I’ve always been a bookworm. When I was growing up, I’d spend a lot of my time with my nose buried in a book. I was lucky because I was provided with a constant supply of books. When I was at junior school I loved the Chalet School, Malory Towers, and St Clare’s series of books about boarding schools. I really wanted to go to boarding school but my parents told me I’d hate it and the subject was closed.

When I started senior school, after school activities that included violin, horse riding, running, and stage school meant that my free time was limited. I still made time to read and like my peers can vividly remember reading Forever by Judy Blume for the first time. By the time I was 13, I’d stopped reading books and started reading magazines such as Just Seventeen, More, and Mizz.

Throughout my GCSE and A-level studies and undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses, my reading tended to be limited to set texts and academic books and papers. Although like all students I spent a lot of time in libraries and reading, I wasn’t finding a lot of what I was reading enjoyable, largely because I was being told what to read. I stopped finding reading relaxing.

A year ago I found myself spending three hours a day commuting to and from Solihull. As I wasn’t allowed to work during my commute, I needed something to help make the train journeys to and from Solihull feel less tedious. I started using the time to read.

The recent lockdown meant that I stopped commuting and started working from home. While not having to commute meant that I had an improved work-life balance, the uncertainty surrounding the global pandemic left me feeling anxious and unable to relax. I decided to dedicate time each day to reading and hopefully relaxing.

Below are the books I read during April and May. I’ve also included the books I’m currently reading and the books that I’m aiming to read this month. Knowing me, by the end of June I will have added more books to this list.

Books I Read in April and May

Eat, Drink, Run by Bryony Gordon

This was the first book I read during the lockdown. Although I found the book incredibly easy to read, I felt that there could have been a bit more detail about the actual training and running Bryony did in the lead up to the 2017 London Marathon. There was a bit too much emphasis on the Eat and Drink and not enough on Run. I was actually left feeling slightly envious of Bryony’s exotic-sounding London lifestyle and was reminded that I’m quite possibly one of the dullest people on the planet. At times I also felt that I would have enjoyed reading this book if I’d read Bryony’s first book – Mad Girl – before -reading Eat, Drink, Run.

Run Like Duck by Mark Atkinson

When I started reading Run Like Duck I was a little bit concerned I’d bought yet another from non-runner to runner autobiographical book. I’m sure you all know the type. I knew that I’d enjoy reading Run Like Duck when the author shared his pre-race breakfast of choice, Mc Donald’s. My favourite chapter – The Good, the Bad and the Ugly – summarised the author’s experiences at a well organised event and a couple of not quite so well organised events. Run Like Duck reminded me of the importance of building up the miles slowly and of not getting carried away, something I need to keep reminding myself. A really well-written book I’d recommend to runners of all standards. There’s something for everyone.

The Runner* by Markus Torgeby

The publishers, Bloomsbury, sent me a copy of The Runner to read and review last year. I’m a little ashamed to admit that I struggled to get into the book. I don’t think I was in a very good place at the time with my mental health. After reading the same page four times and not actually taking anything in, I gave up and put the book back on my bookshelf. Last month, I decided to give The Runner a second chance. This turned out to be the correct decision as once I’d got used to the author’s slightly unusual style of writing, I found myself engrossed in the story and wishing I was brave enough to head off into a remote forest to live as a recluse. Escaping the modern world and the global pandemic and dedicating myself to something I’m passionate about does sound tempting at the moment. Anyway, if you haven’t already read The Runner I’d recommend it.

Books I’m currently reading

Outrunning the Demons* by Phil Hewitt

Bloomsbury also sent me a copy of Outrunning the Demons to read and review. Written by Phil Hewitt, Outrunning the Demons is described as an enriching and celebratory exploration of the transformative power of running, and how it can be the key to unlocking resilience we never knew we had. I shared a few thoughts about the book on Instagram but was left feeling that I needed to read the book again to appreciate it more. I started rereading Outrunning the Demons last week and have been finding some of the real-life stories quite difficult to read. Some of the subjects have been a little too relatable for my liking. In addition, reading about the at times quite frankly horrific experiences of the contributors has left me feeling like a bit of a fraud, I shouldn’t experience anxiety as my life has been straightforward. While this clearly isn’t the aim of Outrunning the Demons, I’m now limiting myself to reading two of the real-life stories at a time.

Cook, Eat, Run by Charlie Watson

People may think that including a cookbook is unusual, hopefully not. I’ve been following Charlie’s blog for years and enjoy trying out the recipes she posts. When Charlie shared the news she’d written a cookbook, I pre-ordered the book and it was delivered at the end of 2019. Anyway, since the beginning of last year I think that it’s reasonable to describe my diet as ‘Emma must try harder’. In an attempt to improve my diet, I’ve followed a range of healthier recipes from different cookbooks and websites with varying degrees of success. Since the start of lockdown, I’ve reduced my alcohol consumption and have started to eat a healthier, more balanced diet. I have a lot more spare time and have used some of this time to prepare and cook a selection of the recipes in Cook, Eat, Run. Most of the recipes I’ve tried so far have been easy to make and don’t need a lot of ingredients, a positive when shopping for food can be quite stressful.

Books I’m aiming to read this month

The Squiggly Career by Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis

I read a review of The Squiggly Career in Stylist Magazine and as I’m approaching what I’d describe as a crossroads in my own career, decided to see if I could find a copy in Birmingham. While I didn’t realise it at the time, The Squiggly Career ended up being my final purchase from an actual store before lockdown. I definitely miss mooching around bookshops. I’ve read the first couple of pages of The Squiggly Career, and I’m looking forward to working my way through the rest of the book. I can tell it is definitely going to push me out of my substantial comfort zone.

Get Strong, Get Fit, Get Happy* by Stuart Roberts

When I received a press release about a life manual for people aged 40-plus earlier this year, I was a bit cheeky and asked if I could have a copy to read and review. According to the press release the book will give readers the knowledge, confidence and inspiration to reach and maintain a level of health and fitness – for the rest of their life – that many would consider unattainable. The book is described as a practical tool kit so readers can make informed choices about what feels right for them. The final two chapters focus on stress and keeping motivated, I’ve been so lacking in motivation recently, I think I’ll know which chapters I’ll read first.

Do you think I should start a regular ‘Books I’ve Read Recently’ type series of posts? I’m reading such a lot at the moment they could quite easily be a regular addition to this blog.

Have you spent more time reading since the start of lockdown? I’m rapidly turning into a bookworm.  

What books have you read lately that you’ve enjoyed? If you have, please share your recommendations with me.

**Full disclosure: I was gifted all of the books marked * all other books I purchased myself. As always, all opinions are my own**

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