If you’re feeling nostalgic…
Lady in Waiting: My Extraordinary Life in the Shadow of the Crown by Anne Glenconner: Princess Margaret’s former lady-in-waiting lifts the lid on life with the infamous Royal back in the day, and includes marvellous details such as the princess’s customary late night request to her hosts – “What about another little drinkie-winkie?”
If you need to dream…
Nomad by Emma Reddington: Fantasise about escaping and living a different kind of life by curling up and indulging yourself in this armchair tour of 26 unusual homes, sumptuously photographed by Sian Richards, from a Canadian couple in a gorgeous vintage trailer to a woman on a little tugboat.
If you’re feeling heartbroken…
Amour: How the French Talk about Love by Stefania Rousselle: What is love? After covering some bleak assignments and watching her own relationship fall apart, award-winning journalist Rousselle set out on a road trip across France to try and discover the answer. She found many different kinds.
If you’re feeling anxious…
The Poetry Pharmacy Returns: More Prescriptions for Courage, Healing and Hope by William Sieghart: This second volume of poems curated by long-time poetry champion Sieghart provides lines by poets old and new to soothe every condition, from embracing your slovenliness and dealing with your stroppy family to coping with an ageing body.
If you’re feeling hopeful…
No One is Too Small to Make a Difference by Greta Thunberg: Get in the mood with Greta, whose effect on the politics of climate change has been nothing short of miraculous. The Swedish teenager’s speeches, together with photographs showing her rise and rise to eco-stardom, are reprinted in full, in this swanky yellow-bound ‘gift’ edition.
If you feel like you want to kick ass…
Fleabag: The Scriptures by Phoebe Waller-Bridge: At the close of the book, Waller-Bridge writes: “I was 27 and in a cynical spiral. Convinced my work and my brain carried less value than my desirability. I looked down into the abyss and at the bottom of it was Fleabag looking up at me, in lipstick.” Enough said.
If you’re lonely…
The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy: This universally appealing tale by an artist who found fame on Instagram is all about overcoming loneliness and finding friendship in the unlikeliest places. Thanks to his charming wash-and-ink illustrations together with a simple message, Mackesy’s book has become one of the biggest books of the year.
If you’re furious…
Stress Proof: The Ultimate Guide to Living a Stress-Free Life by Mithu Storoni: Did you know that exercising hard at the end of a working day increases levels of the stress-hormone cortisol? So does arguing with your boss, riding on a packed Tube, trying to meditate straight after a row, mixing with negative people and failing to keep challenging yourself. Stop being cross, start reading this book.
