5 Books on my ‘Self-Care’ Reading List

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One of my 2020 ‘resolutions’ was to read more. This one has been semi achieved, but I’m not ‘strict’ on myself to read X amount of books, instead I kind of go with the flow. I think I’ll set a ‘target’ for 2021 and see how I get on. Instead, I’m currently updating my Good Reads account to try and trace back the amount I’ve read (you can follow me on Good Reads here).

It’s nearly October now, 3 months left of the year of all years. I’ve got a life change around the corner (an exciting one!) and I think reading can fit more into my ‘lifestyle’. I know you’re thinking “but there’s been SO much time to read over the last 6 months to read” and I agree, but I think that having more time to read actually made me read less? (Instead I became obsessed with New Girl on Netflix and no I’m not okay that I have finished all 7 seasons).

To have a quick recap of what I’ve read over the last 6 months, the blog post; Why Reading Is Important for Self-Care (And The 12 Books You Need to Read) will give the low down.

But as it was written in June, here’s what I read over July and August….

Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams – A firm favourite of mine, I couldn’t put it down – it was one that you started to read a chapter and there was no cut-off point of wanting to stop reading! It was a recommended book for BAME literature and I would definitely say that it was insightful.

The Flat Share by Beth O’Leary – Again, I loved it, a very easy read and it was one that I read in a day. It was heart-warming, lived up to the hype and a good way to spend an afternoon sat in the garden!

Blood Orange by Harriet Tyce – I didn’t quite get the hype with this one, the storyline was interesting but I just don’t think it was for me, I spent the entire book waiting for the ending? There is good reviews though – it might be for you.

Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens – This book is memorable and I think most readers feel the connection with Kya, experiencing the journey of her life, the ups and the downs as she is effectively cared for by nature. I have an in depth review here.

The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie Silver – This is a heartfelt one. I loved Josie Silver’s writing style and I mentioned in my full review that it definitely pulled on the heart-strings. But I think that you could kind of guess the ending (no spoilers) so if you don’t like that kind of predictability, it’s probably not for you!

So what’s next? Well I’ve developed a ‘self-care’ reading list, with five books for the upcoming months. The reason why I’m titling the list with self-care, it’s a range of books/genres, for the time that I want and need to switch off.

An Edited Life | Anna Newton

I’ve mentioned this book before and I’ve loved the chapters that I have read – as someone who loves a bit of organisation. But I haven’t actually read it all the way through and I think going into 2021 with some organisation tips at hand might be a good way to go, there’s no counting down to midnight in the pub this year.

The Colour Purple | Alice Walker

The reviews show that this is a difficult one to put down and these are normally the books that pull me in until I’ve read it as quickly as possible, wanting to become immersed into the words. It’s become a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, making Alice Walker well-known within the literature world. The introductory letter by Walker in this book suggests that it is a heart-wrenching one and the film to follow will bring this book to life.

The Existence of Amy | Lana Grace Riva [PR sample]

When Lana got in touch to ask if I would review her book, it was a no-brainer. It appears to be rated 4 stars across the board on Good Reads and I’m excited to get started! The blurb introduces any new reader to the main character Amy, who by definition has the ‘normal life’ but it’s going to delve into her mental health journey, coping with OCD and social anxiety.

12 Rules for Life | Jordan B. Peterson

I purchased this book a while back now and I’m yet to read – I have no idea why it’s taken me so long, it’s a multi-million copy bestseller. The reviews that I’ve read on Good Reads for this one are mixed to be honest, but the good reviews are 5 star level of good. From what I gather, it’s all about challenging the culture and norms within society, the psychology element and some pretty deep questions. It’s going to be a tough read for me (usually swayed by heart-warming fiction) so we’ll see!

Out of Love | Hazel Hayes

This will be a re-read for me but with a purpose. For my first read, I raced through as I was just so excited to read it. But after watching Hazel’s videos, especially the Instagram live with David Nicholls (?!), I want to take more time to read it and I’m sure I’ll love it even more.

This reading list does have some kind of order. First up is ‘An Edited Life’ and I’ve read a few pages so far. The plan is to read for at least 5 minutes before bed in the week, we’ll see how it goes and I’ll keep you updated on Instagram.

What are you reading at the moment? Let me know in the comments!

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