I’m Chelsea, and over the past year I’ve been getting back into reading a variety of books and have officially decided on my favourite genre… ROMAN-TACY, which is a mix between Romance and Fantasy. It’s very popular at the moment due to the rise in readers obsessed with Sarah J Maas and Rebecca Yarros.
I’ve got a few favourites that I read on my Kindle which led to buying trophies for my bookcase. To be honest my obsession with reading has only grown. I started with A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) Which was recommended by an ex-friend of mine while I was travelling in New York. This grew from my kindle onto my bookshelf followed by Fourth Wing and then many more similar books. As much as circumstance has changed in that regard; the recommendation was highly appreciated. It reignited my passion for learning and absorbing knowledge.
I used to read more thriller based books and have two favourite authors in this category; first being Peter Swanson – Specifically Rules for Perfect Murders and Before She Knew Him – and second being Colleen Hoover – Yes I know all of the drama and legalities surrounding her work at the moment but I would highly recommend everyone reads It Ends With Us and Verity as they are crafted to show both character development and also can show the slow decent into madness that some characters experience.
I’m passionate about styling and design so it was exciting to have a challenge of fitting in all of the books I love alongside a few artistic pieces that are special to me.
One of them being my miniature statue of Winged Victory. I saw her at the Louvre last year in Paris and fell in love with the design and architecture that went into creating such an iconic piece of art.
I also found a beautiful clock inspired by Salvador Dalí which I added to my collection earlier this year. Currently it lives next to Parts One and Two of David Copperfield written in French by Charles Dickens. I purchased these two along the Seine when I visited Paris last year after speaking with an elderly Frenchman by the river for a good half hour in both English and French.
The main thing I love about reading and collecting books and art is the fact that it is so personal. Everyone’s bookshelves are different and so uniquely them. For me, these books have symbolised so much. They’ve gotten me through hospital visits, pain spikes and have held steadfast when I’m experiencing anxiety.
Currently I’m reading the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J Maas who has put so much effort into her individual characters growth as well as the in depth world building she has attained. Some say there are only two types of readers; those before Throne of Glass and those after. I’m on the second last book and am savouring each page because my “To Be Read” (TBR) has become daunting. However I’m blessed to have been gifted most of the books on my shelves by friends and family and cannot wait to get stuck into another series.
Reading has inspired my own writing greatly and I’ve been working with creators on many platforms to build not only my confidence but also giving me a positive outlook to focus on through my recovery. It has been both a physically and emotionally draining past few months but if I put myself in the shoes of the heroines in the books I’m reading I know I can push through anything. I will not die today, and I will not yield. If I can make it through the next ten minutes and then ten minutes after that continued throughout the day.
Having a hobby or outlet when in recovery for anything is important and I’d highly recommend getting stuck into a book. Whether it’s Fairy Smut or an Athletes Autobiography, learning and expanding on knowledge can often help distract from the physical and mental pain so many people are feeling and suffering from at the moment.
Let me know what you’re reading right now or any recommendations you’d give to someone starting out so we can build a positive community together.
XOXO Chelsea
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