My ‘Must-Reads’ this winter

Winter is approaching. Nights are getting longer, the hats and scarves are making an appearance. What better way to enjoy the festive season than to light the fire, and cuddle up to a good book? This year I set up a book club in the office with the aim to broaden my reading habits to more than just rom-coms and …well… actually just rom-coms really [ahem].

So here is my top 5 ‘must-read’ list; ranging from feminist sci-fi to probably the most influential book I have ever read. If you read this blog and buy any of these books, I’d love to get your feedback. Post your comment in the comment box below or feel free to comment books that you have enjoyed.

The Handmaids Tale

Margaret Atwood

For anyone who hasn’t at least heard of this book, take out your credit card now and order it on Amazon. Recently made famous by the acclaimed TV series, Atwood wrote this book in the 70’s and gave us a horrific account of a dystopian future where men ruled part of the USA, transporting society back to 18th Century values. Women were stripped of every single right but one; the ability to conceive. The story follows Offred as she recounts her daily struggles having her daughter and husband robbed from her and is now living in a strange house where she is bottom of the societal ladder. Will she adjust to this new world she lives in? Read and find out!

The housekeeper and the professor

Yoko Ogawa

I absolutely love Japanese literature. The first thing I do when I visit Hodges Figgis in Dublin is head straight towards the Japanese literature section and pile all the latest releases into my arms to get me through the next few months. The housekeeper and the professor is the most beautiful, elegant, heart-warming book I have ever read. The story is about a Japanese housekeeper who is faced with the ultimate challenge; to care for a mathematician whom, after a freak accident, is now burdened with a 24 hour memory. The only thing he remembers are his equations. Fall into the pages of this gorgeous book and see how the housekeeper transforms both her family and the professor’s lives. For all you math nerds out there looking to delve into a new book, this one is for you. You can then subtract that one from your list (see what I did there!).

Married to a Bedouin

Marguerite van Geldermalsen

This summer I traveled to Jordan for the holiday of a lifetime. After watching countless vlogs, and in particular ‘The lost city of Petra’, I was on a mission. I watched so many vlogs of people who had visited the ancient site but one thing that stood out to me was the story of a woman from New Zealand who traveled to Petra in her 20’s, only to fall in love with a Bedouin, settle down in a cave, have three children and live the rest of her life in Petra; one of the most phenomenon of the seven wonders of the world. I just had to meet her. So I trekked hours through the winding canyon’s past the Treasury and on the way to the Monastery, there she was. Casually going about her daily life and selling her goods at her stall. I could have missed her; but I guess that was what made my encounter so exciting. She signed my book and smiled for a picture. Her husband died. This motivated her to write her book. I could sense her heartache which makes this book even more special to me. I really am a sucker for a romance. This is a must read in my opinion. Beware, you might just book your one way ticket to Jordan after reading it!

Paris mon Amour

Isabel Costello

OK, so I know I wanted to broaden my book choices from just romances but in my defense this was a best seller and made the Richard & Judy book club list. For anyone who shares my love of Paris, romance, and a splash of drama thrown in for good measure, you have to check this out. It follows Alexandra as she engages in a whirlwind affair with a young Parisian, who just happens to be the precious son of her husband’s best friend. How will it end? Jean-Luc or Philippe? Will she get that happy ending she has always dreamed of? This is the perfect book to pass an hour or two in Starbucks or on that long haul flight; you simply can’t put it down! As the French say ‘C’est la vie’.

How to win friends & influence people

Dale Carnegie

Last but not least, ‘how to win friends and influence people’ is a must read for any business man/woman. Actually it’s a must read for anyone who is looking to improve on how people view you and portray the best, most genuine version of yourself. Sometimes we fall into the trap of talking about 'I, I, I' when, in reality, nobody really cares. Find out how to become a better listener, genuinely care more for others but yourself, and for any sales people out there, he gives some great tips on how you might just close that deal!

And there you have it; my essential reading list this winter. Why not visit your local bookshop or browse through the catalogue of books on Amazon- I mean, who doesn’t like getting an Amazon package delivery?! Light the fire, warm up a nice Bialetti and immerse yourself into one of these fabulous books. You can thank me later.

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