Reading Inspiration – Last 8 Books I Read

These “last 8 books I read” posts seem to have, unintentionally, become a little series. It wasn’t in my plan. However, the books I share on my Instagram stories seem to be favourites amongst my audience. They always spark discussion and I always get recommended so many fabulous books by my follwers over there. I think we are all looking for reading inspiration as lockdown continues right? Although, there is definately light at the end of that loooonnngggg tunnel!

As ever, my latest reads are quite an eclectic mix. Last year, I vowed to mix up the genres I read. I am really enjoying exploring other types of books. This little batch of reading inspiration has a couple of biographies in it. Not really a genre I reach for usualy. Look at me exploring beyond my comfort zone…..

I have listed these in the order I read them. My reviews are just mini reviews. A little glimpse to whet your appetite.

Reading Inspiration – My last 8 reads

Harry Potter – Book 3 The Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter – Book 4 Goblet of Fire

Yep, I am still making my way through the Harry Potter books. I have eased off the pace a little, as I felt I was rushing my way through them. If you have read my previous posts in this “8 books I read” series, you would know I am the new girl at Hogwarts. I am literally reading the series for the first time. Prior to my dive into them last year, I had not even watched a HP film.

Well these two, like the others, were great. I felt like a lot went on in them, especially book 4. I love that you feel Harry and Co growing up. I love how the books are getting a little darker. My imagined picture of Hogwarts is so vivid, I am almost a little afraid that when I watch the films, it will not measure up! If you have not yet taken the commitment to dive into the world of wizards, do it! It is just wonderful escapism. You will not be dissapointed.

A Place of Execution – Val McDermid

Val McDermid is one of my favourite crime/thriller authors. She is just so reliable and never dissapoints. Her Wire in the Blood series, (that went on to become a tv show with Robson Green playing the lead), is still amongst my favourite series of books ever. This newest book, Place of Execution, is brilliant.

Set in the Peak District, a 13 year old girl vanishes in the 60’s. A local resident, Catherine, herself just a child then, was fascinated by the case. Now an adult, Catherine decides she wants to use her jounalism skills to investigate this decades old case. What she discovers may not be welcomed by the residents.. I loved this book, and if you like thrillers, you will too. I am sure of it.

** This book is not pictured as I have passed it on to my aunt to read

The Things we left Unsaid – Emma Kennedy

Ohh this book. I devoured it in 3 days. It was brilliant! It was set in two era’s, and I just felt so connected to all of the characters. Like I knew them personally. That is a sign of great writing isn’t it. It is a gentle and tender story of love, and family. It broke my heart a little, then sewed it back togther. It takes you on a journey through hedonistic London in the late 60’s. I have never wanted time travel to be a real thing, more! What a riot London seemed then. It brings you back to the present time to give you a glimpse of the outcome of those wild days. I was so invested in these characters. I missed them the moment I turned the last page. Grab a cuppa, curl up on a chair, and read it. Its a beauty.

The Authenticity Project – Clare Pooley

I have spoken about this wonderful book before on my blog. It was actually, the story that sparked the inspiration for one of my most popular blog posts of this year so far. The post, Are you Living an Authentic Life was my way of making sense of all that I feel this book made me question and be moved by. It is cleverly written, emotive and so precious. It talks of lonliness. It talks of the masks we wear as people. It questions how much we actually know our friends, family. It made me feel so much. That to me, is a beautiful book. Another one I urge you to get a copy of and devour.

Away with The Penguins – Hazel Prior

My last fiction read was this one, and my goodness it was a good one. I LOVED this book. It had a little whisper of the masterpeice that is Eleanor Oliphant, (one of my fave books of recent years), but a very differant story. I just adored it. I started reading this when we had the snowfall in my area of the UK. I lit the fire, snuggled up under a blanket, and dived in.

This beautiful book tells the story of 85 year old Veronica. A little set in her ways, a little difficult, a little lonely. She has no family, so starts to consider who she might leave her considerable wealth too. Then she watched a programme about the Adelies penguins and decides to go to Antartica to meet them….

Away with the Penguins is such a beautiful, heartwarming book. Oh, and I have never wanted to go to Antartica more!

Some Non-Fiction reading Inspiration

You are a Badass – Jen Sincero

Sometimes, a book comes along and it is EXACTLY what you need to read at that moment. It is almost like it has been written for only you. Well, this was how I felt about this book. It had been sitting on my bookshelf for a couple of years. I do not know what made me reach for it recently, but I am so glad I did. It is incredibly uplifting and so motivating.

As I mentioned in my Goals for the Year post, I am trying to launch a business this year. It has been a business that has been in my vision since it’s original launch date in 2017. Life had other plans for me at that time, so it got shelved. But, I think I perhaps lost my confidence a little in my vision. I am not sure if lockdown did it, or just being away from the business ownership world for a few years. However, this book grabbed me by the scruff of the neck, gave me a talking to, then a little kick up the butt to remember who I was! It is a brilliant book for helping you forget those ridiculous self limiting beliefs you tell yourself. I will never let this book go as I will 100% re-read it every year. Everyone, and I mean everyone, should read this book if you can get in your own way sometimes.

How to be an Overnight Success – Maria Hatzistefanis

I thought I would love this book more than I did. I really wanted to. It is the story of the how the skincare brand, Rodial, came to be. As an ex-owner of a skincare salon, I thought it would be interesting. I know the brand well. It was interesting, I cannot say it wasn’t. It just did not inspire me particualy. Now, this could be because I thought it would be much more business focused and give lots of hints and tips. It does, but on a very superficial level. Not really anything I, or anyone that has dabbled in business, did not know.

Don’t misunderstand me, Maria has achieved so much with her brand. Nothing but admiration for her. She deserves all the success and recognition. But, and I totally get it is just my imterpretation, it felt a little bit like a brag book, rather than a “how to” book full of amazing advice. I will also add, I read this straight after “You are a Badass”, which totally inspired me, so I could be judging it a little harshly. I know others have felt inspired by this book, so I am certainly not saying to rule it out. It just didnt speak to me in the way say, Jo Malone’s book did. I wanted a bit more meat on the bone. Just my view though xx

With all that being said, this concludes my little run down of the last 8 books I read. I really hope I have given you some reading inspiration? Have you read any of them? Are you like me and try to mix up the genres you read from? I absolutely love getting reccomendations for books to read, so I would love you to tell me in the comments any suggestions. I am trying hard to vary my reading, so I will give anything a go! Let me know what you are currently reading too!

Please note – I have also given you links to the books via a website I use, UK Bookshop. It supports your local independant bookshops, (you can choose your shop to support), so is a much more ethical way to buy your books. In my circle of friends and family, books tend to get passed around so they are always well used and read! I cannot give up my physical books, they are my vice, so I try to make my addiction as eco friendly and sustainable as possible.

f you would like some mmore reading inspo, my friend Kirsty has 9 book recommendations for you. Or I have plenty more book recommendations under my books and reading category.

**This post could contain affiliate links. This means should you use one of these links to make a purchase, I may earn a few pennies in commission. Thank you!