January is the perfect time to get stuck into some new reading matter. If you’re anything like me, you will have had a pile of books on your bedside table slowly gathering dust (thanks iPhone addiction) not to mention the new books I tend to receive for Christmas (last year my husband got me a book called Mating in Captivity- he is lucky he is still called my husband after that one!)
When I was a young girl, I loved nothing more than retreating to my room with a bowl of sultanas & plastic cheese slices (I know, the less said about that the better!) and delving into one of my books and escaping the reality of my suburban existence. The Famous Five, Trixie Belden, Nancy Drew, Anne of Green Gables, just seeing the covers of these books now is enough to transport me back in time to lying on my Holly Hobbie bedspread and wishing I was out solving mysteries with my best friend, or getting my pigtails pulled by Gilbert Blythe (sigh!)
With an amount of (unusual for me) foresight, I actually kept all these books in a box at my grandparents house. About a decade ago, I retrieved them, dusted them off and stored them until my own children were old enough to share in the delights held behind the slightly musty old covers. Not so long ago I lovingly placed some of my collection on my 9 year old daughter’s bookshelf, and the fact that she loves the Famous Five is almost enough for me to get over the poster of Ariana Grande on her wall (if you don’t know who I’m talking about- lucky you!)
Anyway, I still love the idea of escaping from the world (aka my kids, husband and dog) to my bedroom with a good book and a cup of tea, and being transported to a different place and time. I have pretty diverse tastes, so I thought that if I shared a few books from my current reading pile, there may be something there that piques your interest. So without further ado, here are my Top 6 January reads for 2015:
High- A Party Girl’s Guide to Peace by Tara Bliss I came across this book through reading Tara’s blog, and I have to say that a lot of what she said resonated with me. If you were ever a party girl back in the day, or sometimes still forget that the bottle of champagne you drank the night before will hurt like hell the day after (I may be guilty of that one on occasion) then Tara’s no bullshit guide to living courageously from your heart may speak to you like it did to me.
Daring & Disruptive by Lisa Messenger Lisa is an amazing entrepreneur who started a successful magazine (renegade Collective) with no prior magazine experience in an industry that many considered was on the way out. She believes in dreaming big and making your dreams come true, and that the only person standing in your way is you. If you are looking at starting a business or moving out of your comfort zone in some way this year, this is an inspiring read.
The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty This is one of those books (like Gone Girl) that you can almost see the movie of in your mind. It is set in Melbourne and Sydney, and has a very intriguing premise that has you asking yourself- what would I do in that situation? An easy page turner, that keeps you hooked until the end. A great read for lying by the pool or at the beach.
The Young Desire It by Kenneth Mackenzie I had never heard of this book before I received it as as gift (it was written in 1937) but I have to say it was one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. This story of a boys first love in country Australia, is so exquisitely written and it transports you back in time to the intense and confusing feelings of young love. It is not a book filled with action, but it is a must for lovers of original literature. Highly recommended.
Mademoiselle Coco Chanel and the pulse of history by Rhonda K. Garelick I received this book for Christmas from my husband (no marital advice this year thank goodness!) and although I am no Chanel fashionista, it sounds like a really interesting read about a poor orphaned girl who went on to transform forever the way women dressed. I’m looking forward to learning more about this fascinating woman in history.
Miracles Now by Gabrielle Bernstein If you have read my previous blog post, it will come as no surprise that this is at the top of my reading pile at the moment. I love how it is broken down into 101 simple bite sized tips for less stress, more flow, and finding your life’s true purpose (perfect for those of us who like to fall asleep once a book is under our nose!)
Happy Reading!
What are you reading these Summer holidays? Anyhthing I shouldn’t miss?
Love it! Trixie Belden and Plastic Cheese! I was soooo there – it morphed into Stephen King though as a teenager who loved to have the S*@t! scared out of me. This summer I am reading Money – A Love Story by Kate Northrup – changing my financial/abundance mindset, Living Well, Spending Less – 12 Secrets of the Good Life – by Ruth Soukup (a little bit too much religious reference in there at times – but if you replace the word God with Universe – it’s easier for me to digest.) The Queen’s Code by Alison Armstrong – changes the way you understand men (and women) so a little bit like marital advice – only part way through but I think I’m resisting a little because it will make a huge change from what I’ve heard from others’ recommendations. Gabby Bernstein is next on my list! I like the sound of the husband’s secret – need a little bit of fiction to round it out.
Haha Lisa- I’m glad I was not the only one! Some good recommendations from you there as well. I agree that you need a bit of light fiction now and then to balance out all the self development!
I love my books too and I have a lovely stack waiting for me at the moment. Love Liane Moriarty and really want to read The Husband’s Secret. You should join the Australian Women Writers Challenge – http://australianwomenwriters.com/sign-up-new/
Thanks Melissa, I’ll be sure and check that out 🙂
Mel I loved this post – I love reading too!
I absolutely loved High and I’ve got Daring & Disruptive on my reading list.
I’ve just finished reading Wild by Cheryl Strayed (probably for like the 10th time) in preparation for the movie coming out tomorrow and I highly recommend her other book Tiny Beautiful Things, which I’ve also reread this summer.
Thanks Chloe, I think you will enjoy Daring & Disruptive. I have never read Wild, but I definitely want to- next on my list I think, x
Your post brought me back to my childhood where Choose Your Own Adventure, the Hardy Boys and Agatha Christie were devoured without the gross combination of sultanas and cheese slices! Isn’t reading a book you find so hard to put down one of the most wonderful pleasures in life? !
Ooh yes, I loved choose your own adventure books too Ruth! You are right, losing yourself in a good book is such a pleasure, x
A woman after my own heart, love those books and similar memories – not having so much luck with my daughter, but Z for Zachariah at least has piqued my son’s interest…apparently they’re making a movie of it!
Thanks Alyson. I think I still have my old copy of Z for Zachariah, I might try that with my 12 year old son- he is a bit like your daughter in the reading department! 🙂
I have just downloaded the Husband’s Secret and I am chomping to start reading it. Today might just be the day I think xx
Enjoy Sonia- I am sure you will love it x
Oh you make me remember my own childhood days of whiling away the hours with my books. For me it was the Goosebumps and Babysitters Club series!
I bought The Husband’s Secret secondhand recently but haven’t read it yet, looking forward to it!
It is fun remembering your childhood reading habits, isn’t it. I am sure you will love The Husband’s Secret- just be warned it’s hard to stop reading once you start!
Haven’t read any of these though have read a diff Moriarty book. Thanks for the recs
Visiting from rewind:)
You’re welcome Erin, I am sure you would enjoy The Husband’s Secret.
I’ve been wanting to pick up My Husband’s Secret for a long time, after loving her Big Little Lies (I think that’s what it’s called but I’m too tired to google check it!). I am a big reader too, Melissa. I lost my love for it when the kids were really young, but it’s all coming back to me now. x
I am hearing you Maxabella, when my kids were smaller I barely had the energy for a magazine let alone a novel! There is nothing like getting stuck into a good book though- good luck!
I love your picks Melissa. I’ve just finished “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed and it was AMAZING!! I am not a “pick up your pack and hike in the woods” girl AT ALL but I loved this book – just brilliant.
Thanks Karen, I really want to read Wild, I just have to decide whether to hold out on seeing the movie or not, as it’s supposed to be great as well.