It’s just over halfway through 2018, and therefore, it feels like a good time to share all of the things I’ve been reading, listening to, and watching this year. So far, my list is quite varied as I made a commitment to myself to read more fiction this year, and explore a wider breadth of podcasts, but what I’ve noticed since looking back on it, is that I haven’t read anything by a male author (so if anyone has any good book recommendations by male authors please leave them in the comments below).
I’ve grouped everything into books, podcasts, and then films and TV series. So here we go…
Books
If Women Rose Rooted – the journey to authenticity and belonging by Sharon Blackie
In this book, Sharon Blackie aims to educate the reader on the power of creative feminine energy, and how this is rooted in Celtic history and mythology. She describes how the world as we know it has been stripped of the feminine, leaving us feeling stuck in a barren wasteland of material objects, work deliverables, and money worries. To bring her story to life, she intricately weaves the book with stories of her own journey of self-discovery, interviews with other women who have chosen to life on their own terms, and Celtic myths. I really related to some parts of Sharon’s story, particularly when she speaks about living a “successful” life on paper but feeling completely empty inside, and then making the decision to start again and get to know her true self.
The Sorrows of Love by The School of Life
This short read offers some simple and, in some cases, controversial relationship advise. Each chapter focusses on a different area of romantic relationships. I enjoyed this book because I’ve been thinking a lot recently (probably fuelled by my Love Island addiction) about the mainstream narrative that we’re fed about being in relationships – firstly, that being in a relationship is something we should all strive for (why?!), and secondly, that when we are in a relationship, everything should be perfect (which in my view just sets us all up to fail). This book tries to dispel some of these societal ideals about relationships and encourages us to think differently about why and how we build a life with someone.
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
I’m ashamed to say that this is the first book I’ve read by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, but I was not disappointed. Her writing is beautiful, and the way that she interweaves the fictional story with complex issues such as race, class, immigration, identity, and mental health is incredible. The book also tells the story of self-discovery, growing into one’s own identity by learning to be vulnerable and lean in to what you really want.
Three Daughters of Eve by Elif Şafak
Since listening to Turkish-British novelist and women’s rights activist Elif speak at an event about four years ago, I was completely inspired by her. I’ve read a number of her books, but this has been by far my favourite. The fictional story follows the experience of one woman going through a period of self-reflection in her life. She is happily married with children, but begins to question who she is and how she’s ended up with the life she has. This leads her to reminisce about her past, when she left Turkey to study at Oxford University in the UK, an experience that challenged her belief system, identity, and values. The story also touches on the importance of making peace with yourself and the decisions you’ve made.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
I decided to read this book because I’d heard that it was held in high regard (yes, one of those). The fictional book tells the story of six university students in America who all study Greek in an exclusive class led by one quite extroverted academic. The six key characters all carry their own life scars, and as much as they’re a close-knit group, the cracks quickly show when they have to deal with an extreme situation together. The book kept me interested, but I disliked all of the characters. I think the main thing I took away was that it made me think about values that we hold personally and within society, and why that is.
Material Girl Mystical World – the now age guide for chic seekers and modern mystics by Ruby Warrington
This non-fiction book tells Ruby’s story of self-discovery (can you see a theme emerging here?), along with tips for living a more connected life to yourself and those around you. Ruby provides a modern slant on the “New Age” narrative that I personally found quite appealing. The book is filled with lots of practical tips for living a more fulfilling life, even in a material world, that the reader is able to pick and choose from.
Why I’m no Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo Lodge
This non-fiction book was born out of a blog post Reni wrote in 2014 where she eloquently articulates why she is no longer talking to white people about race. The blog post got a huge amount of attention and led to Reni publishing this book of the same name. The book covers a number of topics including white privilege, the interplay between race and feminism, race and class. Reading the book as a white woman, it made me think a lot about the importance of seeking out other narratives, so I can listen to and hear more from the voices of women of colour.
Becoming by Laura Jane Williams
This memoir was the first book written by author Laura Jane in 2016. I came across Laura Jane as she was being interviewed on a podcast, and her unique style and unashamedly honest comments really drew me in. I started following her on Instagram, and her stories are hilarious! Anyway, the book is a funny, honest, and heart-felt rendition of a break-up she experienced in her late twenties, and then how she grew into her own skin by learning to accept her whole self.
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
Wow, wow, wow! I absolutely loved this book. I’ve heard so much about Brene over the last year and had listened to her infamous Ted Talk on vulnerability, but this was the first book that I’d read by her. The overall purpose of the non-fiction book is to provide the reader with 10 “guideposts” to living a more wholehearted life. The guideposts have been formulated through Rene’s extensive work as an academic researcher focussing specifically on topics such as vulnerability, courage, worthiness, and shame. But not only this, Rene also shares her own personal experiences of trying to build and lead a more wholehearted life with her family based on what she learns through her research interviews. At the end of each guidepost, there are practical steps for the reader to take and exercises to encourage further reflection.
Podcasts
I dip in and out of quite a few podcasts, but the ones listed below have been my firm favourites throughout the year so far.
The Vulnerable Podcast hosted by Allysa Rochelle
I LOVE this podcast. The amazing host Rochelle goes deep with each of her guests talking about the subjects that make us feel most vulnerable. Whilst interviewing inspiring guests, Rochelle shares her own vulnerabilities and openly reflects on where she feels she’s currently in her life. This podcast is raw, heartfelt, inspiring, and compassionate. All of the episodes are worth a listen but some of my favourites are:
Why we need to process our trauma ft. Donna Lancaster
Boundaries vs. barriers ft. Naomi Jane
De-mystifying tarot ft. Leona Nicole Black
Sex after trauma ft. Rachel Maddox
Depression & motherhood ft. Rachelle Gibson
You can find the podcast here.
Say Your Mind hosted by Kelechi Okafor
Every Monday, Kelechi uses this platform to discuss current events, tarot, race, feminism, and events in her own life. Throughout the show, individuals Kelechi feels are doing great things in the world are highlighted for their magnificence, and those who are doing fuckry get handed a straw of the week to use to suck their mum with. Kelechi is quick witted, super smart, self-reflective, and straight talking, which I love. She is only going to continue the podcast until the end of the year so make sure you get listening. You can find the podcast here.
Made of Human hosted by Sofie Hagen
Sofie Hagen is a Danish comedian, feminist, and fat activist, living in London. Each week she interviews interesting guests from all over the world. Sofie’s interview style is really informal and the podcast just feels like a chat between two friends. The other great skill that Sofie has is to ask insightful questions of her guests that encourage them to open up and talk about their life experiences on a deep, reflective level. Again, all of the episodes are worth a listen, but some of my favourites are:
· Judi Love – I’m carrying a child and my mum’s dying, you bitch
· Avery Edison No. 2 – Police aren’t human, cops aren’t human
· Scottee – Being a fat body is a political thing
You can find the podcast here.
The Grenfell Tower Inquiry with Eddie Mair
This podcast provides a short summary every day that the Grenfell Inquiry sits. As much as this is really hard listening, I think it’s important because it makes public what is going on throughout the whole inquiry process. As a listener you get to hear snippets from people who have been interviewed, as well as an analysis from one of the BBC reporters who is on-site at the inquiry. It’s a well explained podcast and one that is important to listen to. You can find the podcast here.
Films & TV Series
My Netflix and Amazon Prime binging is real. Throughout the year I’ve spent hours consuming films and series, but here is a short selection of my favourites that I’ve either watched online, or at the cinema…
McQueen
This film documents the life of iconic London fashion designer Alexander McQueen. It tells his story from the voices of his closest friends and family, as well as using a lot of real footage of him shot on a personal camera. The film highlights his absolute genius, and also total commitment to what he believed in throughout his career, but also his constant striving for more, and for perfection. A very moving account of his life that I’d definitely recommend.
I Tonya
I didn’t know anything about American figure skater Tonya Harding until I listened to an interview with leading actor, Margot Robbie, on a podcast. The film tells the story of Tonya’s incredible life, involving her rise and fall to fame using humour, violence, and actor’s talking directly to camera at times. The film has been directed and produced in a unique and creative style whilst dealing with some pretty tough issues.
Please Like Me (TV series on Netflix)
This quirky, Australian series is a unique comedy about a young boy’s life. As much as it’s progressive for Australian humour in the sense that it’s about a young man coming out to his parents after he splits up with his girlfriend, it lacks interesting, well-rounded female characters. It’s light-hearted and good for an easy laugh if you want to relax and switch-off, but I’d only recommend series 1. I thought that the second series was a little stilted and off-key.
Love Island
I have to admit, that this summer I’ve been totally sucked in to the Love Island frenzy. This is the first year I’ve watched the show and was addicted from day one. As much as the show goes against everything that my head says I should want to consume, something in me just can’t keep watching. So, there we go, I’ve put it out there!