I know Christmas isn't for everyone for so many different reasons, so I hope whatever your thoughts on this time of year are, you have been able to take some time for yourself.
To help out with that I thought I would put together another list of books I've read recently - that kind of nothing time between Christmas and New Year where you have no idea what day it is, can be a great time for picking up a book and getting lost in other people's stories.
These books are all stories of friendship, strength, and love. They are happy and sad and thought-provoking, and I borrowed them all online from my local library, so they should be easy to find if they interest you.
And if you have any recommendations please let me know! Comment below or email hello@indigobay.com.au 😊
The Girl on the 88 Bus by Freya Sampson
A feel-good story of friendship, hope, and the choices we make in life.
I borrowed this and it took me ages to finally decide to read it and I am so glad I did.
The Keeper of Stories by Sally Page
Janice collects other people's stories without ever sharing her own. A story of friendship, of learning your inner strength, and that you don't just have 1 story.
The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley
Julian writes his story - the truth rather than what the world sees - in a green notebook and leaves it on a table in a cafe.
This starts a chain of events that leads to friendship, change, and love.
Mrs Benson's Beetle by Rachel Joyce
Set in the 1950s this is the story of Marjery and Enid, their unlikely friendship, and about following your dreams, no matter how hard it may be.
Before You Knew My Name by Jacqueline Bublitz
A story of a murdered girl that doesn't focus on who did it or why, but instead tells her story, the story of the victim - the one whose story truly deserves to be told.
Incredibly sad, but beautiful and thought-provoking.
I borrowed this just after it came out and couldn't get into it. Then recently I saw it again and thought I'd give it another go and I am so glad I did!
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
This has recently been made into a TV series (Apple TV) and I really enjoyed both (I read the book first).
A love story, a story of women in the 60s and the pressure to conform, a story of change, strength, and staying true to yourself.
Don't forget to let me know your recommendations 😊
And if you need more ideas on how to take some time out for yourself grab a deck of our Memory Makers Self-Care Edition and a 100 Days of Self-Care Notepad to help change your self-care habits.