Books, books, books

Hello my lovelies, how are you? I hope you are doing well and enjoying life to the fullest. Isn’t it nice, when it’s sunny? I feel like a whole, new different person, because of that. And okay, waking up every morning before 7 is not ideal for me, as my boyfriend can probably attest it, however the feeling that spring is finally (FINALLY!) here, makes it all the more exciting. After all, life always looks better in spring, isn’t it right?

In my opinion, spring is the season of decluttering, which means to me taking a look on what books I have, which ones I’ve read, and which ones I still need to do so. I am deeply frustrating when it comes to books, as no matter how many I have, I always want more! But this is the curse of every bibliophile. Apart from books about social media marketing, public relations or SEO, I also have lots and lots of fiction (and non-fiction) books that I try to read whenever I have a little time. Don’t even get me started on my Kindle app on my tablet, as there are easily around 20 books in there (and I still haven’t finished Stargate Atlantis Homecoming)! So, for the purpose of this blog post, I will only talk to you about the books you can find on my night stand.

Mhairi McFarlane’s

I first noticed this wonderful author about 4 years ago, when “It’s not me, it’s you” fell into my lap. I’ve never laughed so much as I did when I first read this book, so that was what made me fall in love with her! The stories in her books are the ideal stories for me, something entertaining and fun without making you feel down and depressed. After all, our lives are full of anxiousness and worries, so when you read something it needs to lift you up!

I am now a proud owner of five of her books now, along with her last one “Don’t You Forget About Me” that came out at the beginning of March. I haven’t managed to read it yet, as I am re-reading “Who’s That Girl?” You are going to laugh and think and be entertained with Mhairi’s books, but obviously I recognise that they are not everyone’s cup of tea! So, for those of you who enjoy a light and fun rom-com, I can tell you that Mhairi McFarlane’s books are just for you!

Classic Literature

Let me start here by saying that back home I have this huge book with Jane Austen’s Complete Novels from Wordsworth editions with over 1,000 pages! Sometimes I want to bring it back here, but it’s so big and heavy, it wouldn’t fit inside my suitcase. The binding of the book is very nice and sturdy and I love it for that.

Here, I only have my two favourite classics, one from Jane Austen, the other from Charlotte Bronte. If you know me well, I think you can surmise which one I have by Jane Austen. I will not even give you any hint… Yes, of course it would be Pride and Prejudice! The binding is excellent, it is a hardcover edition and in general a small book size-wise that you can take it with you everywhere! It was my companion when I travelled to Bath, it was in my handbag so much that good friends made fun of me (I’m talking to you, George!), and it is this classic novel that has eclipsed all others. I cannot remember where I got it from, I just know that it will never leave my nightstand or handbag.

Jane Eyre is another book I have, but this one is a paperback. Again an edition from Wordsworth, I bought it two years ago (thank you Amazon!) and I like to go back to it again and again! I like the story and Jane’s development and relationship with Mr. Rochester. The whole novel is incredibly fascinating and I like getting lost in the England of the 1800s.

History

Now I know I may sound as a girl who likes “girly” books and romantic fiction, however I will prove you wrong! Ha, how I like this feeling! So, I have two books on my nightstand that relive a part of world history that still fascinates and interests countless people worldwide, the Second World War. I got them from two different sources, and I’ve been proud to call them mine. The first is The Great Crusade, which I got from a seller at the Southbank book market, while the other one is Hitler and Churchill that I bought from the RAF museum in Colindale. I realise that my boyfriend would appreciate them more, but he is welcome to read them anytime!

The Great Crusade by Henry Willmott is an old book (I have the edition from 1992), but still remains relevant and interesting. It offers a balanced account of events and, I think, is a must-have for history buffs. Even if you are not interested in the Second World War, you can still read it and gain knowledge about an event that has shaped the world ever since.

On the other hand, Hitler and Churchill: Secrets of Leadership is a book I got two years ago, but I still treat it as if I only bought it yesterday. An interesting and easy read, it focuses on the style of leadership of these two important people and how they affected the war. You may agree or disagree all you want, but this book remains a favourite one, covering the Second World War.

It’s nice all this going out and discovering parts of London that you never knew, but it’s also lovely when you stay at home, with a good book as a companion. The books mentioned above are all examples of that, so imagine my delight in staying at home and reading them!

Till next time,

Sofia-Maria