Reading. One of the many things in my life that bring me so much joy. I love getting lost in a fiction book as much as I love learning and being inspired from non-fiction. I have not updated you with my latest reads for a while, so here is some reading inspiration for you. The last 8 books that I read.
Reading Inspiration – Non Fiction
One of my New Year goals this year, was to keep learning. To keep looking for ways I can broaden my knowledge and open my mind. I plan to read non-fiction, listen to inspiring podcasts and, as I mentioned in my Creating a Joyful life post, I want to attend courses where I can. I have always read non-fiction books, I really enjoy them. But now I aim to read at least one a month, and increase the variety of my subjects I read. So, my latest non-fiction books to spark some reading inspiration are;
The Happiest Man on Earth – Eddie Jaku
I will say it right from the get-go….everyone should read this book. Despite the rather heavy hint at what the book is about, it was truly inspirational and uplifting. I feel like I went on a journey with this book. Every emotion that Eddie described, I felt. Every set back he experienced, I held my breath at. But overall, I felt his hope. It is the most wonderful book, and I devoured it in about two and a half days!
Brand Brilliance – Fiona Humberstone
As I mentioned in my Looking Back on the Year post, I launched a business in September last year. Although I have run a business before, (my Skincare salon), I have never had a product based business. It feels a whole different ball game! Knowing how to market something that is online only, is really not my strong point! I had a fabulous team help me with my branding, (Ditto Creative), and they absolutely brought my vision to life. But actually putting that branding into practise out in the wild, baffled me a little. There is so much more to branding than I even dreamt! So, this book, recommended by Hannah at the agency, was brilliant for helping me have a clearer understanding. It was like the belt and braces to what I had learnt in the months of working with the branding agency. I would recommend it a million percent if you want a clear understanding of how branding your company is multi layered.
Im happiest with a book and a cup of tea
Reading Inspiration – Fiction
I heard the fabulous actress Emma Watson recently say in an interview, something along the lines of;
“books give us a little escapism, and a safe place for our mind to rest”
Emma Watson
I thought that was a perfect quote. It summed up exactly how I feel about a good story. I can get lost in it. I can walk a while in another world. I can be a fly on the wall in other (fictitious) people’s lives. It allows my brain to rest up and switch off. As dramatic as it sounds, I simply could not imagine a life without books in it! So, here are some titles that I hope, add to your reading inspiration list.
A Man Called Ove – Fredrik Backman
I know I am totally late to the party with this one, but what a book! It made me laugh, cry, despair, but fall in love deeply. Ove is a man that would be described as grumpy. He is not fond of people, or anything really! But his story unfolds and your heart expands. If you enjoyed books like Eleanor Oliphant and The Cactus, well then I implore you, make a date with Ove. He is a beaut of a character and Fredrik Backman a wonderful story teller…
Shuggie Bains – Douglas Stuart
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind why this book won the Booker Prize in 2020. It is FANTASTIC! The way it is written, the emotion, the no holds barred chatter. I just adored it and could not put it down. It covers important subjects in an unapologetic, but non gratuitous way. It tells the story of Shuggie, hoping against hope that life would be better. It tells of his devotion to his mother. His struggle with his own transition from boy to man. It is brilliant and again, I felt all the emotions reading it.
I read this book without knowing it was a series on Netflix. I read it because I love Harlan Coben books. They are crime/thriller type books, but without mind troubling violence! This one, Stay Close, was really good. Typically fast paced, layered and with the twists and turns every good thriller should have. If you have enjoyed books like The Stranger, The Boy From The Woods etc from this author, then add Stay Close to your reading inspiration list. It will not dissapoint.
The Truths and Triumphs of Grace Atherton – Anstey Harris
Now, this may be a strange thing to write, but…….. I did enjoy this book, but the main character, I could not warm too! She really aggravated me and I felt like she was a spoilt brat. I found myself wanting someone to really read her the riot act. Is that harsh??? I would love to hear what anyone else felt if they have read this. So, although Grace was annoying, I do still think the book is worth a read – I know that might sound bonkers. There were some lovely relationships, and I did love a couple of the characters. I feel very divided in my emotions with this one hahaha
I Know A Secret – Tess Gerritsen
This is another instalment from the Rizzoli and Isles series. I have read a few of the authors books with this little duo in, and always enjoy them. The thing I love about Tess Gerritsen books is that they tend to be fast paced, have a little unpredictability about them, and keep me guessing. In this offering, detective Rizzoli, and forensic pathologist Isles, work together to try to halt the body count rising more than it had reached. The story takes you to the past and present as it unfolds. It also explores a little more of the characters personal stories, making them have a little more depth. I have always enjoyed this series, and this book is no different. It’s a goodun. If you like thrillers without gore, I would recommend dipping your toe into the whole series of this crime fighting duo. A whole load of books for some reading inspiration!
You reading inspiration for me….
Well we are all caught up now on my last few reads. As ever, they are a mixture of library books, pass-on’s from friends and family, new books or gifts. I always pass my fiction books on to be read. I tend to keep non fiction, especially if I know I will be going back to it.
I hope that a couple tickle your fancy. I have really found my stride with my reading again in the last year. My focus has returned and I am hungry to read again.Thank goodness! I have already finished a book this year, and am three quarters of the way through another. I am aiming for 50 books read this year. We will see….
If you have any reading recommendations for me, I would love to hear. I read pretty much anything, except total cheese, war books or fantasy. I just cannot find my way with those genres. Except Harry Potter of course… Let me know any book suggestions you have.
Until next time!
Kerry x
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