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My Favourite Reads of 2022, HNY!

book review

Having started reading again in 2021 and surpassing my goodreads goal I thought, lets smash another year of reading. I set my goal at 45 books for the year, not too ambitious, a SMART goal. However after a flash in the pan year, I managed 42!! Still past the 40 mark. For 2023 I am aiming to hit 42 again as I have lots of plans for the year ahead so will go one way or another. Lets see! 

Out of the 42 books I read over the year, the shortest book was 97 pages and the longest book was 407 pages.  Out of all the books I read, the shortest one (97 pages) was the one that evoked the biggest reaction from me and yes I read it at an emotional time of year. New years eve eve when we are all thinking about the year gone and what’s ahead etc etc. it was still a beautiful, thought provoking, mind set altering book. The title is: And every morning the way home gets longer and longer by Fredrik Backman. 

And every morning the way home gets longer and longer by Fredrik Backman

I rated this one 5 stars of course, believe the hype. It is a story of an old man who’s mind is slowly fading with each day. He is a grandfather, a father and a husband and it explores the complexities of these relationships and the beauty that others bring into our lives simply by being themselves. It is about wanting to hold onto memories and people as that is what is so important to these people. We meet his wife who has passed away as she guides him and comforts him when he is scared. We meet his son who he regrets not spending so much time with and not appreciating their differences, he longs to make up this time and the grandson who he cherishes with all his heart, who has the same passions and interests and is curious, sensitive and wise. It really is a beautiful story that is beautifully told. I wept the WHOLE time. I’m sure I was attributing personal experience to the writing too but that just shows how relatable this story is. 

I read it when I did, as I knew it was short and would help me towards my reading goal but I didn’t expect it to hit me so hard that my eyes hurt the next morning from sobbing and thinking about it aches my heart in good ways and sad ways but I truly love being able to feel and this piece of writing made me truly feel. 

Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour 

Now this book has mixed reviews causing plenty of debate and I guess that’s what good writing is for. I admit maybe its not for everyone but it was for me. It is a satirical piece with dark humour. It is about a young man that is given an opportunity to leave his life and become a successful sales-man. Darren is a young black man who is always praised for being a high achiever and his mother wants nothing more than to see him succeed. Darren is content with his life, working in starbucks and hanging out with his mum and girlfriend and taking life day by day, until he meets The CEO of a startup business called Sumwun. As a satire it tackles lots of important topics such as race, class, gender roles, health, crime. It is well written, it is funny, it is uplifting and clever and I really enjoy the point of view that we are reading. I bought this book in June 2021 and didn’t pick it up again until the beginning of 2022 as I had soooo many books to get through but I cant help myself. I am glad I got around to it, having read it, I should have got around to it much sooner. Again another 5 stars from me. 

Nothing to see here by Kevin Wilson 

This book has had its very own blog review by me already so for the details please read it! It had to be in my top reads of 2022, it inspired me to write about it, it made me have all the feelings and it is a gem of a find. I hadn’t heard anything about it, it was the cover that drew me to the book in waterstones. I picked it up and thought ‘huh, sounds odd’ and that means I have to try it and I am so glad I did, think that’s the best way to pick a book. Love love love this book please buy it, find it, read and let me know if you feel the same. 

Cat Lady by Dawn O’Porter 

This one I had waited for, for a long time. I saw it on Waterstones as ‘coming soon’ and as a cat owner and book lover I did what I had to do and I ordered it. First of all I just want to say, what a beautifully designed book! It is gorgeous. The hard back book has silver foil cats all over which is a really cute surprise. ‘Surprise’ as surprising as a book cover can be. Maybe just a cute treat! 

This book is hilarious and fun to read and deals with the subject of grief in quite a light-hearted way. But not only is it about cats and the fear of losing our fluffy friends it is as much about figuring ourselves out and realising we don’t have to meet peoples expectations, well thats how I felt after it. We don’t have to have a fancy job and a perfect family and we don’t have to put up with toxic people for the fear of seeming weird alone or because its considered the norm. we don’t need to conform with societal expectations and I think thats something we need to keep in mind when trying to find our happiness.

The characters are brilliant, the story is well written and entertaining. Overall i loved it and i am so glad that I remembered to buy it after waiting for it to be published. 

If you want to hear more about my thoughts or the books please let me know, just wanted to write a quick rundown. 

have you set any reading goals? happy new year!

My thoughts on that green eyed girl by Julie Owen Moylan

book review

This book was bought for me as a birthday present in June and it jumped way up my tbr list as the other books sat solemnly on my wooden shelves watching as a grabbed this new book to read. 

Luckily I was not disappointed with my choice to read it early. It wouldn’t be one I’d normally pick in a book shop however the book is beautiful and the turquoise pages drew me in. All I knew was what the blurb had told me and it sounded intriguing and something that could either be executed very well or poorly.  

The story is set In two different decades, 1955 and 1975 and as I have previously said I love different Eras and reading about how different it was and also how similar. Below I have included the synopsis from waterstones. 

Although I was rooting for the characters I still found them frustrating. Dovie is a people pleaser and doesn’t want to upset anyone but this causes her more hurt and trouble in the long run. Gillian and Dovie’s lack of communication is what causes a lot of their problems. It was giving me ‘normal people’. The frustrating relationship where they want to be together but they just can’t communicate well enough for it to work. I did like Gillian and Dovie and wanted it to work out for them. In 1975 our main character is Ava winters who is a teenager navigating her own family problems along with trying to be a normal teen experiencing life. I enjoyed reading both decades as they both, I felt, had interesting storylines and I also wanted to see things work out for the characters. I like how the stories become entwined. Too find out how you’ll have to give it a read.

There were some very important and serious themes in this book that helped me to understand the poor treatment people have experienced and the extreme methods used to ‘cure’ them of their quote ‘unnatural activities’ although upsetting I think it’s important to know about the past so we don’t repeat it in the now. The author describes how the women were arrested and treated awfully because of their sexuality and these innocent women went through a lot of pain and trauma and had unhappy lives which is horrible but it was the reality and you see through the book how their whole lives had been affected terribly by this and by the fear of being caught. Although the book doesn’t describe anything too graphically as an emotional person I did find I really felt for them and for anyone at the time having to hide who they were/are.

Another difficult theme was that of feeling unloved from those that should be there unconditionally and also navigating family relationships and problems as a young person. I think ultimately this book is an interesting mystery, dealing with feelings we all feel to some degree or at least can relate to: guilt, shame, the need to impress, desire, feeling alone and feelings of not being good enough. But also positives such as finding good friends that become like family and having dreams to pursue.

I would recommend this book as I was gripped the whole way through and I enjoyed the characters even when they weren’t too likeable and there are little twists throughout. So if you are interested in fiction or trying to figure out the mystery then give this one a go!

I was struggling to get back into reading more and this year I am well behind on my goal. This book has given me a bit of a boost to try different books and get stuck in.

Good to be back at it again- introduction and what I’ve been reading in 2022 so far

book review

I’ll start by saying hi, I am back. And I know it’s been a long time since I’ve posted but I am glad to be back and sending out a post and hopefully connecting with people again

2022 for me has been a year of real progress and working on myself. So I have been reading but I haven’t felt in a position to really post anything and I’ve had to not let the guilt get to me.

I started the year mentally, not in the best place but through therapy i have really started to come through and see a happier life so although I’ve not been posting it has been a journey and I’m feeling ready to be back at it again.

I set my goal on goodreads at the start of the year to read 45 books. Last year I read 44 and thought one more will be easaaaay but it’s the 7th month and I’ve read 22 so either a lot of catch up needed or some really quick reads. Any recommendations welcome 🌝

So I thought I would talk about 5 of the best books I’ve read this year so far.

1. The seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid : I LOVED this book it is so well written in terms of character portrayal. The characters feel real and I felt a connection to their stories. It is a story that has real sadness and the reality that people face in not being able to be themselves and feel happy and open about who they are and what makes them truly happy. Great read and has stayed with me since 100% recommend

2. Nothing to see here by Kevin Wilson: I initially picked this book up as it looked interesting with a illustrated cover and the blurb said it was about children that spontaneously combust however they are ok and it’s a normal thing for them. so I thought it sounded like an odd concept to give it a go. I found this book captivating and at points brought me to tears and made me laugh out loud. I am such an empath and it made me want to just make sure the children were safe and looked after and happy and that it would turn out okay for them. A great story which gave me all the feels. Loved it and would read again.

3. Daisy Jones and the six by Taylor Jenkins Reid: this book is 100% one of the best books I have read. I love music. I love the idea of the 70s and the movement of the time and the characters again so well written that it feels real and I wanted to be part of it all. It explores interesting and serious topics but it doesn’t feel too heavy. The story is written as a transcript like an interview with the band and with friends and family and it was lively and fun. I hoped it wouldn’t end. It is also being made into a Netflix programme which I’m super excited for.

4. The no show by Beth O’Leary: at first I wasn’t sure what was happening and if I was going to enjoy the book however I’m not one to give up but it was interesting enough to keep me reading and I am so glad I did. It is funny, it is sweet and some great twists and turns to keep you reading non stop. I was in a bit of a slump and this book helped me get out of it. Again it made me laugh it made me cry it shocked me and I felt it all. Beth o Leary continues to keep me entertained and also fall in love with the characters and their story’s

Maybe in another life by Taylor Jenkins Reid: again Taylor Jenkins Reid has really smashed it for me in my reading list this year. Having read 3 of her books I’ve found the love for the way she writes and makes you believe in the characters. The story splits into two alternate realities where decisions the main character makes paves two very different lives and makes you think differently about all the whatifs we have and how things would have turned out had we just done something different. although things might not be what we expect it doesn’t mean it won’t work out.

I have read some fab books and can’t wait to continue with my journey 🙂 any and all recommendations welcome!

Thank you for reading ☺️

Reading goal 2022

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I only started reading for enjoyment again last year, after years of not really picking up a book. For me this past year of getting into reading again has made me a lot happier, more focused and a lot more reflective. I’ve enjoyed finding a hobby that is relaxing but also uses imagination. I feel inspired and find myself recalling the stories in my head and the enjoyment I got from them. This is why I decided to write about the books I’ve read to recount the experience and also for others to find books to try.

My goal for 2021 was to read 30 books and I ended the year having read 41 which I was so pleased with. The goodreads challenge kept me on track and I enjoyed a variety of books I probably would never have picked up. My new goal for this year is to read more non-fiction. I’ve not been one to want to read anything but fiction as I see reading as a break, I spend my day normally at work and then I have coursework and other things that take up my time, so reading became my hobby but I’ve realised non-fiction doesn’t need to be textbooks or complicated, long winded novels. they too can bring enjoyment, insight and be beneficial for many reasons.

I started this goal by this month reading ‘shy’ by Annie Ridout. First of all this book is eye catching, it has a yellow cover and hot pink words on the front, I know what you’re thinking, ‘you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover’ but we have all done it right? In this case I think not only does the bright cover bring me joy but the comforting words in side brought to me a lot of inner peace that I needed. As a shy person I often feel ashamed and boring, often making me dread social events, even though I enjoy seeing people. I have often felt that shyness is a fault that I need to work on. but ‘shy’ enforces that it is not a fault it does not need to be cured or exorcised from a person and shy people should not always have to adapt themselves for others.

There have been many books and articles written about how to be more extroverted. How to be less shy. How to be more outgoing, I like that this book looks at all these societal ideas and says introverts should not always be the ones having to change themselves and maybe situations should be made with introverts in mind. With the right environment a shy person can thrive and grow in confidence. Shy is not synonymous with weakness or failure.

With shy children it’s so important to go at their pace and to also take them seriously when they do feel ready to try something. Even if we don’t imagine them being able to muster the confidence to do it. They need to be given the opportunity to try. And maybe Succeed. And possibly fail but we can’t say: I don’t think you are ready for this. As thats for them to decide.

Shy

Growing up quiet and rather shy I did often feel like I wasn’t taken seriously or listened to but that has also followed me in my adult life at times, those that give me the time and support I need have seen the real me.

It’s so important that we think about how we can support each other and help each other to thrive in our own way not underestimate someone who is quiet or not listen and help them progress as you feel they aren’t able to. This book is packed with great quotes, tips, research and experiences from professionals from all walks of life. The book discusses the differences between social anxiety, shyness and being an introvert. It is such an interesting read split up into 10 easy sections and whether you read it for yourself or to support your friends, family, your children, your partner or just get a better understanding of how shyness affects people and how it can lead to great success.

My thoughts on: Nothing to see here by Kevin Wilson

book review

A brief Synopsis … doesn’t do the story justice

Lilian attends an elite boarding school as a scholarship student where she befriends the beautiful and wealthy Madison. Despite their differences they form a close friendship and become inseparable. Later during their time at boarding school a scandal forces Lilian out of the school. Madison and Lilian continue to keep in touch writing letters to each other although a reunion is yet to happen. Years later Lilian receives an urgent plea for help from Lilian in the form of their usual letters. Intrigued, Lilian follows up no longer making excuses to not meet.

Jasper, Madison’s husband has twins from a previous marriage and they are now faced with having to care for them full time following devastation. Knowing Lilian will be discreet and keep her secrets Madison knows she’s the only one she can turn to.

You see, children can often have little quirks and they are a big responsibility but the responsibility and need for a lot of care increases ten fold when they can SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUST at any given moment. Although they remain unharmed it is not ideal for the senate to have fire children.

The book was published in October 2019 by Ecco press and it wasn’t until 2021 that it caught my attention. I purchased the book and was excited to read it but as with all things for me it took a while to get round to reading it. It is my fourth read of 2022 and I am not disappointed! Not one bit.

I had expectations of the book to a certain extent but I hadn’t thought too much about it, I knew others had enjoyed the book and I knew the general idea of the story but that’s as much as I had processed. I picked the book up and after only a few pages I knew it was going to be an interesting read.

What I liked about this story was how loveable Bessie was. She is ten years old but she understands a lot. Their upbringing had not been easy and it seemed they had to teach themselves a lot of what we all take for granted and Bessie would beat herself up for not knowing things when she had not been given the tools in life to have the chance to learn. She was sweet, honest, funny and wise and she was my favourite character. creating many moments in the book that bought tears to my eyes. I loved The way Lilian interacted with the kids and the way she thought of them. To take on another families children and treat them as your own and love them unconditionally is a strong thing to do and really shows her character. The love in this book was powerful and moving

Even though I actually did not like to be touched, I just let it happen, I allowed it, it was fine

Page 167

Roland and Bessie, the twins, and Lilian really opened up and allowed each other in which was something none of them would have done for anyone before and this bond really made this book memorable. We all want unconditional love and to feel safe and this was captured perfectly throughout the story.

They would always, kind of, belong to me. I had never wanted kids, because I had never wanted a man to give me a kid. The thought of it, gross; the expectation of it. But if a hole in the sky opened up and two weird children fell to earth, smashing into the ground like meteorites, then that was something I could care for. If it gleamed like it was radiating danger, I’d hold it. I would.

Page 168

Although the fire caused the children to be isolated and experience life differently, Bessie confessed she never wanted it to leave she wouldn’t know what to do without it. Roland and Bessie had been treated badly by those who should love them unconditionally and should protect them from harm so when they didn’t have that, they had the fire to protect them. Their innocence and naivety makes you love these children even more and just want to wrap them up and tell them it’s all okay.

I loved this book, I loved Lilian, Roland and Bessie and was invested in their well-being the whole way through routing for them and I think that’s what I want from a book, to connect with the characters and feel for them. the book was comforting, hilarious, bizarre and warming.

I 100% would read this book again and I wouldn’t normally say that so if you take anything from this please give it a try.

What can I say about The last house on needless street by Catriona Ward

book club pick, book review

I read the last house on needless street throughout April for my book club and wow was I impressed. This book has so many twists and turns and really grips you as a reader. I loved this book and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good psychological thriller.

Now I can’t say too much about the story without giving anything away so you will have to read it for yourself but I 100% know you won’t be disappointed.

Goodreads summary:

The story keeps you guessing throughout and is told through a number of perspectives, all of which we are unsure we can trust completely but all I can say is, get your hands on a copy and you will not be able to stop reading.

I know some people have found it strange and have given up at the introduction of Olivia but please please please give it a go.

What I thought about: The Push by Ashley Audrain

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⭐️ 5/5 stunning!

The push is heart wrenching, when I was only half way through I could already feel the pain in my chest, the tears welling in my eyes and an intense feeling of dread. This story is so raw and so honest. It explores motherhood and the relationships between mother and child and also how this can affect other relationships. To have your deepest fears actualised in the form of broken, damaged relationships and isolation, when with the ones that you should have the closest bond. To be a family often is synonymous of being a unit that will always be a team but this is shattered and the devastating story explores this so well.

Although at present I do not have children myself, I can imagine that to be a mother is a huge change and will be challenging in many ways. It is difficult to adjust and to have the responsibility for this new life and they look to you for love and support, what if this doesn’t happen though?, what if you feel they hate you?, or don’t want you, what if you can’t connect and you feel like you are going insane and no one can see this or will help you.

This book was a whole journey for me. The book explores 4 generations of women in Blythe’s family. Her grandmother (Etta),her mum (Cecilia),Blythe and her daughter Violet. Although the focus is on these women, it delves into relationships outside of this but also gives us insight into the life of these women and the heartache and battles that they have been through and why their actions may be a reflection of their treatment. Also how their experiences have been similar & how they have handled certain things that have happened to them.

This book is not a light read and I found it quite intense and quite difficult in parts where it can be quite graphic and does not hold back but I also liked that about the book, I felt immersed in this story and intrigued to keep reading. The book explores growing into womanhood and then motherhood. It also looks at relationships and how they can be toxic and damaging and how people can be gaslighted. I would agree with people who say this is not a psychological thriller in some ways, yes it’s fast paced and there are twists and it’s exciting but I feel like it’s much deeper and really trying to explore in more depth the fears and struggles that women face in life. Society norms of growing up happy, beauty, growing into a woman, getting married, having a baby etc.

This book gave me chills, it is a stunning book that is gripping and hard to put down, definitely a book I would re-read and that’s saying something. I would recommend this book if you are okay with darker, more unnerving reads however I definitely need something a bit lighter as my next read. But oh wow! Was it amazing! Breathtaking.

A Few Books On My TBR List

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Being a bit of a newbie to reading there are SO many books I want/need to read however not being superhuman I’m not sure I will be able to read them all in 10 months or so. But I will try to read as many as I can. Wish me luck!

Here are 6 books on my TBR list, just a small selection. Please let me know any thoughts on them or any suggestions for books you have read and loved, or that you want to read. In no particular order:

1. Writers and Lovers – Lily King

This book has had so many wonderful reviews which initially drew me in. The art work on the cover is also another factor of why I looked into this book. The story follows 31 year old Casey who is trying to navigate life and also write a novel. A story of love, loss and trying to find your way in life to the next phase. Really excited about this one! I think this will be the next book I read.

2. The starless sea – Erin Morgenstern

Again another highly regarded book amongst readers and another stunning cover. I don’t know too much about the story but it stems from the main character, Zachary, finding a strange book in the university library that sends him on a quest. The story has mystery, adventure, puzzles and twists and turns to keep you gripped. It sounds like a fun story and I’m definitely in need of an adventure.

3. When all is said – Anne Griffin

This novel is a highly praised Irish novel. I stumbled across this book when looking for recommendations to read in 2021. This story follows Maurice Hannigan on a single night at the Rainford House Hotel. Maurice orders 5 drinks throughout the night to toast 5 different people in his life who are vital to him. Through these people, the ones who have left, Maurice tells his story. There are themes of love, highs, lows, regrets and feuds. I would like to read this book as it sounds like it will be moving, interesting, funny and sad at the same time. A journey to really get to know our main character and how he got to where he is today.

4. The push – Ashley Audrain

This is a psychological drama about family and choices. A story of motherhood and those feelings and fears of a new mother. Blythe Connor wants nothing more than to be a warm, comforting mother and be everything to her new baby that she never had but as the difficulties and struggles of early motherhood set in, Blythe feels as though there is something wrong with her daughter. Or is it all in her head? Blythe’s husband Fox dismisses these thoughts and Blythe begins to question her own sanity. I feel this book will be an exciting, gripping journey where we question what’s real and is our narrator reliable and what can we believe.

5. The heatwave – Kate Riordan

This is a thriller about mother and daughter set in France in the 1990s. There are unusual fires across the countryside and Sylvie receives a letter calling her back to the old family home in the south of France. Sylvie returns with youngest daughter Emma, filled with dread on returning to this place. Sylvie tries to protect Emma from family secrets and the truth of what happened here, what happened to Elodie, Sylvie’s other daughter, her mysterious death at 14. it looks to be about family secrets, manipulation, dysfunctional relationships and it’s all a mystery. Again lots of good reviews for this book.

Luster -Raven Leilani

Edie is in a dead-end job and finds her self struggling to succeed at what she enjoys, painting. Edie is feeling lost and that no-one cares that she doesn’t know what she is doing with her life. She then meets Eric, a white-middle aged man with a suburban family, including a wife – who has agreed to a sort of open-marriage. they also have an adopted black daughter. In a world where she is constantly navigating sexual and racial politics. Edie finds herself falling into Eric’s world…and family. This book examines the life of a young black girl and the longing for a sense of belonging and fitting in. this book has been described as funny and provocative and has been well received. this book would be something ive not really touched on before but would be really interested to read and find books with similar themes.

If you have any thoughts let me know I’d love to hear from you and what books are on your TBR list this year!

Keep reading 🙂

Xxx

The Midnight Library – Review

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Rating: 5 out of 5.

‘The Midnight Library’, I feel like this book doesn’t even need an introduction. I feel as though i’m very late to the party but still glad I came. The Midnight Library was written by Matt Haig and was published in September 2020. The story follows Nora Seed who decides she no longer wants to live and there is no way she wants to be in this life. Although, the idea initially sounds as though it may be quite a sad story to follow, I found this book a delight to read, I hung on to every word and felt quite uplifted.

There are themes of regret, love, family, mental health and generally answering all those what ifs. The idea of being able to change all those regrets and live those ‘imagine that’ moments really gripped me initially but I also loved the characters. I wanted Nora to find happiness, I wanted her brother to find happiness and I wanted all the character’s to have the ending that they deserved. I found that this book really made me reflect on life and my effect on other people and how small acts of kindness may actually be significant.

Having finished the book last night, I woke up this morning feeling I now want to live a life where I don’t want to sweat the small stuff and I want to have a positive impact in life. I also understood that although you may have regrets, sometimes thats just the way things need to be and no matter how many times you may try to change destiny, theres just no budging.

So I guess really what I am saying is this book inspired me to share and try something new.

give this book 5/5 & I recommend the book to ABSOLUTELY anyone

xxx