I’m off on Friday and Saturday so this feels like a hump day that I can fully embrace ;). So before we look at where this weeks reading takes us let’s reread my last roundup and you can do that here.
Last: UnFxck Yourself By Gary John Bishop
Now: Mad Woman By Bryony Gordon
Next: Seven Summers By Paige Toon
Next: (Audiobook) Behind Closed Doors By B.A.Paris
Blurb: From the author who brought you the best-selling book everyone is talking about, The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k: The no-f**ks-given, no-holds-barred guide to living your best life.
Ever find yourself snowed under at the office – or even just glued to the sofa – when you really want to get out (for once), get to the gym (at last), and get started on that daunting dream project you’re always putting off? Then it’s time to get your sh*t together.
In The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k, ‘anti-guru’ Sarah Knight introduced the joys of mental decluttering. Get Your Sh*t Together takes you one stop further – organizing the f*cks you want and need to give to help you quit your day job and move abroad, balance work and fun – and save money while you’re at it – or simply get out of the door for happy hour every day.
Review: Following listening to You Do You I instantly added this book to my Libby library and had imagined that I would have started listening straight after You Do You. That wasn’t to be but I knew I needed more of Sarah’s wit and wisdom in my life. Lately I’ve loved listening to Thrillers but I needed something else in walk Sarah. Within the first 20 mins I knew this book would keep me captivated and inspired – and boy was I not disappointed. There are so many things we do daily that if we change a little by little we can accomplish anything and live a more fulfilling life in so many ways.
I love the way Sarah uses different real life things to describe many of us. I also really liked the reference to the Chipmunks. She really does have a way with words and makes it fun. You might feel seen in some aspects and in others you’re like I’m not that bad.
I really do enjoy listening to the author read their own words and with Sarah it’s like talking to a friend. The chat is laid back and easy to understand – self help at it’s best. I’ve seen so many pan this book but why. It does what it says on the tin. Making you realise that deep down whatever you want to achieve is inside you. You just have to want it enough to reach for it.
Short, sharp and to the point. More often than not deep down we already know what we need to do more of and what we need to get out of. If you’re looking for a self-help book that will make you think and will make sense look no further.
Blurb: Take your runner’s high to new heights with tips and advice from radio presenter and host of RunPod Jenni Falconer.
There is nothing quite like the runner’s high you experience after pulling on your running shoes, getting outside and finding your stride; and with Jenni Falconer’s advice and encouragement in your back pocket you will be ready to hit your favourite route with even more bounce in your step.
Packed with research and stories from real runners, Runner’s High covers everything you need to build your running routine, overcome setbacks, discover the joy of running slowly and experience the power of finding your own running community.
Whether you are a seasoned marathon runner or just starting your journey, this book will remind you of all the incredible benefits running has to offer, not just for your body, but your mind too.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
Review: As soon as I saw this book advertised I instantly pre-ordered the audiobook. I’ve always liked Jenni Falconer and I knew this book would be a revelation to me. I also knew that it would leave me feeling wistful to run. I first properly got into running during lockdown restarting and actually successfully completing the Couch to 5k app. I’ve raved about it so much and I’ve redone it a few times thanks to injury.
Sadly for me I haven’t ran at all this year bar running round at work and it’s really getting to me. Listening to Jenni’s book has made me realise I need to focus on the stretches and strengthening to get my knee back and ready to run. I also really need to get my gait analysis redone – which also means new trainers. I still remember that first run with my running kicks I honestly felt like I was floating on air. Jenni also made me realise that every runner’s high is different – with there even being highs over kit like trainers and running tops and gadgets. I also truly love my running shorts could probably also do with a new pair of those too.
Whether you’re a wannabe runner, someone that’s never thought of it or someone like me itching to get back. Jenni gives so much advice on general running, tips on marathons and also knowing when to stop as well as adding in strength training to aid your running journey.
The most I’ve ran is 10 miles and after that I was hopeful to do a half marathon – it’s safe to say illness and injury have prevented that but when I’m back I’ll be focusing on that 5k then that 10k and improving without getting injured is the aim.
I enjoyed every single second of this read and I dare say I’ll listen again hopefully on a run somewhere. If you’re wondering whether you’re a runner, if you’re in need of motivation or whether like me you’re itching to get back. Jenni’s Runner’s High will give you all that and more. I also really loved the Run Pod guests stories – inspiring and motivating and now I best get back to my stretches.
It’s been a while since I’ve penned a Midweek Reading Roundup and I’m so sorry that’s the case. So before I look at where I’m at this week let’s look at the last roundup. You can read that here.
I wanted March to be better than February and in some ways it has been, having listened to two epic Thrillers by B.A.Paris pretty much back to back. I’m pleased to say there are still a few of hers I’m yet to read and I know it will get me out of a slump and be a captivating experience in so many ways.
Last: The Dilemma By B.A.Paris
Now: Audibook Runner’s High By Jenni Falconer
Now: Physical book Mad Woman By Bryony Gordon
Next:Seven Summers By Paige Toon
This post should have come up last night and I have almost finished both of the now books.
When Alice and Leo move into a newly renovated house in The Circle, a gated community of exclusive houses, it is everything they’ve dreamed of. But appearances can be deceptive….
As Alice is getting to know her neighbours, she discovers a devastating, grisly secret about her new home—and begins to feel a strong connection with Nina, the therapist who lived there before.
Alice becomes obsessed with trying to piece together what happened two years before. But no one wants to talk about it. Her neighbours are keeping secrets, and things are not as perfect as they seem….
Review: Having recently read B.A Paris latest novel The Guest. I thought it was high time I started reading the offerings of hers I haven’t read. In looking at Libby I downloaded The Therapist and The Dilemma. Quite quickly I became hooked on The Therapist and quite quickly it became a rollercoaster read that was thrilling and captivating.
Alice is an intriguing leading lady and in seeing others thoughts most people didn’t warm to her. I didn’t dislike her but at times I found myself a little frustrated with her. Although so much was thrown at her and her back story of her and Leo was drip fed to aid the story. Making me judge everyone and anyone throughout. I’ve also seen people say that they sussed the killer early on and I honestly don’t know how. I was on tenderhooks changing my mind and thought process a lot. When the penny finally dropped it was so close to the final stages of the book, keeping me well and truly captivated from start to finish.
So many lies, so many stories all within the circle. I loved how B.A Paris had me second guessing myself and doubting each and every character. The circle is an eclectic bunch and at times I was like they don’t even like each other. So many little nuggets that go unnoticed until Alice finally pieces them together. A true rollercoaster read that will have you hooked from start to finish.
Firstly, I love Bryony Gordon I haven’t read all of her books but I’m pretty sure a few are on various TBR piles. When I first saw this event I instantly messaged a bookish friend to see if she wanted to go. The next thing I knew it was sold out. I tweeted Waterstones asking if any tickets would become available and heard simply nothing back.
The Saturday before the event the lovely Bryony messaged me asking if I still wanted a ticket as a girl called Stacy couldn’t attend and wanted to gift it to someone. I was over the moon and super grateful. That just there shows what Bryony is like as a person.
I arrived in London pretty early as Sunday travel isn’t great. I was so early the shop wasn’t open – the event would happen before the store was open to the public. In the queue I chatted to some like minded Bryony fangirls. I instantly bonded with Olivia and Katie. We were sharing stories and inspirations from Bryony it was heartwarming in so many ways.
The chat between Bryony and Emma was informative, fun and inspiring. It felt like a safe space- initially I wanted to ask a question but a number of questions were similar. Some of the questions were so hard to hear – but it also highlighted to me what Bryony has done in terms of change. A few of us were scrambling in our bags for tissues to give to a lovely girl called Emma. Who was so brave to share her story and in talking to her after it was so humbling to see how much the chat helped her, and friendships were born…
I love events and meeting inspiring people and likeminded women and bookish people. I’m sorry it’s taken so long to share this but wow what a day. I’m hoping to finish reading Mad Woman in the next day or so, so watch this space.
Did you like this post? If so get in touch and let me know. I’m also intrigued to see what you would like to see more of here at Hayley Reviews.
Following a pretty impressive January – February was kind of low. February is my favourite month as it includes my birthday and this year it was a big one. 40 I know how did that happen anyway. I had lots of plans but the reading just didn’t flow as it did in January.
January saw a number of audiobooks and a few others but February there was a lot going on and I wasn’t well and it definitely showed.
I should have finished my current read as I started it mid February. But life just got in the way. I hope to have more audiobooks and reading in general in March. Should I be doing a TBR to make me accountable?
I wanna hear all your tips and tricks… get in touch.
You must be logged in to post a comment.