By Eve Bell

I often get asked, “What are you reading at the moment?”

My answer is always something completely random. My husband doesn’t really read, but he’s always curious about what I’ve got my nose in. This last batch has blown his mind by how far I stretch my reading tastes. I pick many books from the library. They are random selections, not necessarily the latest reads. Some are ones I wouldn’t buy.

And I always find they are the best reads.

Recently, I’ve been bouncing between genres like nobody’s business. My last few reads have even have been some of the best I have ever read. So, if you’re looking for some book recommendations to snuggle down to during autumn (or just curious about my latest literary wanderings), here’s what I’ve been devouring:

A Thousand Years of Joys and Sorrows by Ai Weiwei
This one’s about a Chinese artist who uses his art to shine a light on human rights issues. It really shows how powerful art can be in making a difference. It’s a story that stays with you. It reminds you how we all have something special to offer when it comes to making change. It sparked lots of ideas too. Love books that do that.

All the Colours of the Dark by Chris Whittaker
This book has made it onto my top ten (maybe five) of fiction books. The story follows the life of a boy with one eye. He is kidnapped as a child and grows up to become a modern-day Robin Hood. It follows him and his best friend Saint as they grow and their lives intertwine. It is so heartwarming and the kind of book where you miss the characters deeply.

A Lion Trackers Guide to Life by Boyd Varty
This is like a call to adventure. The author’s liken lion tracking to life. A tad less dangerous but the idea is there. It is about embracing the unknown and learning to trust your gut. And mainly paying attention to the signs that guide us toward who we really are. It’s a book about courage and curiosity.

The Story of a Heart by Dr Rachel Clarke
I jumped from lions to this one. And I put a do not disturb sign on my library and read it in one sitting. It tells the story of a heart transplant. From one 9 year old to another. It is so deeply moving and written in a novel like way. I did sob in parts but it gave me hope in equal measure. And learning about the efforts that go into transplants is phenomenal. It is a story of a heart but it is also a story of incredible people who do incredible things. I usually pick up another book straightaway but I couldn’t with this one. I felt I had to honour it and left it a day. One of the best library finds.

The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki
Lastly, a bit of magical fiction. I love Japanese novels, I have a whole shelf full. This one ticks all my boxes with my fascination with the meaning of moons and astrology. This one is about a coffee shop that only appears during the full moon. It’s about connection, finding your purpose and kindness. Felt like it was written for me.

A random list of reads for my curious brain.

I’ve linked all the books but do visit your local library. They need our support more than ever.

What has been your latest read? I could do with some on my list!