In May I read 7 books and last month I read 8.
But best of all, I read two fabulous books.
Have I mentioned before that I consciously set my goal lower than last year? I wanted to feel like it was more fun – in other words, not feel like I need to get stuck into the next book 5 minutes after finishing the last one and also read longer books without concerning myself that it was taking days and days to read.
Here are the 8 books I finished:
Fiction/ Non-fiction: 6/2
Physical/ Audible/ Kindle: 0 (how is this possible? I don’t know either!)/ 3/5
Two books received 5* from me on Goodreads:
- Three wishes by Liane Moriarty. This is my second reading of the book – this time I listened to it on Audible and LOVED it even more. Highly recommend especially if you have multiples but certainly not necessary.
I certainly don’t want to gush and put you off the book but do yourself a favour and get this one. And then sink into it over a weekend with a day or so on either side. This book drew me in and would not let me go. I didn’t even want to leave my couch the entire weekend. It is utterly wonderful and the best book I’ve read thus far this year. I actually can’t believe this is her debut novel.
And then a book I read while Dion was driving us back from our holiday in the Drakensberg… that I almost don’t want to tell you about (insert “shocked face” emoji here)
The life changing magic of not giving a f**k – Sarah Knight
I bought it on Amazon sale because I was intrigued enough but not willing to spend “proper book money” on it.
![The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k: How to stop spending time you don't have doing things you don't want to do with people you don't like (A No F*cks Given Guide) by [Knight, Sarah]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41JRd8usavL._SY346_.jpg)
Here’s what I wrote on Goodreads:
I thought the actual concepts were really good. She gave good examples of the four areas – things, work (this section alone is worth the read!), friends, acquaintances and strangers, and family.
This book is going to be really, really useful for all obligers (on Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies framework).
However, my rating is lower due to the overuse of the f-word.
I didn’t find this book to be making fun of Marie Kondo’s book at all. The author and I are both huge fans of Marie’s method and her overall question, does this spark joy?
So, definitely if you’re an obliger and you don’t mind excessive use of the f-word, get it. It will empower you and help you to work with those inner vs outer expectations.
Now tell me, what was the best fiction and non-fiction you read this month? And seeing as we’re half way through the year, dare I ask – are you half way through your reading goal?
PS I first found out about The Ensemble on Modern Mrs Darcy’s Summer Reading Guide and it is the first of three books that I want to read this “summer” (it’s winter in South Africa ;)) I want to read 8 books overall but 3 of those before the end of August.
Here is my winter fun list if you’d like to take a look.
I was in the mood for something a little deeper and I reread “And the Mountains Echoed” and then listened to “The Kite Runner”. I was reading some bubblegum last night and I felt it was too soon, because I am still feeling the seriousness of the other two books. I did read an actual non-fiction book which was very informative: “How to make your first million”
I was on you Instagram page and I saw you also have a birthday coming up. I have decided I want to do something for someone else this year. So in honour of myself, I decided to support our local public maternity ward with baby hats and wraps. Anyone who wants to give me a gift can contribute to this effort. My gift to me is that feeling of warm fuzziness.
I feel like your birthday is a day or two away from mine. I’m the 6th. Terisha (commented below) is the 4th, and another friend, Louisa, is the 8th 🙂
I love your birthday idea. One year I asked for Santa Shoebox donations – that was the year I did 12 boxes and it was great!
I am on the 1st. I come from a family where everyone has their celebrations in one month, besides me, so I will join your birthday group. 🙂
Hope you had a lovely birthday, A, and that you continue to have an amazing birthday month.
I want to read The Life Changing Magic one – I am an obliger. I am not doing so bad in my reading goals – 46% read so far.
I think you’ll really like it – great on the mindset stuff!
I battle to read books that I don’t like the title. So I shall not be reading “that” book. I don’t enjoy profanity in any form. Read born a Crime and when breath becomes air! My head is still reeling from
Both and I decided I need to read much lighter readings while I process both books. I read them
Back to back in less than a week. I still have two Liane Moriaty books on my bedside table to read started both but just can’t move on. But I hope to read it sometime before this year ends since I paid for them (fingers crossed)
Fair enough 🙂 Read something light like a Jenny Colgan, if you like English books, or an Emily Giffin for a US read as a palate cleanser.