August, you beast. Just when I though that this year couldn’t get any worse, there you were, out to prove me wrong.
The month started off well. I had some time off work and went camping in Yorkshire with the OH. The weather was glorious, we did a lot of walking, and I still had some time to read and relax. It was excellent. The latter part of the month went downhill a bit after I received the news that my job is “at risk” of redundancy. It came as a bit of a blow, and I had a week or so of trying to adapt to the news, a week that saw me struggle to read and review, my concentration shot.
Having had some time to come to terms with it, I’m feeling better about it. I’m a little daunted by the uncertainty at times, but I’m trying to see this as an opportunity for a fresh start, and I believe that things will work themselves out. And my reading mojo came slinking back, so at least I have the option of escapism when it all gets a bit too much! 😀
Despite all of that, I posted eight reviews in August. My favourites of those were:
- The 24 Hour Café by Libby Page
- The Court of Miracles by Kester Grant
- The Explorer by James Smythe
I also reviewed:
- Strange Flowers by Donal Ryan
- The Innocents by Michael Crummey
- The Water Cure by Sophie Mackintosh
- Devolution by Max Brooks
- Untamed Shore by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
And I posted an excerpt of Imperfect Women by Araminta Hall as part of the blog tour.
TBR Watch
While I read less this month than I normally would, I also resorted to comfort-buying books, which has resulted in a slight increase in the TBR. I realise that I probably shouldn’t be spending at a time like this, but I regret nothing!
Jo's Book Blog 
I hope things will work out at work, Jo! My job is not at any immediate risk, as far as I know, but some of my colleagues have been made redundant, and everyone’s a little on edge at the moment. Happy that you’re able to find comfort (or escape) in reading (and buying 😉) books!
Thank you! It’s a difficult time for so many companies, but glad that you’re ok!
I think that things will work out ok in the long run x
Fingers crossed everything works out, Jo. Glad you’ve found a way to escape into books. 😘
Thank you! And yes, I’m finding comfort in reading at the moment 🙂
Oh Jo what a horrible shock sending hugs and positive thoughts your way xx
Thank you, Nicki! It’s been a tough couple of weeks since I got the news, but I’m sure that things will work out x
Sorry about the job news Jo, I hope it works out for you ok
Thank you, Karen. A bit of a blow, but I’m sure things will work out x
That must have been an awful shock. I’m assuming the company you work for is going through the statutory consultation period? Are there opportunities to move to a different role in the company?
In the circumstances, looking for comfort reads is quite understandable
Yes, it came as a bit of a blow, but they are doing everything by the book.
I’m keeping an eye on vacancies – there’s not been anything that appeals so far, and I don’t want to let the panic make me apply for a job that I won’t enjoy in the longer term.
So, reviewing my options, dusting off my CV, considering a move into a different industry! and generally trying to remain optimistic.