| What I've been reading lately |

The more that you read, the more things that you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go. Dr. Suess

Hiya dolls!! I hope your week has been bliss, I love reading and been trying to read more books this year, though I've not read as many as I would have liked too. Time has gotten away with me at times but, I should have more time for things once Lily goes to school. This post has been waiting for ages in my drafts and though, I've not read a load of books, I wanted to share the few that I've read any ways. Once is a cheeky lil' type of lifestyle book that made me smile when I found it in a bookshop and the other two are very profound and thought provoking. I'm still determined to read more books by female authors, so hopefully find some for my next batch of reading. But, here are my latest readings....

Maw Broon's Remedies an' Suchlike: My wee book o' bits and pieces by Maw Broon - I'm one of those people that really like 'self help' type books like, 'How to naturally clean your house' ones that give lots of tips and quirkiness. This is one of those such books. It's packed full of a 1000 remedies that Maw Broon has used to successfully treat family ailments over the years. Ones such as insect bites, stains, beauty remedies and so much more. I can never get enough of these types of books, I have a collection of them. I may not follow everything to the letter but, I find them handy in emergencies. 

Milk & Honey by Rupi Kaur - This was #1 on the New York Times bestseller, it's a collection of poetry and prose about survival. About the experiences violence, abuse, loss, love, and femininity. It's divided into sections and each section serves a different purpose, deals with a different pain and heals a different heartache. It's an absolutely stunning book that I could not put down and found myself weaved through each letter and emotion. It shows the bitterness in life but also those sweet moments that you cherish when you're willing to look for them. I feel her work is relate-able for many on different levels, sometimes you may find yourself in her words and other times you just find a piece of the author & that is really beautiful to be open and raw for others to read. I'm definitely going to get more of her work and see how she's grown since this book. 

Black & British: A Forgotten History by David Olusoga - I actually watched the documentary of this book on the BBC before I bought the book. It's incredible really, a lot of the history that is never taught in schools and I feel is important that we all learn no matter what the colour of our skin might be. History of the world is everyone's history and sadly, the history and contributions of people of colour have been watered down or in most cases completely written out. Presented by Historian and Broadcaster David Olusoga, he tells the rich and revealing relationship between the British Isles and the people of Africa and the Caribbean. He uses new Genealogical research, original records and expert testimony to trace back through the centuries to show how British Black history is woven into the cultural and economical histories of the nation. Concluding that it's not just a singular history but one that belongs to us all through our ancestors. This one thought showed, for me, just how important it is that we tell history as a whole and not just cherry pick or show a 'white' perspective of it because we never get a full picture and the consequences of this has continuously shown itself again and again in society. I feel by fully understanding where one comes from and how we're all connected (sadly not under good circumstances with the slave trade & so on) and not try and hide it under the rug because of shame or denial, we could then start to make better and stronger steps towards fixing the problems and putting away the individuals who seek to do harm to others ignorantly because of the colour of their skin. I was really impressed by this book, I really can't recommend it enough, really eye opening!

What books have you been reading?? Let me know, have a wonderful day & weekend to come! 

Loves & Loves

XOXOX