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The Declaration, by Gemma Malley

The Declaration is a YA novel set in a dystopian future England. It’s 2140 and years ago, scientists found a ‘cure’ for old age (as though it was a disease or something, which interestingly is how a lot of people seem to talk about it when they promote anti-ageing products and scientific developments. Scary). They created a drug that could completely halt the aging process and actually prevent death. Naturally this led to a massive increase in population that the planet and its resources could no longer sustain, so laws were introduced to inhibit reproduction. Which always works out for the best. It’s an interesting and very quick read.

Incidently, I think I am addicted to buying books, and actually to bookstores in general. My mother and sisters started refusing to enter a bookstore with me by the time I was around 12 or 13, because it would take them hours to get me out.

A very shiny manouvre of fate has me working very near the biggest bookstore in London – the seven-storey Waterstones on Piccadilly. Or as I like to call it, The Place Where Awesome is Made. So whenever I am feeling like a social zombie (which is increasingly often), I drop in and pick up some paper happiness that I can take home and use as an imaginary buffer between me and the rest of the world.

Lemonia, Primrose Hill

Fabulous and hugely popular Greek restaurant on Regent’s Park Road that I’ve been meaning to try for ages. Finally went with LC Hammer in tow this weekend, and was not disappointed. Really good food, really great atmosphere. I recommend the moussaka and halloumi.

Burn After Reading

Coen Brothers + Frances McDormand + John Malkovich + Brad Pitt + clever and highly original screenplay = super good times.

Trojka, Primrose Hill

While I was in the trying-new-things-in-my-neighbourhood mode, I did lunch at Trojka on Sunday, a Russian Tea House on Regent’s Park Road that, again, I’ve been saying I’ll try forever. It was great – not the food so much (the food was fine – although the borsch was a little lukewarmish), but the always fantastic experience of Eastern European customer service. You come for the latke, but you stay to be scowled at and ignored by an eye-rolling, out-of-work Russian model slash waitress.

I felt the one unacceptable part of the Trojka experience was that they were playing the soundtrack to The Bodyguard on a loop.

Rain Man

Usually the thought of seeing Josh Hartnett act in anything makes me want to punch myself in the face until I cry, but this was getting some great reviews so I thought it might be okay. It was actually great. Adam Godley was brilliant as Raymond, the autistic brother, and – surprisingly (to me anyway) – Josh Hartnett was pretty terrific. It’s playing at the Apollo Theatre on Shaftesbury Ave in Soho until 20 December, and I recommend getting a ticket.