I’m fairly certain that I am not articulate enough to give my book reviews the justice they deserve so I’m hoping that you just trust in my recommendations enough to believe they are all a must-read! To all the authors out there – you have an exceptional gift that I will forever be in awe of!
To find the links for the books either CLICK HERE or on any book image
MIDNIGHT LIBRARY: MATT HAIG
Although it starts dark (talks of suicide) I definitely wouldn’t say you have to be remotely suicidal to enjoy or relate to the book. Personally, I feel it would probably resonate with anyone who has even slightly had thoughts of regret on decisions they may have made through life. I found the book so relatable and an amazing read. I thought it was heartwarming and brought across a big message, extremely well – ‘Don’t live with regrets’ It is easy to feel that life could be different (ie. better) if you had made certain different decisions but this book is such a good read that I hope you give it a go and find out exactly what I mean. It can bring comfort to knowing the path your life takes you on is exactly where you are meant to be. I absolutely loved it and it is probably my number 1 on this review – a must-read!
EVERYTHING I KNOW ABOUT LOVE: DOLLY ALDERTON
This book has since been turned into a TV series which is great to see and a clear testament to how relatable and enjoyable the book is. Reading it is really enjoyable and somewhat nostalgic as it feels familiar, like reliving your youth. It gives reminders of how you felt being a teenager/twenties etc and how things can change gradually but also monumentally overall. I could relate a lot to various aspects of the book either myself personally or to people I know in the characters. I’m not surprised at all that it is now a TV programme – absolutely worth a read, especially for females in their 20s-30s!
YOU, ME AND THE SPACE BETWEEN US – MATT AND SARAH DAVIES
I was kindly gifted this book from Bonnier Books UK and although the title may initially scream ’nervous breakdown’ – I actually wanted to read it for exactly the opposite reason! If you’ve read my other blogs/book recommendations then you may have picked up on the fact that I am obsessed with psychology. I am totally fascinated and always eager to learn more! In all honesty, I am quite a ‘relationship person’ but that doesn’t outright make you the perfect partner! I think it is important to focus on awareness and put efforts in to maintain the best levels as much as possible. Therefore, I found this a super interesting read as it gives an insight into relationship dynamics and I just found it so thought-provoking as well as eye-opening to various behaviours. It includes information on how your earlier years contributed towards your relationship behaviours/tendencies and what you can do to try and improve that as well as communicate efficiently, which let’s be real – can be tricky sometimes in any relationship, not just romantic! I don’t see why you would have to ‘wait’ for your relationship to struggle before wanting to read more on how you can both help towards it. I thought it was a great read with examples of different couples and the outstanding issues they want to work on. No one has a perfect relationship 24/7 and it would be impossible not to relate to quite a few topics in the book. I definitely recommend it!
Here is the summary online:
Every relationship goes through periods of rupture but Matt and Sarah show us why it happens and how it is possible to turn a period of struggle into something positive. This book is an engaging blend of personal narrative, expert advice, illuminating case studies and practical exercises.
COURTNEY BLACK: HAPPIER, HEALTHIER, TASTIER! 100 RECIPES
I thought it would be handy to include a recipe book, particularly a healthy one with having started the year intending to look after myself! This probably goes hand in hand with the fact that I am currently obsessed with Courtney and everything she does (little fan girl moment) I love her energy and wish I could be as energised myself! I love her recipes both on her Instagram page for free and her app that I joined (starting to sound stalkerish now aren’t I…) This book is actually way better than I expected and I have bought a lot of recipe books over time so that is a big statement! There are SO many recipes and they are so fun and tasty instead of lots of repetitive bland recipes that I wouldn’t actually want to eat – which I have found with other healthy recipe books!
MRS HINCH: HINCH YOURSELF HAPPY – SOPHIE HINCHLIFFE
A bit of a random one thrown in here, this is for my fellow clean-lovers! It seems to be a totally marmite topic but at the end of the day, everyone loves a clean home! Some people just enjoy the process a little more.. I find cleaning genuinely calming and I feel so much better when the house is perfectly clean and tidy. It is definitely over the top and we don’t have kids so I appreciate how much easier it is for me! (The slobbery muddy doggy doesn’t always help mind you!) I found the book interesting and super helpful in terms of tips on specific products as well as general ‘how to’ tips. In general, I find Sophie really warm and likeable as I did enjoy the personal aspect to the book too! She has done so well with so many ranges and I really think it’s just down to her as a person. I recommend this book if you enjoy cleaning or fancy a little semi- autobiography vibe!
BONUS 6TH BOOK!
THE BOY, THE MOLE, THE FOX AND THE HORSE: CHARLIE MACKESY
A friend gave me this book as a gift and it’s one of the sweetest presents I’ve ever been given (hope you know how much I appreciated it!) It is so heartwarming and it has become so popular, I’m sure for the fact that it is just a beautiful read. I often see the pages/ quotes come up on Instagram as little uplifting messages and they are just so sweet. I don’t even know what more to say about it because it is more quotes than an actual storybook but it is just so gorgeous and would be such a lovely gift either to yourself or a loved one!
What books do you intend to read this year?
If you have read any of these books above and have an opinion – leave a comment below or message me! I love hearing from you all
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I may receive commission on some of these items but I ONLY recommend products that I use and really rate! Alternatively, I make it clear if it is a wish list rather than tried & tested!