Reading out of my comfort zone: classics & non-fiction.

Howdy and hello!

I have just submitted my first of three assignments. That’s me one step closer to being able to enjoy my three weeks break from uni where I intend to spend most of my time reading and watching TV.

Not only over the break, but also over the course of the year, I really want to read some books that are a bit out of my comfort zone: non-fiction, classics, and then just some fiction books that I wouldn’t normally pick up.

One of the reasons that always stops me from trying new things is actually getting my hands on the books. I’m not gonna risk spending money on something I might not enjoy. At the minute though I have access to to the library at my uni and I can borrow a fair few of these from there and I plan on making the most of it.

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Women Don’t Owe You Pretty by Florence Given – I’m actually currently reading this and since I’m scheduling this post, hopefully I’ll have finished it by now. I didn’t start the year with the thought of “I’m going to kick of 2022 by read a self-help book”, that was purely coincidental but I’m enjoying it so far. It’s given some things to think about and the illustrations inside are really cool.

Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot by Mikki Kendall – I found out this was at my uni library when I was research for one of my first assignments and have wanted to read it ever since. Sadly the hits start coming at uni and they don’t stop coming so I haven’t had a chance yet.

Stamped From the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi – A lot of people were talking about this book last year and I’ve wanted to read it ever since. I’m definitely going to make the most of having easy library acess and check this out soon!

Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson – I am not fully sure what this book is about but Jack Edwards was talking about him on Youtube and while I haven’t watched over many of his videos, I trust him.

The 2000s Made Me Gay: Essays on Pop Culture by Grace Perry – I was born in the 2000s. This cover looks fun. Think I’m really gonna enjoy this one … when I get my hands on it. This is one of the books I’m buying myself whenever I decide my book buying ban is over.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald – People keep talking about this in my lectures. A lot of people in my seminar groups read this for A-Levels or something and I didn’t. I didn’t even do A-Levels.

Mox by John Moxley – Yes I’m on a book buying ban right now but … maybe I should treat myself to this? As a prize for handing in my assignments ??? I’m a big nerd who likes wrestling and reading and therefor also likes wrestler autobiographies. This is a new release I’ve wanted to read since even before it came out. I’m really thinking I might have to treat myself.

The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood – I’m really scared to read this. Even more scared to watch the show to the point where I’m not even going to watch the show. Despite my fear, I do think it’s important I read this one.

To be honest, most of these books just so happen to be non-fiction and not YA which is why they’re labelled “out of my comfort zone”. There’s only really one or two I’m not sure what to expect, but the others I’m 98% sure I’ll enjoy.

If you’ve read any of these, I’d love to know what you thought. I’d also love to know if there’s any books you’re wanting to read which are a bit more out there for you. Thanks for reading :))

Elli xx