EPISODE TWENTY-ONE: BAD BEGINNINGS
January is the longest month…
What I’ve been reading in January
Growth, A Reckoning by Daniel Susskind is a fascinating delve into our obsession with growing the economy based on a measure called Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Why is it so important, is it flawed and what are the repercussions of our politicians’ obsession with this concept? He suggests that attempts to correct the measure would make it less useful but our politicians should pay more attention to other measures of the things we care about, like happiness and the environment.
Gabriel’s Moon by William Boyd is the first book in a new series featuring Gabriel Dax, a travel writer who becomes embroiled in a 1960s espionage scandal when he visits and meets the president of the Congo shortly before the latter is assassinated. Gabriel’s obsession with his female secret service handler sees him given more daring missions. Great period details and characters make this a fast, enjoyable read.
After by Pádraig Kenny is a dystopian middle-grade adventure set in a world where civilisation has almost collapsed after a battle between robots and humans ended with the Flood (relating to computers, not water). Jen and her robotic father are seeking sanctuary when they stumble upon a settlement that offers them safety but has its own secrets that threaten to restart the war. Plenty of action and emotion from this great author.
My Own Scribblings
Mostly on hold this month as I have been busy helping run this year’s pantomime, preparing for next year’s show (based on a script I wrote with Fiona and which I’m directing) as well as dealing with some family issues. Oh, and a number of plumbing problems! And no, that’s not a euphemism. Struggling to get out of this really slow patch in terms of writing endeavours. This year just ain’t much fun right now.
Sport Billy
Not time for much sport either – see above. A little bit of everything squeezed in when I could: tennis, padel, running and circuits but not enough of any of them. The weather hasn’t helped the tennis and padel, of course, with rain and frozen courts… Here’s to the springtime!
Boardgames
Lots of boardgames and computer games with my daughter with whom I’ve spent a lot of time this month. Was lovely to get thrashed at Ticket To Ride: Nordic Countries and Machi Koro 2 on numerous occasions (I taught her too well lol). But at least I got my revenge on Village Rails. We even got out the Wii fitness/balance board for some old school fun and the Nintendo Switch for some Super Mario Cart racing (I came second of course).
