Started: 8.9.26
DNF: 18.9.26
Kindle
I used to follow Cat Sims on Instagram, so this was on my radar for a while. I've read a few chapters and got the gist of it, but to be honest, reading about someone else's mental load is kind of just adding to my own! So I don't think I want to finish this.
Started: 14.4.26
Finished: 16.4.26
Kindle / Audiobook
TBR Prompt: Blue book
After I DNF'd Dark Voyage, I wanted another Kindle book to read, so I used my TBR Jar and pulled out the prompt 'blue book'. Looking through my Kindle options I had a few, and I chose this one. After reading a couple of chapters, I realised that I could listen to the audiobook with one of my Audible credits (I need to use them up so that I can cancel my subscription), so I've partly read and partly listened to this. I have to say, the audiobook is quite different from the kindle version, there's a lot more of Paul and Bob just chatting. It loosely follows the format of the book, but it's certainly not word for word. I didn't mind that though, because listening to these two just nattering about fishing and generally being a bit silly is actually quite relaxing!
Started: 8.4.26
Finished: 12.4.26
Paperback
Extra book choice - not TBR
This was a spur of the moment purchase. A very interesting, thought-provoking book about the need to nurture the attachment between a child and their parents (or significant adults) rather than letting them be 'brought up' by their peers. Definitely one I want to re-read and highlight.
Started: 30.3.26
DNF: 12.4.26
Kindle
Extra book choice - not TBR
This was another Kindle Daily Deal. I'd just read The Unexpected Joy of The Ordinary, and I was curious what this would have to say about phone addiction. I don't think I'm completely addicted to mine, but I would like to spend more time away from it. Again, it's well written and there's nothing wrong with it, but I just read the bits I wanted to rather than the whole thing, so I'm classing it as a DNF.
Started: 30.3.26
DNF: 12.4.26
Kindle
Extra book choice - not TBR
I picked this up as a Kindle Daily Deal. This book is about Glimmers, which are the opposite of Triggers. It suggests that we should try to notice as many glimmers in our days as possible; those moments which make us smile, laugh, feel loved, joyful, connected, experience a positive emotion or reaction.
There are explanations about how the nervous system works, and how glimmers can contribute to feeling calm, present and safe.
The sisters who wrote the book give a lot of examples from their lives, in particular a turbulent childhood, and there are spaces for you to write about your feelings (obviously not in the kindle version), so it's a bit like a workbook too.
I DNF'd the book, not because I disliked it in any way, but just because I felt I'd got enough out of it by about the 25% mark.
As I was reading it, I did start writing down 'glimmers' as I noticed them. I've never been any good at keeping up with a gratitude journal, which is a similar idea, and sure enough, I only kept this up for a few days. I don't disagree with the idea of trying to record the good stuff, but for me, I'd liken it to going to a concert and spending the whole time 'watching' via your phone as you take photos and videos. Having to remember to write things down seemed to take me out of the moment. So I will continue to try and be aware of the glimmers, but I'll just notice them quietly, in my head.
Started: 26.3.26
Finished: 29.3.26
Hardcover
This was a bonus read in March, something I found whilst browsing Amazon and thought I might find interesting. I did; it's a really well-written and well-researched book about finding joy and acceptance in the everyday, average and normal. Bits of it weren't really relevant to me, and I did skip a few pages here and there, but I enjoyed the rest and it's given me a lot to think about. The section about phone usage has already made me make changes to my notifications and layout of app icons, and I'm going to try (again) to wean myself off Facebook and Instagram. It's interesting that I happened to read this just after the clocks have gone forward; I feel like spring-cleaning my phone and social media! I particularly liked the suggestion to make your home screen wallpaper something that you enjoy, and which you could be doing if you weren't on your phone, so mine is now a pile of books that I'd like to read!
I'm glad that I got a physical copy of this book, as it's something I think I might re-read on occasion, and maybe annotate, when I need a little reminder that I am enough.
Started: 13.3.26
Finished: 15.3.26
Kindle Unlimited
TBR Prompt: Non-fiction
A short but fascinating look into the Franklin expedition and the 170 year hunt to find the ships, and discover what happened to the 129 souls of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror. The epilogue (in the KU copy that I read) is dated August 2026, which I presume should be 2025, but the book does bring us right up to date with the current, ongoing scientific research. The story of the Franklin expedition is one of impressive endurance, resilience and courage, ultimately brought down by pride, hubris and systemic failure.
Started: 1.9.25
Finished: 25.9.25
Paperback
I don't think I really took anything in from this book. I thought it was about learning to let yourself have still, quiet times in life, sort of like hunkering down and hibernating, not necessarily in the winter, but just any time you need to. All I can really remember from it is the author talking about her husband being ill, and how her busy life had to come to a bit of a standstill to look after him and the rest of the family. It's a book that got rave reviews, but somehow it all went over my head.
Started: 14.8.25
Finished: 15.8.25
Kindle
This was the August choice for the Thrive Book Club. It had been on my radar for a while, just because it was about hares, so I thought I'd indulge. Such a beautiful book! Sad in parts, but hopeful and inspiring too.
Started: 27.7.25
Finished: 31.7.25
Kindle
Interesting. Made me want to visit Greyfriars Graveyard.
Started: 18.4.25
Finished: 24.4.25
5 stars - top ten
Hardback
Fascinating book all about the inner workings of the human body, but also about the doctors, researchers and scientists who have made so many startling discoveries over the years. As with all Bill Bryson books, it's well-researched, well-written and gently humourous throughout. I bet he wishes he'd waited another 12 months before publishing it though; the chapters about viruses would've been about twice as long!
