Interesting Booker List, but shocked and surprised not to see Valeria Luiselli and Keith Ridgeway on there - probably my two favourite novels of the year. Glad to see May We Feed The King on there though.

Tonight I saw three people reading Midnight's Children. Is there a reason why it's popular again?

On Tuesday I saw a man riding a bike while whistling the Jurassic Park theme tune at a deafening volume. A minute later, a man wearing a wizard outfit holding six bottles of orange juice like he'd just magicked them from the air. No one batted an eyelid. I have no idea what this means for the world.

So pleased for Rebecca Perry's May We Feed the King winning the Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize. It's been one of my favourite novels this year, and I hope it means many more people will read and love.

This Brian Cox interview on the World Cup ITV coverage is absolutely brilliant. He is confusing the fuck out of everyone

For some reason, my feed on here is suddenly all US sports, cat and dog posts, and people looking smug after a run. What is happening?

I wonder how Michael Howard is feeling this morning.

So, Farage, you said men can't even wear watches in London? This guy wore a Cartier for 12 nights in North West London and never got any hassle www.esquire.com/uk/watches/a...

For 12 Nights at Wembley Harry Styles Wore A Showstopping Cartier

He opted for a small Tank Louis Cartier watch

esquire.com

Who's going to don Martin Bell's white suit in Clacton?

Just popping down the shops. Watch off, obviously.

My first day as a 50 something. Perhaps celebrating by going to see Tracy Emin's astonishing and harrowing exhibition at the Tate was not the best move. Mortality bites.

Are Wimbledon crowds booing the near constant hydration breaks?

Went to see Archduke last night at the Royal Court. It's a tonally odd affair, but the sets and acting are sublime - and when it lands its punches at the end, I can forgive its wayward beginnings. Recommended.

Last night, I went to the Opera. Tonight I'm off to the Royal Court, even though it's hot and the football is on. I want a little sticker like I used to get from the dentist, saying what a cultured boy I have been.

A long time since I've had an early airport beer, but am celebrating my imminent 50th with the enigma that is @g-evers.bsky.social by heading for a Beatles and beer couple of days in Hamburg.

I'm off to Hamburg tomorrow. Is there anything art or literature related I should see/do? Or any general recommendations? I am mainly going to be pretending I'm in Backbeat, but other options are welcome

It's often said that Donald Trump is a baby or a toddler or something. Well, it's paid off now: the Iran deal is basically a geopolitical rehash of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's seminal A Squash and a Squeeze. m.media-amazon.com/images/I/519...

I am heading off into the wilderness to finish the new novel. By which I mean I am going to West Sussex, with a pub nearby, Sainsbury deliveries and two off licences in walking distance.

This is a truly exceptional novel: transporting, singular, deeply insightful, and compellingly strange. It's going to be much talked about, so get on it.

Keith Ridgway@rid9way.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Dooneen is published today. Many thanks to all the lovely people of @fitzcarraldoeds.bsky.social for their care. I like this book. I hope you will too. Available now off the shelf or to order in all the great bookshops of these islands.

If you are not terrified by this you are better than me.

If you are not terrified by this you are better than me.

It's stock day. But I've been out so it's now stock evening.

In my local mall there are several billboards, all of which play the same clip of Joan Collins answering the question: "Do you have a favourite dish?" with "If we're not going out, I like some good old fashioned beans on toast." It is on a never ending loop, and I can't stop thinking about it.

I'm thinking that if I'm ever asked on Desert Island Discs I might select the theme music for the Arena strand of documentaries. It never fails to make me happy. youtu.be/-GuzqPEcx5Q?...

BBC Arena - Opening Titles

YouTube video by spikeyroberto

youtu.be

I bought THE DOOR from a charity shop years ago but didn't read until last week. It is an absolute masterpiece, including the best dog in fiction, and in Emerence, a truly indelible character. Vintage has just reissued it so get a copy now. You will not regret it. uk.bookshop.org/a/681/978152...

The Door

Check out The Door - <p><b>'A dark domestic fairy tale' <i>New York Times</i><br /><br />A young writer employs a housekeeper - and slowly finds herself the sole keeper of the older woman's sercrets.<...

uk.bookshop.org

Loving pimp Aladdin hosting #eurovision

Journos: if you ever write "Rebel MP [insert name] has called for the resignation of Starmer," please know that a significant proportion of the population sings this to themselves. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oybs...

Double Trouble feat. Rebel MC - Street Tuff [Official Video]

YouTube video by New State Music

youtube.com

There is a pub in Walthamstow that has a firm no kids policy. They are VERY upfront about it and have signs and stickers everywhere to let you know that kids are not welcome. Which I applaud. However, this latest sign feels like they might've gone a bit OTT...