I enjoy reading, but I do very little reading for pleasure. I knew that was something that I could do something about, and so I made it one of my priorities to read for pleasure for 21 minutes a day. Why 21? Nothing more than it’s 2021. I heard someone mention it on a podcast I was listening to while sewing, and it stuck. It sounded doable, and mostly it has been, and just like that I’ve found myself reading a lot more than I have lately. Who knew?
Mostly I read on my iPad in bed. I prefer the touch of books, but the ease and convenience of a device. I have both a physical and a virtual ‘to be read’ pile and expect to make progress on both, but in the meantime here’s what I’ve read lately.
1 Better Than Before, Gretchen Rubin
The sub heading of this book is ‘Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives’ so given that I’m on a quest to keep to my priorities this was an obvious starting point, in fact I think it was on Gretchen’s podcast Happier that I heard of the read for 21 minutes a day. I was also intrigued by the Four Tendencies quiz and then found myself head first into the book. It’s an easy read, and full of insightful content and advice but without being ‘preachy’. I learnt that I’m mostly an Obliger who meets outer expectations and resists inner expectations, or put another way “I do what I have to do. I don’t want to let others down, but I may let myself down” - my current crochet standoff with myself is a case in point!
I definitely wake up and think what I should do today, but rarely end up on my set agenda for the whole day. While applying the research and practical advice in the book I’ve realised that my external accountability is my lists - so given this was a book about habits, I downloaded a habit tracker app and get the enjoyment of ticking things off a short list, and also get the stats which appeals to my inner nerd.
2 Expectation, Anna Hope
I needed a different genre after finishing Gretchen’s book so headed for some fiction. This one is billed as ‘the most razor-sharp and heartbreaking novel of the year’ which is quite a claim. The book itself left me in tears, but that’s not unusual as I’m a soppy thing at times. It’s also testament to good writing and characters that are real - it was a book I didn’t want to end. It’s about three female friends, their friendship and the book covers various stages of their life. I enjoyed it, it’s an entertaining read but as I said the billing is quite a claim, but it’s definitely worth a read.
3 The Secret of Orchard Cottage, Alex Brown
I’ve had this book on my Kindle app for quite a while. I’d started it but not got very far - I probably abandoned reading rather than abandoning the book - but I tried again, and couldn’t put it down. The story follows April, the main character’s life as she navigates widowhood and a change of scenery visiting her elderly aunt. It’s overall feeling is feel good, but it’s not the plain sailing that you’d expect. There’s family history, relationships, village life and entrepreneurship and it ends on a higher note than it starts. Another one for your list if you’re after an easy read full of warmth and charm.
4 How I changed my job, my home, my husband & my hair. Re-educated, Lucy Kellaway
I’ll admit I was drawn to this book by the title. I’d a vague idea who Lucy Kellaway was - an FT columnist - but I’d not read any of her columns, I don’t think. This book is how she changed exactly what she said in the title, and founded, with her business partner, Teach Last - though that’s not the name they went with, but it’s the opposite of Teach First, and encourages people into teaching following successful careers.
It’s a good read, honest, funny and endearing. I liked the self-deprecating style, and even picked up some economics knowledge. It’s another book that focuses on change, in a ‘leap of faith’ kind of way and refreshing in her quest to continually learn and acknowledge her prejudices.
And I’ll admit I had to google the house she bought, which once I had felt a little more intrusive than I expected it to - but it’s easy to see why she fell for it. Now you’ll have to read it to find out that for yourself.
So here’s to many more 21 minutes!
