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The joy of reading
In my blog from January 2022, I explained how important it is to me to maintain a positive morning routine, which includes reading. Building habits that are good for the body, mind, and soul (I also do Pilates, lift weights, and use my exercise bike in the morning before work…though not on the same day!), are good for me in that moment and set me up with a positive mindset for the day ahead.
As a child who didn’t show much interest in picking up a book, I’m proud that reading is now not only a part of my morning routine, but a wider part of my life too: I listen to books on Audible while out walking Pip or when driving on my own, and I’ve also built reading into my evening routine…trying to do that good thing of putting away the screens prior to going to sleep! As a published children’s book illustrator, it’s lovely to think my artwork is helping to engage new generations in the joy of reading, stories, and using their imagination.
Reading is also a big part of how I top up my creative bank account. And while I’ve read plenty of fantastic artistic or creative books, I’m a firm believer that you don’t have to read only these to gain inspiration; sometimes switching your mind off from a project or brief is just want your brain needs to have that flash of inspiration. So, relax with a detective novel and don’t feel guilty!
Books to read in 2023
I’m committed to continuing this healthy habit into 2023, and thought I’d share some of my favourite reads from last year to inspire you to pick up a paperback this year too. Or if you’re already a reader, maybe I can suggest one or two fantastic books to add to your list. I’ve tried to balance this list with five diverse titles, so there should be something for everyone.
‘How to Kill Your Family’ by Bella Mackie
Buying books in airports is something I love to do, associating it with relaxation & discovery. I picked up this book in Exeter Airport on my way back from an event with my employer in Devon. I’ll be honest, I picked it for the typography on the cover and for the family lols (seeing your parent’s reaction when you read this is hilarious!) What followed was a fantastic read about a woman who seeks a claim to her birth father’s estate, after being abandoned by him and his family. Full of dark humour & unexpected twists this is well worth the read - 8/10 from OMG.
‘Will’ autobiography by Will Smith
I was listening to this book prior to the now-infamous Oscar slap. This is a fantastic listen, made better by the fact that it is narrated by Will himself. I encourage you to listen to this book, it will help you understand the complicated character that is Will Smith in greater detail, and why someone who has graced screens big and small for most of my life, with an infectiously likeable personality, may be able to so drastically change public opinion in an instant. 8/10 - from OMG.
‘Klara and the Sun’ by Kazuo Ishiguro
If you’re interested in the future, AI (artificial intelligence), the evolution of mankind, or just robots in general, then this book is for you. Klara is an AI; a robot specifically designed to help families prosper. The book is told entirely from ‘her’ perspective, which might just be the best part about it. Seeing a world that is so often taken for granted by humans, through the eyes of a machine, is fascinating. I also bought this book in an airport, on the way to Cyprus, & because of the cover design. It has a window cut into the red section, which allows you to see the sun; this relates to Klara’s view from her home. This is a must-read for anyone interested in where we might be headed in this increasingly AI world. 8/10 from OMG.
‘My Autobiography’ by Sir Alex Ferguson
This book was another one I listened to last year. As a lifelong Man Utd fan (I can hear you booing!) I’ve always loved Sir Alex. I was lucky enough to meet him in my teens & he was every bit the man I thought he would be. He reflects in depth on his management of Man Utd, with a small discussion about the subsequent managers who have since joined the club. I loved how the book showcased his people skills; how he managed tricky situations that arose in a world full of athletes paid megabucks. A great listen for anyone interested in the legend that is Sir Alex or leadership and management in general, let down only by the fact that it isn’t narrated by the great man himself. 7/10 for OMG.
‘David & Goliath’ by Malcolm Gladwell
I make no secret of my fascination with Malcolm Gladwell’s writing. I may as well be on a retainer for the man & this is another brilliant book. I love the way he balances his arguments; he’ll help you to look at a situation from multiple perspectives. The name of the book takes the story that we all know relatively well (or so we think) & looks at how that story has informed societal references that we now live by. But is the moral of the story really as clear as we presume; is it as simple as a heroic tale of the little guy winning against the big guy? This book will make you think. 10/10 from OMG.
I’d love your recommendations for what I should read this year
What are your book recommendations for me? Drop me a line in the comments below – and tell me whether you think I should listen to it on Audible or pick up a paperback!
Enjoyed this read?
Why not check out the details of the most recent project added to my website on Scottish Squash mascot Vollee here.
