My Reading List

One of my resolutions this year was to lessen my screen time. I’m all for a relaxing Netflix sesh after a long day at work, but I was finding myself also watching episodes during my commute (30 minute train ride) and I could slowly feel my brain being fried. At the start of the year, I promised myself I’d use this time to read a book or listen to a podcast instead, and I’ve 85% stuck to my word. I had a slow start to the year on the reading front, but I’ve fallen back into the reading groove and I’m loving it – once I start a good book, all I want to do is finish it – I can get through them in a couple of days. What I have learnt about myself is that if I don’t have a new book lined up before my next one ends, I can easily slip out of the habit which is why I thought I’d share my reading list – the books I’ve recently loved, and those I’m looking forward to getting through in the near future.

Books I Loved

Normal People by Sally Rooney
There is so much buzz around Sally Rooney’s books at the moment, and Normal People really is as absorbing as the buzz led me to believe. It’s a story that documents modern love – the story of the relationship between two people, Connell and Marrianne, from their teens through to adulthood. This was probably my favourite from the bunch.

Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton
My sister was absolutely desperate for me to read this book and I understand why. At times, I felt like I was reading about my own life growing up in London and it was such a relatable read. It’s a book about bad dates, good friends and – above all else – about recognising that you and you alone are enough.

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
The novel focuses on 29 year old Eleanor Oliphant, a social misfit who becomes enamoured by a singer she sees performing and with whom she believes she is destined to be with. The book deals with themes of isolation and loneliness and Eleanor is a character you can’t help but fall in love with. This wasn’t as gripping as some of the other books I read, but I still really enjoyed it. 

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
I know I’m hugely late to the party  with this book as there has already been an HBO series with Nicole Kidman and Reece Witherspoon made, but I promised myself I’d read the book before I watched the show and I’m really glad I have. It tells a darkly comedic tale of three mothers whose seemingly perfect lives unravel to the point of murder. Gripping stuff, I absolutely loved it! 

To Read

Conversations With Friends by Sally Rooney
After reading Normal People, I definitely want to give Sally’s debut novel a go. I believe it received a mixed response (I think her books are generally quite polarising) but I’m pretty confident I’ll enjoy it given how much I enjoyed her second book. It follows two college students and the strange, unexpected connection they forge with a married couple. 

Ordinary People by Diana Evans
I feel like this is on everyones reading list, or maybe I’m the last one left but this is a book I’m really excited to start. The novel investigates the relationships of two sets of friends struggling through a year of marital crisis and I’m really attracted to the way this book promises to take a deep dive into the lives of seemingly normal people. 

The Secret History by Donna Tartt
This book is another recommendation that came from my sister (she’s basically my personal librarian) and one I’m definitely keen to give a whirl, particularly as I’m not sure if I’d have necessarily chosen it without recommendation. It tells the story of a closely knit group of six classics students at an elite college in Vermont. The story is narrated by one of the students who reflects on a situation that led to a murder years earlier. 

If you’ve read any books lately that you love, or have already read those on my next to read list, please let me know! I’d love to keep up the reading momentum!