the july journal
an archive of all the wonderful things that i consumed and did in july!!!
an insight into my month of july
I went on my dream trip this month to Alaska. I cannot wait to write more about it in detail but I cannot believe how beautiful it was. I saw plenty of wildlife, whales, bears, sea otters and the most jaw-dropping glaciers and mountains. I was pretty much off-grid this month and honestly my mental health benefited for the best. Possibly the most amazing time of my life… so hopefully this August I will make up for the lack of substacking!
books
bunny - mona awad: ★ ★ I liked this book and read it really quickly, I just found myself confused a lot of the time and probably this genre is not for me!
whistler - ann patchett: ★ ★ ★ ★ One of my favourites this month, no plot just vibes and a super meaningful and emotional story
martyr - kaveh akbar: ★ ★ Unsure how to feel a bout this one! It had beautiful prose and the topics were very important and well written, but I felt disconnected the whole time. I think this one is one I would have to re-read.
land - maggie o’farrell: ★ ★ ★ Incredibly beautiful story and fantastic historical research. I felt a bit lost sometimes within the plot hence docking it a few stars.
the compound - aisling rawe: ★ ★ ★ ★ I feel like people loved or hated this… I loved it, I was on a love island high and this kept me going, it was creepy and addictive! The ending did let me down but not in a way that ruined the book, I would really recommend.
the bright years - sarah damoff: ★ ★ ★ .25 This was a highly anticipated read for me having seen so many people enjoy it and yes I liked it but I did not love it. I enjoyed following the characters but I did not feel a strong connection towards them but appreciated their stories.
spectacular things - beck dorey-stein: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ This is not sold in the UK and thank goodness I bought this in the US. I felt this book in my bones, I related to it and found myself so connected and engrossed in the characters. An emotional story of sisterhood and ambition PLEASE READ THIS!
the mad wife - megan church: ★ ★ ★.75 I’ve studied the Bell Jar extensively in school and I could clearly pick apart the themes from Plath’s work that inspired this novel. A quick read with lots of suspense and historical drama.
what i’ve been watching
television:
I binged Not Suitable for Work, and loved it! It was very early-2000s sitcom vibes and I had no idea how quickly I got through it when suddenly it was over! I also rewatched adults another great sitcom and I am SO excited for season 2 in August. Also Love Island UK was amazing this year, I have not finished it but I am happy with the outcome, my holiday interrupted my watching and I do think I will be finishing it soon. If anyone wants to gossip about it, I am your girl!
movies:
I watched a lot of movies this month. I rewatched my favourite movie Oppenheimer on the plane and as always such a great experience, possibly not the way Christopher Nolan intended me to watch it, (I have not watched the Odyssey but am going this week in Imax). I watched Sentimental vVlue for the first time, and it was so heartbreaking and cinematic. My friend and I binged lots of early-2000s rom coms which is always a treat along with Borat that made me laugh more than I have in the longest time. Lastly, Hidden Figures which was just wonderful and powerful and as a history student I loved it!!!!
podcasts
Always love Motional Intelligence, especially this episode as Anna Archer is so interesting and I loved they they combined running, business and mental health.
Love Game of Thrones, I love the Book Club… perfect episode!
I watched every episode in the Hot History Odyssey series to accompany my current read of the Odyssey and prep me for Nolan’s new masterpiece (yes I am so excited). The research into this was amazing and I loved the different historiography and perspectives.
I listened to this as part of research for an article I am currently writing. I find the runfluencing community very fascinating and if you do run or post on socials I think this is a good listen and sheds good light on the issues of our current obsession with fitness. ps. look out for the new articles!
Due to my holiday as you can see I did not really consume lots of media or content, and some months that is really what is needed. Sorry for a dry wrap up! My holiday definitely inspired my to buy a brick as I really valued my minimal screen time. I am looking forward to getting back on the substack grind and getting back in the flow of things. I desperately need a monthly / life reset so will be doing that this month and hopefully produce some amazing articles.
YAYY Clara is back
can’t wait for august!!