Sanity Shelf: Dedicated to the books one returns to again and again to read for pleasure, knowledge and solace. A term coined by one of the friends of girlsatlibrary. Maybe the idea of a sanity shelf only falls to those who read a lot and like to drift off the pages of one book into another. I'm so not speaking for myself here *ahem, serial reader, ahem*. Today I thought I'd share what books would be on my literal sanity shelf, if I had one. Maybe when I eventually get the Ikea bookcase of dreams, that will be a reality. Anyway, sanity shelf contents incoming...

Matilda by Roald Dahl: A childhood classic. The bookish heroine needs no introduction I am sure. There's something comforting in the darkness that is Dahl literature. In the case of Matilda, I think it's the fact we see her overcome the authority figures who plague her life and find true happiness with Miss Honey at the conclusion. It's naughty, it's funny but it's packed full with valuable anecdotes too. I will always have a soft spot for this book. 

Tim Walker Pictures, The New Garconne and The Coveteur: I've grouped these together because they all serve a similar purpose. Sometimes when you're wanting a book to reread and escape to, one laden with visuals will do just the trick. There's something about the inspiring, stunning imagery in this books that to my mind is relaxing. No matter how many times I revisit them, I always discover something new. 

Pretty Honest and Pretty Iconic by Sali Hughes: Sali's writing is just wondrous to read. She's the kind of person that can write about the most mundane aspects of beauty and make them sound magical. I took Pretty Honest with me last year on my trip to Melbourne and loved coming back at the end of a long day to immerse myself in a whole lot of beauty knowledge. Pretty Iconic is equally as brilliant and is such a nostalgic book for any true beauty enthusiast. They're both stunningly presented as well. 

Inside Vogue by Alexandra Shulman: So I've read this book twice and counting. Maybe it's the formulaic aspect of diary writing that appeals to me here. Then again, I'm such an admirer of Shulman and all she achieved at Vogue so that's probably the main drawcard here. Either way, I find it's a book that can raise my mood, give me some escapism. It's the perfect blend of frankness, funny quips and fashion. 

Where Am I Now? by Mara Wilson: Like Sali, Mara has such a way with words that just makes me so happy. I sound so articulate right now but that's the best way to put it really. Her essays about life, child stardom, the original Glee and more are just brilliant. I recommend this book to a lot of people for good reason. It's fabulous. Her audiobook is worth the listen too, if you're more inclined to read that way.

-What would make up the contents of your sanity shelf?

For people who are solely devoted to fiction, I am sure the idea of nonfiction may seem boring or uninteresting. That is a sweeping generalisation but more often than not, when I ask people why they don't like nonfiction they say it's because they don't want to read something cemented in reality, or more often than not, something that will remind them of school. That's fair but I think the best nonfiction acts as a form of escapism and inspiration. There's a reason I am so taken with memoirs. The best stories from real people, written to perfection can shine just as strongly as the novels we devour with enthusiasm. Today we have five new (to me) nonfiction tomes. There's home inspiration, words from loved writers and musings on lipstick and feminism. The essentials of course...

The Coveteur-One of my Christmas presents, admittedly thanks to some less than subtle hinting on my part. I've been a fan of The Coveteur since 2011, according to these here archives. Crazy thinking it's been that long. Anyway, they released this coffee-table book filled with some of the best of the best homes and possessions from their archives. Tavi Gevinson, Lisa Eldridge and more are included. Even if you have seen these pictures before, it's something else seeing them off a screen and instead on paper. This would make a beautiful gift really and I think anyone with a love for style, design and the stories behind prized possessions would enjoy this.

Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher-I'd been wanting to read Carrie's books for a while and have now read two in the last couple of months. My only qualm is they are not very long and that there is the painful reality that there won't be any more. Unless of course some are released posthumously. Wishful Drinking is a collection of essays and anecdotes from Carrie about her not so normal upbringing, Star Wars, her experiences with mental illness and more. Yes some of the topics are heavier but Carrie presents them in a way that is relatable and at times pretty darn hilarious. It's so important to be able to find joy in dark times and comedy can be perfect for that. Such a great read.

The Yellow Wall Paper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman-A book I bought inspired by Emma. I think we just basically encourage each other's retail habits. Anyway, The Yellow Wall Paper is a collection of short stories, which I have only just realised. Whoops. It is one of those texts that does get referenced and recommended as must-have feminist reading though so I am glad to finally have it. 

A to Z of Lipstick* by Poppy King-To those in the know, Poppy King is the creator of Lipstick Queen, a brand we can now access through Mecca Maxima here in Christchurch, soon to be Wellington and online. Yay. The A to Z of Lipstick is a little book, jam packed with everything you'd ever want to know about lipstick. It is beautifully designed and would be perfect for any makeup lover, more so the lipstick queens among us. #seewhatididthere #wowsosubtle

Artful by Ali Smith-The Oxford lectures of Ali Smith, all available in one paper volume. She looks at literature, the consideration of art and life and the significance and importance of literature. It sounds a bit nerdy perhaps. Although if you are a lover of words and appreciate Smith's prose, it will no doubt be required reading.

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