For those who know me, you know how much of an avid reader I am. For those who don’t, I’ll just reminisce that I read my local library out of children’s books (btw, this isn’t a #humblebrag, my local library was tiny.. fund local libraries!)

I read non-stop. I read every night in bed, I read in the garden / by the pool, I read to relax myself whenever I need to. Reading is my ultimate escapism. That’s not to say TV isn’t – I often go through phases with TV is preferable over reading, but books will always be my first love.

So I’ve decided to keep a bit of an ongoing post about what I’m reading, with one-sentence reviews (ok maybe 2 or 3). Of course, you can always just follow me on GoodReads – but if I’m honest my GoodReads is a bit all over the place, I use it to bookmark (he he) new books, find what others are reading and to keep a track of what I’ve read. It’s not considered or curated in any fashion.

Given I’ve had a fair amount of extra time on my hands with Covid-19, I’m going to start with everything I’ve read during lockdown.

Also note: I’ve taken a personal mission to better myself and educate myself to be anti-racist. This includes reading a lot of books, so I’ve created a special section for Anti-Racist & Allyship reads. Less about one-sentence reviews, but I will add a line about what I learned and / or what I will do differently. I am doing this to hold myself accountable to this journey I need to take.

General Reads

• Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid This book touches upon some deep topics – especially people with a ‘white saviour’ complex. It’s thought-provoking and an engaging read. But perhaps just slightly off the mark*
• Where the Story Starts by Imogen Clark Loved this. Not a hugely complex or unpredictable plot, but escapism at it’s best.
• The King’s Hounds (The King’s Hounds #1) by Martin Jensen Historical, fictional whodunnit’s will always have a special place in my heart. This one in particular I enjoyed immensely as I got to learn a little about life in England around the time of King Cnut, an era I know nothing about. Jensen is a great writer who takes you on a fabulous journey through an Oxford of 1000 years ago.
• Oathbreaker (The King’s Hounds #2) by Martin Jensen Following on from book #1, another great read with the two lead investigators, Winston and Halfdan. Slightly more predictable but still full of intrigue and suspense.
• One Day in December by Josie Silver A very light, breezy love story. Kind of predictable, nice to distract yourself with, definitely not going to change your life.
• The Lake House by Kate Morton This book reiterated Kate Morton as one of my favourite authors of all time. Magical, heartbreaking, beautiful, rich and engaging. Everyone should read all of her books.
• Normal People by Sally Rooney For a story where nothing really happens, I was unexpectedly blown away. Beautiful writing, exceptionally complex characters and a true love story.
• A Man’s Word (The King’s Hounds #3) by Martin Jensen As the third book, the format was getting a little predictable by now and the characters slightly boring. Still, a solid murder mystery. Would recommend reading the trilogy over a wider period of time!
• Before We Were Strangers by Renee Carlino This book had some of the beauty of Normal People. You feel the vibrancy of love through the pages, as well as the essence of youth and then youth-lost. But something was slightly off for me. I’m not entirely sure I liked the main characters, to be complete honest…

Anti-Racism Reads

• Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge (still reading)

*I’m not sure if this was my true reflection on reading the book, or an edited reflection in my head based on some of the learning and unlearning I have been doing myself about racism, anti-racism and black oppression.