Hello! Long time, no write. Whoops. So....strange how that seems to happen yet I feel like I write all the time but somehow this poor lil' corner of the interwebs gets a bit neglected. And I feel guilty about it. So naturally it makes sense to be writing now, at almost midnight. Logic is fabulous. Anyway anyway, today I thought I'd do something a bit different and talk about books I am hoping to read soon. Aka the "tbr"/to be read pile!  There's a mix of new books, a classic I am yet to read, some Booker prize candidates and more...

The Truants x Kate Weinberg: This recommendation comes straight from the lovely Chloe at Unity Books Auckland. Side note: Chloe has the best recommendations so go in and ask her for bookish suggestions if you are in the city. Anyway, here we have a campus novel, this time set in Norwich and it gives off Donna Tartt vibes but in a dare I say it, more accessible way. I'm only about a third of the way through it but it's a book you can easily immerse yourself in and I feel like I will be lauding it as the perfect beach read in a couple month's time. 

Trick Mirror x Jia Tolentino: One of my most highly anticipated essay volumes of the year, bought to my attention by Madeleine and what feels like everyone whose reading recommendations I trust online. Jia Tolentino's writing is a highlight of reading the New Yorker-which admittedly I don't read enough but anyway.  From the little snippets and interviews I have been reading to tide me over until it arrives in New Zealand, I am sure it's gonna deliver the goods.

Ghost Wall x Sarah Moss: This is Time Out's next Lit Read and was a contender for the Women's fiction prize this year. A book I have been meaning to read for a while so this seems like the perfect occasion. I have been told it's one you can read in one sitting so maybe I need to set aside some quiet evening with wine and this for escapement. I will keep you posted...

The Bell Jar x Sylvia Plath: A classic that somehow I have never read, despite reading a fair bit of Plath's writings now. Well I say somehow,  there is something daunting about this book to me for whatever reason but more on that some other time. I've already read a book about this book, I know, so meta *ahem* and while it feels wrong to say I am looking forward to reading it-that's the truth of the matter.

Ducks, Newburyport x Lucy Ellmann: Another awards longlist contender, this time for the Man Booker Prize. And it is mighty, clocking in at 1020 pages. I will let this review from Jay do the rest of the talking for you. 

Animals x Emma Jane Unsworth: One of the NZIFF highlights which sadly I missed but in the interim, there is this gem of a book. I say it's a gem in a somewhat prophetic way but hey, Caitlin Moran loves it and that's enough for me. 

Year of the Monkey x Patti Smith: Ah Patti Smith, her writing is the tonic and I am so so looking forward to this new volume which is being released very soon. And underlining. And reading and re-reading. I love Patti Smith a lot, can you tell?

-What is on your 'to be read' pile?

Words are such a powerful thing. I know we say actions speak louder than words but how true is that really? I think words are equally, if not more powerful. Lately I have taken to underlining passages I love in my books-and adding further inscriptions along the way. I also write down page numbers to go back to and find myself writing out extracts of words, conversations or ideas that resonate in my diary more often than not. You get it-words hold lasting impacts and meaning. Today I thought I'd share some of my favourite words that I've been all "yass underline" or "girl, yass-write it down" over...

/ Why blue? People ask me this question often. I never know how to respond. We don't get to choose what or whom we love, I want to say. We just don't get to choose. / -Maggie Nelson, Bluets

/ Drink too much coffee and think of you often in a city where reality has long been forgotten. Are you afraid because I'm terrified? You remind me that it's such a wonderful thing to love. / -Florence Welch, Patricia

/ With your black pool eyes and your bitten lips the world is at your fingertips. / -Florence Welch, South London Forever

/ ...we go out anonymous into the insect air and all we are is the dust of colour, brief engineering of wings towards a glint of light on a blade of grass or a leaf in a summer dark. / -Ali Smith, How To Be Both

/ At some point, you have to set down the past. At some point, you have to accept that everyone was doing their best. At some point, you have to gather yourself up, and go onward into your life. / -Olivia Laing, The Trip to Echo Spring

/ Because it's true; more than the highlights, the bright events, it was in the small and the daily where she'd found life. / -Lauren Groff, Fates and Furies

/ I love people, I love them, I think as a stamp collector loves his collection. Every story, every conversation is raw material for me. / -Sylvia Plath, The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath

/ Hope was what separated me from the flat expanse of the rest of my life. It was like a line, a gateway that stopped me from being swallowed. / -Melissa Broder, The Pisces

*What words have inspired you lately?

Another month bites the dust and just like that it's time for favourites to be reflected upon again. March has been a real ride but rather than dwell on that side of things, some good from this month: I walked 8.4 kms with a group of ladies+gents from my office at work for Round the Bays. It was a good time and I managed to complete it without complaints. Although the blisters the next day, you were not welcome. I read a lot. I wrote a lot-am still writing a lot, for myself and other places. Oh-and I got my blogging juice back. In truth this month I've struggled with the ol' blog so it was a relief to myself when I sat down and devised a posting schedule for April, without staring at blank paper for hours. Anyway, March Favourites and there's a real variety. Beverages, books, beauty, podcasts...the whole enchilada. *Props if you get that reference* 

-Bronze Eyeshadow: Bronze glittery eyeshadow is my makeup MVP. I've literally been gravitating towards this tone of eyeshadow alone all month. Probably spurred on by this makeup look. It could also be the slight Autumnal crispness to the air that is drawing me to these colours as well. There's no specific eyeshadow I've been reaching for over another but stand-outs have been this, this in the shade Twig and this palette.

-Rushower Dry Shampoo x Soap and Glory: This is good, inexpensive stuff. Hey-if it makes my hair smell good and kinda disguises the hair washing laziness, I am not going to complain. This mini can is cheaper than a takeaway coffee, where I frequent at least, and the larger can is only $7 so it's not going to set you back a lot. A++ would recommend.

-Oh Comely magazine: I have a lotta love for this independent British title. It's packed full with brilliant stories, imagery, women, books and just a whole bunch of goodness basically. Like my beloved frankie, it's released bimonthly and also like frankie, it's a magazine best savoured over several readings. As I'm a bit behind on magazine reading I had two issues of this to read this month and loved them both. Roll on April because another issue is released then. 

-The Fringe Of It Podcast: Sorry not sorry for mentioning this podcast again. Liv+Charlotte in a podcast=a whole lot of  brilliant banter and ideas. Each episode they talk about what they've been watching and buying and then they move into a themed discussion. The two most recent episodes have looked at getting out of a funk and style. The podcast is on a lil' break at the moment while Liv is in New Zealand(!!) but there's plenty to listen to while you wait if you need a catch up. 

-Lovisa Earrings: I like my celestial jewels, that's not new information for anyone. I've been wearing these ones a bunch recently, until I can fork out for something a bit fancier. Despite their appearance, they're surprisingly lightweight and I love 'em. If only for the fact it makes me feel like I'm channeling Stevie Nicks a bit whenever I wear them.

-The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath: This hefty tome has been carted everywhere with me. I'm still not finished and because I like to dip in and out of it, reading it will probably take a while. Sylvia's writing is so captivating and profound in many ways. She does like the odd grotesque metaphor which did take me a bit of getting used to. I wish I could quote something memorable from it but the one line staying with me right now is her aside about an ex's new girlfriend, in which she called them a "brilliant whore". In seriousness, I do have many passages underlined and will collate my thoughts about this book into something more cohesive when I do eventually finish it.

-Rekorderlig Elderflower & Lime Cider: First off, not sure how many youths are reading this blog *waves*, please drink responsibly. Everyone else, you need to try this cider. I had a glass post Round the Bays at The Glass Goose and it is divine. Not too sweet, not too bitter and mighty refreshing. Bold claim but this might be my favourite Rekorderlig flavour. In fact you can bet I'll be celebrating the end of the short working week with one of these tomorrow. 

Mental illness is not a topic that's particularly easy to talk about. Perhaps this is why there is so much written about it. I can't speak for all the authors, obviously. Personally though I find being able to write about these ideas, namely anxiety and depression, can help make sense of thoughts. Ideas I can't always express verbally in words. Ideas that are complex, multifaceted and yes, sometimes overwhelming. That being said, being able to read the words of others on these topics can often be a great comfort and relief if you do feel like an outsider for example. Not that I am saying mental illness=alienating, although it can sometimes feel that way. Perhaps you just want to understand what someone in your life may be going through or feeling. Quick disclaimer, it has been a while since I've read some of these books but I am going to try to list all the disorders and themes included because some may be triggering and best approached with caution. I've read a fair bit on this topic and of what I have read, these are the books that address the topics in the most effective way. Without unnecessarily rose-tinting and making light of significant concepts. This post may be long so I suggest you get comfy and if you do find yourself unsure whether a certain book is for you, feel free to ask in the comments or message me on social media. 

The Accidental x Ali Smith: I've been doing a bit of background reading on Ali Smith, as well of course as immersing myself in her work and one of the recurring themes is that of love and loss. The grief we feel for the passing of someone in our lives, the disappearances and the swiftness that is the passing of time. Astrid, the teenaged protagonist adventures off to Norwich for a summer holiday with her family and their lives are forever changed by the arrival of a traveling student, Amber. Like many of Smith's stories, this book is multilayered and there are many themes and motifs at play here; cameras, time, love, death, nature to name but a few. // Themes: Suicide, bullying, romance, family, disordered relationships, infidelity, creativity, cinema. 

Wishful Drinking x Carrie Fisher: There is only so much of Carrie Fisher's writing available but she certainly made an impact with her frankness and openness surrounding the discussion of mental health, therapy, dealing with addiction and the likes. She did it in a way that was incredibly honest, yet funny as well. As she said, life is always about 'finding the funny'. While I couldn't relate to her stories of substance abuse, I still found this a very refreshing, honest take on living with mental health and the effects it has on us+the world around us. // Themes: Drug and alcohol addiction, manic depression, celebrity, the media, family. 

An Extraordinary Theory of Objects x Stephanie Lacava: This book has been mentioned a few times on the blog now and while mental health is not the overriding theme of this book, it is something that is taken into account. Lacava faced at times debilitating anxiety but also depression. I've included this here because her writing on high-school bullying particularly resonated. As well as her associations with objects and their significance as both comforters and sources of nostalgia. // Themes: Identity, depression, anxiety, art, creativity, association. 

Girl, Interrupted x Susanna Kaysen: In my misguidedness I assumed this was a novel but it is in fact a memoir. It's a quick read albeit an intense one. I read it in snippets across a week or so's train trips. Kaysen spent two years being treated for depression in the psychiatric ward of a hospital that also once looked after the likes of Ray Charles and Sylvia Plath among others. Given it takes place during 1967, the attitudes and I guess overall understanding of depression was starkly contrasted to how it is today. I found the comments made to her by therapists and their assessments particularly fascinating. Actually I found this whole book fascinating. // Themes: Identity, the journey to adulthood, depression, mental health treatment, friendship. 

Where'd You Go Bernadette x Maria Semple: A quirky, Wes Anderson-esque tale about the far from ordinary Bernadette Fox. Former renowned architect, now reclusive with clearly undiagnosed psychological disorders. This book isn't all bleak though and it is in fact quite entertaining, despite the obviously dark subject matter. You will laugh but also cry in parts. Then again, I cry easily in books and films so perhaps I am not the best judge here. Another quick read too, given the book unfolds through letters, emails and memos more than traditional narrative methods. // Themes: Family, the pressures of success, bipolar disorder, infidelity, bullying. 

The Perks of Being a Wallflower x Stephen Chbosky: My all-time favourite novel which follows Charlie, a high school freshman and his experiences and almost fly-on-the-wall observations of high school and outsiderdom. Such a freakin' relatable read and coming of age novel. I recommend this all the time and gift it quite a bit as well because it's one of those books I think everyone should read. // Themes: Childhood trauma, adolescence, pop culture appreciation, post traumatic stress disorder. 

It's Kind Of A Funny Story x Ned Vizzini: One of my internet pals Hannah actually sent me this book and I've only read it the once but I remember finding it so refreshing and brilliant. I need to revisit it soon, it's well due a reread. Craig, a fifteen year-old faces immense pressure from a prestigious school he attends which eventually manifests itself into various disorders so he admits himself to a psychiatric ward. At first he feels he doesn't belong, among those with perhaps more challenging demands. Over time he eventually finds more common ground with the patients and solace through therapy. It's not all doom-and-gloom and is in fact really quite humorous. Definitely another, laugh+cry and feel all the feels kind of read. // Themes: Depression, peer pressure, self acceptance, identity. 

Looking For Alaska x John Green: Another novel I love and am secretly quite pleased has never been made into a film. If only because I'm scared any visual recreation will tarnish it. Miles goes to boarding school where he meets the infamous Alaska Young. Infamous, yet mysterious. She is enigmatic. They unite over Miles' love of famous last words, pranks, a lil' bit of underaged drinking and adventure. I won't spoil this for anyone who hasn't read it but the ending is sad. Kim Kardashian levels of crying sad. The whole book is brilliant though and I love every last sentence. Another I need to revisit sooner rather than later. // Themes: Childhood trauma, outsiderness, youth suicide, grief. 

The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath: One of my current reads and I still have 500-ish pages left. Plath writes vividly and uniquely and it is all kinds of intoxicating. In the best way. As this does get a bit heavy sometimes I do tend to put it aside when I want a hiatus from her world but it's easily one of the best diaries I have read and will probably ever read. // Themes: Youth, love, identity, depression, careers, the future, time. 

-Image via free people, image on the right x me

Hello and welcome to book week. Yes, I'm aware two posts don't really equate to a week but let's just roll with it shall we? While I don't make monthly reading lists nowadays, if only for the eventual disappointment I felt not finishing everything, I did want to try to make seasonal reading lists a thing. There's a lotta material here and given one of the books clocks in at well over seven hundred pages, I may not make it through everything. They're all titles I do want to read in 2018 though so I am sure I will get to them eventually Perhaps most surprisingly, almost all these inclusions are novels. Don't worry, my memoir-loving self hasn't run away. I just seem to be having a good run with fiction right now and want to make it last. Anyway, books for Autumn incoming...

Enigma Variations x Andre Aciman: After reading and loving every inch of Call Me By Your Name, this made its way on to my to-read list. I've actually requested this from the library. Like CMBYN it looks at the nuances of romance and the way in which our relationships shape us. I'm expecting more vivid, beautiful words. Here's hoping it delivers. 

The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath: So I am currently reading this, as touched on here and am taking my time with it. If only because I find it's the kind of book I want to immerse myself in for a while, hence dragging the reading process out. It seriously blows my mind that Plath was 18 or 19 at the beginnings of these journal entries. Her writing is so profound and captivating. I've been marking sections I like with a black ballpoint pen to return to later. In fact I can see myself revisiting this one a lot. 

The Female Persuasion x Meg Wolitzer: Honestly, I can't remember where I read about this book now but it's one of my most-anticipated novels for 2018 because it just sounds flippin' fantastic. I mean, read that synopsis if you need convincing further. 

Everything Ali Smith: The Ali Smith obsession continues, right now I am reading How to be both for a book club I joined and I am loving it immensely. This was the first book of Smith's I attempted to read and I gave up on it pretty quickly yet I knew it was a book I wanted to try again in time. So glad I persevered. Anyway, I also have Winter, Artful & Girl Meets Boy to read so this lil' literary love affair will continue for some time yet. 

The Price of Illusion x Joan Juliet Buck: A candid, refreshing memoir from a former editor of Paris Vogue. Naturally the subject matter appeals but I've heard this is brilliant. Also, Kristin Scott Thomas is a fan which makes it all the more enticing. 

The Muse x Jessie Burton: Emma loved this book which reminded me I also had it on my shelves and really need to get to it soon. Like How to be both, this is a book about art and paintings, set over two different time periods. In fact, the whole centreing around one painting gives me Goldfinch vibes too, which is a book I want to reread but anyway. This has been on my bookshelf for way too long so I will be reading it sooner rather than later.

The Catcher in the Rye x J.D. Salinger: In my quest to read more classic literature, this book finally entered my life recently. I deliberately don't know much about it, other than it's a classic, coming-of-age novel and I'll be getting to it very soon. 

March has arrived. So crazy! It's also the beginning of Autumn here in NZ although given how humid it still is, I can't see crisper temperatures on the horizon any time soon. This month for March we have a few digital things to enjoy, books because of course and another movie I'm smitten with. Enjoy.

The Fringe of It: So in case you're hiding under a rock. The lovely Liv and Charlotte have launched a podcast. The title is naturally inspired by their current matching face framers. Each episode is centred around a topic; so far they've looked at friendship, confidence+comparison and defining success+ambition. All incredibly relatable discussion points. They also talk about what they've been watching/reading and buying-particularly in the fashion realm. It's a good time and a new episode drops every Tuesday. It's my Wednesday morning ritual to listen to the new ones at work and I'm not going to lie, I love it. 

Lady Bird: Probably my most anticipated movie of 2018, so far, is this one. Over the weekend I went and saw it with Albertine. It did not disappoint. As I said on Twitter, the film perfectly captures that time when you're nearing the end of adolescence and are on the cusp of adulthood. The way you feel everything in extremes and the future looks unclear but hopeful. Saiorse Ronan is amazing as Christine aka 'Lady Bird' but Beanie Feldstein was a scene-stealer as her best friend Jules. I think this film is resonating so much because it is so relatable and everyone sees a bit of themselves in one or more of the characters. That and the cinematography is exquisite. A must-watch. 

The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath: I feel like not a lot of people know this so correct me if I am wrong, Unity Books in Auckland+Wellington have a loyalty card system. For every book you purchase, they'll write the amount & stamp your card. When you get ten, they average the total cost and you are able to redeem a book to that value. Anyway, long story short-I've been wanting to read this for ages and redeemed it with my credit. It's looking a bit battered because I have been carrying it everywhere. Underlining passages and losing myself in its pages. Plath's writing is brilliant. As this is over 700 pages I will be absorbed in it for a while but I don't mind because it is so captivating. 

Anyone Girl: To be honest, there's not a ton of NZ specific publications that I read and like but I'd been wanting to grab this for a while. It was while perusing the shelves in The Bread and Butter Letter that I found it again and snatched up a copy. Shamefully I am yet to read this (still) but this issue and all its contents look dreamy and wondrous. 

Anxiety: young women & this silent epidemic: Emma was one of the original bloggers here in NZ, writing under the Rag Pony moniker and she now writes for her own website among other places on and offline. Anyway, she has written this brilliant piece on anxiety and its impacts on young women. Please read it. As someone who personally still feels like these topics aren't always given enough airtime, I applaud those who write or speak about them and do it well. 

 October was a pretty darn good month for new releases so it's no surprise that three of the four books featured here were released during that month. I actually acquired nine new release books last month which is probably the most of the entire year. Today it's all about the memoirs, the classics and a new spin on an old favourite. Here's what's on November's Reading List..

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath-Classic books rarely make their way into my hands, which is bad. I feel like you have to be in the right mood for them, especially if they're a bit more demanding. Austen, here's looking at you. This semi-autobiographical novel follows Esther, a young woman who receives an internship at a prominent magazine in New York but ends up having a mental breakdown during her time there. I'll be honest, I don't know much about this book but I think it was one of the first to explore mental illness, which is why it was so revolutionary for its time.

Binge by Tyler Oakley*-Tyler Oakley has long been one of my favourite YouTubers. There's just something about him that is so appealing, maybe it's his constant positivity. He always seems happy and like such a nice guy. I'm yet to find someone who doesn't like Tyler so maybe it's a universal truth. Well, he's released a book where he reveals all. Just when you thought you knew everything about him from his videos. There's so much more to Tyler and a heap of stories that he reveals for the first time in Binge. I'm reading this at the moment and it's fantastic. Hilarious, at times a little bit cringe but so real and refreshing. 

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell-Now I wasn't going to read this book because in all honesty, I don't remember enjoying the fanfiction segments of Fangirl, where this story originated. Something about it intrigued me though and the booktube community seem to love it so I'm trusting their opinions. Carry On tells the story of Simon Snow, a young wizard at the Watford School of Magicks. It all sounds somewhat Harry Potter inspired which I am keen for. Hopefully it doesn't disappoint.

Reckoning by Magda Szubanski*-Many of you will know Magda as Sharon Strezelecki from Kath and Kim. It holds a special place in my heart as the show I watched growing up and really formed my appreciation for comedy. Anyway, she's bought out a book and there is so much more to this comic legend than her comedic skills. She has a whole heap of stories, from growing up in Australia with her Polish father and Irish mother, to coming to terms with her sexuality. It's such a fascinating, insightful read and I've not read a memoir quite like it before. This is one of those books to take away to the beach or gift someone for Christmas. They'll love it.

-What will you be reading during November?

*Review copy