It’s been a couple of weeks, but first, let’s start with a joke:

Highlight of my week *year* **possibly next year too**:

Yes, I saw Ed. And it was AMAZING!!

Who said dogs can’t smile?

What I’ve been watching:

M and I started watching this. Neither of us quite know what’s going on yet but everything we’ve read says to keep with it, it’s worth it, even if the plot never fully forms or makes any sense. Apparently it’s all in the atmosphere. We’ll see how we go.

Random question time:

Are all rivers brown? The river here is a lovely latte colour most of the time and there has been some discussion around here about whether or not all rivers are brown. I say yes, and a trip down south last weekend proved me right, yet there still seems to be a tone of dissent around here that insists there are rivers out there in Australia that are blue. So, if you can weigh in, please do. Are all rivers brown, or, have you seen any blue ones, and if so, which ones?

What I’ve been reading:

Before I go, a word on the joys of companion reading:

I have long recognised the joys of reading with someone, be it a book club, or a buddy read with a fellow blogger. I’ve read plenty of books now with my book bestie, Brooke from All The Books I Can Read, as we tend to favour classics, which are definitely better read together. I’ve also read with Tracey from Carpe Librum, another close book friend of mine, who shares similar tastes to my own. These are always enjoyable reads, messages flying back and forth throughout and a discussion at the end. Last month I had my in-person book club meet, which was so, so good. I haven’t had an in-person book club for the last two years and I have missed it terribly. The once a month meet up and book chat over good food in good company is like a balm for my reading soul.

One thing I had not done, within the realms of companion reading, was reading a book with a partner. In this past month, M and I have read two books together, one by accident (he read it and then two weeks later I did) and one by design, where we actually picked the book together and read it at the same time. I have been surprised – and delighted – by how much of a bonding experience this is. We don’t even have exactly the same tastes in books, but we do have some crossovers in what we like, enough to be able to select a book that both of us are interested in.

Reading is often seen as a solitary activity, yet reading with others brings such joy and enrichment to the overall experience. Are you a solo reader or do you have a group or certain people you regularly read with? I see a space for both solitary and companion reading, but I’m curious as to how many of you lean towards one over the other.

Until next week (or thereabouts)…