Summer Bookshelf

I cannot believe I completely forgot to upload this summer's bookshelf post. I've had a whirlwind of a Summer and have been rather busy, I only managed to digest a book a month, but considering how little I used to read I still feel proud of this achievement. Here's what I read in June, July, and August:

Tummy Tied 
by Scarlett London
In the month of June I picked up a copy of Scarlett's 'Tummy Tied, A not so glamorous guide to IBS', -for anyone that doesn't already know I suffer from the digestive illness- I thought I might pick up some great tips, I was right. A lot of the medical jargon and symptoms I already knew about, but there were a couple I hadn't been told about, as read further a few things clicked together and I realised why I had been feeling a certain way. There are tips aplenty in this little guide from simple changes like switches your skinny jeans for a dress with a bit of giving to printing off little cards explaining your intolerances at restaurants and advice on how to cope in certain situations. The book is also filled with brilliant stories and accounts from other influencers and bloggers who also suffer from IBS. I've taken on the advice within this book and already feel a lot better about my condition and my body. The book made me feel a little less alone, IBS isn't exactly the most glamorous topic and isn't often talked about, having someone talk about it with ease was really refreshing and encouraging. I highly recommend this book to anyone suffering from IBS.

Never Greener
By Ruth Jones
It's one of the only books I've ever read where I didn't like the main character, Kate reminded me of a stroppy little toddler throughout most of the book, and I felt sorry for all the characters she came in contact with that she clearly had no regard for, her co-workers, husband, and even her daughter. It appears Kate only wants one thing and feels unfulfilled without it; Callum MacGregor. She met Callum at the age of twenty-two and his thirty-five, they had an affair, got caught, separated, and are reunited seventeen years later. I did like every-other character bar Callum and Kate, maybe it's my low tolerance for infidelity!? There are a few twists, dramatic reveals, and the suspense of will they, won't they reignite the affair? will they, won't they get caught? and how two people can affect the lives of so many others. There are also some lovely Characters; Matt, Tululha, Hetty, and Belinda whom I believe don't deserve some of what this book has in store for them.
What I enjoyed about this story was the different perspectives of mental illness and eating disorder from Kate and Matt. I've always been very vocal about my mental health and help raise awareness, and often worry that I am a burden to others, but it was an interesting look into the lives of those who support someone with an illness, how much more they see, know and understand and how they deal with it. It was also refreshing to see therapy used for a number of different situations and experiences.
It's funny how the decisions we make in life -however big or small- shape not only our personalities and behaviours but the lives of others around us too. There is a tremendous amount of character development for most of the main characters within this book, and by the end, I still didn't like Kate, but I understood her and was thrilled she was recovering and mending relationships.

Little Women
by Louisa May Alcott
After reading this book I understood why it is a classic. I picked it up because I was rewatching the Friends episode "The One Where Monica and Richard are Friends" when Rachel lends Joey Little Women, (now if you've seen this ep then you know I big spoiler which I'm not about to reveal) I thought, well if Joey can read it, I probably can too. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this beautiful story following four sisters on their journey into adulthood. It made me want to revisit my own childhood and watch my sisters and I grow up, Someone dust off the home videos!. The dynamics of friendships, relationships, the changing characteristics and personality traits of the sisters are explored individually. It's a beautiful coming of age story, and you will most likely fall in love with every character by the end (I did, although Jo was my favourite). I also found it a brilliant insight into life in America in the 1800s and found it fascinating how England and Europe were described and portrayed. If I ever have children this will probably be a book I read to them or encourage them to read as I feel many of the life lessons and morales Mrs. March educates her Children on are still relevant today (of course, some are outdated in today's society). I felt sad in finishing this book as I didn't want to say Goodbye to the March Sisters, but I am rather excited about the film and am excited to see their story come to life.

What have you been reading this summer? Did you pick up a perfect little holiday read or sink your teeth into something heavier? Please send over your reading recommendations, and as always would love to hear your thoughts on the novels mentioned above.