I, along with what appears to be the majority of young, adult women, made a resolution to read more books this year. However rather than start to read through the numerous piles of unread novels occupying space in my room, I cannot control my urges to set off and buy myself more book. I think it's time to admit that I am addicted to buying and not reading books. Now that every spare moment of my time has to be occupied with reading and researching around my dissertation topic, I don't really have a lot of spare time to read for pleasure. But that hasn't stopped me adding to my bookshelf over the last few weeks and today I wanted to share with you a haul of books, some of which are read and some of which unread that I couldn't help but add to my collection.
* This post features a book that I was sent to review. I received no payment for this review and all opinions are my own.
I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of Sally Bibb's The Strengths Book* before the beginning of my current semester of university. My exams had really knocked me for six and I was started to feel the pressure of holding myself to a certain standard, and being unable to meet my own expectations. In this book, Sally helps readers identify their strengths in all areas of life, from relationships to the workplace, with practical tips and advice on how to be your truest, happiest and most-fulfilled self. With this book I've learned that instead of focusing on my weaknesses and allowing them to dictate my behaviour, I should allow my strengths to energise how I feel about myself and those around me. The Strengths Book has been my lifeline over the last number of weeks, and it has barely left my bedside table because of how motivated and enthused I feel after I read it. Its powerful, emotional and at a time where certain chapters of my life are on their last pages, it has reminded me that there are many more chapters that have yet to be written. I control their words and the meaning of them.
THE LITTLE BOOK OF HYGGE - MEIK WIKING
I'm sure by now every blogger and their dog has told you about how great The Little Book of Hygge is. And they're right! However, in case you've been living under a rock for the last year or so, let me fill you in. There's no English word equivalent for hygge, instead the Danish translation encapsulates feelings of comfort, peace and happiness. Think about the place you feel most warm and content, and begin to embody how that feels in your everyday life - that's hygge. This book about living well really teaches readers how to appreciate the little nuggets of happiness we experience in our day to day lives, no matter how insignificant that may be to others. Its full of gorgeous images, tips on how to be more hygge in all areas of life and feel comfortable in yourself. A light, wholesome read for anyone who feels a little lost.
JANE AUSTEN: THE SECRET RADICAL - HELENA KELLY
Austen is an author who is both polarising and inescapable. Her literature is embedded into our culture and heritage, and she's perhaps best-known for her ability to create escapist novels which appear to be light, fluffy and devoid of any subversive meaning or political drive. In essence, if you've read one Austen novel, you've read them all. However, in this book Helena Kelly seeks to dispel the so-called "Austen myth" as she dissects each of her six novels. Through the exploration of her personal letters and the real-life people who inspired her most famous characters, she paints a different picture of the Austen we think we know. I don't count myself among the biggest of Austen fans, but I could not put this book down. I loved how in-depth and exciting every chapter was, and it completely took me by surprise that I had missed all of these subtle nuances in Austen's novels. For anyone who thinks they know the most famous female writer in literature.
I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS - MAYA ANGELOU
After being on my Must-Have list for what felt like forever, Father Christmas granted my festive wish and gave me this wonderful book for Christmas. I read it as a dissertation back-up novel, and I fell more in love with it than I thought I would. An autobiographical truth about the reality of living as a poor, woman of colour in the South during a period of racial tension, Angelou presents the most horrific of experiences in such an emotive way, you truly feel every word she writes. I learned so much from reading this, and it felt like the author was right beside me the entire way through the novel, as if we were speaking together as friends. This is another book that I couldn't put down and it definitely gave me the inspiration I needed for my dissertation.
AMERICANAH - CHIMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE
Last year, I took a module in Contemporary World Literature, and despite this novel not being part of the required reading list my lecturer recommended it to all of us. I'm not usually one for reading too far outside of the module, but I really enjoyed it and for some reason the description of this novel stuck with me. So I popped it on my Christmas list, and again Santa delivered. Adichie tells the story of a young, Nigerian woman who emigrates to the United States and the hardships she faces, as it threads the narrative between her life at home and her life in America. It reflects on-going global and personal tensions that many immigrants and people of colour continue to face today, and again has been a great background novel for my dissertation. Its raw, educational and tells the story that thousands have experienced, but that not everyone gets to tell.
HOW TO STOP TIME - MATT HAIG
I absolutely adore Matt Haig, and his infamous "Reasons to Stay Alive" has been a staple on my bookshelf since its publication. When I heard he was releasing another novel, I knew I had to pick it up. How to Stop Time is a Benjamin Button-esque novel that blurs fantasy and sci-fi in one emotional story. I haven't managed to get a chance to read this one yet, but as soon as university is out of the way I cannot wait to sink my teeth into this!
THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE - SHIRLEY JACKSON
* This post features a book that I was sent to review. I received no payment for this review and all opinions are my own.
MINDFULNESS BOOKS:
THE STRENGTHS BOOK - SALLY BIBB*
I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of Sally Bibb's The Strengths Book* before the beginning of my current semester of university. My exams had really knocked me for six and I was started to feel the pressure of holding myself to a certain standard, and being unable to meet my own expectations. In this book, Sally helps readers identify their strengths in all areas of life, from relationships to the workplace, with practical tips and advice on how to be your truest, happiest and most-fulfilled self. With this book I've learned that instead of focusing on my weaknesses and allowing them to dictate my behaviour, I should allow my strengths to energise how I feel about myself and those around me. The Strengths Book has been my lifeline over the last number of weeks, and it has barely left my bedside table because of how motivated and enthused I feel after I read it. Its powerful, emotional and at a time where certain chapters of my life are on their last pages, it has reminded me that there are many more chapters that have yet to be written. I control their words and the meaning of them.
THE LITTLE BOOK OF HYGGE - MEIK WIKING
I'm sure by now every blogger and their dog has told you about how great The Little Book of Hygge is. And they're right! However, in case you've been living under a rock for the last year or so, let me fill you in. There's no English word equivalent for hygge, instead the Danish translation encapsulates feelings of comfort, peace and happiness. Think about the place you feel most warm and content, and begin to embody how that feels in your everyday life - that's hygge. This book about living well really teaches readers how to appreciate the little nuggets of happiness we experience in our day to day lives, no matter how insignificant that may be to others. Its full of gorgeous images, tips on how to be more hygge in all areas of life and feel comfortable in yourself. A light, wholesome read for anyone who feels a little lost.
ACADEMIC RECOMMENDATIONS:
JANE AUSTEN: THE SECRET RADICAL - HELENA KELLY
Austen is an author who is both polarising and inescapable. Her literature is embedded into our culture and heritage, and she's perhaps best-known for her ability to create escapist novels which appear to be light, fluffy and devoid of any subversive meaning or political drive. In essence, if you've read one Austen novel, you've read them all. However, in this book Helena Kelly seeks to dispel the so-called "Austen myth" as she dissects each of her six novels. Through the exploration of her personal letters and the real-life people who inspired her most famous characters, she paints a different picture of the Austen we think we know. I don't count myself among the biggest of Austen fans, but I could not put this book down. I loved how in-depth and exciting every chapter was, and it completely took me by surprise that I had missed all of these subtle nuances in Austen's novels. For anyone who thinks they know the most famous female writer in literature.
I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS - MAYA ANGELOU
After being on my Must-Have list for what felt like forever, Father Christmas granted my festive wish and gave me this wonderful book for Christmas. I read it as a dissertation back-up novel, and I fell more in love with it than I thought I would. An autobiographical truth about the reality of living as a poor, woman of colour in the South during a period of racial tension, Angelou presents the most horrific of experiences in such an emotive way, you truly feel every word she writes. I learned so much from reading this, and it felt like the author was right beside me the entire way through the novel, as if we were speaking together as friends. This is another book that I couldn't put down and it definitely gave me the inspiration I needed for my dissertation.
AMERICANAH - CHIMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE
Last year, I took a module in Contemporary World Literature, and despite this novel not being part of the required reading list my lecturer recommended it to all of us. I'm not usually one for reading too far outside of the module, but I really enjoyed it and for some reason the description of this novel stuck with me. So I popped it on my Christmas list, and again Santa delivered. Adichie tells the story of a young, Nigerian woman who emigrates to the United States and the hardships she faces, as it threads the narrative between her life at home and her life in America. It reflects on-going global and personal tensions that many immigrants and people of colour continue to face today, and again has been a great background novel for my dissertation. Its raw, educational and tells the story that thousands have experienced, but that not everyone gets to tell.
EVERYTHING IN-BETWEEN:
HOW TO STOP TIME - MATT HAIG
I absolutely adore Matt Haig, and his infamous "Reasons to Stay Alive" has been a staple on my bookshelf since its publication. When I heard he was releasing another novel, I knew I had to pick it up. How to Stop Time is a Benjamin Button-esque novel that blurs fantasy and sci-fi in one emotional story. I haven't managed to get a chance to read this one yet, but as soon as university is out of the way I cannot wait to sink my teeth into this!
THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE - SHIRLEY JACKSON
I've grown to love Gothic literature over the years, and there's nothing better than lying in bed with a good scary book. This widely-adapted novel plays on the readers emotional investment in the characters and their relationships to terrorise and surprise. It makes us question the barrier between reality, fiction and perception and truly sends shivers down the spine.
THE LESSER BOHEMIANS - EIMEAR MCBRIDE
Eimear McBride is a shining star of contemporary Irish literature, and The Lesser Bohemians is a novel with a lot of buzz surrounding it. I haven't had a chance to read this yet, but the novel promises to be another emotional rollercoaster. Set in London in the 90s, it tells the story of a teenager's relationship with an older man haunted by his demons, as their passions threaten to consume them.
What have you added to your bookshelf recently? Have you read anything on this list?
Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed and found yourself some new reading material!
Until next time,
Rachel x
THE LESSER BOHEMIANS - EIMEAR MCBRIDE
Eimear McBride is a shining star of contemporary Irish literature, and The Lesser Bohemians is a novel with a lot of buzz surrounding it. I haven't had a chance to read this yet, but the novel promises to be another emotional rollercoaster. Set in London in the 90s, it tells the story of a teenager's relationship with an older man haunted by his demons, as their passions threaten to consume them.
What have you added to your bookshelf recently? Have you read anything on this list?
Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed and found yourself some new reading material!
Until next time,
Rachel x
- April 03, 2018
- 28 Comments
