Hello! I've not posted in a while, mainly due to lack of motivation and confidence in my writing. But I'm back. I'm currently working on my final two essays at Uni (which I still can't believe) and my new love for audio books has helped me power through studying. I thought I'd share my thoughts and suggestions for anyone else interested.
Audible is £7.99 each month, and since I spend so much of my budget on books regularly, it's a great deal to access so many books for that price. It can be used like a library by returning a book when you've finished and your credit is reimbursed to be spent on another book. I love podcasts, and this is something similar I've been enjoying. My good friend Lizzie encouraged me to try it out, as it helps her fit in more reading whilst studying without feeling weighed down by academic books. I'm grateful to her as I'm now obsessed!
When I was younger I'd loved listening to cassette tapes before sleeping - Tracey Beaker, Harry Potter, Clarice Bean etc. I'm really indecisive so it's nice having the list I created to chose from, making it quick and easy to transition to the next book.
I've listened to:
To Be Read:
Credit: SleuthSayers
Audible is £7.99 each month, and since I spend so much of my budget on books regularly, it's a great deal to access so many books for that price. It can be used like a library by returning a book when you've finished and your credit is reimbursed to be spent on another book. I love podcasts, and this is something similar I've been enjoying. My good friend Lizzie encouraged me to try it out, as it helps her fit in more reading whilst studying without feeling weighed down by academic books. I'm grateful to her as I'm now obsessed!
When I was younger I'd loved listening to cassette tapes before sleeping - Tracey Beaker, Harry Potter, Clarice Bean etc. I'm really indecisive so it's nice having the list I created to chose from, making it quick and easy to transition to the next book.
I've listened to:
- This is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay, which is a collection of diary entries and stories of a junior doctor.
- Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton - a brilliant account of adulthood, job-hunting and dating. I laughed and sobbed throughout as it was so relatable and witty.
- Aristotle and Dante Discover The Secrets of The Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz. I'm currently halfway through, and am so invested in the blossoming friendship/relationship between the two main characters. I'll give a proper review at some point once I've finished!
To Be Read:
- Inferior: How Science Got Women Wrong - and the New Research That's Rewriting the Story by Angela Saini. Inspired by the Banging Book Club, this sounds similar to Vagina by Naomi Wolf which investigates women and 'gender wars' in society. I think this will de-bunk stereotypes and myths which I'm excited about.
- Sex at Dawn: How We Mate, Why We Stray, and What it Means for Modern Relationships by Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jetha. Can you tell I'm obsessed with all things sex and relationships? This debates whether monogamy is natural, explores the mainstream preferences and discusses what the future will bring.
- Testosterone Rex: Unmaking the Myths of Our Gendered Minds by Cordelia Fine. Another on the Banging Book Club 2018 reading list which caught my eye. Cordelia unpacks the truth behind our biology, hormones and upbringing.
- The Intimate Adventures of a London Call Girl by Belle De Jour. I loved the ITV series based on this book (Secret Diary of a Call Girl) as I love Billie Piper and it changed my perspective on the sex work industry. I'm not sure what to expect with this in terms of how it's narrated but I'm looking forward to it.
- Turtles All the Way Down by John Green. I've heard great things about this, and I usually like John Green's books. It's about two friends hunting down a fugitive billionaire and investigating the mystery which surrounds him.
- Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge. I've heard great things about this, and how it confronts white privilege and black history. I have no doubts this will be one I recommend to many people, and find the tools inside to open up important discussions.
- Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain. This is a guide for introverts to see how they can discover their strengths and achieve their potential, as well as an insight for extroverts. As an introvert through-and-through, this is one I imagine I'll relate to, and find comfort from listening to.
- The Descent of Man by Grayson Perry. I bloody love Grayson's artwork and how he confronts and rethinks masculinity. This is only a short one (3 hours) so it'll be a good one for when I'm travelling at some point.
- Still me by Jojo Moyes. This is the third book in the Me Before You series. The first book made me weep, and the film did, too. I hope this isn't one of those dragged out stories which ruins the first book! Her writing is easy to read, but conveys big issues and emotions. I can't wait for this one.
- The Cows by Dawn O'Porter. This is about three women, and stereotypes in modern life. I heard a spoiler about one of the woman being secretly filmed masturbating on a train which goes viral - and instantly I was intrigued! It also delves into the world of infertility, which interests me.
- Eve of Man by Tom and Giovanna Fletcher. This is the unpublished first book in a new trilogy which is about the first girl born in 50 years. It sounds dystopian, eerie and reminds me of What Happened to Monday - right up my street.
- Call Me by Your Name by Andre Aciman. I recently saw the film trailer for the adaptation of this book, and several people suggested reading the book first. It's about a summer romance - though I can't tell if it's between an older man and a teenage boy? Seems problematic, but then I guess there have been similar hetero relationships fictionalised which haven't received negative attention...
- The Martian by Andy Weir. I've spoken about my love for the film adaptation previously, and it always reminds me to appreciate life. The book is apparently more scientific than the film, which should help it feel more realistic. This is nearly 11 hours long, so I'm not sure when I'll start tackling it.
- Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. My sister has been recommending this for years, as it's one of her favourites. I'm hoping to read this before seeing the Spielberg film soon! It's about virtual reality in a fantastical future.
- Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli. The trailer for this film looks amazing so I can't wait to 'read' the book too. All I know is that it's about the concept of coming out as gay, and the response has been really positive, which is great.
- All That She Can See by Carrie Hope Fletcher. I loved Carrie's 'All I Know Now' memoir and this is about love, food and magic (a few of my favourite things).
- When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. This seems similar to This is Going to Hurt, and I know it'll break my heart. It's about a neurosurgeon being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, and the transition from doctor to patient dealing with mortality.
Please share any of your recommendations in the comments! I'm always up for expanding this list and trying new types of books :)
