New Year Reading Thoughts + Book Haul

I thought I’d do a bit of a post about my feelings on the kind of books I want to read this year as well as a bit of a haul. I’ve never actually done a book haul (yes, this is clearly Sophie, not Sarah!) so this is kind of my first one! I received so many books as gifts for Christmas and bought quite a few myself in December so I figured it would be a good idea to showcase them a little.

We do have a post coming up about our goals for reading in 2018 but I wanted to outline generally things I have realised this year. I’ve realised I don’t want to force myself to read books I don’t have an interest in. I think a lot of people are similar, but I really struggle to have the motivation to pick something up if I don’t feel like reading that. I’m the same with films and TV shows too. I love getting recommendations off others but if I’m just not in the mood or zone for that particular thing or type of thing at that moment then why force myself? I’ll just end up not enjoying it because I’d rather be reading/watching something else at that point – I can just save it for the future and one day, I might just be in the mood (which happens to me all the time, like a little lightbulb moment.)

So, this year I’ve decided not to force myself to read something because I feel like I should or because everyone else is telling me to read it straight away. I’ve also decided to not really make a TBR because I usually feel bad when I don’t stick to it but at the end of the day, why should I! I’ve made the list myself and it’s just silly to feel bad about that. I have a couple of books I definitely do want to read this year, mainly because of adaptations coming out, but generally I’m keeping it open.

I also want to try lots of new authors and different types of books that aren’t necessarily what I would go for. I think the past couple of years I’ve mainly stayed within quite a narrow comfort zone – there’s nothing wrong with that of course but I do want to expand my range – I might love it!

My little goals list will be up soon along with Sarah’s so keep an eye out! Now, onto my December books.

 

 

Christmas –

• We Come Apart by Sarah Crossan and Brian Conaghan
• Harry Potter – A History of Magic: The Book of the Exhibition by British Library
• Artemis by Andy Weir
• Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher
• Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
• The Book of Dust by Philip Pullman
• The Inexplicable Logic of My Life by Benjamin Alire Saenz
• Tales of the Greek Heroes by Roger Lancelyn Green
• I Am Here Now: A Creative Mindfulness Guide and Journal by The Mindfulness Project

I’m so grateful for everything and anything I received. I’m over the moon with my books. I got such a wonderful range, many of which were surprises! Sarah bought me Half of a Yellow Sun which I’m really excited to start – honestly, I want to go out of my way to read more books that are set in places other than the UK and America and this is a great place to start. Another Carrie Fisher book from my other best friend is another great gift that I’m really looking forward to reading.

My girlfriend got me Tales of the Greek Heroes (which my grandad has decided to borrow from me as soon as I’ve read it) which is super pretty and I adore Greek mythology! My secret santa from my friendship group got me the Mindfulness journal which is genuinely a massive help when I’m feeling nervous and a little anxious. It has a huge range of little activities to do to keep your mind from wandering to unhelpful thoughts. I’m also really looking forward to starting We Come Apart and Artemis. 

Books I bought –

• Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman
• Hold Back the Stars by Katie Khan
• All That She Can See by Carrie Hope Fletcher
• Dirt Road by James Kelman
• The Kissing Game: Short Stories by Aidan Chambers
• As I Descended by Robin Talley
• Red Ink by Julie Mayhew

I got most of these from a wonderful bookshop in Buxton which Sarah goes to often. I bought all ones by authors I’ve never read a book by, and I’m really happy with them all! Ones I’m particularly excited to start are The Kissing Game, All That She Can See and Hold Back the Stars. 

Sorry for the fairly wordy post! I just kind of rambled and got a bit enthusiastic about all the books I’ve got and all the ones I’m yet to read this year!

Has anyone read anything I’ve mentioned? What are your thoughts for your reading in 2018?