Happy Fat - Sofie Hagen

 Sofie Hagen is a comedian who has written a book about her experience of growing up fat and fat acceptance.  In a world where we try to be more and more inclusive, fat people still find themselves being excluded and bullied, and many of the stories she told did make me sad.  Her experiences flying being wedged in beside her neighbors, of not being able to find any clothes to buy and being made to constantly diet by her mother.  Saddest of all was one of beginning pages that talks about her experience of walking down the street, that she always wears headphones so that she does not have to hear the abuse hurled at her by strangers.  4/5

The Body - Bill Bryson

I think that considering all the shows and movies we watch and read, most of us know surprisingly little about our own bodies.  Bill Bryson has a way of giving us all the information we like in easily readable and entertaining chapters without overwhelming us with lots of dull information.  Even though I work in a medical field and have read a lot of books, I still found this a quick and amusing read even though it was a solid 400 pages.  5/5

Wish You Happy Forever - Jenny Bowen

This is the story of Jenny Bowen, who after a successful career making movies and with two adult children, goes with her husband to China to adopt a wee girl.  Seeing their new daughter Maya thrive after their love and affection, and time spent with other children, Jenny wonders about all the other children in orphanages, who are often neglected and largely ignored.  So with no credentials or childcare experience, she bravely goes to China and helps to set up Half the Sky Foundation, helping to improve the lives of  thousands of orphans.

It is amazing what she achieves, especially in a society that is wary of foreigners and interference, that she is able to set up playrooms, provide toys and set up training for caregivers.  We all have seen programmes on the way some orphans have been treated around the world especially in the 80s and 90s, strapped to chairs or cots, some not moving, and having little social interaction or any type of love or affection shown to them. What a difference some love and kindness make. You have to applaud the author for stepping up and being the change.  Bravo!!!

These are people we should be celebrating and talking about their stories, instead of newspapers and magazines filled with celebrities.  3/5

10% Happier - Dan Harris

Dan Harris is a US news anchor, who after a little panic attack on air, realises that he needs to find a way to de-stress and calm the little internal monologue going on in his head.  Looking at various forms of meditation and mindfulness, he kind of does the research for you.  Exploring and reading various authors and leaders in the whole mindfulness movement, he discovers that a little bit of meditation does improve things for him and hopefully will help the reader.  4/5

Confessions of a Mediocre Widow - Catherine Tidd

Catherine Tidd is only 31 when her husband is involved in  a motorbike accident on his way to work.  Left a widow with three young children, we follow her journey as she has to organise his funeral and carry on with a new life.

I always like a good memoir, it gives you a few life lessons along the way and even though I am not married myself I can appreciate how awful this experience is for Catherine and laugh along with her at the absurd things she encounters.  Realising that she has written his birthday incorrectly on the large rock used as a headstone did make me smile, as it is easier when you are grieving to make mistakes.  Catherine started off as a blogger, and I do admire her writing skills as she managed to make me enjoy this story of her life.

5/5