Stay at Home Book Tag

The lovely Holly over at The Writing Finch tagged me to do the Stay at Home Book Tag (created by Princess of Paperback on Youtube) a couple of weeks ago and I had so much fun answering the prompts! Be sure to check out Holly’s blog, The Writing Finch, and follow her on Twitter (@writingfinch_).

1. Laying in bed – a book you read in one day 

While there are many books I have read over the span of a quick 48 hours, there are only two that come to mind of having read in a single day. Firstly, I flew through Ali Smith’s ‘Autumn’ in a frenzy of four hours whilst in full summer-time mode last August. This was a beautiful, exploratory novel full of thought-provoking ideas. It’s about time I read more of Smith’s musings on art, politics, and the nature of life in the rest of her seasonal quartet.

Another book I read in one day was Colleen Hoover’s twisty thriller, ‘Verity’. Given that Hoover’s renowned for her raunchy romances, I never expected to be gripped by such a compulsive story that would put my entire life on hold until I completed it. I didn’t think it was possible to feel so many emotions in such a short space of time.

2. Snacking – a book that is a ‘guilty pleasure’ read 

As Holly said in her post, I don’t necessarily have a ‘guilty pleasure’ read. While I love stimulating, challenging works of literature, sometimes you just have to throw caution to the wind and read something light-hearted and fun, you know? (And I’m not saying that those two categories don’t intersect. Emma Woodhouse’s meddling never ceases to amuse me). That being said, I guess some would deem Alice Oseman’s ‘Heartstopper’ graphic novel series as guilty pleasure material. These comics are charming and as sweet as candy, what’s not to love?

3. Netflix – a series that you want to start

Similar to Holly once again, I am no doubt in the minority of readers who are yet to read anything by Sarah J. Maas. However, this year as part of my Popsugar Reading Challenge, I plan on finally beginning her ‘Throne of Glass’ series. I’m also yet to read anything by Cassandra Clare, another celebrated fantasy author whose ‘Shadowhunter Chronicles’ dominates my Instagram feed. There are so many books that, admittedly, I’m a bit lost as to where to start.

4. Deep clean – a book that has been on your TBR for ages

One book that has been on my TBR for years is historical fiction novel, ‘The Nightingale’ by Kristin Hannah. I read ‘The Great Alone’ last year and instantly fell in love with Hannah’s prose, so I don’t doubt that I will love this just as much.

5. Animal Crossing – a book you recently bought because of the hype

Given that I bought not only Animal Crossing but the Animal Crossing edition of the Switch, I can’t help by laugh at this prompt. It’s safe to say I’m one to easily fall for the hype. That being said, my most recent impulsive, hype-driven book purchase was ‘Hamnet’ by Maggie O’Farrell, the story behind Shakespeare’s most famous play. This book was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2020, and after seeing nothing but glowing reviews for it across social media, I caved and ordered myself a shiny new copy.

6. Productivity – a book you learned from or had an impact on you

I’ve found many non-fiction books over the past few months enlightening: ‘Catch and Kill’, ‘Becoming’, ‘They Called Us Enemy’. However, one that has had the biggest impact on me is ‘Reasons to Stay Alive’ by Matt Haig. This powerful book should be required reading for anyone who has a mental illness, has suffered in the past, knows someone who is suffering, and everyone in between. Haig seamlessly articulates how debilitating it is to live with depression and anxiety, and every word is worth reading.

7. Facetime – a book you were gifted

My Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters Penguin Clothbound Classics box sets are my pride possessions. In general, though, I think my family tend to avoid encouraging any book-buying since stacks of books dominate the house as it is.

8. Self care – what is one thing you have done recently to look after yourself

Exercise, reading, and general downtime are things that bring me peace and comfort when my mind feels like it’s spiralling. It’s harder now than ever to maintain stress and anxiety, but dedicating time to simple activities do wonders to make me feel at ease. I’m also reminding myself that everyone is in the same boat. It’s all weird, but it’s all temporary.

BONUS – An upcoming release you are looking forward to

2020 is an amazing year for new releases! NetGalley recently approved my review request for ‘Beach Read’ which I’m particularly excited about. So far, I’ve noticed it’s received 5-star reviews across the board.

Feel free to participate in this book tag! I’d love to see your answers.

Thanks for reading,

Evie x