This year I’ve been reading more books (and listening thanks to discovering Audible – if you haven’t tried Audible yet you can get a free month’s subscription*). I’ve been really enjoying getting back into the habit of reading. I was initially thinking I’d blog a book review of every book I read this year but it turns out I’m reading quicker than I’m blogging so instead I chose to record a video reviewing some of the books I’ve read recently. You can watch the video below, or if you prefer to just read a quick summary these are available below the video…
You Do You – Sarah Knight*
Self-help book with a modern approach to challenge why you might hold certain beliefs or why you might behave in certain ways. The book encourages you to focus more on what you really want to believe and how you want to behave, and provides some tips and techniques for supporting you in that. Quick, easy read.
Parsnips, Buttered – Joe Lycett*
Light-hearted book sharing examples of comedian Joe Lycett’s escapades and how he keeps himself occupied (mostly by challenging things that annoy him about modern life or his experiences). Similar in style to Dave Gorman. I laughed out loud at some parts and read it in a few days. Lovely, light, silly read.
The Working Woman’s Handbook – Phoebe Lovatt*
Practical handbook designed for women evaluating their career options and considering a more creative career path (to likely include some element of being self-employed). Includes case studies, exercises, and guidance on a wide range of topics to support the beginnings of a new career. Useful reminder but not as practical as I’d hoped for me (would have been more useful for me two years ago perhaps!).
Note: I mentioned in the video a business planning book that I do use and highly recommend – Lisa Jacob’s Your Best Year (which has a business edition* and a life edition*.
My Not So Perfect Life – Sophie Kinsella*
Latest rom-com from the author of the Shopaholic series. Years ago Sophie Kinsella was one of my favourite authors as I loved the silliness and escapism. I don’t tend to want to read for the same reasons anymore and just couldn’t get into this one so I stopped reading halfway through. This is currently looking for a new home; let me know if you’d like it 🙂
The Crown: The Inside Story – Robert Lacey*
Answers all your questions about what’s fact and what’s fiction from Netflix’s The Crown. If you were one of the many people who watched the show with one eye on the TV and one eye on Wikipedia on your phone, you’ll love this! Lovely glossy hardback coffee table book which covers the themes from the episodes and profiles of key events and individuals. Really enjoyed this and hope they do more for future seasons (this covers season one).
How Not To Be A Boy – Robert Webb*
Autobiography of Robert Webb using the approach of focusing on different aspects of his life and how growing up a male in today’s society has influenced him. Covers his childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood including dating and becoming a father. Enjoyed listening to Robert narrate this audiobook, though was left wanting more information on the masculinity aspect as a whole as well as his own personal opinion and experiences.
Braving The Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and The Courage to Stand Alone – Brené Brown*
Insightful look into the human need to belong and what this means for us. Lots of discussion about loneliness in society and practical things we can do to ‘brave the wilderness’, be comfortable with ourselves, and be open-minded to connecting with others. I enjoyed this though my favourite Brené Brown book is The Gifts of Imperfection*.
Brave Leadership – Kimberly Davis*
Practical book encouraging us all to tune into our true passion (Kimberly refers to this as our super objective) and use this knowledge to help support us in leading a fulfilling life. I didn’t love this as I was listening to it (I feel it dragged out a bit) but there are some useful bits about being authentic.
How To Bullet Plan: Everything You Need To Know About Journaling With Bullet Points – Rachel Wilkerson Miller*
More of a guide than a book which makes it really easy to absorb and refer back to. Lots of ideas for different layouts to use in your bullet journal to support planning and reflection; you can get this sort of information online but having it in one easy, physical guide is great.
What books have you been reading recently? Any recommendations?
*Affiliate links – you will pay the same amount if you purchase using these links, and I will receive a small amount of commission which helps support my blog costs. Thank you.
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