Here is the second instalment of my reading challenge 🙂

• Our Endless Numbered Days by Claire Fuller- I really really loved this book. Quite a dark subject matter but very well written, the characters were believable and lovable and you really go on a journey with the protagonist. It’s quite similar to Room, both in subject matter and delivery. I would highly recommend it (plus Claire Fuller did her MA at the Uni of Winchester, so y’know, represent!) Fans of Iron and Wine may recognise the title as the same as an album of his, and Fuller thanks Sam Beam in her acknowledgements. In hindsight, you can hear his music throughout this novel in the descriptions and the atmosphere. Beautiful.

• Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez- An oldie, but a goodie. So beautifully written (I believe Marquez once said he preferred the English translation to his Spanish original!). Rich, evocative imagery and a long, sprawling story over a number of years involving a number of characters. Hilarious, heartbreaking, wise and whimsical. It’s a long book so it took me a while but it’s just delicious, a classic for a reason.

• Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig- A super short, easy to read book that taught me a lot. As someone with loved ones suffering from depression, it aided my understanding of their illness and also helped me see how much I don’t really understand it. It’s very well written with honesty, practical guidance, humour and poignant affirmations. I’d recommend it to anyone, especially those with mental health issues and their loved ones.

• Night Music by Jojo Moyes- I just love Jojo Moyes. It’s great. Not as good as
  Me Before You, but a good holiday read. The characters and their relationships are complex and well crafted and the story comes to a dramatic climax. So definitely read it if you’re a Moyes fan. Just read all of hers, tbh. She’s a master storyteller.

• Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert- Loved the book, love her. Gilbert wrote “Eat Pray Love” which may help you decide if you want to read this book!! It’s nonfiction but so creative and so much fun. I would love to be Gilbert’s friend and just chat with her. Whether you consider yourself creative or not (and Gilbert argues that EVERYONE is creative), I’d really recommend it. It’s easy to read, will make you think and may just encourage you to live more adventurously.

I can lend you all of the above! Or check out your local library 🙂

xx