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I love reading, but don’t seem to be able to enjoy reading as much as I used to, probably because as a busy working mum and wife, I don’t have that much time. One of my “not a New Year’s Resolutions” was to read more this year, and so far that has been a bit of a fail.
But I was resolved to go on holiday this year and try and read, and enjoy at least one or two books. I have a new iPad with the Kindle app, which makes life a lot easier packing wise, for space, because even though I love a real book, I also read fast so all the books I wanted to read would NOT have fitted into my bag.
I actually managed to read 11 books. Because I speed read and some of them were fairly light and easy, it didn’t take me long, and my kids are now of an age where I can sit and read whilst they potter and entertain themselves sometimes so that helps.
So what did I read?
I have become a fan of Dr Max Pemberton and his three junior doctor books are brilliant, eye opening, and also a little sad. I thoroughly enjoyed all three, and he sums up life as a junior doctor in our struggling NHS really well. Trust Me I’m a Junior Doctor , Where Does It Hurt and The Doctor Will See You Now are all great reads and whilst there are some medically bits, it’s not too bad if you are squeamish.
Carrying on the medical theme, Unnatural Causes by Dr Richard Shepherd, who is a very prominent pathologist who has dealt with famous and infamous crime scenes and accidents, many of us will recognise, and his story, of why he became a pathologist and the effect of his work on his personal life and self. It is gritty and hard to read in places and he is brutally honest about things he has seen and what he has worked on but if you love crime and want a taste of real life it’s worth reading.
An old favourite that the tween also read, is All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot. I felt like some nostalgia and he’s a favourite “old school” author of mine. The tween has enjoyed his books so far too. Yorkshire vet life, for the win.
As part of my pre reading for starting back at university next year, I read my first recommended reading book on my pre list about basic counselling. It was easy reading, actually, for a first book.
I also enjoyed a couple of lighter romance and fun books, to make a change from learning or medical reading.
The Little Vineyard In Provence is lovely, gentle and was recommended by a friend. An easy ready for on holiday and a heartwarming end.
Spring Time at the Cider Kitchen and a Village Affair, again, light and easy, with happy endings.
I also re read Eleanor Oliphant is absolutely fine, because the first time I read it, I really didn’t enjoy it, and again, I still feel meh, about it. I don’t get why everyone has raved about it and I just didn’t enjoy it. I wonder if it’s just me, or if anyone else just doesn’t get the hype about it.
I re ready The Fire and The Fury about Donald Trump, which I enjoyed the first time round, and found interesting and horrifying in equal measure the second time round. I am not a fan of Trump. It’s a different and interesting read, that’s for sure.
A fairly eclectic and random selection of books that I mostly enjoyed. Not bad for a holiday.
Now I just need to keep the reading habit up, it’s not a bad one to try and achieve.
What have you been reading that you think I might like?
That is an eclectic array of books you have read. I should really get around to reading those junior doctor books, especially as I spend so much time in hospital! Like me, I see you like to mix the heavier stuff with a bit of light reading, I’m not a fan of romance, but occasionally I read it just for that feel good feeling. Thanks for linking up with my bookworm linky. I hope to see you again x
The Junior Doctor books are really good. Sad in parts, because it makes us realise how hard hospital life is for staff and patients, but worth reading. He writes well
That is a lot of books! I particularly like the sound of Unnatural Causes. I used to read a lot of true crime when I was younger and still like to read it occasionally now.
Well done on trying Eleanor Oliphant again when you didn’t like it first time around. I must admit I’m one of those people who raves about it, but we all have different tastes, right?
My son has The Fire and the Fury and I’ve been meaning to borrow it forever.
#bookwormsmonthly
Thanks, Speed reading helps a lot to get through books. The Unnatural Causes is interesting because it talks about a lot of cases we know about in a new perspective. Fire & Fury well worth a read, for some humour about Trump as well as some interesting eye openers.
You certainly did get through a few books on holiday. I’m impressed that you went back to a book that you didn’t enjoy. I’ve not read it, but it seemed to be everywhere at one point. I’ve read and re-read All Creatures Great and Small, back when I had more time and less children. It was easier then.
I love James Herriot books – a definitely staple of my literary diet growing up! I’m glad you managed to get back on track with your reading goals too! #bookwormsmonthly