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You all know that I love books and that reading is one of my favourite hobbies. Normally, I publish a monthly post with all the books I read during the past 30 days.
However, this year I have been in a bit of a reading slump. I have finished six books so far in 2024, which is what I sometimes read in one month.
There is a season for everything
I don’t feel bad about it. Reading is a hobby! It’s not something I have to do. And if I don’t feel like reading as much in one season why should I force myself to do it?
Of course, sometimes we have to motivate ourselves a little bit to do something that feels hard to begin with (as in reading seems harder than watching TV for example) because it gives as more joy once we do it.
Why I haven’t read much
You might be able to guess the reason that I haven’t read as much lately – we just hd a baby! Honestly, I still had the time – L is a great sleeper and with SJ I read lots while nursing.
However, I neither had the desire nor the capacity to immerse myself in a different world. My own life feels so full right now. Babies change and grow so so quickly. I want to be here for it, pay close attention.
Pregnancy, birth and postpartum life are such unique experiences that we don’t get to have many times. I really wanted to savour them. So, reading took a back seat.
2024 reading thus far
Right now, I am starting to feel my interest in stories is returning. And I have read a little bit. So without further ado, let’s talk books!
“Elektra” by Jennifer Saint
This was the first book I finished this year. “Elektra” is a modern re-telling of the Greek mythology story about Troy. It is told from the perspective of various women – Clytemnestra, the sister of Helen, Elektra who is one of her daughters and Cassandra, princess of Troy.
It is a really well-written book and a great story but I read it at the completely wrong time. Like all Greek mythology it was quite gruesome and there is a bit in it where a mother watches her daughter being sacrificed to the Gods. My pregnant, hormonal self was rather shaken up.
However, I’d still highly recommend giving this a read!
“Tom Lake” by Ann Patchett
This was an absolute delight. I have mentioned previously that I am a huge Ann Patchett fan. She has such a way with words that completely draws me in. Also, I listened to the audiobook which was narrated by Meryl Streep and it was an absolute masterpiece.
In the book Lara tells her three daughters how she became an actress as a young woman, dated the famous Peter Duke and ultimately fell in love with the father of the girls. She tells them the story while they are all home due to the Pandemic and harvesting cherries on their parents farm.
This summary sounds really boring but I promise you it isn’t. This was my favourite read of the year so far.
“The Montessori Baby” by Simone Davies
I previously read “The Montessori Toddler” by the same author and absolutely loved it. This one was okay. It had some helpful information and tips, however nothing was super new to me. Also, the book is quite repetitive – I think every chapter mentions floor beds at one point or another. If you’re debating reading this one I would recommend finding a couple of blog posts instead on Montessori education for babies, you will probably find the same amount of info there.
“I am glad my mom died” by Jenette McCurdy
I listened to this on audio – it’s read by the author, which is my favourite way of consuming memoirs.
Jenette McCurdy shares how her mother pushed her to become a child actress, essentially taught her disordered eating and other unhealthy behaviour. It’s a really heartbreaking story but Jenette is a great and very funny storyteller, which makes this sad tale more bearable.
The book provides insight into the entertainment industry and how difficult it can be for children to realise that they experienced abuse in their parental home. It really stressed for me how much impact the things I say to my children can have.
“The Measure” by Nikki Erlick
I got “The Measure” for Edd last Christmas and after he devoured it he basically forced me to read it as well – and I am really glad he did!
Every person around the world aged 22 or older wakes up one morning with a small box on their doorstep. Inside lies a piece of string. The length of the string corresponds with the length of your lifespan.
The strings change the world forever. Because “short-stringers” can’t be trusted, right? After all, they have nothing to lose…
A really fast-paced, thought-provoking and hopeful book.
“The Hunger Games – Book 1” by Suzanne Collins
I assume most of you are familiar with the Hunger Games so I won’t summarise it here.
I saw the movies when they first came out and really liked them but the book was even better! A really easy read, a fast-paced and gripping storyline.
What have you been reading lately?
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