Eight great books and movies I watched/read in 2019

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!

Book Review - The Forgotten Forest

There's something pretty magical about personalised picture books. And there's nothing like a personalised story to capture the attention and imagination of a 4-year-old.

As we tucked into bed, ready for some bedtime reading this week, I produced a surprise new story to read to my eldest daughter for the first time.

What my daughter did not know was that she was the star of 'The Forgotten Forest' . She couldn't believe it when she heard her own name mentioned along with where she lives, her favourite colour, her cousin's name and birthday.

'The Forgotten Forest' is a personalised book and also a Kickstarter project.

It's the brainchild of Katharine & Matt Harbord. Together they set up the brand Oh Zoe to create personalised picture books focused on high quality writing and illustration. 

 

So what makes The Forgotten Forest so special? It's not just the story that's personal to your child but the illustration too. For the main character you can choose from 8 skin tones, 6 eye colours, 25 hair colours and there are options to include a wheelchair, ear defenders, hearing aids and glasses.

‘Sas and Yosh’ (Sarah Bellisario and Yoshie Allan) are the artists behind the design and illustration. What I particularly love about this book is the beautiful use of colour and nod to Japanese art.

 

The story is written by Victoria Richards who won the Oh Zoe Rising Talent Award in January 2017 to find new picture book talent. It follows the main character (in our case our daughter Alice) who is challenged to help save the forest from the frost spirit who has stolen the key to Spring.

The book has really captured our daughter's imagination. It is definitely encouraging her love of reading, particularly as the book is so individual to her.

The Forgotten Forest will be available on kickstarter.com until Friday 28th of September -  kickstart.ohzoe.com

The team at Oh Zoe kindly sent me an advance copy of The Forgotten Forest in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and views are my own personal opinion.

Currently... tuning into, reading & watching

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!

10 books to read in 2018

At the start of 2017 I promised myself I would do more reading.

I've kept a list of the books I've read this year - a real mix as you'll see below.

I'm not saying I'm racing through the classics or anything but I've picked books up that have been recommended to me or well reviewed. 

I'm realising the more I do sit down to read that it’s a wonderful feeling to get lost in a book for hours on end.

I always seem to sleep better too if i read a chapter before bed (rather than faffing on my phone!).

So here are some of my favourites from over the past 12 months:

If you like...Real Life Stories

How To Murder Your Life by Cat Marnell

This is one of the first books I read during 2017. It's a memoir by 30-something Beauty Editor Cat Marnell (I had never heard of her when I picked up the book).  She lands her dream job at Lucky magazine in New York but her life spirals into addiction. She loses her friends, her self-confidence and strains family relationships along the way. Sounds bleak, why read it you may say? Well there's something in the way that Marnell writes that kept me captivated through the book. It's a raw, unglamorous account of life with an addiction to medication and drugs but I found it a fascinating read.

If you like...Productivity

The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod

This concept has really taken off in the US and basically involves starting your day earlier. By doing so you make more time for yourself so you can exercise, do a hobby, meditate, read etc. In a time when our lives can be rushed and stressful, this could just be what is needed. I managed my first earlier start the other day and even if the kids did wake up just as I'd taken my first few sips of tea (typical), 5 minutes to myself was pretty amazing! You can read more about The Miracle Morning here.

 

If you like...True Crime

The Adversary by Emmanuel Carrere

A family are murdered in a small French town and the author seeks out to unravel why it happened. Without giving too much away, it's fair to say he comes across much more than he bargained for in this gripping real-life murder mystery. 

If you like...Photography

Street Photography Now by Sophie Howarth

At the beginning of 2017, I decided I would spend more time during the year reading about famous photographers and their work. I have so far read at least 15 photography books, many borrowed from the library. A couple of those really stood out for me. Street Photography Now introduced me to a range of different street photographers. It taught me more about great composition, brilliant use of light and about observing all around you, all the time. After reading this book, I booked myself onto a street photography class in London with Paul Russell - one of the photographers who features in the book. 

All That Life Can Afford by Matt Stuart

This great book is by photographer Matt Stuart, who is now a member of the Magnum photo agency. Matt's book is full of humour, witty observation, great use of repeating colours and shapes. I look at his work wishing I had taken many of his great shots. A really inspirational book for keen photographers out there.

If you like....Travel

The Worrier's Guide To The End of the World by Torre DeRoche

A few years back Torre DeRoche wrote a great book called Love With A Chance of Drowning. It's a feel good, funny book about her travels on the high seas in a sailing boat with a guy she met one night in a bar who became her boyfriend. In the aftermath of the book and while there were talks about it being made into a Hollywood film, her relationship broke down and her cherished father died. The Worrier's Guide to The End of The World sees Torre setting off to travel again, this time solo and to explore Italy and India. It's an emotional and soul searching trip with humour and unforgettable memories along the way. Torre's beautiful description of Italy will have you booking plane tickets in a second.

If you like...Inspirational Reads

The Little Big Things by Henry Fraser

Author Henry Fraser had a swimming accident at 17 which has left him paralysed from the neck down. Henry talks us through what happened that day in Portugal, his time in hospital, rehab, moving back home and how he turned to and developed his art (he uses a paintbrush in his mouth to paint). This is far from being a weepy book; Henry is incredibly positive despite all he has been through. It sounds like he has a wonderful, fun family and as a team they have adapted together. This book is about the importance of loved ones, about being positive, about appreciating everyday. It's a very special book I'd urge everyone to read.

If you like...Confidence Boosting Books

Your Inner Critic is a Big Jerk by Danielle Krysa

I wrote more about this great book here. This is a wonderful read if you are stuck in a rut creatively, desperate to start a new hobby but lacking the confidence. Or maybe you are simply having doubts about your own work. This book will give you the confidence boost to get back on track, simple as that.

If you like...Quirky Children's books:

 Eat Your People by Lou Kuenzler

My favourite book as a child was all about a Hippo who sat on a roof eating cake. It was quirky, strange, weird, full of bold colours and images and I remember it vividly from my childhood. Eat Your People is equally quirky, weird and funny. The story is set around the dinner table of a family of monsters. Monty, the boy monster is fussing over his food (a plate of small people) as the rest of the family encourage him to 'Eat your People.' It's a funny take on fussy toddlers at mealtimes and our eldest (3) loves it!

If you are thinking of....Blogging

My Blogging Secrets by Amber McNaught

I decided earlier this year to get back into blogging. It's something I started six months after my eldest was born. Blogging can be puzzling to some people and everyone has their reasons for doing it. For me, it's a creative outlet and one which I really enjoy.  My Blogging Secrets is written by Amber who writes the blog Forever Amber. I raced through this book and learnt so much from it. It helps that Amber runs a successful blog herself but the fact that she's put in years of dedication to get to where she is now is a great inspiration. Million Dollar Blog is another read I'd highly recommend if you are looking to go down the blogging road or make improvements.

Got any suggestions for good books I should read in 2018? Let me know in the comments below. 

Books of the month - November

 

Your Inner Critic is a Big Jerk  by Danielle Krysa

This is a book for Creatives.

Think you're not creative? Author Danielle Krysa believes we all are and should embrace our inner child.

If you enjoyed drawing as a kid, why not pick up a pencil? Enjoyed playing around with your polaroid as a teenager? Pick up a camera and get exploring. It's never too late.

This book is also for the self-doubters out there.

Maybe you have days where you question yourself, your abilities, feel like you are ‘winging it’ or take an overly critical look at your own work?

Danielle is a successful collage artist, but she was once told by a professor 'You should never paint again'.  Instead this spurred her on and led her onto the path she’s on today.

I think a lot of us have doubtful moments about our work. Are we good enough?  Or maybe we compare ourselves to others doing something similar.

Let's face it, platforms such as Instagram are incredibly inspirational for photographers and artists but also a bit overwhelming sometimes. There is so much GREAT content out there.

Danielle’s book is uplifting, encouraging and full of wise words. I had a lecturer once who didn’t make me feel great about my work. Reading this book reminded me of that but most importantly it's made me realise I must not let it hold me back.

The book also includes a Thirty Day challenge - subjects to get your creative juices flowing when photographing/drawing/writing stories.

Your Inner Critic is a Big Jerk is available here or on Kindle.

 

Little People, Big Dreams - Audrey Hepburn  by Isabel Sanchez Vegara 

This beautiful hardback book is a short snapshot of the life of Audrey Hepburn so young children can get a flavour.

From tough beginnings to a successful movie career and on to a charity ambassador role for UNICEF, this charts Audrey's life in a short bedtime read.

Our eldest is three and a half and loves this book. It holds her attention, isn't too long and she loves the colourful illustrations.

This is the second we have bought from the series - the Coco Chanel version was read many nights for months!

The Little People, Big Dreams series of books are available here.

I'm on the lookout for good books to read this month. Got any suggestions? I'd love to hear your suggestions in the comments below.

Want to read more? Here's how I'm trying

Ever get the feeling you're spending too much time online? It dawned on me recently that I needed a little 'tech break.' Sat in bed, with an actual book for a change, I attempt to scroll down the page with my finger. Yes scroll, down the page of the book like it's my iPhone. Not cool. Something has to change.

I want to read more in 2017. It's been a New Year Resolution. The problem is, when do I find the time? It's not easy when we lead busy lives. So I have decided I need to stop complaining and just go for it; make time to make it happen.  Here's how I'm attempting to bring more reading back into my life:

• The library. A bit obvious maybe but I only joined my library a few months ago. My first challenge has been to read more about photographers I admire. One great tip I discovered if you live in London like me, is that you can reserve books from any London borough online. I've already borrowed and read at least a dozen beautiful, expensive, hardback photography books. Each reservation is just 60p and you get the book sent to your local library for collection.

• Schedule time. So when do I find time to read these lovely books? I've actually found a great local cafe and I escape for an hour at the weekend, taking a photography book with me. I know I'll have peace and quiet away from home to soak up the material. 

A model backstage at London Fashion Week squeezes in some reading time before a catwalk show.  Pic: Katie Collins/PA images

• No wifi. We went on a cruise recently and I decided not to buy an internet package. And it was great. I really didn't miss being online. It felt like I could clear my head. I also got so much more reading done. Any train or tube journeys are also a great opportunity to catch up with reading without the distraction of online.

• Keep notes & ask for recommendations. I've started writing down all the books I read in a year. Bizarrely when my family got together last Christmas, I discovered my brother had done exactly the same thing. We'd also both given our books a rating. I love looking back to see how much I have read in the past 12 months and getting ideas for new books to try. My family have also started a Secret Santa with books; a great way to share a favourite book with others and get a discussion going.

I also recently came across this great article on how to read more. It really struck a chord with me and got me thinking about how I can improve my reading volume even more. It's a great article and I hope you enjoy it:

 

https://hbr.org/2017/02/8-ways-to-read-a-lot-more-books-this-year