This year, being completely transparent and honest, my reading journey has not been the easiest. My goal of completing 1-3 books within a month was very difficult and I felt very disengaged with my reading, blame Instagram reels!

On a more positive note, whilst I haven’t been in my books, I have been in my word a lot more, I’m always reading some sort of Bible verse or devotional plan which I thank God for, so it hasn’t been all bad I guess!

Open water – Caleb Azumah Nelson

My first book I have been reading towards the end of the year is Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson. In summary this novel explores the love story between a photographer and a dancer as they fall in love simultaneously trying to make their mark in a city that celebrates and rejects them.

What I loved about this book was that it was in first person, meaning you literally stand in the shoes of the writer, and you are experiencing his feelings as you read along, so cleverly written!. Over time I’ve become a sucker for romance novels, and this one is just another one that bites the dust!

The book is set in the UK and it gave me similar vibes to when I was reading Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams. The book was also set in the UK and mentioned certain things that I’m sure every Londoner could relate to. Black British Londoner that is. The microagressions we may face at work, dating and trying to find your mark in this big mixing pot that is Britain.

I would overall highly recommend this book as a good read. It’s a short and sweet one and it’s guaranteed to make you smile.

God’s Lavish Grace – Terry Virgo

I came across this book after completing a 3 day prayer and fast with a friends church. We had a guest speaker speak at the service which so happens to be the author of this very book. What drew me to this book was when he was describing it and mentioned that if you have ever been going through a time where you think you can never receive forgiveness or grace, or for anyone struggling to understand and enjoy God’s grace, this book will help you stir away from that feeling.

At that very present time that was exactly the season I was going through, so I decided to pick up this book. This is what it says on the back of the book:

“This wonderful survey of the impact and outworking of God’s grace in the light of the believer will revitalise the most threadbare faith”

It’s a book I’ve yet to finish but will definitely be carrying into 2024 and I see it as a go to for whenever I need reminding, because in reality those seasons will come and they will go!

I am really trying to up my reading game in the new year, if there are any good books for recommendation, please send them my way!