One of the questions I get asked most, is how do I find the time to read? The answers to that are a blog post all of their own that I will address separately. I don’t read half as much as I would like but I do realise that I do get through a few more books than some. I’m sure I don’t need to say it but I will, reading should never be a competition. I do like to challenge myself to read a certain amount of books per year which I record on my Goodreads profile (Feel free to follow me over there).
Just last night, my friend Emma from Farmer’s Wife & Mummy was looking for a quick book that she would be able to finish by the end of the year. Purely for her own challenge but I completely get it. Like me, Emma has 3 children but hers are so much younger. She really is marvellous for getting through any books but she does and fair play to her.
I’ve just finished Kate Atkinson’s Life After Life today and while I loved it, at 600+ pages it took me forever. I’m definitely feeling ready for a couple of speedy reads that won’t take me too long. I’m not going to hit my target of 55 books this year but I’m ok with that.
In case you are looking for some quick reads to help you reach your own reading target, I thought I would share some that I have enjoyed. These have taken me only a couple of days each to get through so hopefully even with a busy time of year looming, you might get through one or more of them.
THE LANGUAGE OF KINDNESS: A NURSE’S STORY – CHRISTIE WATSON
I often read non-fiction books or biographies as a sort of palate cleanser after a particularly long or heavy story. This book was an absolute joy and I whizzed through it. I loved Christie Watson’s depiction of life as a nurse. She is obviously a brilliant nurse, a wonderfully caring lady but also a fantastic writer.
ONLY CHILD – RHIANNON NAVIN
Written through the eyes of a child after a school shooting. This is more current than ever at the moment sadly. Do not be put off by the subject though. I’m not saying this is a light hearted book but there is hope and positivity as well as heart break in there. No-one that I know who has read it has disliked it – And I’ve told a LOT of people about this book!
IF YOU COULD SEE ME NOW – KERIS STAINTON
This is a really clever book and one that is so funny. I adore Keris’ writing – her personality really comes through in this book. If you are after a light hearted book that will keep your attention, then this could be the read for you.
THIS IS GOING TO HURT: DIARIES OF A JUNIOR DOCTOR – ADAM KAY
This is hugely popular and another non-fiction that I whizzed through. So funny in places but yet so sad in others. I’m lucky enough to have a ticket to see Adam Kay in Manchester in the New Year. I may break my own rule and re-read this book in preparation!
THE HONEYMOON – TINA SESKIS
A fast paced thriller. Jenna sounds like she has been a very demanding bride – She has planned every last moment down to the last detail including the 5* Honeymoon in the Maldives. One morning, she wakes up though, and her new husband has disappeared. Where can he be?
DEAD ERNEST – FRANCES GARROOD
We follow Annie who is discovering what life is like when your spouse passes away. Annie is just a wonderful, heart warming character that I fell in love with. Her relationship with her granddaughter is just lovely.
ALMOST LOVE – LOUISE O’NEILL
Now this is a bit of a different book. Really quick as I was desperate to know what decisions Sarah made. She is torn between two men – frustratingly so! You will find yourself huffing and puffing at her in this book but so completely hooked in that you won’t be able to put it down.
MY ANIMALS & OTHER FAMILY – CLARE BALDING
Another biography – I will admit I do love Clare Balding (Even more since she stuck up for synchronised swimming at the European Championships in Glasgow this summer when Rebecca Adlington was poking fun). This is a super speedy book – I’m not even that much of an animal lover (Alan aside) but did find her upbringing completely fascinating.
WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING – KATHRYN CROFT
This had me hooked within the first couple of pages. Tara is a living wife & mother. To find herself waking up in a neighbour’s bed with him stabbed to death next to her, is completely surreal. How did she get there and who killed the neighbour?
THE CHILD – FIONA BARTON
This is actually the second in Fiona Barton’s book but I didn’t know that when I picked it up. It didn’t spoil my enjoyment though. A child is discovered buried on a building site. (I never promised that I would suggest light hearted reads only before the end of the year!) We hear the story through the eyes of 4 women who are affected, one of them being Kate Waters, a journalist who will not give up before she solves the mystery of how the body came to be there. Its a real gripper with a brilliant twist. I totally plan on reading Fiona Barton’s other book, The Widow early next year too.
If you want to know what I am hoping to read before the end of the year, hop on over to my December TBR post