For the last 6 months, I have been OBSESSED with going to the library. Do I have a whopping great big bookshelf of books to read at home? Yes. Am I still going to library at least once a fortnight to pick up more books? Also yes. I just love our local library and since I’ve been reading non-fiction and YA non-stop recently, I know I can always rely on it for some books I probably wouldn’t have found.
So today I wanted to share a recent library book haul with you. This haul is from a month or so ago now so I’ve managed to get through a lot of these books at the time of writing, which is great because I can also provide you with some insight into what I thought of them as well.
I’ve been doing SO much reading this year. According to Goodreads, I’m 7 books ahead of schedule to hit my goal of 30 before the end of the year, which is absolutely unheard of for me because I’m typically a pretty slow reader. I think there’s a few reasons for this:
- I’m finding more value in reading for my own mental health – therefore I’m reading more
- I’m only reading genres I’m REALLY enjoying in that moment and have become a more intuitive reader
- YA books are typically quicker to get through and easier to read and I’m reading a lot of YA right now
I’m just finding reading a HUGE joy at the moment and whilst I’ve always loved reading, there have certainly been times when it hasn’t been as high on my priorities list as it should be. Anyway, enough rambling, let’s show you some books!
So let’s dive into my recent library book haul:
Life Support: Diary of an ICU Doctor On the Frontline of the COVID Crisis by Jim Down
I’m a big fan of medical fiction, I find it really fascinating and eye-opening and usually quite life-affirming. I picked up Life Support by Jim Down, thinking it would be quite a shocking read and whilst obviously it was awful to read some of the COVID stories he had to tell, nothing really surprised me. We all know the NHS struggled and the government are shit.
THUG (The Hate U Give) by Angie Thomas
I watched the movie of The Hate U Give twice in 24 hours a few years ago because I was so shocked and moved by it and I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to pick the book up. At the time of writing, I’m currently reading this and around a third of the way through and it’s fantastic – but I suspected that.
Satellite by Nick Lake
I’ve not long read Nowhere On Earth by Nick Lake so I was interested to read some more of his work although I haven’t read this one yet because quite honestly, I’m a bit thrown by the size of it! Satellie is a CHONKY book and I’m pretty overwhelmed by long books but hopefully I pluck up the courage for this soon!
The Prison Doctor: Women Inside by Amanda Brown
The Prison Doctor was alright. Not great, by no means awful, just alright. I honestly thought the insight into a Women’s prison would be a lot more interesting than how Brown made it sound. Of course there were some real eye-opening stories and awful things some of these Women went through but a vast majority of this book was talking about drugs and the drug problems that inmates face.
What’s A Girl Gotta Do? by Holly Bourne
I haven’t read this yet but I’ve only just noticed, since looking on Goodreads, that What’s a Girl Gotta Do? is book number 3 in a series. If this can be read as a standalone, I’ll definitely give it a go but if not, back to the library it goes!
When the World Was Ours by Liz Kessler
This book was absolutely heartbreaking. Such an incredible read, especially once you know that When the World Was Ours was based on the true events which happened to the authors Grandfather during World War 2. An exceptionally moving read – probably one of my favourites of the year.
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
I’d heard NON-STOP great things about Clap When You Land before I picked it up so I needed to see what all the fuss was about and I didn’t even realize it was written in verse until I opened it. I did really like this book, although apart from the *main event* that happens, I don’t feel like much else really did. Although it was beautifully written and a wonderful insight into the difference of the two girls lives.
You Are the Universe by Deepak Chopra
I gave up on You Are the Universe after 2 chapters. Anything that goes on about the theory of relativity THAT MUCH is an instant no from me. It felt like trying to sift through a college physics textbook. Which is a shame because I loved the concept from the outside but it’s far too scientific for your average mind – like me.
The War on Women by Sue Lloyd-Roberts
The War on Women is a FANTATSIC read. Sue Lloyd-Roberts was an incredible woman, taking herself to places some people would never dream of going, to research and bring light to some of the worst things imaginable that happen to women around the globe. I’d put a VERY HEAVY trigger warning on this book but an excellent read if you’re able to.
As you can see, all of the books I’ve been picking up in my recent library book hauls have been non-fiction and YA fiction. Most of them I’ve enjoyed but there’s always going to be a few hit or misses. If you fancy delving into any more of my book content, here are a few posts I’d recommend:
- Best Personal Growth Books To Read in 2022
- 9 YA Books To Add To Your TBR This Year
- Best Books of 2021
- 9 Books I Want To Read in 2022