Another year, another new feature. Don't be alarmed by the title, beauty isn't going anywhere. I've just made it my mission to inject a bit more lifestyle goodness into NW this year. Variety is the spice of life after all. My Reading Challenge for the year is to read 50 books, so each month I thought I'd share with you some of the ones I'm reading or have read already. At the end of the month I'll let you know which was my favourite in my favourites posts. So here's what I'm looking at in January..

Funny Girl by Nick Hornby-One of my cousins actually got me on to Nick Hornby and after having a look through her selection at Christmas, I left knowing I needed to get onto it. This novel is Hornby's latest and while I'm not finished it at the time of writing this post, I'm very close to it. It's set in the sixties and tells the story of a young woman from Blackpool with her sights set on becoming the next Lucille Ball. She moves to London, captures the hearts of a creative writing team and lands her dream role as the lead in a new TV series. Not everything comes up roses though, for Sophie and many of the characters throughout the novel. I am really enjoying this and kinda hoping we see a movie of it sometime soon. 

Yes Please by Amy Poehler-Before I start this, if you prefer listening to books download the Audio Book of this. Apparently it is brilliant. The book itself did not disappoint either. It's a memoir of sorts but it's so hilariously done and well-written. I was never bored reading this and it was one of those books that really brightened the day if it hadn't been such a good one. Her tribute to BFF Tina Fey was perfect as were the tributes to all her Parks and Rec co-stars. I highly recommend you read this one and also Tina Fey's book, Bossypants. 

A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket-Now these are a re-read for me, but given I read them ten or so years ago I can't really remember much that happens beyond the third book. These books were written for children but they'd appeal to adults as well. The fact that they don't have unrealistic, happy endings and a lifetime of fortune makes them all the more exciting, in a cynical sort of way. I've read 1&2 this month, and have the next two waiting to be read.

Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay-This collection of essays by Roxane Gay was brilliant. The fact she constantly referenced pop culture in her essays made them all the more relatable and easier to follow. Gone Girl was referenced, The Hunger Games, Sweet Valley High, there was a lot of references really. There were some ideas that I didn't entirely agree with but everyone's entitled to their own opinions. It was still really interesting and got me thinking. It also emphasised just how far we have to come with women and their representation in the media especially. 

-Have you read any of these books? What did you think of them?

*I hope your week's have all been great! Mine's actually been quite busy and a bit exciting with some things happening later in the month to look forward to. I saw Into The Woods on Tuesday and it was awesome. My goodness. Emily Blunt & Meryl Streep were amazing in it but to be honest the whole cast were top notch. I've been listening to the cast recording on repeat ever since. What else...oh I picked up a few more Project Life things for my new hobby. Let me know if you want to see a haul post! x