Today's post is going to list the books I've read so far this year (10), a number of which were 'lockdown' reads - and I've included what I'm currently reading at the end! I hope you enjoy and maybe pick some of these up!
For reference, I've read 6 of these, including my current read, on my kindle and 4 in physical copies ❤
1. I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes
My first book of this year (and the book I finished the previous decade reading). I was hooked on this, and it's definetly the longest book I have ever read at 912 pages. BUT it was so worth the read, it's a crime/thriller book with a really good and complex story plot and a fantastic ending!
2. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Wowowowow. Some books you expect what is coming, not with this one. Again, this is a psychological thriller and had me hooked. I was reading one of the final chapters before bed and then things kicked off and I just could not put it down! Big recommendation here.
3. How To Pray by Pete Greig
This is a Christian book about prayer which is super great for those who are just starting their faith or learning about prayer, right through to those who have a deep and mature faith. I don't believe there is a single Christian who shouldn't read this.
4. The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
A pretty good book, really useful in helping me to better understanding how my friends, family and boyfriend best receive love. It has really useful ideas for each love language and has really ironed out any questions I had surrounding the love languages. I will say that while I am of the understanding that Gary is a Christian, the book is not overtly 'Christian' but in some places does reference relationships and marriage within a Christian context. But, I still think it's super accessible regardless of your religious believe (or lack thereof).
5. Pretending by Holly Bourne
A really enjoyable book. At times I was frustrated with the character April and some of the (in my view) poor choices that she was making - however, it was a really good way of better understanding some difficult, and often taboo, topics. Although, trigger warning that it discusses sexual assault and rape.
6. Mad Girl by Bryony Gordon
A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. I cannot sing the praises of this book enough, Bryony details her experience growing up and living with OCD and I really did not want to put this down. The book contains equal amounts of shocking and hilarity that are perfectly balanced but create a huge juxtaposition. Again, another book that I think everyone should read.
7. This Is Going To Hurt by Adam Kay
Like I said about Mad Girl, enormously shocking but absolutely hilarious. I found myself repeating the stories to everyone I know. Maybe not for the squeamish (sometimes contains details of blood, guts and gore) but a fantastic read if you're into Grey's Anatomy or House.
8. Why I'm No Longer Talking To White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
Another book that I believe every single person should read. Reni discusses the UK's black history and race relations and their impact upon society still. I cannot do this book justice in just this short paragraph but I really really would encourage you to read this. It's a super important topic to educate yourself upon and the book is so fantastic at giving well written and statistically justified arguments that really enabled me to confidently navigate conversations about race, positive discrimination, Grenfell, educational and class differences and racial disparities within these subjects. Also, if you're wanting a bitesize of this, Reni has a great podcast too called About Race with Reni Eddo-Lodge which is really informative and acts as a slightly condensed version of the book. Although, you still NEED to read it.
9. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
Oh look at that, another book that I think everyone should read. This book is written by Pastor John Mark Comer and discusses why every person (particularly looking at Christians) should actively and ruthlessly eliminate hurry from their lives. There is no person in my life that I believe doesn't need to read this. It looks at the biblical and theological understanding and teachings about rest and is an amazing book, all round.
10. One Of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
My final read so far of 2020 is One of Us is Lying - an amazing murder YA novel that had me hooked. I loved the plot, I loved the characters and I loved the unfolding of the crime. Definitely a guilty-pleasure Young Adult book, but an entertaining one. Think Pretty Little Liars. I was bought this for a birthday or Christmas a couple of years ago (thank you, Hannah) but only just read it, and if this type of thing is up your street, you'll love it!!
CURRENT READ: Vox by Christina Dalcher
This book is crazy. It's a dystopian novel all about a world where women are not allowed to speak and are heavily controlled and oppressed by men. It's a really interesting read so far - I'm 31% through the book. If you liked The Handmaid's Tale I think you'll love this!
That's a wrap on this! Thank you so much for reading!
Comment below your favourite book and make sure to subscribe to this blog to be told when I post :)
Thank you and hope you're keeping safe right now, and I'll be back tomorrow!
Caitlin G x


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