British stuff 

The Life of an MP – Jess Phillips this book was great for opening the door and allowing the unpolitical to see backstage into political life in the UK. I came away with confirmation that the system is completely outdated and ridiculous and an understanding of why nothing changes. She gives us a ‘day in the life’ insight but also tells us how private member bills are done through a ‘lottery’ system (bananas!), and talks about party politics and the UN. But, it was entertaining along the way, especially stories of working abroad…

Mental & physical health 

The Way Out – Alan Gordon I read this book after finding Alan’s instagram account and I cannot recommend it enough to anyone who suffers with any kind of chronic pain, anxiety or depression. His theory is that chronic pain etc. is like a faulty switch that is stuck on, and his work is to help people switch it off using somatic tracking and has used functional MRI to give scientific evidence that it works. I have used the technique myself on endometriosis (sciatic pain) and anxiety and depression and I truly believe it works.

Reinventing Your Life – Young & Klosko this book is good for anyone who has been through severe trauma and struggles especially with things like rejection, insecurity and poor self-confidence. They provide easy questionnaires so that you are able to see what is impacting you and then give very clear steps in how to overcome what they call ‘lifetraps‘ such as abandonment, mistrust and abuse, emotional deprivation, social exclusion, dependence, vulnerability, worthlessness, failure, subjugation, unrelenting standards and entitlement.

Simply Anxious – Lisa Towers I came across Lisa on Instagram where she is a keen advocate for those who suffer with anxiety. Her book shows her journey through anxiety and her recovery. Inspiration comes from Dr Claire Weekes work whom’s book you will find further down this list.

The Art of Living – Thich Nhat Hanh a really lovely book for anyone who is interested in Buddhism, meditation, happiness and peace.

The Wisdom of Anxiety – Sheryl Paul I will be honest, the first time I read this I felt it was a bit too spiritual for me, I don’t think I even finished it. But a year later I went back to it and I found it profoundly helpful and comforting, and it is a book I will definitely return to again.

The Happiness Trap – Russ Harris I can’t even begin to say how much this book has helped me. It’s importance in my recovery can not be overstated. ACT – Acceptance Commitment Therapy turned out to be the answer all along. CBT never really worked for me, and THIS was exactly what I needed. I feel like everyone would benefit from this book.

The Confidence Gap – Russ Harris I enjoyed the Happiness Trap so much I bought this one too, and it was just as great. Honestly, most of the same techniques apply but I was happy to have further reinforcement of them and why they work. It is thanks to this book that I managed to volunteer to present at a seminar this year, something I never thought would happen.

The Comfort Book – Matt Haig A nice book to provide comfort.

At Last a Life – Paul David This book is a MUST for anyone with anxiety. Paul inspired me to live life. Using his own experience of recovery he helps others too. For an insight into his wisdom you can have a look at his website.

At Last a Life and Beyond – Paul David A sequel to the last book. I read both books many times in the beginning of my recovery.

Self-help for your Nerves – Claire Weekes This book is old, and some parts are out of date such as medication and discussion of shock therapy and I’ll be honest that part I found anxiety inducing, but the rest of it is beyond helpful. This book finally got me out of my week long anxiety attack and I will ALWAYS be grateful to Dr Claire Weekes for that! She provides reassurance that feels like a warm hug and confidence that I’ll never return to that place again.

Handbook for Hard Times – Gelong Thubten I finished this book so quickly because I could not put it down. The book was released just when I needed it most. It is all about how meditation can be used to get us through the hardest of times. Using his own experience and his incredible knowledge Thubten talks about acceptance, compassion and forgiveness, but also sickness and emotions. This book gave me the confidence to believe that I can train myself to be able to handle what life throws at me.

Non-fiction

Zero Waste Life – Megean Weldon What it says on the tin really. Tips on Zero Waste.

Minimal – Madeleine Olivia A gorgeous book about how to live a minimal life.

Digital Minimalism – Cal Newport a really interesting book about technologies role in our lives and how to live a digital minimal life.

The Call of the Weird – Louis Theroux Everything Louis Theroux does is interesting. I loved this book where he goes back to visit people I recognised from his early documentaries.

Colonialism and Neocolonialism – Sartre thought provoking and relevant

How to stay sane in an age of division – Elif Shafak a short book worth reading if you are someone like me who gets caught up in the injustices around us

Autobiography

The Audacity – Katherine Ryan a really entertaining book, if you like her comedy you will enjoy it

Spare – Prince Harry despite not being into the monarchy at all, I do have a soft spot for Prince Harry and I read this book in a day!

Feminist

Men who hate women – Laura Bates honestly this book took me aaaages to read. I had to keep taking breaks because frankly it’s depressing. But nonetheless, a very important read and something we should all know about.

Fiction

How do you like me now? – Holly Bourne I always enjoy Holly’s books and this was no exception.

The Book Thief – Markus Zuzak I know I’m behind on the times with this book but wow, this book is so incredibly written and so important for looking through the lens of others. Set in WW2 we see the journey of a German evacuee. The book is narrated by death.

Thin Air – Michelle Paver an incredible ghost story, written so well and so well researched that it feels like a true account.

1984 – George Orwell of course, a classic. What honestly scared me though were the parallels to today.

The old man and the sea – Ernest Hemingway I picked up this book because it was short and I was told it was good for improving your English. I didn’t expect to enjoy it – at all. I was surprised to find that I read it in one sitting and did indeed actually enjoy it.

Medusa – Jessie Burton a retake from Medusa’s perspective. Beautifully written.

My Grandmothers asked me to tell you she is sorry – Fredrik Backman I don’t even know how to describe this book, but it is just so well written and bizarre, I loved it.

Flesh Bone Water – Luiza Sauma this has to be one of the weirdest books I’ve ever read. It is a story of a man looking back at his childhood in Brazil. It was interesting in terms of looking at race and class though.

Cackle – Rachel Harrison honestly I just found the relationships in this book so toxic and none of the characters were likeable, I’m surprised I got to the end of it.

Around the world in 80 days – Jules Verne – another classic, I only read it because it was short to be honest, but I did enjoy it in the end! I enjoyed the thrill of whether he would make the journey, and I’ve somehow managed to never see the film.