Author Spotlight; Taylor Jenkins Reid

At the start of this year I set myself the goal of reading more books, as it’s not something I’ve prioritised in recent years despite my love for fiction and writing. Having seen fantastic reviews of ‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’, I chose this as my first book of the year and I was hooked.

Evelyn Hugo, a fictional Marilyn Monroe type figure, enlists journalist Monique to write her memoir documenting her entire life and prosperous acting career, including the scandalous stories behind her seven husbands. As the story unfolds, I found myself captivated by the character of Evelyn Hugo and the compelling narrative had me emotionally invested until the very end.

I enjoyed the writing style of Taylor Jenkins Reid so much, that my next read of the year was ‘Malibu Rising’. This novel centres around the infamous annual party hosted by the River family, the four children to Mick Riva, a pop singer of Frank Sinatra-level fame and irresistible, movie star good looks. Set in sunny Malibu where the kids spend their days surfing and rubbing shoulders with Hollywood stars and icons who attend the party of the decade, this was the perfect summer read.

Now I’m onto my third Taylor Jenkins Reid book ‘Daisy Jones and the Six’. Having already seen the series released earlier this year I would’ve preferred to read the book first, but it was simply too good to wait. The saga of sex, drugs and rock and roll is about this Fleetwood Mac inspired band who tell their enthralling stories first hand through a series of interviews.

No doubt my next read will be yet another one of Reid’s many best selling novels; it seems every time Taylor Jenkins Reid puts pen to paper, another tremendous tale is born.

Book Club; Me Before You

This year I am challenging myself to read more books and reduce so much screen time spent mindlessly scrolling Instagram in exchange for reading. I have always loved getting lost in the story of a good book, but over the past few years it isn’t something I’ve been making enough time for. Together with my friend we have decided to do an informal book club in which we recommend each other books and discuss what we have been reading. First on my list was Me Before You by JoJo Moyes, a fantastic suggestion from my friend as I found myself unable to put this book down. A truly captivating love story with a heartbreaking twist, Moyes writing flows without sacrificing on detail and description to fully emerse the reader into the narrative.

My next read will be Normal People by Sally Rooney, a gift from my brother and his wife for Christmas. I’m excited to get stuck into another novel and continue my goal of reading again this year. I’m not setting out to read a certain number of books necessarily, but instead easing myself back into the literacy world with some enjoyable reads before I consider delving into the more heavy topics.

‘Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body; it keeps the imagination stimulated, active and alive.’

Book Club; Let’s Get Reading

It’s been quite some time since I last got stuck into a good book as I’m always using the excuse that I’m too busy. However I believe reading is one of the best forms of self-care as it provides a form of escapism whilst broadening your imagination and building knowledge – not to mention it keeps you away from your phone for longer than 5 minutes! So after an in-depth discussion about all things books with my friend this week, we decided to get motivated to read again with our very own little bookclub. She has already leant me two books of opposite genres she thinks I will enjoy: Me Before You by Jojo Moyes and The Tattooist Of Auschwitz by Heather Morris. I’ve just read the first few chapters of Me Before You and I’m already hooked; I’m so excited to get lost in the fantasy world of a book again! In exchange I will be lending my friend the classic novel of Breakfast At Tiffany’s by Truman Capote as well as the marvellously written Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. I hope to reignite my passion for reading again as my friend and I embark on this spontaneous bookclub idea in which we exchange recommended reads, as well as visit libraries to explore the endless choice of books to discover out there. Of course, this also gives us an excuse for the occasional coffee shop date together to discuss our books and commit to an hour or so of reading too, lost in the narrative as the world passes by around us – how idyllic ❤