Reading Round Up

March 7, 2019

Reading Round Up

I am going to try really hard this year to do more book round up posts here on the blog.

Last year I didn’t seem to have the time, or to be completely honest with you all I couldn’t muster up the energy or enthusiasm to write them.

I opted to post short and snappy reviews on Insta-stories or Twitter.

This year I plan to be more organised, and hopefully will share a small, snappy review of every book I read throughout the year.

So let get cracking.

Normal People (Sally Rooney):

I enjoyed this book so much. Not a fast moving plot, but character driven. Marianne and Connell are really likeable.

Sally Rooney has a lovely way of writing, very descriptive. A story of how chemistry between two people grows, the good the bad and the ugly.

The characters at different stages go through dark, intense times, and I felt incredibly sorry for them both at certain parts.

But ultimately a story of how two people who loved one other, always found their way back to each other.

Feel The Fear & Do It Anyway (Susan Jeffers):

A book I read at least once a year. It is my favourite self-help book, and one that always helps to get my mind in a better, stronger and more positive place.

I recommend this to everyone and anyone. If you are struggling with anxiety, if you are a worrier. If you are feeling a little lost or unmotivated.

This is the book you need to read.

Susan Jeffers, writes in an honest, open and clear way. She gives concise advice about flipping any negative or worrying thoughts into a positive, and this advice is relayed in a positive, relatable and non-patronising way.

This book was first published in 1987, and even though it is 32 years old it is as relevant and applicable in this day in age, as it was back then.

Things We Never Said – Kindle Edition (Nick Alexander):

A story of a women (Catherine) who passes away after a short battle with Cancer.

Catherines shares hers and her Husband’s (Sean) love story through a series of pictures and recordings. She reveals every unspoken thought, in the hope that Sean will not paint her as a person who was perfect, and she hopes by airing her secrets this will help him to move on with his life.

It was an easy read, and each character was likeable. Even though there was times when the story was sad, it was uplifting and you championed Shaun and April (their daughter) to go on and live a happy life without Catherine.

Becoming – Audio Book (Michelle Obama):

So okay, not a book. But my first Audio Book.

I was apprehensive about taking the plunge and listening to an Audio Book, but so glad I did.

Michelle narrates her own book and her voice is eloquent and very relaxing. The story starts from her childhood on the Southside of Chicago, touching on her family relationships, and it gradually progresses throughout her life. Each stage is incredibly interesting, and I found it so relatable and down-to-earth.

From the sacrifices her Mum & Dad made in regards to not purchasing their own property and choosing to fund her and her brothers education instead, to her determination to work hard and not take that opportunity for granted. From a young age is is plain to see Michelle had a natural thirst to do well and succeed.

It then proceeds on to her getting her first job as a lawyer to her meeting Barack at the law firm where she worked, to the birth of her two children and the anxieties and Mum guilt that comes with this responsibility. It then enters into the phase we all know well, Michelle becoming the first African-American First Lady.

Michelle comes across as intelligent, down-to-earth, hard working, witty, strong, honest, determined, kind, and classy. She is a powerful advocate for equality, education, women’s rights, healthcare, and improving the overall quality of everyones life. Whatever the age, race, social status or sexuality.

I laughed, I cried, I nodded along and my heart beamed. A refreshing, honest, and inspiring book, and one that I won’t forget anytime soon.