I always thought of myself as a one-book-woman. Dedicated to one novel at a time, focused on a single work of non-fiction, never picking up another until I’d finished what I started.

Oh, how times change.

I currently am part-way through approximately four books at this very point of time, which I find both appalling and dedicated. Some of those are on the list below, and some of them aren’t (because I’ve been ‘reading’ them for over a year! I know, I’m ashamed.)

My ‘To Be Read’ (or TBR) pile is growing steadily. I can’t help it! I walk past bookshops every day. I see titles I need mentioned online as I scroll through my feeds. Somebody praises a book, and I instantly want in.

This TBR pile isn’t too bad, I don’t think. It could be bigger – but for the sake of my sanity, I should probably try to make it smaller, not taller!

ANYWAY, enough chit-chat. Here’s what I’m waiting to get my teeth into at the moment. Who knows how long it will take me!

The Power by Naomi Alderman

I’ve already started this book (in fact, I’m basically halfway through!) and am thoroughly in love with it. It’s been a while since a book has gripped me as much as this one. Alderman is switching things up, and giving women an incredible power which spins the world on its head. It is, in her words, a piece of ‘Feminist Science Fiction’ and has been praised by Margaret Attwood, and even won the Bailey’s Women’s Prize for Fiction. I cannot wait to finish it and tell you what I think.

Blind Woman, Sleeping Willow by Haruki Murakami

I had this book thrust into my hands by a friend after wailing at telling him about my difficulties with plot and short story writing.  I’ve not read any of Murakami’s work before, though I know many who have. I’m very interested in the idea of short stories and flash fiction, and am curious about his style, so I am keen to see what I make of this book.

Moving by Jenny Eclair

Another book I know nothing about! My mum lent this to me and insisted I read it. From what I can gather, Jenny Eclair’s novel tells the story of a woman through the brick and mortar of her home, and this concept fascinates me. It has been sitting on my shelf for a while now, but I will make sure I read this soon.

How to be a Grown-up by Daisy Buchanan

A non-fiction book I bought thanks to rave reviews on Twitter and Instagram (I am very easily influenced!), I’ve dipped my toe into the first few chapters but didn’t get much further. So far, so good though, and I’m looking forward to seeing what I think of the rest – and even more intrigued as to whether I’ll find it useful!

Ice Cream for Breakfast by Laura Jane Williams

You might be able to spot that I’ve already started this book, too! In fact, it has a number of tabs sticking out of it where I’ve found points that really resonate with me.  The joy of this book is that I am able to dip in and out when I need some inspiration, and Laura Jane writes with her usual vigour and guts about life and love and motivation. I am particularly nostalgic about my upbringing, and am excited to find ways to harness that and use it to improve my life as an adult. Once I pick it up again, I’m sure to devour the rest.

The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton

I am very behind on this bandwagon, I know.  Almost everyone I know who read it, loved it. I picked up Burton’s The Muse last year and it fast became one of my favourite books, so I am excited to tuck into her first book and see if I love it half as much.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

I bought this book up as a present for a friend, but needless to say, it never made it that far and ended up on my shelf! I hope they don’t mind!

I hate to admit it, but I really am drawn to what I read by attractive covers, and this book was lovely to look at as well as being on offer in Waterstones (I am a sucker for a bargain!). I have no idea what it’s about, so I will wait and find out as I read – no spoilers, please!

Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari

Another non-fiction addition to my shelf. I adore Aziz Ansari’s brilliant Netflix series, Master of None, and the way it explores relationships and modern life, so I look forward to a little more insight into the topic in this book. I’ve taken a peek at the first chapter and so far it seems very heavy on the research-side of things, but I really hope I will find it informative, funny and full of advice. Here’s hoping!

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

This is another loan from a friend. I’ve seen this book in shops and mentioned online, but never got around to getting my own copy. Again, I’ve heard nothing but good things about this novel, so I’m excited to get started. I have a feeling it’s a little different from my usual books, but I love the idea of trying something new.

 

What are you reading at the moment? Can you recommend anything to add to my TBR shelf?