Ann McMillan
@captann.bsky.social
Modern Studies & History teacher, also a human being. All views are my own & not those of my school/employer.
For my professional account see missmcmillanr36.bsky.social
For my professional account see missmcmillanr36.bsky.social
Book 24
The Secrets of Blythswood Square by Sarah Sheridan
⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
Loved this! Thought The Fair Botanists was excellent but this was even better. Was easy to read and I was so keen to see how everything developed. Definitely recommend.
#ReadingList25
The Secrets of Blythswood Square by Sarah Sheridan
⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
Loved this! Thought The Fair Botanists was excellent but this was even better. Was easy to read and I was so keen to see how everything developed. Definitely recommend.
#ReadingList25
July 15, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Book 24
The Secrets of Blythswood Square by Sarah Sheridan
⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
Loved this! Thought The Fair Botanists was excellent but this was even better. Was easy to read and I was so keen to see how everything developed. Definitely recommend.
#ReadingList25
The Secrets of Blythswood Square by Sarah Sheridan
⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
Loved this! Thought The Fair Botanists was excellent but this was even better. Was easy to read and I was so keen to see how everything developed. Definitely recommend.
#ReadingList25
Book 23
This Is How You Lose The Time War by Amal El-Mohtar & Max Gladstone
⭐⭐⭐1/2
I found this tricky to get into but, once hooked, really liked it. Like nothing else I have ever read. Bit difficult to follow at times but overall recommend.
#ReadingList25
This Is How You Lose The Time War by Amal El-Mohtar & Max Gladstone
⭐⭐⭐1/2
I found this tricky to get into but, once hooked, really liked it. Like nothing else I have ever read. Bit difficult to follow at times but overall recommend.
#ReadingList25
July 5, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Book 23
This Is How You Lose The Time War by Amal El-Mohtar & Max Gladstone
⭐⭐⭐1/2
I found this tricky to get into but, once hooked, really liked it. Like nothing else I have ever read. Bit difficult to follow at times but overall recommend.
#ReadingList25
This Is How You Lose The Time War by Amal El-Mohtar & Max Gladstone
⭐⭐⭐1/2
I found this tricky to get into but, once hooked, really liked it. Like nothing else I have ever read. Bit difficult to follow at times but overall recommend.
#ReadingList25
Book 22
The Bell in the Lake
⭐1/2
I absolutely loved Sixteen Trees of the Somme so had high expectations but this just didn't meet them at all. Book Club pick so I'm unlikely to read the rest. Maybe it went over my head?
#ReadingList25
The Bell in the Lake
⭐1/2
I absolutely loved Sixteen Trees of the Somme so had high expectations but this just didn't meet them at all. Book Club pick so I'm unlikely to read the rest. Maybe it went over my head?
#ReadingList25
July 5, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Book 22
The Bell in the Lake
⭐1/2
I absolutely loved Sixteen Trees of the Somme so had high expectations but this just didn't meet them at all. Book Club pick so I'm unlikely to read the rest. Maybe it went over my head?
#ReadingList25
The Bell in the Lake
⭐1/2
I absolutely loved Sixteen Trees of the Somme so had high expectations but this just didn't meet them at all. Book Club pick so I'm unlikely to read the rest. Maybe it went over my head?
#ReadingList25
Book 21
Yardsticks for Failure
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Much deeper than you expect it to be, but made me properly laugh out loud too. Highly recommend listening to it - Ivo does an amazing job.
#ReadingList25
Yardsticks for Failure
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Much deeper than you expect it to be, but made me properly laugh out loud too. Highly recommend listening to it - Ivo does an amazing job.
#ReadingList25
July 5, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Book 21
Yardsticks for Failure
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Much deeper than you expect it to be, but made me properly laugh out loud too. Highly recommend listening to it - Ivo does an amazing job.
#ReadingList25
Yardsticks for Failure
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Much deeper than you expect it to be, but made me properly laugh out loud too. Highly recommend listening to it - Ivo does an amazing job.
#ReadingList25
Book 20
James by Percival Everett
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Outstanding. Love when a short book packs a powerful punch. Read it in about 4 sittings.
#ReadingList25
James by Percival Everett
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Outstanding. Love when a short book packs a powerful punch. Read it in about 4 sittings.
#ReadingList25
July 5, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Book 20
James by Percival Everett
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Outstanding. Love when a short book packs a powerful punch. Read it in about 4 sittings.
#ReadingList25
James by Percival Everett
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Outstanding. Love when a short book packs a powerful punch. Read it in about 4 sittings.
#ReadingList25
Book 19
Maurice and Maralyn by Sophie Elmhirst
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fascinating story! Can't believe it's true. Great to have such an honest account. It's amazing what people are capable of.
#ReadingList25
Maurice and Maralyn by Sophie Elmhirst
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fascinating story! Can't believe it's true. Great to have such an honest account. It's amazing what people are capable of.
#ReadingList25
July 5, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Book 19
Maurice and Maralyn by Sophie Elmhirst
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fascinating story! Can't believe it's true. Great to have such an honest account. It's amazing what people are capable of.
#ReadingList25
Maurice and Maralyn by Sophie Elmhirst
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fascinating story! Can't believe it's true. Great to have such an honest account. It's amazing what people are capable of.
#ReadingList25
Book 18
All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
⭐⭐⭐⭐
What a powerful book, so subtle but says so much. Keen to see the adaptations now, heard great things.
#ReadingList25
All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
⭐⭐⭐⭐
What a powerful book, so subtle but says so much. Keen to see the adaptations now, heard great things.
#ReadingList25
July 5, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Book 18
All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
⭐⭐⭐⭐
What a powerful book, so subtle but says so much. Keen to see the adaptations now, heard great things.
#ReadingList25
All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
⭐⭐⭐⭐
What a powerful book, so subtle but says so much. Keen to see the adaptations now, heard great things.
#ReadingList25
Book 17
What You Are Looking For Is In The Library by Michiko Aoyama
⭐⭐⭐⭐
What a lovely book! Loved the separation in the chapters but the subtle links between each story. Fab little book, a really pleasant read.
#ReadingList25
What You Are Looking For Is In The Library by Michiko Aoyama
⭐⭐⭐⭐
What a lovely book! Loved the separation in the chapters but the subtle links between each story. Fab little book, a really pleasant read.
#ReadingList25
May 23, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Book 17
What You Are Looking For Is In The Library by Michiko Aoyama
⭐⭐⭐⭐
What a lovely book! Loved the separation in the chapters but the subtle links between each story. Fab little book, a really pleasant read.
#ReadingList25
What You Are Looking For Is In The Library by Michiko Aoyama
⭐⭐⭐⭐
What a lovely book! Loved the separation in the chapters but the subtle links between each story. Fab little book, a really pleasant read.
#ReadingList25
Book 16
Everything Is Tuberculosis by John Green
⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
Brilliant. Definitely recommend as an audiobook, too. So interesting and honest, learned a lot and made me think.
#ReadingList25
Everything Is Tuberculosis by John Green
⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
Brilliant. Definitely recommend as an audiobook, too. So interesting and honest, learned a lot and made me think.
#ReadingList25
May 23, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Book 16
Everything Is Tuberculosis by John Green
⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
Brilliant. Definitely recommend as an audiobook, too. So interesting and honest, learned a lot and made me think.
#ReadingList25
Everything Is Tuberculosis by John Green
⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
Brilliant. Definitely recommend as an audiobook, too. So interesting and honest, learned a lot and made me think.
#ReadingList25
Book 15
The Escape Artist by Jonathan Freedland
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fascinating! Really interesting looking at one person's perspective in so much detail.
#ReadingList25
The Escape Artist by Jonathan Freedland
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fascinating! Really interesting looking at one person's perspective in so much detail.
#ReadingList25
May 23, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Book 15
The Escape Artist by Jonathan Freedland
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fascinating! Really interesting looking at one person's perspective in so much detail.
#ReadingList25
The Escape Artist by Jonathan Freedland
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fascinating! Really interesting looking at one person's perspective in so much detail.
#ReadingList25
Book 14
Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things? by Pierre Novellie
⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
Loved this! Really funny and relatable. Felt a little called out sometimes, though? Definitely recommend, no matter if you're neurotypical or neurodivergent.
#ReadingList25
Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things? by Pierre Novellie
⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
Loved this! Really funny and relatable. Felt a little called out sometimes, though? Definitely recommend, no matter if you're neurotypical or neurodivergent.
#ReadingList25
May 23, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Book 14
Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things? by Pierre Novellie
⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
Loved this! Really funny and relatable. Felt a little called out sometimes, though? Definitely recommend, no matter if you're neurotypical or neurodivergent.
#ReadingList25
Why Can't I Just Enjoy Things? by Pierre Novellie
⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
Loved this! Really funny and relatable. Felt a little called out sometimes, though? Definitely recommend, no matter if you're neurotypical or neurodivergent.
#ReadingList25
Book 13
Think Again by Jacqueline Wilson
⭐⭐1/2
Hmm, liked and didn't like this one. Lots of relatable sections but felt the storyline got a bit lost at points - I did find myself rooting for the main character.
#ReadingList25
Think Again by Jacqueline Wilson
⭐⭐1/2
Hmm, liked and didn't like this one. Lots of relatable sections but felt the storyline got a bit lost at points - I did find myself rooting for the main character.
#ReadingList25
May 23, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Book 13
Think Again by Jacqueline Wilson
⭐⭐1/2
Hmm, liked and didn't like this one. Lots of relatable sections but felt the storyline got a bit lost at points - I did find myself rooting for the main character.
#ReadingList25
Think Again by Jacqueline Wilson
⭐⭐1/2
Hmm, liked and didn't like this one. Lots of relatable sections but felt the storyline got a bit lost at points - I did find myself rooting for the main character.
#ReadingList25
Book 12
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
⭐⭐⭐1/2
A refreshing take on dystopian future. Quite an easy and engaging read.
#ReadingList25
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
⭐⭐⭐1/2
A refreshing take on dystopian future. Quite an easy and engaging read.
#ReadingList25
May 23, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Book 12
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
⭐⭐⭐1/2
A refreshing take on dystopian future. Quite an easy and engaging read.
#ReadingList25
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
⭐⭐⭐1/2
A refreshing take on dystopian future. Quite an easy and engaging read.
#ReadingList25
Book 11
A Voyage Around the Queen by Craig Brown
⭐⭐⭐1/2
This was such an enjoyable read. A refreshing look at the life of HM, quite funny too! A few sections were a bit long/weird for my liking though.
#ReadingList25
A Voyage Around the Queen by Craig Brown
⭐⭐⭐1/2
This was such an enjoyable read. A refreshing look at the life of HM, quite funny too! A few sections were a bit long/weird for my liking though.
#ReadingList25
April 27, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Book 11
A Voyage Around the Queen by Craig Brown
⭐⭐⭐1/2
This was such an enjoyable read. A refreshing look at the life of HM, quite funny too! A few sections were a bit long/weird for my liking though.
#ReadingList25
A Voyage Around the Queen by Craig Brown
⭐⭐⭐1/2
This was such an enjoyable read. A refreshing look at the life of HM, quite funny too! A few sections were a bit long/weird for my liking though.
#ReadingList25
Book 10
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
⭐⭐⭐
First audiobook of the year. Not quite sure I get all the hype about it but I did enjoy it.
#ReadingList25
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
⭐⭐⭐
First audiobook of the year. Not quite sure I get all the hype about it but I did enjoy it.
#ReadingList25
March 13, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Book 10
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
⭐⭐⭐
First audiobook of the year. Not quite sure I get all the hype about it but I did enjoy it.
#ReadingList25
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
⭐⭐⭐
First audiobook of the year. Not quite sure I get all the hype about it but I did enjoy it.
#ReadingList25
Book 9
The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers by Samuel Burr
⭐⭐⭐1/2
What a lovely read! Nicely paced, quite funny and with characters you cared about. Great for an easy read to make you smile.
#ReadingList25
The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers by Samuel Burr
⭐⭐⭐1/2
What a lovely read! Nicely paced, quite funny and with characters you cared about. Great for an easy read to make you smile.
#ReadingList25
March 8, 2025 at 7:41 AM
Book 9
The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers by Samuel Burr
⭐⭐⭐1/2
What a lovely read! Nicely paced, quite funny and with characters you cared about. Great for an easy read to make you smile.
#ReadingList25
The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers by Samuel Burr
⭐⭐⭐1/2
What a lovely read! Nicely paced, quite funny and with characters you cared about. Great for an easy read to make you smile.
#ReadingList25
Book 8
East West Street by Philippe Sands
⭐⭐⭐1/2
A hell of a read. Both in the sense that it covers a monumental piece of history and that it is a long and difficult read. But definitely still recommend.
#ReadingList25
East West Street by Philippe Sands
⭐⭐⭐1/2
A hell of a read. Both in the sense that it covers a monumental piece of history and that it is a long and difficult read. But definitely still recommend.
#ReadingList25
February 24, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Book 8
East West Street by Philippe Sands
⭐⭐⭐1/2
A hell of a read. Both in the sense that it covers a monumental piece of history and that it is a long and difficult read. But definitely still recommend.
#ReadingList25
East West Street by Philippe Sands
⭐⭐⭐1/2
A hell of a read. Both in the sense that it covers a monumental piece of history and that it is a long and difficult read. But definitely still recommend.
#ReadingList25
Book 7
News of the Dead by James Robertson
Enjoyed this one! Recommended by a friend, not what I'd usually pick up but became really invested in the story and characters. Made you question your narrator at points...
⭐⭐⭐⭐
#ReadingList25
News of the Dead by James Robertson
Enjoyed this one! Recommended by a friend, not what I'd usually pick up but became really invested in the story and characters. Made you question your narrator at points...
⭐⭐⭐⭐
#ReadingList25
February 23, 2025 at 10:43 AM
Book 7
News of the Dead by James Robertson
Enjoyed this one! Recommended by a friend, not what I'd usually pick up but became really invested in the story and characters. Made you question your narrator at points...
⭐⭐⭐⭐
#ReadingList25
News of the Dead by James Robertson
Enjoyed this one! Recommended by a friend, not what I'd usually pick up but became really invested in the story and characters. Made you question your narrator at points...
⭐⭐⭐⭐
#ReadingList25
Sweet satisfaction!
February 19, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Sweet satisfaction!
Book 6
The Laird's Ladle by Yvonne Vincent
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Really enjoying listening to this series on Spotify. Ridiculously Scottish with plenty of humour as well as twists and turns to keep you guessing. Makes car journeys disappear!
#ReadingList25
The Laird's Ladle by Yvonne Vincent
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Really enjoying listening to this series on Spotify. Ridiculously Scottish with plenty of humour as well as twists and turns to keep you guessing. Makes car journeys disappear!
#ReadingList25
February 17, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Book 6
The Laird's Ladle by Yvonne Vincent
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Really enjoying listening to this series on Spotify. Ridiculously Scottish with plenty of humour as well as twists and turns to keep you guessing. Makes car journeys disappear!
#ReadingList25
The Laird's Ladle by Yvonne Vincent
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Really enjoying listening to this series on Spotify. Ridiculously Scottish with plenty of humour as well as twists and turns to keep you guessing. Makes car journeys disappear!
#ReadingList25
Book 5
A Fire in the Sky by Sophie Jordan
⭐
First book club book of 2025! 15 years ago I would've loved a book like this - but not now. So predictable, lacking in meaningful dialogue and, at times, laughable.
#ReadingList25
A Fire in the Sky by Sophie Jordan
⭐
First book club book of 2025! 15 years ago I would've loved a book like this - but not now. So predictable, lacking in meaningful dialogue and, at times, laughable.
#ReadingList25
February 11, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Book 5
A Fire in the Sky by Sophie Jordan
⭐
First book club book of 2025! 15 years ago I would've loved a book like this - but not now. So predictable, lacking in meaningful dialogue and, at times, laughable.
#ReadingList25
A Fire in the Sky by Sophie Jordan
⭐
First book club book of 2025! 15 years ago I would've loved a book like this - but not now. So predictable, lacking in meaningful dialogue and, at times, laughable.
#ReadingList25
Book 4
How They Broke Britain by James O'Brien
⭐⭐⭐1/2
An important but difficult read. Outrageous. Also, wildly funny at points? Maybe only because you'll cry otherwise.
#ReadingList25
How They Broke Britain by James O'Brien
⭐⭐⭐1/2
An important but difficult read. Outrageous. Also, wildly funny at points? Maybe only because you'll cry otherwise.
#ReadingList25
February 11, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Book 4
How They Broke Britain by James O'Brien
⭐⭐⭐1/2
An important but difficult read. Outrageous. Also, wildly funny at points? Maybe only because you'll cry otherwise.
#ReadingList25
How They Broke Britain by James O'Brien
⭐⭐⭐1/2
An important but difficult read. Outrageous. Also, wildly funny at points? Maybe only because you'll cry otherwise.
#ReadingList25
Book 3
The Wager by David Grann
⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
What a brilliant book, and it's true! Grann expertly handles weaving this story. Fascinating.
#ReadingList25
The Wager by David Grann
⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
What a brilliant book, and it's true! Grann expertly handles weaving this story. Fascinating.
#ReadingList25
February 2, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Book 3
The Wager by David Grann
⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
What a brilliant book, and it's true! Grann expertly handles weaving this story. Fascinating.
#ReadingList25
The Wager by David Grann
⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
What a brilliant book, and it's true! Grann expertly handles weaving this story. Fascinating.
#ReadingList25
Book 2
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
An excellent novel, powerful. Definitely recommend.
#ReadingList25
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
An excellent novel, powerful. Definitely recommend.
#ReadingList25
January 14, 2025 at 10:33 PM
Book 2
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
An excellent novel, powerful. Definitely recommend.
#ReadingList25
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
An excellent novel, powerful. Definitely recommend.
#ReadingList25
My boyfriend got Wingspan for Christmas and we've already played it so many times, it's absolutely brilliant. May have started a spreadsheet for keeping our scores...
January 10, 2025 at 8:54 PM
My boyfriend got Wingspan for Christmas and we've already played it so many times, it's absolutely brilliant. May have started a spreadsheet for keeping our scores...