It’s been a while since I shared the books I’ve listened to. So I thought I would share them below and give a quick round-up of what I thought. It’s taken me a long time to come to terms with the fact that I am just not a reader. Sitting down and reading a book just doesn’t appeal to my brain at all. But stick me outside on a walk and give me some headphones and I am well away. I can comfortably admit I have listened to more books in this last year than I have read in my whole entire adult life. And if you feel the same, don’t feel ashamed at all. Not all of us are made to be readers but you can still enjoy books, by listening.
Liv’s Alone – Liv Thorne
A book of two halves for me. It’s the story of Liv who embarks on a journey to solo parenting, finding sperm donors, etc. I really loved it until towards the end, when she talked about how difficult things were for her as a solo parent and then went on to say that she had people come into her house in the middle of the night to comfort her child and then leave again. I don’t know it just changed the tone of the book for me. Pitting solo mothers against those in relationships. And yeah I finished the book but I really didn’t enjoy the second half of it. Of course, this is a personal opinion thing, so you might not feel the same but yeah not the best book I have listened to.
The Audacity – Katherine Ryan
Hilarious, easy to listen to and I just loved how she absolutely owns her life. She does not care what others think and yeah it was kind of empowering to listen to. On the audiobook version, you get an interview with Katherine’s Mum which is just brilliant. A really easy listen and yeah I enjoyed this one.
Don’t Laugh, It Will Only Encourage Her – Daisy May Cooper
Oh my goodness. I laughed out loud as I walked sooooo much. So funny to listen to Daisy’s stories and I also really felt a connection with her, coming from absolutely nothing and working her way into the industry she wanted to be in. I 100% recommend listening or reading this. Because of the coatstand story. That’s all I’m going to say hahah!
A Bump In The Road – Elle Wright
And just as the book above made me laugh as I walked this book made me sob. The story of Elle, Teddy, and eventually after so many storms the rainbow that is her daughter. It truly makes you so grateful for your children but also I related so much which our losses and infertility journey. It’s beautifully written and totally humbling.
Spinning Plates – Sophie Ellis-Bextor
I downloaded this one on a whim, I didn’t really know much about Sophie other than her pop career but it was a really lovely story of her life and motherhood. I really connected to the bits on motherhood and love, I felt like she parents the way I parent and yeah, it was another easy listen that I really enjoyed.
Big Fat Negative – Emma Haslett & Gabby Griffith
A bit of a niche one but oh my goodness it helped. Infertility is an extremely lonely place and it was so nice and heartbreaking to hear that others feel exactly the same. That what I feel and do is completely normal and if you are going through something similar I totally recommend it. We are not planning to go down the IVF route etc so some of that wasn’t applicable to me but it was still interesting to listen to.
Glittering A Turd – Kris Hallenga
Another inspirational book that was completely humbling. The story of how Kris was diagnosed with incurable breast cancer, her journey of starting Coppafeel, and just how she is living her life. It made me get into a good routine of checking my boobs too. It’s heartbreaking in places but yeah a really well-told story and great to listen to.
Tired And Tested – Sophie McCartney
After a few emotional books, this was just the ticket. I don’t actually follow Sophie but my sister sends her FB videos over to me a lot because they are oh so relatable. Funny stories, well told, and then interjected with hard truths and emotion. One that you can pick up really easily and listen to.
Enough – Jessica Rose Williams
I’m actually only 2/3’s of the way through. It’s a great book and provides a lot of food for thought but I do find it quite dry. I think it’s also because the book isn’t read by the author and I know that shouldn’t make a difference but it does. So I’m planning to come back to this one to finish it off.
If In Doubt, Wash Your Hair – Anya Hindmarch
A brilliant memoir and life lessons. Anya offers so much advice about being a working woman and mother and just gives off such inspirational vibes. I’ve got halfway through this one but yeah I’m really enjoying it and I can’t wait to finish it.
So I hope those provide some inspo for your next read or listen and I’ll share another one a few months down the line when I’ve listened to more.
