Isolation 2020

How the devil are you? Happy and healthy, I'm hoping! I can't believe we've entered the billionth day in isolation, but hey ho, there's excellent reasons to stay at home. I've not altered my routine since the first wave of lockdown so, not a lot has changed. I've happily plodded on with my daily writing, reading and basic exercise - though the dog no longer jumps with excitement when I fetch his lead!

I've managed to make a substantial dent in my huge 'To-Be-Read' bookcase - yes, you read that correctly, bookcase not pile.  I've trundled through numerous Agatha Christie books which is my personal challenge for 2020. I've been taken aback by the artistic license that many of the TV producers have taken in adapting her work for the small screen. One particular book 'Murder Is Easy' is virtually unrecognisable in the screen adaptation - it made me wonder what AC herself would make of it. 

I've reread a couple of favourite classics as a guaranteed route to escapism and pleasure. In uncertain times, you need to know there's a warm welcome by revisiting your favourite book friends. I've consciously saved Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' incase of an emergency. In which case, I'll hibernate with a box of teabags, packets of biscuits and Mr Darcy!

I've ventured into 'modern history' during lockdown by purchasing 'Monica's story' written by Andrew Morton. I'm not usually one for his style but on this occasion it hit the mark. Excuse the pun! I love history, so thought I'd read about something that I remember in my lifetime. Boy, oh boy, was I shocked by her version of events. Regardless of opinions about him, her and the whole affair, I was intrigued by the inner workings of the White House and its staff. It literally took me a few days to read and yes, it was comforting to return to an era that I remember so well.

The big challenge for the next few weeks is a book which I have started to read three times and have twice ceased reading after the first 50 pages due to my lack of understanding. This third attempt seems to be going well but only because I have a copy of 'Spark notes' to accompany it. If it wasn't for the study aid, I would have fallen by the wayside for the third time.

Ulysses by James Joyce ... need I say more! I'll admit, I'm not 'reading' it - I'm 'studying' it like a course rather than reading for pleasure. The only pleasure I'm getting so far is understanding the events whilst being on page 65! Though, given my current rate of progress it'll last me until August! 

I've lined up a Bill Bryson travel book, another Christie and a series read for the coming weeks to provide some light relief when I'm not studying James Joyce.

​Stay safe xx

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