1: FICTION
Book: Eleanor Elephant Is Completely Fine
Author: Gail Honeyman
Score: 9/10
I started the year with this incredible book that my husband got me for Christmas. It is a style of fiction that I would never usually choose for myself (I'm usually a thriller/crime book kinda gal). But I have to say it is one of the best fiction books I have ever read in my life and would highly recommend to anyone wanting an easy read and something a bit different. There was just something about this book that made me feel cosy, offering escapism but also a strange sense of familiarity. I got kind of Bridget Jones vibes from it (with a twist). I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this book and struggled to put it down!
2: SELF-HELP/ PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Book: The Little Book of Hygge, The Danish Way To Live Well
Author: Meik Wiking
Score: 10/10
I am obsessed with this book! another cracking Christmas present from my husband that I probably wouldn't have bought myself. Not only is the actual book itself gorgeous (and hygge), but the contents are life changing. This little book explores the idea of Hygge and how we can implement more if it into our everyday lives to increase happiness. Such and easy read and just a really cosy, cute and heartwarming book. The book itself is arguably the definition of Hygge.
3: SELF-HELP/ PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Book: How To Have A Good Day
Author: Caroline Webb
Score: 8/10
This book is all about the psychology of why we behave the way we do and how we can consciously choose what our brain focuses on the have a better (and more productive day). The context of the book is based on a working environment and how you can get the most out of your working day but in saying that I think the concept applies to everyone (working or not). This book was a bit wordy at times so was slightly harder to read and get into but nonetheless a fantastic book for anyone that is a nerd like me when it comes to psychology and why we think the way we do. A must read for any boss babes out there.
4: SELF-HELP/ PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Book: The Witch's Book of Self-Care
Author: Arin Murphy-Hiscock
Score: 4/10
I wanted to really love this book. Anyone that knows me or follows me online will know I am quite openly into my witchy/spiritual vibes and a self-care advocate. So the book seemed like a no brainer. Although some really good elements, I felt a lot of it was stuff I already knew (and taught about in terms of self-care) so there weren't any massive revelations or takeaways for me from this book. However, if you are completely new to self-care (and have an interest in magic) then this might be a good choice for you.
5: SELF-HELP/ PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Book: The Miracle Morning
Author: Hal Elrod
Score: 10/10
THIS BOOK IS LIFE CHANGING! Honestly, cannot rave about this book enough. Just get it and read it and thank me later. It has completely altered the way I look at life and has boosted my motivation, productivity and self-care. Just read it.
6: FICTION
Book: The Keeper
Author: Graham Norton
Score: 7/10
Again not a book I would usually choose for myself but my Mum lent it to me and said it was fab so I thought I'd give it a go. It took me a couple of chapters to get fully into this book (but I think that's mainly because I was jumping from a self-help book to a fiction). But once I got into it I couldn't put it down and was fully invested in the story. A great little read for anyone that loves a novel with a bit of a twist.
7: PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT/BUSINESS
Book: She Means Business
Author: Carrie Green
Score: 7/10
This was a good inspirational book for anyone just starting their own business. And actually for anyone in business that wants a bit of a boost. Left me feeling motivated and fired up!
8: PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT/ BUSINESS
Book: Money
Author: Rob Greene
Score: didn't finish
I started this book with high hopes but it really didn't do the trick for me. I'm sure it would be great for someone that wants know all the technical terms but it wasn't my vibe!
9: FICTION
Book: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Author:
Score: 10/10
This is the most recent addition to the Hunger Games Trilogy (which I als re-read this year and highly recommend if you haven't read the books). Great for escapism and I couldn't put it down!
10: ANTI-RACISM
Book: Me and White Supremacy
Author: Layla F Saad
Score: 10/10
This is an extremely important book for us (white people) to read. It will help you unpack your racial bias and teach you how you can be a better ally to the Black community without falling into the 'performative ally' or 'white saviour' camp. Really important work and education to be done here. If you are on an anti-racism journey (or haven't started yet - you need to) then this is the place to begin. The way Layla educates in this book is done with so much integrity and I feel grateful she has shared this with us so we can be better.
11: SELF-HELP/MINDFULNESS
Book: Peace of Mind
Author: Thich Nhat Hanh
Score: 5/10
I really wanted to love this book. And whilst it was a lovely read, it felt like things I already knew and felt repetitive. But perhaps for someone that is new to the concept of mindfulness and meditation it would be more enlightening and insightful. It was a pleasant easy read though.
12: FICTION/PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT/BUSINESS
Book: The Latte Factor
Author: David Bach
Score: 8/10
I was excited to read this book after hearing about it on a podcast and I have to say I wasn't disappointed. It was an easy ready (I think i finished it in 2 days) but so incredibly insightful and I learned a lot. I love how he used a fiction story to portray the lessons he wanted to teach about how to manage money (specifically for women). Would recommend this to all women.
13: SELF-HELP/ PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Book: How To Deal With Difficult People
Author: Gill Hasson
8/10
I actually bought this book a couple of years ago when I was really pissed off with some people in my life but just never go round to reading it! (I wish I did earlier!) I really like how this book was written inlays to understand language rather than it coming across to coach-y. If you have someone in your life that is difficult (or simply impossible) I highly encourage you to grab a copy.
14: SELF-HELP/ PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT/BUSINESS
Book: You Are A Badass
Author: Jen Sincero
Score: 9/10
Ok this book was awesome! Love the way way Jen lays the book out and breaks her lessons down in a really easy to understand way but also super motivated. It gave me a real fire in my belly and helped me revisit the blocks that were holding me back. If you are new to limiting beliefs etc then this is a great place to start.
15: PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT/FEMINISM
Book: Women Don't Owe You Pretty
Author: Florence Given
Score: 20/10
THIS IS THE BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ IN MY LIFE.
So informative, so eye and mind opening, so empowering. Every woman MUST read (and then get your male friends/boyfriend/Dad to read it too).Obsessed with all the work Florence does in her field to help women reclaim themselves and their bodies after a lifetime of brainwashing and self-loathing under the patriarchy. READ THIS BOOK.
16: FICTION/ANTI-RACISM
Book: Girl, Woman, Other
Author: Bernardine Evaristo
Score: 10/10
I loved this book and the way it was written was genius. It is comprised of lots of mini stories of women (mostly Black and Women of Colour) and the way they all intersect and intertwine with each others lives is fantastic. Such a brilliant and educational look into the lives of Black women and WOC in the UK. I actually learnt a lot and would encourage anyone (particularly white women) to read this book.
17: FICTION/ANTI-RACISM
Book: QUEENIE
Author: Candice Carty-Williams
Score: 10/10
Oh wow, I was obsessed with this book! Such a rollercoaster of emotions tackling some really hard hitting subjects but done so with elements of humour. Genuinely a really fantastic book.
18: FICTION/ANTI-RACISM
Book: THUG (The Hate You Give)
Author: Angie Thomas
Score: 10/10
I could not put this book down. It was hard to read and eerie how much it echoed the current climate of 2020 (despite being written in 2017. Although this book is fiction, it is also extremely educational and an eye opening insight into the world of racism. Extremely thought provoking, pulled on heart strings, hard hitting but a must read.
19: FICTION
Book(s): The Divergent Trilogy: Divergent, Insurgent, Allegiant
Author: Veronica Roth
Score: 9/10
I loved these books (and the films). I'm someone that gets very attached to characters in books and films/series', so there's nothing I love more than a good trilogy - of which this definitely is. If your looking for Hunger Games escapism vibes, give this trilogy a go!
20: LIFESTYLE
Book: Start With Your Sock Drawer
Author: Vicky Silverthorn with Emma Cooling
Score: 7/10
If you are an unorganised mess like me (hello!) then this would be a great read for you to help get your homier order. I loved some of the systems that were shared in this book and find them really useful for not only organising my space but also calming my mind (tidy space, tidy mind). Think Marie Kondo vibes.
21: PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Book: 12 Rules of Life
Author: Jordan Peterson
Score: didn't finish
I've seen a few people in the personal development space recommend this book so I was excited to read it ...but to be honest I am massively disappointed. What I expected to be a life altering read,turned out to be confusing, non-sensical and dull. Maybe it's made for people with a higher IQ than me, but I was just genuinely frowning in confusion
the whole time. I tried my best, but it was exhausting.
