September: What To Read & What To Listen To

I’m not sure whether it’s the Autumn or the current climate luring over me, but I’ve been indulging myself in a lot of new. Especially new music and books. So I thought I’d reintroduce a monthly round up post with a few bits I’ve enjoyed this month.

To Read: The Great Godden, Meg Rosoff

This is the story of one family, one dreamy summer – the summer when everything changes. In a holiday house by the sea, in a big, messy family, one teenager watches as brothers and sisters, parents and older cousins fill hot days with wine and games and planning a wedding. Enter the Goddens – irresistible, charming, languidly sexy Kit and surly, silent Hugo. Suddenly there’s a serpent in this paradise – and the consequences will be devastating. From bestselling, award-winning author Meg Rosoff comes a lyrical and quintessential coming-of-age tale – a summer book that’s as heady, timeless and irresistible as Bonjour Tristesse and I Capture the Castle but as sharp and fresh as Normal People.

I won’t lie, I’m terrible for picking up a book, getting a few chapters in and then never touching it again. I’m such a slow reader. So I was determined to get through some books by the end of this year. This book was the perfect place to start. It is a coming of age story told throughout a yearly summer holiday and all the joys and drama that comes along with it. Rosoff’s writing is very lyrical and descriptive, but it was so simple all the same. The summer setting felt very nostalgic which is possibly why I enjoyed this book. I’d thoroughly recommend for anyone in search for a good holiday or quick but lovable read.

To Read: The Family Upstairs, Lisa Jewell

In a large house in London’s fashionable Chelsea, a baby is awake in her cot. Well-fed and cared for, she is happily waiting for someone to pick her up.

In the kitchen lie three decomposing corpses. Close to them is a hastily scrawled note. They’ve been dead for several days.

Who has been looking after the baby? And where did they go?

Two entangled families. A house with the darkest of secrets.

I had seen this recommended all over the internet, so when I saw it tucked away at my village’s book exchange (just countryside things) I had to pick it up. And I couldn’t put it down. This psychopathic thriller is constantly taking new turns and the use of different narratives, although at first takes a little getting used to, makes for a great page turner as everyone’s stories slowly mould together. Highly recommend to any thriller lovers.

To Listen: The Reading Playlist

On the topic of reading, listening to music whilst reading makes for a top tier experience. I’d personally recommend classic music – I have my own playlist, or I do love the ‘Reading Soundtrack’ playlist on Spotify. I may be super late to the party with this one, but if you haven’t tried it, I highly encourage you do. It’s also great if you’re studying or working, or just wan something to wind down to.

To Listen: On Repeat

Miley Cyrus – Heart of Glass Cover

Ice Water – Loyle Carner

I Wonder Why – Joesef

Scarlet – Rolling Stones

Cayendo – Frank Ocean

Window – Still Woozy

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