At Elite Words, it’s no secret that we’re as obsessed with reading as we are with writing. This is for good reason! You can’t be a great writer if you don’t also make a habit of regularly reading. Reading and writing go hand-in-hand; they each help strengthen our communication skills and expand our ability to think critically and creatively. But let’s not forget that reading is also a great way to relax and have fun!
Each month we, at Elite Words, would like to share what we read with you. We hope to give you some book recommendations, and offer insights into our team’s interests. Be it non-fiction, thriller, or children’s books, our team reads a variety of texts and genres every month! We want to share the beauty of harnessing variety in our reading habits.
What makes reading so appealing and enjoyable? Books give us the ability to escape the world and our personal realities. They allow us to experience a realm that is away from what we know or understand. They also offer teachings and guidance, empowering us to take control of our own narratives and enable us to prosper.
As you can tell, we really like to read!
If you’re not keen on reading that’s okay! Whether it’s physical activity or watching a movie, everyone has different ways of escaping. But if you’re interested in reading more but don’t know where to start, check out what we read this month! You never know, one of these texts might just spark your interest.
We’ll be writing a blog post about what we read every month. So, stay tuned for November’s recommendations. If you have any recommendations or would like to share what you read this month, let us know. We’d love to chat with some fellow book nerds.
Hamnet – Maggie O’Farrell
This month, Ella read the novel, ‘Hamnet’ by Maggie O’Farrell. Set in 1596, this novel follows the story of Shakespeare’s twin son and daughter. If Hamnet sounds like a familiar name it’s because Shakespeare named his famous play Hamlet after his son! This story memorialises Shakespeare’s children who history has mostly forgotten.
Here’s why Ella loved this book:
“Having studied Shakespeare as part of my English Literature degree I was drawn to this novel from the get-go. With a brief understanding of Shakespeare’s family, this story was so eloquently written it drew me right in. I already know that this novel will be considered a classic piece of literature in the future, and I encourage everybody to read it!”
The Secret Garden – Frances Hodgson Burnett
Published in 1911, ‘The Secret Garden’ is a classic children’s text that will spirit you away to the English countryside. With a feisty young girl as the protagonist who discovers a magical secret garden, Abigail loved this book because of its ideas around self-actualisation and renewal.
Here’s why Abigail loved this book:
“The language and story are very rich. Every time I read it, I learn something new, or see something in a different way. It’s a beautiful journey about two sick children learning how to garden and form relationships with the natural world, while reconciling past traumas.”
Beautiful World, Where Are You – Sally Rooney
The most recent release from the acclaimed author Sally Rooney, ‘Beautiful World, Where Are You’ explores life in your twenties. With Rooney’s ability to capture rich and meaningful dialogue, this book encapsulates all that we feel or have felt as we navigate the difficulties of adulthood. Love, heartbreak, and the challenges of life, Rooney will seize your attention from the first page.
Here’s why Odessa loved this book:
“I really liked this book because of Rooney’s controlled and incisive writing style. She writes really well about young people trying to work out their place in the world.”
The Couple Next Door – Shari Lapena
The ‘Couple Next Door’ by Shari Lapena is a fast-paced and action-packed thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. A Sunday Times Bestseller and the WHSmith Book of The Year in 2016, this addictive novel will keep you coming back for more. If you are after an exciting book or are a lover of true crime, this is a great option!
Here’s why Anna loved this book:
“I loved this book because of its unique writing style! It’s a fictional crime mystery and the writing feels objective and clinical, which works perfectly for the story because it puts readers in a position to come up with solutions and ideas about what could have happened.”
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The entire team at Elite Words had an awesome reading month and we’re so happy to be able to share it with you. If you have any reading recommendations, please let us know. We’re always keen to explore new reading material!
If you prefer to have help with writing over reading, then we can help. We’re a communications service that specialises in copywriting, copyediting, and content strategy. To find out more, contact us today. We’re here to help.