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NeverImitate | Trying to avoid society's pigeonholes - Books & Literature
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Robyn Reviews: The Deal « neverimitate
'The Deal' is one of the most talked about books in the new adult sports romance genre - a genre which is particularly popular on Booktok and Bookstagram. Having enjoyed Ali Hazelwood's take on new adult sports romance with 'Deep End', I've been exploring some of the more popular books in the genre - but…
Book Review: Love Forms « neverimitate
This review was written for and first published by Bookmunch. Love Forms tells the story of Dawn Bishop, a woman born and raised in Trinidad who is sent to finish her education at a boarding school in England after giving birth to a daughter when she was sixteen years old. The child was conceived during a…
Hen Keeping: End of an Era « neverimitate
At the height of this past summer, when the sun rose while we were still snoozing in bed, a fox broke into our chicken run, killed all our birds and took several away. We heard nothing, discovering the devastation several hours later when we went to check on the girls food and water supplies. It…
Robyn Reviews: The Spellshop « neverimitate
'The Spellshop' by Sarah Beth Durst is the latest in the current trend for light cosy fantasy reads - books in fantasy settings with low stakes, focusing on characters, communities, and found family. I've had mixed experices with this as a genre - some, like 'The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches', are delightful heartwarming…
Edward Explores: Stamford and Irchester « neverimitate
Long time readers may remember that a little over a year ago Edward explored a part of the country he was unfamiliar with, Stamford in Lincolnshire. He has happy memories of this holiday, especially as it ended with the purchase of a new friend. Our bear's only disappointment was that the big house adjacent to…
Robyn Reviews: Before the Coffee Gets Cold « neverimitate
'Before the Coffee Gets Cold' is a Japanese speculative fiction novel about a cafe which permits its visitors to travel in time - but only within a set of highly specific and constraining rules. Using this setup, it explores themes including relationships, grief, and the importance of communication and understanding. For some, this will be…
Hotel Review: Return to the William Cecil, Stamford « neverimitate
We first visited the William Cecil in Stamford in March 2024. The hotel is adjacent to the Burghley Estate but on that occasion the impressive house had yet to open for the season. Husband was keen to look around this so last month we returned for another few days holiday. Much remained the same as…
Robyn Reviews: The Soulmate Equation « neverimitate
'The Soulmate Equation' is a fun rom-com with a fantastic protagonist and intriguing central premise, alongside a conventional yet enoyable plot. The love interest is a little flat, but otherwise this is one of the more solid entries into the rom-com genre. Single mum Jess has no time, or desire, for romance. Balancing her job…
Monthly Roundup – August 2025 « neverimitate
August is my birthday month and it has proved a good one. Before the big day husband and I treated ourselves to a few days away in Stamford which, while listed as in Lincolnshire, sits on the border of four counties. We enjoyed some lovely walks in an area that, certainly compared to Wiltshire, is…
Run Report: Fordingbridge Recreation Ground Parkrun « neverimitate
It is always lovely to hear of new parkruns starting up around the country, even more so if they are within reasonable travelling distance from home. Fordingbridge just about meets this criteria as, although quite far away in miles, it is a straightforward journey. Having given the event a few weeks to settle we therefore…
Book Review: Chilco « neverimitate
"At this point in the backlash, reflection isn't possible. Everyone wants to have an unquestionable truth." Chilco, by Daniela Catrileo (translated by Jacob Edelstein), tells the story of Marina, known as Mari, a South American woman trying to build a life for herself while the world she lives in conspires to keep her in a…
Robyn Reviews: Practice Makes Perfect « neverimitate
'Practice Makes Perfect' is the second in a series of small-town romances by Sarah Adams set in Rome, Kentucky, although it can very much be read as a standalone. It's a cute, easy read, lacking in much substance or plausability, but enjoyable enough as a beach or holiday read. Annie Walker wants a husband. Her…
Book Review: A Stroke of the Pen « neverimitate
In the introduction to this collection of 'rediscovered' short stories, Neil Gaiman reminds us that, following Pratchett's death and as per his explicit instructions, the hard disc of the author's computer was crushed by a steamroller. It is known that this contained at least fragments of unpublished stories. It must be clear to anyone that…
Robyn Reviews: Icebreaker « neverimitate
'Icebreaker' is one of a slew of romance novels which were initially self-published then picked up by a major publisher after becoming popular on Kindle Unlimited and TikTok. Unfortunately, its self-published background shows: this book is simply too long for the amount of plot, starts well and then stutters before entirely losing momentum and the…
Run Report: Irchester Country Parkrun « neverimitate
When we booked a short holiday in Lincolnshire it was pleasing to find a parkrun not too far away that would give us a letter of the alphabet we had yet to collect. We tacked a night at the Premier Inn in Wellingborough onto the end of our original hotel booking and looked forward to…
Book Review: All to Blazes « neverimitate
All to Blazes, by Frank Sargeson, has been sitting on my shelves since I received a surprise copy in the post in 2021. Sent by Brian Hamill, co-founder of a then recently created small press, the common breath, it came with a note that explained he thought I would enjoy reading it and, while a…
Run Report: Newbury Parkrun « neverimitate
Team Law decided to run at Newbury this week to enable daughter to collect another letter from her name for the 5k app challenge. We were looking forward to what sounded like a flat course run on prepared pathways. Plus it is a one lapper which is a rare treat. Newbury is quite a drive…
Robyn Reviews: Say You’ll Remember Me « neverimitate
Having enjoyed 'Just for the Summer' by Abby Jimenez, I was keen to check out more of her work - and her latest release, 'Say You'll Remember Me', seemed promising. Veterinarian who rescues animals in his spare time? Check. Hard-hitting subplot about dealing with early onset dementia in a family member? Check. Cute romance? Unfortunately,…
Edward Explores: Withypool on Exmoor « neverimitate
It was with great excitement that Edward set off on his most recent adventure. All the bearers were coming along on what was planned to be a family walking holiday on Exmoor. When everyone is there Edward has extra friends to play with. There are also more stops for cake than is usually the case…
Monthly Roundup – July 2025 « neverimitate
July has included: heatwaves, downpours, a family holiday, a local running race. It seems that summer is upon us in the UK and it has so far been a good one. I continue to run, swim and visit the gym to lift weights regularly. I picked up a couple of minor eye infections and suffered…
Robyn Reviews: Problematic Summer Romance « neverimitate
'Problematic Summer Romance' is a spinoff novel from the fourth book in Ali Hazelwood's loosely-linked STEMinist series, 'Not in Love'. Where each STEMinist novel can be read and appreciated without reading the others, 'Problematic Summer Romance' is best read by those who have already read 'Not in Love', to fully appreciate the backstory and characters.…
Holiday Cottage Review: Royal Oak Cottage, Withypool « neverimitate
Having travelled abroad extensively when younger, husband and I now prefer to take our holidays in the British Isles. We no longer have any interest in visiting towns or cities, opting instead for coastal or rural locations with easy access to long, scenic walks. With these criteria in mind we generally choose a suitable country…
Run Report: Minehead Parkrun « neverimitate
Taking part in a parkrun with a course set entirely on a seafront promenade has long been on my wishlist - adding a seaview to my preference for running with pavement underfoot and no hills. Minehead appeared to meet all requirements so, when we decided to book our annual family holiday in Exmoor, a night…
Robyn Reviews: Funny Story « neverimitate
It's impossible to read within the contemporary romance genre without the name 'Emily Henry' cropping up over and over again in recommendations, so I had to see what the fuss was about. 'Funny Story' is one of her most recent releases, and has a fantastic premise - but ultimately, whilst cute enough at the time,…
Book Review: Two similar looking men with umbilical hernias « neverimitate
This review was written for and first published by Bookmunch. “A woman phoned up and adopted a donkey called Gladys for her sister who was also called Gladys. She pledged for a full lifetime of looking after Gladys the donkey and receiving regular updates about her. Gladys died just after the transaction had gone through.…
Book Review: Of Mice and Men « neverimitate
I decided to reread Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck, having watched the excellent 1992 adaptation currently available on Prime. It was pleasing to find that this film followed the story faithfully, something so many modern film makers seem to struggle with when they adapt an already good story. The nuances were successfully captured,…
Robyn Reviews: The Summer I Turned Pretty « neverimitate
'The Summer I Turned Pretty' by Jenny Han is the second of her YA contemporary romances to be picked up and adapted for TV by Amazon Prime, following the success of 'To All the Boys I Loved Before'. I wasn't overly impressed with 'To All the Boys I Loved Before', but given how many readers…
Book Review: Fall « neverimitate
"Clive couldn't speak now. Aaron held his breath. The moment had been rewritten. And there was no reorganising the words." Fall, by West Camel, tells the story of twin brothers, Clive and Aaron, who live in a huge scheme of London tower blocks designed by their award winning architect mother, Zoe. It is a slow…
Run Report: Tidworth Parkrun (new course) « neverimitate
The Law family’s summer of parkrun touristing continued this morning with a visit to Tidworth. We last ran at this venue in May of last year and both husband and I were keen to beat the PBs we set then. Daughter is in the process of collecting all of Wiltshire’s parkruns so was happy to…
Robyn Reviews: Just For The Summer « neverimitate
'Just For The Summer' is a cute, feel-good romance perfect for reading with a cocktail on the beach - but it's also a moving and thoughtful story about learning to process childhood trauma, complex family dynamics, and strong friendships. Jimenez examines all facets of love, from the challenges of unconditional love of family to the…
Monthly Roundup – June 2025 « neverimitate
June has been active and busy in our little household. As well as parkruns each Saturday, daughter and I ran in a race held in the pretty little Cotswold town of Fairford - we knew we had arrived in the Cotswolds when a Lamborghini passed us - and it wasn't even a tractor. I posted…
Run Report: Brickfields Park Parkrun « neverimitate
It is always exciting to hear of new parkruns starting, especially when they are close enough to visit without having to make too long a journey. Brickfields Park in Bath is less than an hour’s drive away, although time to walk from the recommended parking at the city’s football ground needs to be factored in.…
Edward Explores: Return to Dartmoor « neverimitate
In November 2022 Edward undertook a most daring adventure in the Dartmoor National Park, basing himself for the weekend at the lovely Mill End Hotel. He was therefore happy to hear that he was to return to the area, this time in what would hopefully prove more summery weather. As the bearers planned to participate…
Book Review: Burnt Paper Sky « neverimitate
Burnt Paper Sky is the debut novel from the now much published Gilly MacMillan. Readers are advised not to judge a book by its cover but I admit to buying this book based on that alone. I therefore found it interesting when I looked for a link on the publisher's website to discover that not…
Run Report: Simmons Park Parkrun « neverimitate
The last time we visited Dartmoor Simmons Park parkrun had not yet started. It was therefore with some excitement that we travelled to Okehampton on the Friday afternoon of our short break to check out the course ahead of Saturday’s planned run. Husband did his best to explain the route as we walked through the…
Hotel Review: Return to Mill End, Dartmoor « neverimitate
In November 2022 we stayed at the Mill End Hotel on the edge of Dartmoor National Park (you may read my review here). Impressed as we were with the location, food and comfort of the place it was decided we would return this month when a good offer appeared on Secret Escapes. Before I go…
Book Review: Spit « neverimitate
"I'm not sure, memory is a tricky thing [...] it might be the product of too much time and loneliness. We have to make up stories, to believe them, to live them" Spit, by David Brennan, is set within a small community living in the west of Ireland where generations of the same families have…
Run Report: Fairford 10k « neverimitate
On a cool but sunny Sunday in early June, daughter and I drove to the pretty Cotswold market town of Fairford for their annual 10k race. Organised by the Cirencester based club, Running Somewhere Else, and put on in conjunction with the Fairford Festival, this was a well organised event with: plenty of parking, a…
Book Review: They Set the Fire « neverimitate
"Each of us is born with a pair of scissors, a needle, and thread. What do we do with them? We cut and mend and stitch. Do we know what we're doing? Of course we don't. But one way or another, we sew ourselves together." We Set the Fire, by Daniel Kraus (illustrated by Rovina…
Book Review: The White Bear « neverimitate
The White Bear, by Henrik Pontoppidan (translated by Paul Larkin), contains two of the Nobel laureate's novellas, newly translated for this release. The first and titular story has as its protagonist a pastor who found happiness when banished to serve in the frozen wastes of Greenland, yet makes an ill thought through decision to return…