I’m so excited, I may actually burst! Alright, that is severe exaggeration but it is kind of close to how I am feeling. At the time of writing, I have only ten days left to go until I travel to Florida for a two week holiday. Whaaaaat?! I still can’t comprehend the fact that I am going. This holiday is all about relaxing, having fun, and leaving the real world behind. We (myself and my boyfriend) are going to Disney World, Universal Studios, and will be chilling out by the pool in 26 degree heat (and that’s damn warm for a British person). With time to chill out on my hands, I’ve picked up four new(ish) books to take with me!
The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher
That’s right, this is a book written by the woman, the myth, the legend that is Carrie Fisher. I’ve always admired Carrie Fisher as an actor and activist, so when I found this book, it went straight on my ‘To Buy Pile’. The Princess Diarist is her third memoir amongst numerous novels, and the content is taken from diaries she kept whilst filming Star Wars: A New Hope. Memoirs and autobiographies had never been my thing, that is until I read Patti Smith’s Kids and Susanna Kaysen’s Girl, Interrupted, and my mind was quickly changed (maybe I just don’t like reading the memoirs of boring old men? That’s probably more like it). To me, it seems someone added all of my favourite ingredients into a pot (strong women + Star Wars + modernism), seasoned it, cooked it for a few hours, and out came The Princess Diarist.
What I am expecting: I am expecting to laugh out loud a lot, but also have my emotions pulled about as I know the story is the real deal. I’m also expecting some shock factor to be in there, but we will see….
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
In all honesty, I don’t really listen to the hype around books as they rarely live up to the expectation. However, when my friends, family, colleagues, and lecturers all recommend a book, that gets me listening. I don’t know much about this book apart from it tackles mental health (as discussed by my lecturer), and OMG YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE IT, IT’S SO YOU (from a friend). I don’t often get to go in blind to a book without looking out for themes and topics to draw out for an essay, so I am looking forward to reading this for the sake of reading.
What I am expecting: A lot, really. I have a pinch of excitement in my chest when I think about reading this book because of how little I know, and I rarely get that.
Good Omens by Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman
I have been meaning to read this one for yeeeears. Growing up, some of my best friends were immense fans of Neil Gaiman (and Terry Pratchett), but I had never read their books. I’ve never been huge on magic or fantasy in novels, so I simply had no reason to pick them up. Flash forward to ten years later, I’m in university and my friends can’t believe I’d never read either of the authors. After dabbling with the Ocean at the End of the Lane (alright) and The Graveyard Book (ruddy loved it!), Gaiman has always been on my ‘I’ve Got to Remember to Pick Up These Books (But I Never Do)’ List. It seems that Good Omens has made a resurgence in popularity thanks to the TV series, which means it’s currently in every bookshop window, which means it was drawn to the forefront of my mind. One Foyles book order later, and I’m holding it in my hands.
What I am expecting: An interesting voice of writing, as it’s written by two authors. I’m also expecting a real sense of magic to come through, plus mystery and intrigue.
Gotta Get Theroux This by Louis Theroux
The final book on my list is the newest and is the only audiobook. I’m a huge Audible lover, having gone through playing the entire Harry Potter series before bed, with Stephen Fry’s dulcet tones sending me to sleep. I have a few unused credits knocking around on Audible and have been saving them for a book that really grabs my attention; this is one of them. I adore Louis Theroux as a documentary maker and as a presenter; he is unbiased yet questioning when talking to the subjects of his films, and yet comes across so personable and understanding. He’s not afraid of talking about the big topics like drug abuse and the Westboro Baptist Church, but understands that the topics less talked about, like post-natal depression and psychosis, need covering too. I’m excited to see how he approaches his own life (and am looking forward to having Louis narrate the book itself!).
What I am expecting: A book full of self-deprecating humour that is always grounded in realism and honesty (a bit like Louis’s documentaries, actually).
So, those are the four books I will be taking with me on my trip to Florida (in ten days, ahhhhH!). With almost 20 hours sat on a plane there and back, time in airports, hotel rooms, and in my swimsuit by the pool, I cannot wait to have the time to dig my teeth into them. Let me know if you’ve read any of these books, and what you’ve got on your reading list!
Rosie x
rosie abigail 
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