94
Or, Dust Was Bitten
Reader,
I’ll start off by noting that, for the first time ever, I missed a week. Last week, like a lot of weeks, was a tough one but I was also out on a Sunday (that uncommon thing) and the moment passed. Now that I have a chance to write to you— onwards.
I just spent more than a few minutes looking for titles among the ten contenders for the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature at the various libraries I have access to. So if you see a number of children’s books in the coming weeks, you’ve been warned. I’m always grateful for libraries; but especially at moments like these, when award season brings new books to one’s attention.
______
Triathlon Dreams
Another week with nary a swim, cycle or run to report. With the weather being what it is, a heated pool may be my only entry into swimming. If you know of a good bicycle seller, let me know so I can at least report some cycling at some point.
______
Recently, I was reminded of my Telegram channel, and realised I’ve not been reading as many articles as I once did (despite despite despite) and realising it's related to a Very Online™ time, relative to my current quiet X (formerly known as Twitter) timeline. Zooming In with Shawn the Book Maniac may change that if I make more appearances (find the first here) and I’ve started returning to my old haunts to see if the urge to read and share articles will return.
Quick news/ things that may be of interest:
This weekend in Nairobi: the Macondo Literary Festival
Free to download: a new Brittle Paper anthology on the theme of AI
Dracula Daily continues apace. Jump on if you’re keen
You can send me books, postcards, letters, and assorted items via PO Box 102439, Jamia Posta 00101, Nairobi, Kenya
I have finished four books since I last wrote to you - the e-book versions of Mimosa by Archie Bongiovanni and Work-Life Balance by Aisha Franz as well as hybrid reads of Foster by Claire Keegan (read by Aoife McMahon) and Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital by Elise Hu (read by the author). My latest video is of the books I read in May this year (you can watch it here). To catch the videos I’m working on when they’re done, subscribe to the channel if you haven’t yet!
As ever, please write back to me and tell me what books you’re reading or looking forward to reading — it’s always a great time talking about books.
Enjoy the rest of the week and have a lovely time reading. Talk to you soon!