This Week in Books

This past week, I haven’t actually read a book that I’ve liked. I’m still alive, but I’m not happy. Here are the books that I’ve read, some of which I’m planning to burn in four weeks. Or pass on to someone else, because I’m against burning books regardless of their content.

I might make an exception for Computer Science.

Of Mice and bloody Men by John Steinbeck

I lied, I haven’t read this book this week, I’ve half-heartedly flicked through it in the vain hope that I can remember enough for my English Literature exam on Monday. I hate it. The first time I read it, it was bearable. Now, I’ve had e-bloody-nough. Burn baby burn.

An Inspector Calls by J. B. Priestley

The only text that GCSE English hasn’t managed to destroy for me, there’s a special place in my heart for J.B. Priestley. I actually managed to enjoy the play (admittedly, it was the Daldry version), and I can still read it without wanting to gouge my eyes out with a spoon. Contrary to my OMAM experience, I’ve found that the more I read it, the more I notice small plot devices that are genuinely interesting. I’m even making copious notes about naturalism in the margins, and although these will be no help whatsoever in the exam, I’m having fun. As much fun as one can have whilst on the brink of a breakdown, anyway.

Various revision guides/tomes of doom

*cackles insanely* Despite my intention to get my shit together, I’m now often forced to cram and pray that my examiner will take pity on me. I am laden down like a camel (simile! simile!) with revision guides, in the desperate hope that I have a photographic memory and will simply be able to absorb information on the night before an exam. Smart move.

How to Use Your Enemies by Baltasar Gracian

I cart this one round at school to read whenever I’m taking a break from revision. All the life tips in this Little Black Classic will be a damn sight more useful than knowing the usefulness of Inspector Goole as a plot device, anyway.

See you on the other side.