If, like me, you are spending more of your newly found free time reading then this post might be for you. I have compiled a list of books that I have loved over the past year, fiction and non-fiction. I’m sure a few titles will be familiar, but hopefully there are a few that on first glance you might not usually pick up, but turn out to be the most moving of them all (my favourite kind).
NON-FICTION
12 RULES OF LIFE – JORDAN B. PETERSON
Written by clinical psychologist and psychology professor Jordan Peterson, this book surprised me with the original and thought provoking tips he offers in this book. It is extremely intelligently and clearly written, leaving the reader well-informed and inspired.
THIS IS GOING TO HURT – ADAM KAY
If you haven’t read this book, where have you been. It has spent months and months in the Times top chart list and for a good reason. It contains witty, hilarious, serious and heart-breaking stories that you are sure to love. It reinforced the immense respect I have for NHS staff on the front line and reveals the extraordinary situations they experience.
HOW TO STOP WORRYING AND START LIVING – DALE CARNEGIE
We are all prone to worrying now and again. This book offers helpful tips and techniques to help us reduce these worry cycles that can sometimes take away from us enjoying our lives to the fullest. One to go back to again and again & an especially apt choice for the current times.
WHY WE SLEEP – MATT WALKER
This book has so much information and scientific evidence that makes total sense. Matt provides practical tips and advice backed up by studies and years of research to solve all your sleep qualms and queries.
THE PRISON DOCTOR – DR AMANDA BROWN
This book is an amazing insight into the life of a GP working in a women’s high security prison. Some of the stories are as equally shocking as they are touching. It highlights some of the issues that women prisoners face both in and out of the prison, asking the question what can be done to support them better.
FICTION
WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING – DELIA OWENS
My most recent read and gosh it was a good one. I admit, it is not one that I normally would have gone for, however, after seeing it come up time and time again in book recommendations, I went for it. I loved the imagery in this book and the author’s love of nature is evident on every page. A beautiful story of love and growing up in extraordinary circumstances alongside a story of a crime kept me turning the pages and sucking me in.
THE GREAT GATSBY – F. SCOTT FITZGERALD
I had to put this in because it is one of my favourite books of all time. I love so much about this book, from the imagery and story telling to the bits of humour thrown in. Please read this if you haven’t yet already and if you studied it for A-Level like I did, read it again and just enjoy.
OLIVE KITTERIDGE – ELIZABETH STROUT
This was such a gentle and sensitive story, describing the inner workings of Olive Kitteridge. A stern, complex character who you grow to love throughout the book. I can’t wait to read the sequel Olive, Again when I get my hands on it!
ANY HUMAN HEART – WILLIAM BOYD
Everyone needs to read a William Boyd novel and I think this is a good one to start with. It follows the weird and wonderful life of Logan Mountstuart, describing his romances, careers and even his stint as a spy.
THE MAN WHO DIDN’T CALL – ROSIE WALSH
This is one for those of you who love twists and turns. Without giving too much away, what starts off as a romantic story soon turns into a page turning mystery. I loved the story telling in this, written by debut novelist Rosie.
I would LOVE to know what you’ve been reading. Hopefully you’ve gained a few to add to your list!
Leila xx
