What I've been reading: part1

I'm not really sure how regularly I'm going to post these mini book reviews, but as I love reading other people's thoughts on books, I'm quite happy to do my own too.

Reading is one of my ultimate treats for myself, but one that often gets left behind as life is so busy, so I'm also hoping that writing these little reviews will also drive me to putting reading higher on my agenda, especially in the evenings, and particularly when I need an escape. Pregnancy hormones are a bit of a mood killer and reading is my favourite form of self care, which I need to practice a little more when the hormones peak!

So here's the books I've been reading recently - basically from the start of the year to today!!

Dust by Patricia Cornwell
The last in my current selection of Patricia Cornwell books - though there are a few more books still to be read - and it was a good one, though not her best work. The concept was clever and the stories as always really interlinked well with a great take on political and judicial conspiracy and cover ups. My biggest downside to the story as a whole was that I didn't really think the title matched the book all that much. Sure Dust was talked about, but not enough for my liking! A good book in general but a bit of a slow start to the year.

The Northern Lights by Philip Pullman
I decided I needed a break from the crime fiction so decided a little fantasy was in order and I treated myself to Phillip Pullman's His Dark Materials collection from some Christmas money. These are some of my absolute favourite books from when I was young, and I just needed to relive them again. Unfortunately this book was totally let down by the film so I think it gets a bit of flack from that. But I have to tell you, it's bloody brilliant. An absolute must read for any book fan, and yet again I was gripped by Lyra's story and her world... and ironically, more Dust!

The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman
The second in the series from Mr Pullman, and I actually think I was more gripped by this book than the second. It's a faster paced story with more focus on other characters outside of Lyra's exact story line, though of course, they all link up in the end. I think I liked this book even more than the last, despite it taking me probably double the length of time to read it. I think the combination of multiple worlds and story lines makes this book more gripping and a faster paced read than the first book. Plus OMG that cliffhanger at the end. I pretty much had to grab the final book straight away!!

The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman
As I said earlier, I pretty much ran to my bookshelf to get started on the final chapter of this trilogy (and the biggest book of the collection too!!) I haven't yet finished this on publishing this post, but I'mabout half way through and absolute adore it so much!!

I've also been dipping in and out of a couple of non-fiction books too.
I'll be the first to admit that non-fiction just doesn't grab me in the same way as fiction novels, and I can't sit and read them for hours, so these books tend to take me a really long time to read as I kind of pick them up as and when I fancy it, rather than binge reading.

The Things You Can Only See When You Slow Down by Haemin Sunim*
This book combines mindfulness, self-help, beautiful illustrations and simple messages to help you handle life and slow down a bit. Being a mother, working part time as well as trying to make this blog as successful as possible, whilst keeping a home and having something of a life, this book really spoke to me. We very easily get swept up in our fast paced, modern lifestyles and this book is a fresh reminder that slowing down every once in a while is good for us. It's an easy read and great for a quick pick-me-up when you need it. 

The Signs by Carolyne Faulkner*
This book is all about astrology which is something that has fascinated me since I was little. Admittedly I don't really read much into horoscopes and tarot readings etc, but I thought this was a fascinating read on how the stars from the day you were born factor to your personal strengths and weaknesses and how to use that to your advantage. The book helps you decode yourself and learn a little more about you as an individual. Definitely one for the cosmic curious.

Let me know your book recommendations as I'm actually running out of inspiration on my bookshelves!! 

*PR samples sent in free of charge, the first in exchange for review, the other was just gifted. 
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