With so much time on my hands lately, I’ve been working my way through my ‘to-be-read’ pile of books. Here’s what I’ve been reading!
Predictably, I’ve been reading a lot more since being on lockdown. I’ve found getting through my ‘to be read’ pile has really helped me come to terms with what’s going. I.e ignoring the outside world and transporting me to a completely different world inside a book, haha) and has helped distract me. It’s been the perfect time to work through all those books I said I’d read ‘one day’ but never got around to.
Here’s what I’ve been reading, with some mini reviews on each.
Danny Wallace | Charlotte Street
I absolutely loved this book – in fact, it’s one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Charlotte Street tells the story of Jason and his search for a mysterious woman whose disposable camera he ends up with. The story follows Jason and his friends as they develop the photos and visit the journey shown within them – including places in and around London which I loved. Charlotte Street is a really refreshing love story written from a man’s point of view, which was quite eye-opening.
The writing is witty and relatable, and the entire story keeps you guessing. Of course, I figured they’d meet sooner or later. But each chapter seemed to bring me, as the reader, closer to that moment which had me gripped, thinking it was finally happening! I loved this book so much that I gave it to my boyfriend after who also loved it. I’ll be giving it another read soon.
Beth O’Leary | The Flatshare
The Flatshare was the ideal chick-lit book to devour over a couple of days. I enjoyed reading this lounging in the patch of sun on our bed in the afternoons. I managed to get through the book quite quickly. It follows the story of Tiffy and Leon who share a flat (and a bed!) without having ever met. I really liked that each chapter bounced between his point of view and hers. Plus the the story itself is a unique concept. That being said, did feel it was a little too corny in parts, but it was an enjoyable read nonetheless.
I also think I liked the fact that (SPOILER ALERT), Tiffy and Leon meet up in person midway through the book rather than at the end. It was refreshing to see them come together earlier on. I enjoyed reading about the two together more than you would in most books with the ‘when will they finally get together’ hook. However, on the other hand, it means the suspense was short-lived. So I’m unsure of what I thought about this part. It was refreshing though!
Joe Abercrombie | The Blade Itself
I’m still slowly working my way through this book at my boyfriend’s request. This series is one of his personal favourites. Admittedly, I couldn’t even tell you what it’s about exactly but it generally follows a variety of characters who navigate through wars and other conflicts in this fantasy world. It’s a slow read so far – and not the type of book I’d normally pick up – but my boyfriend has really good taste and anything he suggests I end up loving, so I’m sticking with it. I am enjoying it so far, but need to get on with it as there are two further books in the trilogy and a further three standalone novels after that! If you’re into fantasy books, you’ll definitely enjoy this.
Sarah Knight | F*CK No
I’m a big fan of Sarah Knight’s ‘anti’ self-help books. I own most of them, having read the majority of them (but have a few odd chapters to finish here and there). I tried to read them in order of release. But then changed my mind and decided to read them in terms of which would help me the most. Funny story, I actually hinted to my boyfriend that I wanted her new book, F*ck No, so many times. Especially as it’s all about ‘how to stop saying yes when you can’t, you shouldn’t, or you just don’t want to’. I am notorious for that – especially among my friends. I say yes to so many things I can’t afford or don’t have time for (and sometimes don’t want to do!). Then later end up bailing with silly excuses and having arguments.
Although I have realised some things I really should just suck up and make the effort with! Anyway, after months of hinting, my boyfriend finally got it for me. I thought this was a lovely gesture because it’s something he knows I actually struggle with (even though I had to hint so much, haha). I’ve basically just begun this recently. Because now we’re on lockdown, there are not really many things I’m saying yes to, but I want to indulge in it a little more to improve my mindset for when things are finally back to normal.
Karen Kilgariff & Georgia Hardstark | Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered
I’m a closet Murderino! I love My Favourite Murder and have been eyeing up this book for ages. I’m still reading it. I love that it’s not just about murder (in fact, I haven’t read anything about murder yet). It basically just tells you more about Karen and Georgia as they share life wisdom and advice. This is also what makes the podcast work so well. Because they’re really funny, friendly and relatable – it’s like listening to your friends. I’ve already come away with some good advice from the book, like how to have more confidence within yourself. Oddly enough, what I also love about this book is how it looks on our little side table. To me it looks like a great coffee table book!
Caroline Kepnes | Hidden Bodies
I’m also devouring Hidden Bodies, the sequel to You (and the books that the Netflix series is based on). I love it. I loved the first book too, even more than the series (which I also really loved). Joe is just that bit more witty in the books. I really enjoy getting further into his mindset about what he does and why. I’ve also already come across some really interesting differences between the book and the series. This is great because I haven’t ruined the entire storyline for myself by watching the series first.
A lot of the book is still new to me! The only thing I don’t like about the book is how it portrays Delilah compared to how she is in the show. In the show, she’s very confident, enjoys sex and I guess is a bit of a ‘hot mess’. But in the book, she’s portrayed as more needy and desperate! However, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing as obviously that’s how the character was originally written – it’s just interesting to see how the character is portrayed differently on screen.
These are the main books I’ve read/am currently reading at this time – although I also swore I’d finally get through House Of Leaves this year, haha! Now is the ideal time, after all!
Are you an avid reader? What are you reading at the moment? Let me know!
P.S You can also follow me on Goodreads here!
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