Audiobook Review: Get Your Shit Together By Sarah Knight

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.

Audiobook Review: Runner’s High By Jenni Falconer

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.

Audiobook Review: The Therapist By B.A.Paris

Blurb: Tell me your secrets…. 

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.

Midweek Reading Roundup #25

Firstly, as ever let’s look at the last reading roundup that I penned – you can read that here.

Last: The Therapist By B.A.Paris

I am in the process of penning my thoughts on this rollercoaster read.

Now: Mad Woman By Bryony Gordon (Physical book)

Getting there but as I was so close with my audiobook and it was going back on Libby I prioritised that.

Next: Seven Summers By Paige Toon

I’ve finally bagged a review copy this is my next ebook for sure.

Next: Audiobook The Dilemma By B.A.Paris

Listening to The Guest and The Therapist has reopened the door to this lady’s work and I’m so here for more.

Have you read any of these? Plus is there anything else you would like to see in this update each week. Sorry for the delayed post once again.

Audiobook Review: You Do You By Sarah Knight

Blurb: From the ‘anti-guru’ author of the smash hit The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F–k and the New York Times best seller Get Your Sh*t Together.

In The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F–k, our favourite ‘anti-guru’ Sarah Knight unleashed the power of saying no. In Get Your Sh*t Together, she prioritised the sh*t you need and want to do so you can achieve your hopes and dreams. Now she’s back, doubling down on your happiness with her latest message: You Do You. 

Being yourself should be the easiest thing in the world. Yet instead of leaning in to who we are, we fight it, listening too closely to what society tells us. You Do You helps you shake off those expectations, say f–k perfect, start looking out for number one and keep on with your badass self. From career and finances to relationships and family, lifestyle and health, Sarah Knight rips up the rulebook. 

Writing about her mistakes and embarrassments in her own personal quest to ‘do me’ – because nobody gets everything right all day, every day – Sarah Knight shows why you can and should f–k up and teaches you to let yourself off the hook, bounce back and keep standing tall.

Review: Now why has it taken me this long to listen to this absolute treat. Sarah Knight would be someone that I would wholeheartedly have a pretty decent chat with, and that feeling comes across in spades in this book. She talks in a way that resonates with me and makes me feel seen and heard. Which is both ace and terrifying if that makes sense. It’s a truly no none sense listen in the approx 5 hours audio time. This is another self help listen that resonates and one that I could listen to again someday.

More often than not we have exactly what we need to be the best version of us, inside of us. You do you shakes the expectations and makes us think.

One quote that has stuck with me long after finishing this book is…. You’re good enough, smart enough and you care and have a lot to offer. It’s safe to say I have another of Sarah’s audios in my Libby library so watch this space….

Let’s talk Audio….Books, Podcasts and so on.

January was a predominantly audiobook month for me. Without even realising which is great as I’m taking part in #2024AudiobookChallenge with my target for the year to be 50 and I’ve listened to six in the first month.

As I’ve been feeling under the weather a friend mentioned meditation. I’ve tried mindfulness in a number of ways and it doesn’t always work for me. I decided to jump into bed and listen to an audiobook- instead I decided to listen to a Sleep episode on #Audible.

It was a seven min listen about tension that had me feeling relaxed and super sleepy. I had a really good sleep and didn’t wake until nearer six for a wee. I then went back to sleep until ten or just before. It really helped.

Last night I decided to try a different one…both made me sleepy although I think the first one relaxed me a little more. Although the second one was soothing and I definitely think I’ll check out more from Dr Nerina.

I’m currently listening to the Improbable Meet Cute and I believe I’m on the third short story of six.

Podcasts – The Well-being Lab from Will Young has been a favourite but there isn’t a series at present. And I’ve dipped in and out of Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place and the sleep episodes are classed as them. I really enjoy podcasts and would love to get into some more so hit me with some inspiration. I listened to some Running ones a while back to but haven’t in forever.

Weekly Update #84

Here we are at the end of another week let’s take a look at my last update before I share my latest. You can read that here.

It’s been an interesting week I haven’t been 100% so my running and gym has been well and truly out of the window once again which is making me extremely frustrated.

I had Monday off and decided to have a chilled day I started the day by doing a covid test all fine not that and trying to get a doctors appointment. That was also a frustrating one, I then took myself to Greenwich Picturehouse to watch Dear England on the screen. Once again it blew my mind and gave me a multitude of emotions. The Harry Maguire was different to the one I saw at the theatre but was still so good. I can’t believe I only saw it once when it returns I’m definitely going to be there a lot more.

So what did the blog look like I hear you say…it’s not been a bad week. I finished a few things as January ended but haven’t completed anything as yet for February.

On Monday 29th I shared two glorious cover reveals from them beauties at Simon & Schuster up first was Heidi Swain’s next festive offering and you can read that here.

The second cover reveal was a Sharon Gosling beauty and you can read that post here. As I stated I don’t post any cover reveals and then like buses there’s two in one day.

On Tuesday I shared my extremely early review of The Guest an audiobook that I listened to via Netgalley. You can read that post here.

Wednesday saw one of my favourite posts to pen a Midweek Reading Roundup and you can reread that here. I absolutely love penning these but do let me know if there is anything else you would like to see in these posts.

I started February by looking back on what January looked like. I’m really happy with my progress although would like some more physical and ebooks in February. So watch this space. Do you like my wrap up? Is there anything more you would like to see in these posts. You can read it here.

Friday saw another bumper day with two more cover reveals one from Simon & Schuster again and then from the fabulous Cressida McClaughlin.

Up first was In Bloom By Eva verde you can read that here. And then the fabulous Cressida McClaughlin I saw this post as I left work and wow it’s swoonsome and full of sunshine. You can view that here.

So that’s my week…I did end up getting seen by the doctor on Thursday I’m now on medication so feeling a little better. I’ve tried to have as chilled a day as I can today. Although I am having regular blood pressure checks – hopefully it’s just the illness but we shall see.

Over on my Twitter or X HayleyTOfficial I am currently doing a poll to choose my next physical book.

• Tomorrow, Tomorrow, Tomorrow
• Blood Flowers
• Partners in crime
• Something else.

Monthly wrap up: What I read in January…

Sooo January is most definitely over and now we move into my most favourite month of the year. It’s also a big one for me this year 👀.

There was no January TBR so in that there was no specific pressure. I set my GoodReads target for the year as 75 after over achieving last year. I’m pleased to say that January was a really good month I read 8 books. It was a majority audiobook month, which means I’m on 6 audiobooks for the year so far in my #Audiobookchallenge2024 which I believe I set to 50. So a really good start to the year…

This was my first read of the year…I had hoped to have finished this on the last day of December but that wasn’t to be and sadly my thoughts haven’t been fully penned.

My first audiobook of 2024 had to be a Colleen Hoover novel. I listened to and read a number of hers last year and I’ve loved every single second of each read in differing ways. My Review

Another audiobook well let’s face it most of January’s reads were. This was on my TBR for a while and I also had the ebook but this was a Libby read and a really good one. My Review

A collection of short stories as part of a blog tour. I really do love doing these type of reviews and reading out of my comfort zones.

Another audio and a short one of two festive stories from the fabulous Giovanna Fletcher. Another one that I haven’t penned my thoughts on and I’m not sure I will. I do really want to read the full book that these characters are from.

Another Colleen Hoover treat – an interesting listen. You can read my review here.

This was a gorgeous Netgalley audiobook and this is a February release. See sometimes I’m organised and ahead of the game. You can read my review here.

Now how I have had this on my TBR for so long. A no nonsense much needed self help book. I listened to this and have another of Sarah’s awaiting me watch this space for my thoughts.

What else would you like to see in these wrap ups? And would you like a February TBR?

Midweek Reading Roundup #22

Happy Hump day you beautiful humans. How the devil are you all today?

So before I share with you what I’m reading right now let’s look at my last Midweek Reading Roundup that you can read here.

Last: You Do You By Sarah Knight

Review coming soon watch this space…

Now: Audiobook The Improbable Meet Cute

Now: EBook: The Happiest Ever After By Milly Johnson

Next: Audiobook Get Your Shit Together By Sarah Knight

Hmmm can’t decide on my next physical one…shall I do a Netgalley one…

GoodReads update 8/75 and I’m hoping to maybe get one more finished before today ends. Audiobook challenge 6 so far.

What else would you like to see in the Midweek Reading Roundup??

Audiobook Review: The Guest By B.A. Paris

Blurb: Iris and Gabriel have just got home from a make-or-break holiday. But a shock awaits them. One of their dearest friends, Laure, is in their house – sleeping in their bed, wearing Iris’ clothes, even rearranging the furniture. She has walked out on her husband – and their good friend – Pierre over his confession of an affair.

Iris and Gabriel want to be supportive. But as Laure’s mood becomes more unpredictable, her presence begins to unravel secrets in all their pasts – until things reach breaking point…

Review: Firstly, thank you to Netgalley and Hodder for accepting me to listen to an early copy of this suspense filled thriller. I honestly cannot stop thinking about it and cannot turn to another story until I’ve got this out of my system.

The Guest is a slow burn with a lot of information being drip fed slowly. There are three sets of couples all with their own lives, secrets and lies – and a number of things link them together. Now this is an extremely hard story to review as there is so much I want to say and so much I truly cannot say.

What I will say is B A Paris knows how to captivate an audience from the off. I was intrigued as each of the characters have their own stresses and strains. Let’s take Gabriel for instance from the start I was captivated by what was making him act the way he was, I wasn’t expecting what came to be in any way shape or form. It made sense in a lot of ways by his behaviour but that was only the surface of what was to come. Laure is an interesting character – there really is so much to her, granted very early on in her stay with Iris and Gabriel I found her annoying. I found myself wanting to scream at Iris and Gabriel to throw her out.

In this story there are two questionable guests that will leave you questioning a lot about our couples. What BA Paris has also done is interlinked a mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. What I will say is you will not believe the outcome. The epilogue is fast paced and full of so many twists and turns that will make your eyes pop. I’m jealous of everyone who hasn’t read this book as that first read you’ll never get that feeling back.