I said 2019 would be the year I started reading more and I stuck to that resolution.
Over the past 12 months I have read in the region of 35 books - lots more than in 2018. I put this down to a couple of things - getting an audible subscription so I often listen to a book during the day and read a different book at night.
I joined a book club with mums from school and this has definitely put the pressure on (in a good way) to read more and to a deadline. I also realised I prefer memoirs and biographies and so I’ve focused on reading more of what I enjoy and less fiction. I also ditch a book I’m not enjoying rather than plodding on for the sake of it.
So above are my eight favourites of 2019 (although some of the books themselves aren’t brand new). From this list Once in a House on Fire by Andrea Ashworth and Educated by Tara Westover are my top two. Both tell of growing up in difficult or unusual surroundings and triumphing over adversity.
I would also highly recommend listening to Michelle Obama’s book Becoming on audible. She reads the book herself and it makes for a powerful and immersive listen.
Every now and then a movie comes along that you can’t get out of your mind after you’ve watched it.
It doesn’t happen often but Marriage Story directed by Noah Baumbach and streaming on Netflix made in straight into my top 10 films ever.
It has such a beautiful script - moving and funny with such strong and memorable performances by Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson & Laura Dern.
Despite the heavy subject matter of divorce, the script is also peppered with humour and a moving rendition of Adam Driver singing ‘Being Alive’ from the musical ‘Company’, late in a bar one night.
The documentary Maiden is excellent and tells of Tracy Edwards and her all-female crew taking part in the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1989. It’s real edge of your seat TV and the movie is currently on BBC iPlayer.
My third favourite is a movie from a few years back called Minding the Gap: An American Skateboarding Story. It’s a coming of age documentary about skateboarding, family and friendship. It’s one not to be missed and is currently on BBC iPlayer.
As we head into 2020 I can’t wait to read some of the exciting books on my list including The Five by Hallie Rubenhold and to watch the documentary For Sama which is next up on my watchlist and currently on Channel 4.
So those are my favourites, I’d love to hear yours. Wishing you a very Happy New Year!
I've read, listened to and watched some brilliant things over the past few weeks and I wanted to share them with you.
1. The podcast Don't Keep Your Day Job is a new discovery for me and its really inspiring, particularly this episode with the photographer Elisabeth Caren.
2. I'm a huge fan of Austin Kleon who talks a lot about creativity and productivity. This talk is called 'How to Keep Going' and is packed full of great advice.
3. I finished the book Endurance by Scott Kelly a week ago - it charts the astronaut's year in space and is completely fascinating. I'm now reading The Lido by Libby Page - it's hooked me from the start and a bonus is that it has short chapters (don't judge me). It's out in just over a week.
4. My standout film so far this year is Call Me By Your Name. It's a moving, sizzling, romantic drama with a beautiful soundtrack and superb acting. Not to be missed.
5. The impressive exhibition by the photographer Andreas Gurksy at the Southbank Centre is in its last few weeks. You can read more about it here.
6. For a website that will make your heart melt, check out Folded Wisdom. Artist and father Bob Guest would wake up early before his young children and write and draw them little notes that would be tucked in their lunchboxes. Many of them were kept and can be seen on this website.
7. The Oscar winning UK-made short film The Silent Child is currently on BBC iPlayer. It's an incredible 20 minute movie with an important message about the importance of sign language being taught in schools. Don't miss it.
8. If ever there was an excuse to unplug and get outside, this 3 minute movie is it. A perfect reminder to look up in the world (literally).
I'm always on the lookout for new podcasts, movies to watch and books to read. I'd love to hear any of your suggestions!
