My Happy Reading List for Lockdown
I’ll be the first to admit, as far as lockdown has gone, I haven’t had my head in a book nearly as much as I usually do. For some reason I just haven’t been in the mood, and the stack of books on my bedside table has been more of a decoration than a reading list. When I have felt like reading something, I’ve gone back to old faithfuls on my kindle, books I know will make me happy instead of the ones I’ve been stockpiling for months.
To be honest, the bedside pile has started getting a little out of hand, so I had a sift through looking for things that would cheer me up and keep me occupied for a few hours. Nothing too heavy or depressing, and interesting enough to keep the TV turned off for a few hours.
Book 1: Daisy Jones & the Six - Taylor Jenkins Reid
When I was a teenager, I was obsessed with books about music and bands. One of my favourite authors was Sarra Manning, and her book ‘Guitar Girl’ was my absolute favourite. It was about a bunch of teenagers starting a band and going on tour, and all the ups and downs that came with it. I must have read that book 50 times - I might even still have it somewhere! Daisy Jones & the Six strikes me as the adult version of my favourite teen angst book, and for that I can’t wait to start it. The story is about the rise and fall of a band in the 70’s, the mix of rock music, a great story and my favourite decade pulled me right in. If I were going on holiday, this would for sure be my beach read.
Book 2: Everything I Know About Love - Dolly Alderton
Okay, I’ve picked this one up and put it down a good few times now. It’s not that I haven’t enjoyed what I’ve read, I just don’t feel like I have to read this book in one long sitting. If I were going on holiday, this would be my plane read, nothing too heavy, and no boring long chapters to be interrupted every time someone in the row needs the loo. This is the perfect book for times like that, as you can put it down and pick it up as many times as you need to, jumping into a new, hilarious story every time. Dolly Alderton is a fantastic writer, and her insights into the love of friendship are hilarious and real. Perfect for just now, when I can’t see my friends in person. I’ll keep reading in little bits, when I feel like I need a pick-me-up.
Book 3: A Rose Petal Summer - Katie Fforde
I always find myself reading Katie Fforde books when I need something lighthearted - and the woman gets them out super quick. I feel like every time I’m in a bookshop her books are in the charts. A sign of a good author! There’s always a little bit of romance, a little bit of travel, and just a bloody good story to get stuck into. A Rose Petal Summer is about people crossing paths, in both Greece and Scotland, and will either help or hinder the absolute hunger I have to travel right now. Plus, I know I'm guaranteed a happy ending, so win/win!
And there I go, starting myself off a little easier than the stack of non fiction I also have sitting waiting to be started. I can’t wait to get back to reading, and reducing the pile a little bit.
