It’s funny. When I read the words “he was not an idealist” in a politician’s obituary- all I can think of is that he probably didn’t have many principles

Annoying words & phrases - an unapologetic series of occasional rants: 4. “If that makes sense” (said at the end of a fairly straightforward concept or sentence) - not needed unless you are actually talking about a complicated subject like rocket science or post menopausal resistance training

Annoying words & phrases - an unapologetic series of occasional rants: 3. “Utilise” - a completely unnecessary word- just say use instead of trying to sound intelligent

Annoying words & phrases - an unapologetic series of occasional rants: 2. “Agency” - as in power to change - ok if referring to an actual agency though like an intelligence agency (spies - now that’s exciting) or a marketing agency (possibly responsible for some of these annoying words and phrases)

Annoying words and phrases - an unapologetic series of occasional rants: 1. “Beyond” - as in very. But “beyond excited” would imply a ridiculous level of excitement like some sort of frenzy & “beyond upset” would imply a devastation of epic proportions - so say that or alternatively just say “very”

Kimberly Campanello has written a perfect evocation of a summer romance across cultures and language. Spare and beautiful writing shows how profoundly a young girl can fall in love. And how her horizons can change as a result. A one sitting absolute treat. #UsetheWordsYouHave

Just seen Abigail’s Party @rxtheatre.bsky.social Was nervous beforehand as it is my favourite play. But it is a stunning Mancunian version of the classic. Brilliant performances. Laughed til I cried then cried some more xx

Absolutely worth the wait. What a wonderful writer. Like four stories about 4 mesmerising women in one but so cleverly melded together. Thank you #ChimamandaNgoziAdiche ❤️

It doesn’t make things better today. But #OmarElAkkad is one of the few people brave enough to talk sense about the current abhorrent world situation #Gaza Essential reading - searing account of how we have got here

‘The Palace of Dreams’ from 1981 by Albanian exile Ismail Kadare (who died last year) is a brilliant Kafaesque nightmarish vision of his country. But the scary thing is that it could happen anywhere. Just like 1984. Recommended reading #books

Just back from watching #September5 - a properly tense and pacy film. Felt like you were there with them. Great reportage movie. Sorry the world is still in such a mess though

I wasn’t sure about Berg - the 1964 recently republished cult classic by Ann Quin - nearly gave up after the first chapter. So glad I didn’t. A unique writing style and a witty and perceptive mind. #books

I am struggling to remember a more slim poignant heartbreaking book than Human Acts by Han Kang. Such a powerful way to let the world know the realities of the 1980 massacre of Gwangju students and others in South Korea. Fabulous devastating writing #books

Very happy to have discovered Vivian Gornick thanks to #backlisted Great writing. Wise woman. Entertaining and sage look at the streets and people of New York City

Loved #ACompleteUnknown Great acting especially by TC. Authentic period feel. Shame they had to transpose the electric epiphany from Manchester to US & make up a whole story around it- but I don’t want to sound too nitpicky. Really enjoyed it. But wouldn’t have wanted to be one of his girlfriends!!

Just listened to the audiobook of #GloriousExploits by Ferdia Lennon. What a fantastic book. I never knew a hybrid novel about ancient history & Euripides’ Medea (what a play!) told with modern Celtic wit could be so enthralling. Best book I have read for ages. Beautifully narrated by the author too

21 years ago, British journalist Tom Hurndall died after spending 9 months in a coma. Tom was carrying a Palestinian child out of range of Israeli army gunfire when he was shot in the head. We will never forget him, nor his vision of a free and independent Palestine.

Hi @kermodeandmayo.bsky.social Just seen #Maria. Music was divine obviously & the look & feel suitably lavish & stylish as befits a first class diva. AJ was also impressive in a demanding role. Script was a bit ropey/hammy in places but overall really enjoyed the experience

Absolutely loved #ARealPain. Very funny and very moving. Kieran Culkin is so good in it. What a brilliant film

Big thanks to @outonbluesix.bsky.social for his new gem of a book #TheGoldenAgeofChildrensTV So many great memories & things I had totally forgotten but were life or death at the time obvs. Half my childhood was spent in front of a TV & it was my everything. Great to see this world given due respect

Hi @kermodeandmayo.bsky.social Saw #Babygirl with fairly low expectations due to poor reviews (not from Mark obvs).Didn’t buy all the plot swerves but very thought provoking about power dynamics in S&M relationships. Great leads with a v strong chemistry. Really enjoyed it - left me thinking a lot.

I wonder if the #waspiwomen betrayal by Labour will be the same watershed moment for them as the student loan u turn was for the Lib Dems?

My two favourite films this year have been #Anora - brilliant again from Sean Baker. Thrilling, funny and moving all in one. And just as good was #AllofUsStrangers - had to see it twice to really appreciate its depth. Weird but brilliant and very sad. #filmsoftheyear

My comfort reading of old children’s books award for 2024 goes to Tove Jansson and the wonderful but sadly so relevant today ‘The Moomins and the Great Flood’ (lovely new edition) plus that old perennial ’The Railway Children’ by Edith Nesbit. Still as lovely as ever to read #booksoftheyear

My ‘why on earth haven’t I read this before?’ new discovery of 2024 was the Cazalet Chronicles - particularly the first two books by Elizabeth Jane Howard. Just brilliant family storytelling. Had me gripped. #booksoftheyear

My favourite non fiction books that I read in 2024 (not in any order) were: Nick Hawes- The Great Post Office Scandal; James Nestor- Breath - The New Science of a Lost Art; and Davina McCall - Menopausing. All brilliant, eye opening and life changing. #booksoftheyear

My favourite new novels of 2024 were (not in any order): Long Island by Colm Tóbín, Prophet Song by Paul Lynch; The Heart in Winter by Kevin Barry; and Intermezzo by Sally Rooney. All dazzlingly brilliant in their own way. #booksoftheyear

Very excited to be seeing the nicest man and best footballer on the planet today at the Etihad with his #Ballondor Love Rodri💙 #MCFC

I love this take on the Manchester Christmas markets from Jack Walton. Makes me want to go out and buy a frog and drink sherry open.substack.com/pub/themill/...

Is it time to bin off the Christmas markets? A war waging on St Ann’s Square

Two Mill writers face off over Manchester’s festive future

open.substack.com