With lockdown meaning we're spending more and more time inside, I'm relishing in taking the time to read more and get stuck into my Netflix watch list. In these round up posts I share what I've been reading, watching and listening to recently.

Whilst I'm only half way through The Switch by Beth O'Leary*, I have to include it because it's simply brilliant. 'Eileen is sick of being 79. Leena's tired of life in her twenties. Maybe it's time they swapped places...' I'm loving reading about Eileen's London adventures and Leena settling into village life. It's such an addictive read, and as with The Flatshare (review here) I am captivated by O'Leary's writing. Highly recommend.

Another book I've loved reading recently is Cilka's Journey by Heather Morris. The much anticipated sequel to The Tattooist of Auschwitz, we follow Cilka as she is charged as a collaborator after the liberation of Auschwitz. Cilka's Journey leads her to a Siberan prison camp and sickeningly similar challenges. Emotive and wonderfully written, another one to add to reading lists.

Some blog posts I've read recently, there's a mixture of books and lifestyle. First up is from Beth at BooksNest with a post on why we should read poetry. I tend to go through phases with reading poetry, so it was lovely to see some reminders as to why it's so under appreciated. Another bookish post from Helen at The Hels Project with a wonderful review of Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano. After reading this review Dear Edward has gone straight on my reading list, it sounds like such an interesting read and one that's certainly worth picking up. Finally Sophie from The Joyful Coach sharing some self care habits to pick up. During this time of uncertainty I think there's really something to be said for taking extra care of ourselves.

*thank you to Quercus Books and NetGalley for gifting me an eARC

I am notorious for being bad at watching films, so my friend has given me an extensive watch list. One of the first is Apollo 13, and whilst I had my reservations I ended up absolutely loving it. Unsurprisingly it's based on the Apollo 13 mission, and a book written by one of the astronauts,  and being somewhat stranded in space. Great acting and an excellent soundtrack.

From my Neflix list I've been enjoying Brooklyn Nine Nine again and The Vicar of Dibley! It was a classic in my household growing up and it's still just as funny, and I can certainly see lots of resemblance to the churches I've been to!

First up is an audiobook, I'm not always a fan of them but I particularly like a non-fiction audiobook for my walks to work. Whilst that isn't happening right now, I'm still enjoying listening at various points during the day. Currently I'm listening to Airhead by Emily Maitlis which is just wonderful if you're into politics. It's also read by Emily, which I really love as it seems to add even more to her accounts of some extraordinary news stories and interviews she's covered.

Going from a busy office to working from home, I've certainly noticed the silence. I'm not one who can work with numbers and listen to lyrics, but I've been loving the ChilledCow playlists on Spotify for some quite realxing background music to my work days.