read this week
I am currently reading Anxious People by Fredrik Backman, and I am definitely liking it.
After a not-so brief slump, I think I am out of it. I read Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee this week. I know I have quite a way to reach my reading target, but I will do my best.
What I watched this week
I learned about O J Simpson’s trial and I went on to watch The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story on Netflix. As someone who is not from the USA and was an too young to remember then, this whole fiasco is new to me and it was shocking to say the least
I almost gave it up in the middle, around episodes 4-5, because I knew he was going to get away with it. And that made so furious and angry about the system and men in general.
Do people still believe that OJ is innocent? If yes, why and how could that be? Can someone explain it to me?
On my blog
In case you missed the posts from my blog, last week.
So how has your week been? Have you used Notion and if yes, what has been your experience? And if you haven’t let me know how and what app/notebook do you use plan and track your work and to do lists? Let’s talk.
There are two questions that can fluster any bookworm. One is the infamous “What’s your favorite book?”. And the other is our very own “What should you read next?”. Of course I am speaking from my own experience (you can read about my method in choosing my next read here).
I can’t believe I had not read The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie before, given that it is such an acclaimed book. As someone who loves Christie and lists, this is pretty frustrating. Anyway, shall we get on to the book review, then?
Characters: Mrs. Ferrars, Roger Ackroyd, Flora Ackroyd, Ralph Paton, Hercule Poirot, Dr James Sheppard, Caroline Sheppard, Mrs. Ackroyd, Hector Blunt, , Geoffrey Raymond, Parker, Elizabeth Russell, Charles Kent, Inspector Raglan, Mr. Hammond
In King’s Abbot, a wealthy widow Mrs Ferrars overdoses on veronal and dies. Within a span of twenty four hours, her fiancé Roger Ackroyd, a another wealthy widower is stabbed to death.
Roger Ackroyd recently had come to the knowledge that the rumors were true and Mrs Ferrars had indeed murdered her violent first husband. He also had suspected that someone was blackmailing her. But before he could act on it, he was murdered too.
With a house of servants, friends and family who had motives and means to do it, it becomes overwhelming for the local cops. When Roger’s niece Flora commissions the now retired detective, Hercule Poirot, to find out the murderer.
Of course he solves it! How he does that forms the rest of the story in The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie.
Book review
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd has been named as one the “1001 books to read before you die” list and its twist is said to have changed the detective fiction genre for ever.
I know it seems like a tall praise, but I completely agree with the statement. And I never saw the twist coming (and you know that has been happening often these days, if you have been reading my Christie’s reviews).
I have read quite a number of Poirot cases, and I have never been a fan of his eccentricities. But The Murder of Roger Ackroyd changed my mind. He is hilarious!
Above all, I love the way author had given subtle clues all through the book and until the detective explains it during his dramatic reveal, I never realized them. I had to re-read those parts to check! I think that is the hallmark of detective novels and there is a reason why Christie is the best selling author of all times.
What worked for me
The twist blew my mind off.
This is one of those rare Agatha Christie’s books that made me laugh out loud at places. Who knew Christie was this funny!
I love the subtle hints and clues buried under the nose all through the book, and they become apparent only during the big reveal.
What may have been better
NOTHING!
Bottom line
If you are fan of Agatha Christie, you have to pick The Murder of Roger Ackroyd because it is almost as good as And then there were none. And if you are not a fan of the detective/mystery novel genre, this book might change your mind!
Have you read The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie? What is your favorite murder case by Agatha Christie? Do you like watching Christie on screen adaptations? Let us talk.
It has been a while since I spoke to you guys here. And I have my mental health and burnout to blame here. It has been a month, almost, since I read a book or watched a show with interest.
I am hoping that phase is done now and I am feeling a bit better this week. And that’s why, I am talking to you here. Here is to a better week ahead!
I really hope your week has been better than mine. And I want to hear all about it.
What I read this week
As I said I have not read anything in a while. And I am behind on my reading challenges as you expect.
I was just flicking the channels and I ended up watching Parenthood on Amazon. I think I chose it mainly because Lauren Graham, of Gilmore Girls, is in it.
But I am not sure if I actually like her in this one at all. For one, her character in Parenthood is so similar to Lorelai, Gilmore Girls and that is annoying me.
Anyway I like the other characters, so I am gonna continue watching it.
On my blog
In case you missed the posts from my blog, last week.
Ever since I read the Pride and Prejudice many many years ago, I have been obsessed about Jane Austen and her history. And picking up The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner should not come as a big surprise, right? Let us get on with my review shall we?
Characters: Adam Berwick, Dr Benjamin Gray, Mimi Harrison, Jack Leonard, Frances Knight, Andrew Forrester, Esq., Adeline Lewis Grover, Evie Stone, Yardley Sinclair
Just after the World War II, a group of unlikely individuals group together to save the last legacy of the late Jane Austen.
In Chawton, Hampshire, England, where Jane Austen spent her last years, with her last few distant relatives wanting to sell their diminishing estate off, it is upto her readers to step up their game.
With nothing but the love for the author’s book to hold them together, would these fan from different walks of life accomplish their mission form the rest of The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner.
Book review
If you had read all the Jane Austen novels, then you would appreciate The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner more. Having said that, it is not mandatory to read them to enjoy this book. Each person in the book has a favorite Austen character whom they love and defend. Talk about “bias”.
The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner reads like an Austen novel itself and that means slow burn romance and quite a number of characters to get acquainted.
While I love the premise and I would die to be a part of such an ardent fan club, it took me a long time to get into the the book. And until about 50% into the book, they don’t even form a society. Yes, it got frustrating.
What worked for me
As a bookworm, I loved the characters discussing and defending their favorite fictitious characters.
The slow-burn romance and the Austen-esque setting would keep romance lovers interested.
What may have been better
It took me a while to get into the story. The Jane Austen Society is definitely slow and steady and needs a lot of patience.
Bottom line
The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner is specifically directed at the Austen fans and it is worth a read, if you are one. Even if you have not read an Austen novel yet, this slow burn romance book could motivate you to pick one.
Have you read The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner? Which Jane Austen book is your favorite? Do you know any other book that is based on a book club? Let us talk.
