My Reading List

I’ve mentioned a couple of times already that one of my aims this year was to read more. After sharing my reading list post back in May, I received so many great recommendations which helped set me up for success – and I’ve read great book after great book. There is a gorgeous little bookstore near my office (Coventry Bookstore for any South Melbourne locals) and I love to browse the books in there on my lunch break and get my next read lined up and ready to go. If you’re looking for a good read, here are the books I’ve recently loved, and those I’m looking forward to getting into next.

Books I Loved

The Cactus by Sarah Haywood
The Cactus is story of a British woman named Susan. Susan is a no nonsense and well-mannered single 45 year old who finds herself pregnant and on her own. Which is what she prefers. If you enjoyed Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, you will most likely enjoy this – I actually preferred it. It’s a light, quick read but it’s really enjoyable. There’s family drama with hidden secrets, a light romance and some funny situations – a great beach read.

 A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Oh what to say about this book, I just loved it so much. It focuses on the story of a grumpy yet highly loveable man who finds his solitary world turned upside down when a lively young family moves in next door. The book has great humour and heart and Ove has got to be one of the most memorable characters to be found in any book I’ve read in years. It’s the kind of story that really makes you appreciate life. One of my close friends recommended it to me and I think I’ll be recommending it to others for a long time.

Happiness: The Crooked Little Road to Semi-Ever After by Heather Harpham
This is a powerful and heart wrenching story of the author’s newborn daughter, Amelia-Grace who was born with a life-threatening blood disease. It follows the journey of a one-of-a-kind family through twists of fate that require nearly unimaginable choices. I don’t usually choose memoirs, but I’m really glad I chose this one. The memoir overflows with love and caring, as well as many moments of humour.

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
This book is so multi-faceted that it feels almost impossible to provide a synopsis that does it justice. In short, it’s a psychological mystery about two families in Ohio but is also a story of relationships between mothers and daughters. It’s a great read – I had it finished in a couple of sittings and am definitely keen to now read the debut novel by this author (Everything I Never Told You) in the hope that it’s just as good. If it’s not already, I expect this book will be made into a series/film – you heard it hear first.

To Read

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
I’ve already started this one, but I’m only a chapter or two in and am already pretty gripped, which doesn’t surprise me as this is the author who penned the best selling ‘Gone Girl’. The story follows reporter Camille Preaker, who is sent back to her tiny hometown to cover the murders of two young girls and is staying with her mother and half sister – whom she hasn’t spoken to in years. The book is set to be a psychological puzzle and has already been made into a HBO series – so I’ll be sure to check that out once I finish.

The Day We Met by Roxie Cooper
This book follows the tale of two people whose love has spanned over a decade. The story begins in 2006 with Stephanie and Jamie meeting at an Art and Photography retreat weekend where an instant connection is formed between them. The problem is that both of them already have partners. Stephanie is engaged to Matt, Jamie is married to Helen. I’m really intrigued to explore this a it sounds like a pretty captivating story.

Becoming by Michelle Obama
I was given this book for Christmas by my sister-in-law and despite being a huge Michelle Obama fan, I’ve not yet picked it up. However I’ve heard so many people raving about it recently (including my facialist) that I’ve bumped it up a few places on my list and hope to tackle it in the next few weeks.

Have you read any of these books or have any recommendations – please let me know!