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
Love Caitlin Moran. I keep How To Be A Woman by my bed in case I want to read it again. It also gives me those nice feminist vibes during the night, which you can never have enough of!
ReplyDeleteThe book sounds lovely, great post :)