Books that give me life.

Hello, my bookish friends! I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of a new release from Two Roads: 'Books for Living; A Reader's Guide to Life', by Will Schwalbe. 

It's safe to say I was sold on the title alone, when the beautiful Emma first mentioned it to me as we sat down for lunch, but upon hearing more about the idea behind the book and the unique way it's been written...by the end of our lunch date I was demanding a copy. 

Basically this book is made up of a vast selection of other books; books that have all aided Will Schwalbe in some way in his lifetime. His sharing of the titles and their effects on him is perhaps the loveliest gift to us, the readers, and it could be the best thing to begin the new year with. 

So, each chapter is dedicated to a book. And beneath that book's title at the head of the page is the word that indicates the purpose it has served in Will's life. You get me? Like, the opening chapter is entitled quite simply 'The Importance of Living' then under that is 'Slowing Down'. I quite liked that the chapter 'Stuart Little' had the word 'Searching' underneath it. And 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' had 'Napping' attached to it...

Naturally, this rather gorgeous book made me reflect on my own life and the many books that have influenced and indeed helped me in some way during the more turbulent or just less sure times; I've blogged before about the books that changed my life, and the books that came into my life through school, and the books I'd re-read because I loved them so much...but these books I will be listing now are the ones that gave me things, big or small, that have kept me keeping on. 

The Book of Answers, by Carol Bolt.

For knowledge.

I wanted this book for years; I'd always find a copy whenever I went into my local bookshop and let it answer a burning question, and then it's only recently that I actually purchased it...finally. Now it sits on my bookcase atop my typewriter, right there for whenever I need guidance. I often find that if it doesn't give me the answer I want...then it makes me realise what I do want.

We're All Mad Here, by Claire Eastham.

For help.

Another very recent purchase. I have little but frequent flare-ups of social anxiety (there will be a post about it soon, I'm sure) and I'm currently looking to this book for guidance.

How To Be A Woman, by Caitlin Moran.

For security.

One of my favourite and most blogged about books. It's made me cackle and made me think. I'll recommend it forev. (This copy photographed is in fact my retired edition, as it is falling apart and well-loved, and newly signed. I have since bought another copy to lend out and re-read!)

The Time Traveler's Wife, by Audrey Niffenegger.

For escaping.

This book ignited my lost love for fiction in a time many years ago when I couldn't get free from things or find a way out of reality. Simple as.

The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas.

For knowledge.

I recently finished this book, the one everyone is buzzing about and film rights are being bought for, and just...whoa. Read it ASAP, people. It's one to watch. It's made me more aware of the hideous ignorance some people face every day in this messed up world. 

Talking As Fast As I Can : from Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls (and everything in between), by Lauren Graham. 

and

As You Wish : Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride, by Cary Elwes.

For favourites.

My favourite TV show of all time, and my favourite film of all time. Stories from behind the scenes and within the fandoms, by the stars I admired so much who played the characters I loved so much.

A Lifetime of Secrets, by Frank Warren of Postsecret.

For solace.

Some secrets on this amazing website, that I've looked at and followed loyally since my school days, strike a chord deep within me – and some are so alien but still make me feel everything for others. I find the most immense comfort in others' secrets, and feel I can share my own because of it.

Right, so, those are some of the books that have really just given me life, and helped me live. I am so grateful to Two Roads publishers for not just sending me this proof (and finished copy!) but also for reminding me what's always been important to me and what will never fail to keep me going in life, no matter how dark things get...books.

Order 'Books for Living' here, and see the rest of the blog tour below. I am also doing a finished copy giveaway on Twitter, you can enter that right here: 

#giveaway! I have an extra copy of #BooksForLiving @WillSch from @tworoadsbooks/@johnmurrays! RT & follow me to enter, ends 14/1. UK only. pic.twitter.com/mbWUco8sfg

— Grace Latter (@_gracelatter) January 9, 2017