Bookshelf reorganisation + books I can’t wait to read

It wasn’t until J repeated my plan back to me that I realised just how crazy I sounded: ‘I want to organise our bookshelves according to colour.’ Later, repeated by his boss on a call, I truly realised just how neurotic this makes me sound – but would I change anything about it now that it’s done? Absolutely not.

The bookshelves in our living room quickly became the storage center of bits and bobs we no longer knew what to do with. Flooding with under-watered plants, every book we’ve acquired since moving to London (including a few that were special enough to make the trek across the Atlantic with us) and J’s shrine to Harry Potter, our built-in shelves were in dire need of a little TLC.

Today, with my disinfectant, dusting rag and stool, I scaled the shelves (somewhat literally) to try and bring some order to the centerpiece of our living room. Set in the room we spend most of our time in, this wall houses some of my most beloved possessions: art by my little sister, three tea cups that were gifts at my grandparents’ wedding in 1953 (these were literally brought to the UK one-by-one in family member’s carry-ons), and a piece of art from a Christmas market I visited with my parents while they were visiting. These shelves also feature a plant I managed to take from a photoshoot at my previous job and a limited edition Minalima print of When Muggles Attack from the Harry Potter series.

I think since reorganising the shelves, this room looks tidier, with space more efficiently used and higher ceilings. Call me crazy, but I think it’s worth it.

When it comes to reading, I’m a one trick pony… as in, I can only read one book at a time. Currently, I’m reading All My Mother’s Secrets by Beezy Marsh. Gifted to me by my mother-in-law for my birthday (and the first time we broke our tradition of gifting a book that has already been read), I’m really enjoying this novel based in the 1920-30s. It’s also set in our west London neighbourhood – back when it was referred to as “Soapsud Island” due to the number of slum laundries on the high street catering to the rich in Kensington. I’ve not finished it yet, but so far, I have found it really interesting!

My three favourite books I’ve read recently:

The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson might be one of my all-time favourite books, but admittedly it took me a while to properly read through. I purchased it from my favourite used book shop in Chicago just before we moved, and upon arriving in London, struggled to read it as, gory details aside, it made me miss Chicago a ton. That said, once I properly started it over, I couldn’t put it down. It’s such a fascinating piece of non-fiction that outlines a really important piece of American history.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman was the perfect escapism from everyday life. With dark undertones, this book makes you fall in love with the socially-unaware Eleanor, and absolutely cheer her on through life’s obstacles and an unlikely love story.

Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury was a true treat to read. I don’t know that I’ve ever read anything more beautifully written. Every page felt like poetry and inspired the writer in me. I’m a total control freak about the books I read, but this book was a surprise gift from J and it couldn’t have been a lovelier read. A true thriller, this dark fantasy novel had me gripped with some scenes remaining on my mind for months after!

Top five on my next-to-read list:

Obviously the above is severely lacking in diversity among the authors and stories being told (though The Devil in the White City, perhaps unintentionally, does shed some light on the history of race in America). My next round up of reads are more diverse, featuring a few black authors I’ve been hearing a ton about lately. Once I finish my current book, I can’t wait to dig into the below highly-recommended books.

Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

Final Girls by Riley Sager 

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Have you read any of the above? What were your thoughts?