In celebration of World Book Day - I share some of the best books I have read recently!
If there’s one thing that everyone who knows me is aware of, it’s that I LOVE BOOKS! Reading is my go to pastime and I never leave the house without my book. NEVER. Unfortunately for my partner I also love buying books or swapping them at one of the many phone box libraries that have popped up close to where I live. I love doing this so much that the chances of me actually getting through my “to read” pile is slim to none and there are piles of books in pretty much every room of our house. He is not a reader (unless it’s an instruction manual) so doesn’t really understand my compulsion for having more books than I can read!
Reading is how I pass the time, learn new things and how I look after my mental health. In fact, it’s one of a number of coping mechanisms that helps me to keep my anxiety under control so I’m not exaggerating when I say that books are integral to my wellbeing.
With this in mind and as Friday 5th March was World Book Day, I wanted to celebrate my love of books by sharing some of my favourite reads. Before I jump in though, please be aware that this is by no means a complete list, you do not have the time to read a list of all of my favourite books and I don’t have the time to write it!! Instead, this is more of a list of books that I have read in recent history and absolutely loved.
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant - This book is STUNNING and one that I wish I could read again for the first time. It helps that I have a fascination for religious history and a love of books set in the Middle East. This ticks both of those boxes. There is nothing I didn’t love about this book and if strong female characters are your thing then I highly recommend this one. You don’t have to be religious to enjoy it either.
The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa - I found this book a little slow initially but it’s a prime example of why I hardly ever put a book away without finishing it. This book is worth reading for the final 100 pages alone but I warn you, if you are anything like me, it will make you sob your heart out. I’ve cried many times during a book but no book has ever made me cry quite like this one. Even thinking about it brings a lump to my throat.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman - Oh Eleanor! What a wonderful character. This is a book about mental health, loneliness and trauma but also friendship, acceptance and survival and the twist at the end will make your mouth drop! This book has had mixed reviews and I’ve read many from people that found Eleanor unlikable or irritating but for me Eleanor will always have a special place in my heart.
Becoming by Michelle Obama - I don’t need to say anything about this book. Michelle Obama certainly doesn't need my endorsement but there is a reason why everyone except Donald Trump adores this amazing human being.
Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge - I am white and I have white privilege, something that I have only really come to understand during the past few years. This book really breaks down what white privilege is and what it means and takes to be anti-racist. I believe every single white person should read this book. It will make you uncomfortable and you may even feel defensive at times but I urge you to sit with that. This book is a great start if you want to do some un-learning and question some deep rooted prejudices.
Now I’ve started this list I wish I could continue as I’m having so much fun writing it and looking back over books that have stayed with me long after I read the very last word. So, here are a few more if you have already read all of the above: Educated by Tara Westover, The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd, The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas, The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult and The House at Pooh Corner by AA Milne.
Before I sign off, I’ll leave you with one of my favourite quotes:
“That’s the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet.” Jhumpa Lahiri
