There was a bit less in the way of books and music this year – but still come bits worth mentioning.  I was going to do a top 5 for books, but somewhat overshot ending up at seven top books for the year.

Top Books

Fragile Things

A collection of short stories all weird, wonderful, and fun in different ways.  I found that this book collection could be really hard to put down.  Each story was a little different and made a wonderful collection – I’m really looking forward to getting the chance to settle down and reading this again.

The Pirates! In an Adventure with the Scientists

This was fantastic – a very slim and simple book, full of fantastic characters and hilarious situations (it’s shortly to be released as an animated film by Aardman).  The book is silly in tone and great fun – highly recommended if you want a giggle.

American Gods

A journey through small town America, mixed in with a mixture of Norse folk law.  It makes an interesting mix and is a compelling story leading a great twist at the end.  Worth a read for the journey and another one I’d love to re-read if I get the chance.

Wilma Tenderfoot and the Case of the Frozen Hearts

I first encountered Emma Kennedy through an internet stand-up show, where she mentioned her book series.  When I found the first one on sale I though I’d give it a go, finding a wonderful world populated with strange characters, and daring escapades.  The latter books in the series don’t quite feel quite the same, the first is a fantastic a read – with quite an inventive murder method.

Snuff

Snuff – Pratchett on top form.  Enough said.

The Graveyard Book

Another collection of short stories – this time slightly more linked, detailing the adventures and mis-adventures of a boy growing up in a graveyard.   Dipping into his life at bi-yearly intervals this is also full of a cast of interesting characters, with some creative situations and ideas.

Song of Ice and Fire – Book 3 – A Storm of Swords

Book 3 of the saga started with Game of Thrones was the one where everything really changed.  Whilst it was slow to get started, the end game the book leads to is shocking, surprising and will keep you gasping as you never know what’s going to happen next.  A fantastic read even if a bit hard to get into.

Music

Not going to do much for music – but here’s a couple of albums I stumbled across this week – all fantastic to have a listen too.

Legally Blonde – Original London Cast Recording – happy, fun, a great show and great to re-live through the cast recording.

Vega 4 – You and Others – strangely beautiful, catchy songs, worth a listen.

Professor Elemental – The Indifference Engine – Victorian Rap – amazingly clever and comical.

Lena – Good News – chilled catchy pop from last years Eurovision winner.  Really nice to chill too.

This is Christmas – Emmy the Great & Tim Wheeler – a cheesy, poppy Christmas album with some really catchy songs and great titles.  I listened to this for most of December and couldn’t recommend it highly enough.

And that’s all folks

Films are here.

TV is here.

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