“That’s the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet.” – Jhumpa Lahiri

The Midnight Library - Matt Haig

I got this book on audible for my many ‘lockdown exercise walks’ to help pass the time. It is my first Matt Haig which is bonkers considering how much I love and appreciate what he is doing for our Mental Wellbeing, be it through his books or opinions and causes on social media.

What an interesting concept and I’m sure profoundly helpful for anyone with over-consuming regrets. It is so easy to focus on what is wrong with us, the mistakes we have made, how life could have been if we had taken a different route. But we haven’t and we have no way of knowing. Ultimately we need to work on ourselves, be easier on our mistakes and decisions. Give ourselves the best chance of changing our mindset to give us the tools to make the changes we can. Negativity can only hold us back. Understanding who we are and what we can do is key.

Stop regretting, start living.

Talking Therapy - Karin Blak

I worked my way through book, marking pages like no one’s business. What Karin Blak has achieved with her book ‘Talking Therapy’ is quite remarkable. A sort of bible for anyone who wants to know about the process of finding a therapist, becoming a therapist, what to expect and how to get the most out of your journey, and then some.

Unlike many books on the ‘technical’ elements, Talking Therapy has a personable edge that reads like Karin is chatting away to you, providing examples to clarify or put certain situations into perspective. Demystifying the air of vulnerability some may feel starting therapy and opening up to what is essentially a stranger and enabling us with the confidence to get the results we deserve.

This book also very importantly looks to help people who want to support those close to them that have decided they would like/need therapy. Hints, tips and realism.

 

GCSE Survival Guide For Parents - Emily Hughes

Before you start groaning, it’s not a guide that expects you to understand the curriculum, algebra and knowing your antithesis from your parenthesis. I actually classed it as a comedy to a friend recently and not in a sarcastic way.

We’ve all had to get a bit more involved with our children’s education during the last year, that is not to say that we ignored it before but we have had more responsibility put on us due to home-schooling and trying to understand what is going on in the mindfield of self-led, varying platforms, resources and requirements. On top of that motivating the little lovelies. As the pandemic has gone on this has been less of a little blip to almost a whole year of schooling disruption and we have needed to get clued up. Something else to add to 'the never ending list'!

My own children are approaching the GCSE age and after reading this incredibly practical and very relatable book I not only feel less overwhelmed at the concept, I feel so much more informed in terms of how to help both my children study right now. To understand the system more and some nifty tips on on how to ascertain what’s going on without nagging. Practical, open minded and Emily let’s you use her as a scapegoat when needed!

Catch our chat for ‘Get Booked’ w/c 1st March.

More info at www.parentguidetogcse.com

 

 

The Red Admiral’s Secret - Matthew Ross

The second in the Mark Poynter series and an absolute joy to delve into. Business is looking up for Mark and his colourful bunch of friends, employees and acquaintances post Covid lockdown 1. Especially when he starts helping a wannabe property developer who is also an a-list ex footballer and all the ‘excitement’ that brings with it. But life is never that simple is it? His girlfriend Perry, a nurse on the front line is struggling to cope with all the capers Mark manages to get himself in, despite the good intentions. With a perfectly measured referencing to Covid without being all encompassing as after all, it is now just going to be a part of life for many of us.

The dark humour, building industry colloquialisms that rival most other industry’s ability to succinctly express affection through insults and gangster’s honour make this a perfect dose of entertainment and escapism.

Catch Matt chatting to me for ‘Get Booked’ w/c 22nd Feb.

 

Past Book Reviews:

My Last Book Reviews of 2020...

“Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.” ― Mark Twain ‪“

“People who need help sometimes look a lot like people who don’t need help.” ― Glennon Doyle