2020 : My Pockets Of Light
Well, hello there! It's been quite some time hasn't it? I've simply had no inspiration nor motivation to write or create content of any kind recently. But I hope you're all well and finding joy where possible in this funny old year.
When I started my bullet journal for 2020 I began with 3 statements of what I wanted the year to be. 'The year of Growth. The year of Hobbies. The year of Happiness.' And despite everything else that this year has seen, I genuinely think it has been exactly this for me. I couldn't have picked more appropriate descriptors, in fact! No, when I said 'the year of hobbies' I wasn't quite anticipating to find my love for said hobbies through a national lockdown and being out of work, but I appreciate them all the more for how they saved me in such a situation. And speaking of which, my bullet journal has been an absolute god-send over the past 12 months. Most people binned off their journals/diaries this year given the lack of plans we've all been able to make, but for me it's been essential to have somewhere to put down my thoughts and doodles and reflect on the year. I started keeping mood trackers in it over the summer too which has made a world of difference for looking back on each day.
So really, I just wanted to round-up my year and share the pockets of light that have managed to make 2020 salvageable, for me!
- I got a new job! Yes it was less than ideal to be made redundant in the middle of a global pandemic, but after only one month of unemployment, I not only secured a new job, but a new job that keeps me very busy, is closer to home and actually makes me feel like a valued employee. What a novelty!
- I've read 48 books in the past 12 months. I used to be a real bookworm when I was younger, but growing up, life gets in the way and I kind of lost that passion. I've tried for the past few years to get it back, setting goals on GoodReads, etc., but it's not really happened for me. Until this year! A combination of finding the right books and lockdown giving me more free time, I've ploughed through far more books than I expected and I couldn't be happier about it. 48 is a lot for a slow reader like me, and you might have noticed my 'monthly round-ups' have transformed into 'what I've read this month'. I'm enjoying this change and will shortly have a post on my favourite reads of 2020, so keep your eyes peeled for that!
- I've gotten into some good routines/habits. In various ways, I've really honed in on the self-care this year, much like many others I assume! And it's definitely resulted in my feeling more content in myself and who I am. I've been journalling, switching my phone off an hour before bed, getting out for walks/jogging in the fresh air, lots of little things that have been really valuable to me this year.
- Normal People - I watched this twice and have recommended to everyone and anyone. So so wonderful!
- New Girl (not new, but new to me!)
- The Crown
- Little Fires Everywhere
- Bridgerton - yes it only came out at the end of the year but I sped through it and thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed it!
- Fine Line, Harry Styles (of course!)
- Folklore, Taylor Swift
- Punisher, Phoebe Bridgers
- The Slow Rush, Tame Impala
- Women In Music Pt.III, Haim
- Aldi hot chocolate maker - a dupe for the Hotel Chocolat velvetiser and worth every penny
- New book shelves
- Embroidery hoops and thread
- Wii fit - I rediscovered the joy of simple balance games, pretending to hula hoop and ski jump has produced many laughs!
- Silk scrunchies
Recent Reads: September & October
After a busy reading period over the summer, I've since been in quite the reading slump; hence the lack of a book round up for September! I don't know if it's the books I've been reading, the fact I'm busy at work or simply a combination of the two? But over September and October I managed to get through 4 books which I thought I'd share with you!
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen ★ ★ ★
Set in rural England in the early 19th Century, Pride & Prejudice follows the turbulent relationship between Elizabeth Bennett, the daughter of a country gentleman, and Fitzwilliam Darcy, a rich aristocratic landownder. They must overcome the titular sins of pride and prejudice in order to fall in love and marry.
We all know the story of Elizabeth and Mr Darcy, surely? The 2005 film with Keira Knightley and Matthew Mcfadyen is a favourite of mine, but until now I'd somehow never picked up the book. So considering that I know and love the story, it was disappointing when I actually found this a bit of a slog to read; classics are always a little harder to read given the language and writing style, my eyes glaze over a bit and I think that lead me to simply not wanting to pick the book up each night. For that reason, it took me the full month of September to get through. Despite this, I did still enjoy it; Austen is a marvel at characterisation and I found myself laughing, sighing and sympathizing with the characters.
Such A Fun Age by Kiley Reid ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
In the midst of a family crisis one late evening, white blogger Alix Chamberlain calls her African American babysitter, Emira, asking her to take toddler Briar to the local market for distraction. There, the security guard accuses Emira of kidnapping Briar, and Alix's efforts to right the situation turn out to be good intentions selfishly mismanaged.
This had been on my list to pick up for some time, but when it was nominated for the Booker Prize it shot up to the top of my list. And boy am I glad it did because it had me gripped so much so that I finished it in only 2 days! It's a very current read, which I thought might be a bad thing, but it actually made it more readable. It's a disheartening yet not at all surprising story, which gives an insight into how white people, however well-intentioned, can get it so so wrong by just not listening to Black people/POC, their experiences and their needs. I cringed at multiple parts of the story, but the characterisation was really well done and the relationship between Emira and Briar was just wonderful.
Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman ★ ★ ★ ★
It's the summer of 1983 and precocious 17-year-old Elio Perlman is spending the days with his family at their 17th century villa in Lombardy, Italy. He soon meets Oliver, a handsome doctoral student who's working as an intern for Elio's father. Amid the sun-drenched splendor of their surroundings, Elio and Oliver discover the heady beauty of awakening desire over the course of a summer that will alter their lives forever.
I don't know why, after I loved the 2017 film so much (hello, it's Timothee Chalamet, of course I loved it), it has taken me this long to get around to reading the book! But I picked this up alongside the sequel Find Me on Depop for a mere £7 and I am very happy about that. Acimans writing is so poetically beautiful, wholly intoxicating and utterly all-consuming. If you've ever had a 'right-person, wrong-time' moment then this book will break your heart in the best way. It's not the classic romance trope of flirtation and angst before a happy ending, which is why it's a book that will stay with you for a long time.
Find Me by Andre Aciman ★ ★ ★ ★
In this spellbinding exploration of the varieties of love, the author of the worldwide bestseller Call Me By Your Name revisits its complex and beguiling characters decades after their first meeting.
I must admit I had very low expectations for this book after seeing some of the reviews, but I was really pleasantly surprised. Seperated into 4 sections, Aciman revisits the most-loved characters from CMBYN and I must admit, as much as I was enjoying the plot/writing/characters, in the first section I was really annoyed with myself because it took me too long to work out who I was reading about!! The writing is equally as beautiful and poetic as the first book and with different explorations into love I found it such an uplifting, heart-warming read. If you're looking for a sequel all about Elio and Olivers relationship then this isn't it, but if you loved the characters I would absolutely recommend.
What have you been reading recently?
Loves. Emma.
Autumn Walks
It's not a new discovery that I enjoy going for long walks; especially ones with beautiful scenery that end with a hot chocolate by the fire, but it's definitely a love that's been heightened this year. The fresh air, the appreciation for nature and the things around us, the breathing space it allows for when things are getting A Lot™.
When the country first went into lockdown back in March, I began going for a lot more walks than normal, simply to get out of the house. They weren't autumnal walks then of course, they were walks broken up with spells of sitting to soak up the sun, walks where sunglasses and a bottle of water were the only essentials (ice lollies if we were lucky!) and they were walks mandatory for getting out of the same four walls we faced daily. At this point I was furloughed (before being made redundant) and going for a walk (much like reading and various other hobbies) was essential for giving structure to my days and making me feel somewhat productive.
Now, going into a second lockdown, things are feeling a lot different. I have a new job which I'm feeling secure in and which will keep me busy throughout; my days won't be empty to fill with walks, reading, painting or baking; but that doesn't mean any of those things aren't still essential. It might be harder now to fit walks in, when it's dark by the time I finish work and the weathers miserable each weekend, but wherever we can we'll be sure to fit them in.
Crunching autumn leaves, falling conkers, hot chocolates and bobble hats; it's the best time of year to be out walking. And if for now, we can't conclude a walk with a roast dinner at the pub then yeah that sucks, but it's not the end of the world. Here's to being grateful for the small pleasures in life, for our health and our loved ones.
Loves. Emma.
The Latest Additions To My Skincare Routine
So I thought I'd talk about some recent favourites. Skincare is very personal and I am absolutely not an expert, so these are simply what seem to be working for my face right now. I have combination skin that is really rather sensitive, and I only use brands that are cruelty free!
Soap & Glory Glow Your Mind Nourishing Cleansing Balm, £10 (PR product)
On an evening, I always do a double cleanse to get rid of any make-up as well as dirt/grime from the air, before properly cleaning the skin. For this, my first cleanse is always always a balm. I've used the Emma Hardie Moringa Balm before which is delightful but very spenny, and The Body Shop Camomile one is a go-to, but then I was introduced to this new release from Soap & Glory which is an absolute DELIGHT. My favourite thing about cleansing balms is that they are never drying on the skin; not only does this one contain marula oil, avocado oil, apricot oil and jojoba oil to help with this, but also contains Vitamin C to help with brightening the skin. It's unfragranced too so great for sensitive skin!
The Inkey List 15% Vitamin C and EGF Serum, £14.99
I first discovered The Inkey List a couple of months ago when I saw Demi talking about some of their products. And boy am I glad I did! I've wanted a good Vitamin C serum for a while and the one I tried from The Ordinary simply wasn't cutting it, but this one has made such a big difference to my skin. The formula is nice and lightweight and using it every morning has really brightened up my previously dull complexion. One of the best things about The Inkey List products is that they give full descriptions of their products and specified ingredients online, detailing exactly what they are for.
The Inkey List Vitamin B, C & E Moisturizer, £4.99
For only £4.99, this moisturizer is an actual STEAL. It contains Vitamin B3 (aka Niacinamide) to help control excess oil and redness, Vitamin C to aid with brightening and Vitamin E for soothing redness and calming the skin. I've taken to using this every night in preference to my previous (much pricier) choice and I also sometimes use it in a morning too, before my SPF, if my skin is feeling especially dry. It's literally a product that you can't go wrong with?
Nip & Fab Retinol Fix Over-Night Cream, £29.95
So Retinol is something that's become a bit of an Instagram hype over the past year or 2 and I absolutely fell for it, picked a product that wasn't right for my skin and it was a disaster. So I steered clear of anything containing the R word until I was recommended the Nip & Fab Renew range. I only use this once of twice a week, and with it being an over-night cream instead of a concentrated serum it's much easier to manage and much better suited to my skin. It is lightly fragranced, but it's been ok for my skin so far and it does seem rather delightful!
The Body Shop Drops Of Youth Liquid Peel, £18.50
Since I started using the Retinol cream regularly, I actually use this rarely because I don't want to overdo it. But I started using this weekly as a good pamper product in place of a face mask. The best thing about it is that you can physically see it working. If you've not tried a liquid peel from The Body Shop, you simply rub it into clean, dry skin and watch all the impurities and dead skin rub up with it. It leaves your skin feeling super soft and silky, but is certainly not to be over-used. (I may have also used this on my feet to help with dry patches and it works wonders!)
One thing that I am still missing from my skincare routine is a good SPF that doesn't leave your skin feeling sticky or looking white. So please leave any recommendations!
Loves. Emma.
Slow Fashion Season: In Summary
Somehow, 2020 is the first year in which I've committed to Slow Fashion Season in its entirety. Last year, I completed Second Hand September (to much success) but aside from that, I've simply been trying to improve my shopping habits bit by bit, all year-round. If you're not aware of Slow Fashion Season, you can read my earlier post all about it, but it's a 3 month period in which to commit to buying no new clothes; only second-hand clothes via vintage stores/charity shops/clothes swaps, etc. And I've found it very very easy! Maybe that's because, like I've mentioned, I've been changing up my shopping habits anyway; or maybe it's because we're still in the midst of a pandemic so I've not been out shopping or thinking about new clothes in the same way as previously. But either way, I've not found the season all that challenging and the only thing I have on my list to buy new now that it's over, is some good black leggings as mine are thinning! So if anyone has any sustainable/ethical recommendations, please leave me a comment.
What have I been buying throughout Slow Fashion Season then?
Not all that much, as it goes! In order to really improve my shopping habits, I decided to start a list on my phone of items that are missing from my wardrobe, that I know will get worn a lot and styled up in various ways, so I've been trying to stick to only buying those items. I've not stuck to it 100%, but it's definitely a good way to help with overconsumption!
My favourite pair of jeans in my wardrobe are a pair of Levi wedgie jeans; they fit like a dream and I wear them with everything, so when I landed my new job at the start of August I decided to treat myself to another pair, but in black. I was initially going to wait until the end of SFS to buy new, but then thought twice about it, searched Depop and instantly found a pair in my size for less than £30! I was physically jumping up and down I was so happy, and when they arrived I was very relieved to find they fit as well as the blue pair. If you know your size, Depop is always worth a check before looking for new!
One thing that has been at the top of my list for wanting to buy for a while now, is a bib collar blouse. I've seen that Sezane one all over instagram and the layering/styling options are literally endless, for the coming seasons especially! But given both the price and the fact I was committed to SFS, I took to scouring for a vintage option instead. And after weeks of searching, I finally spotted this dreamy little number from Reina Vintage via their Depop store and it is everything I wanted.
My final Depop find of Slow Fashion Season was a pair of brown check trousers. I've been after some like this for such a long time, but just couldn't find any in the style that I wanted on Depop/eBay/any vintage store I know of. Until this Pull & Bear pair appeared! There was an outfit I'd seen on Pinterest and wanted to recreate, so I was very specific about finding the right trousers. I've still not actually recreated said outfit yet as it's very autumnal and not been quite cold enough, but I'm still happy with the trousers and how good quality they are for less than £10!
I finally ventured back into Leeds city centre this month and boy was I excited! There's a new Cow Vintage store which I was dying to visit as I love their Manchester branch, and it certainly didn't disappoint; I had to resist from buying half of the store. It's quite good for my bank balance that you can't try things on in-store because I don't want to get home, find out something doesn't fit, and have to take it back, so I'm far more picky! I spotted this pink corduroy shirt though and it was a must-have. Not on my list, but something I will get a lot, a lot of wear out of!
Have you joined in with Slow Fashion Season this year? How have you found it?
Loves. Emma.
What I've Read In August
It's the final day of August, a lovely sunny Bank Holiday Monday, as I write this. I'm laid on my bed with no plans to leave the house and/or do my hair and make-up; a much needed chill day after a hectic week. Well, it's been a busy ole month of getting back into the world of full-time work with a shiny new job! But I'm feeling pretty content for the first time in a long time and more than happy to write some little book reviews. As I predicted last month, my new job did result in me reading far fewer books than the months throughout lockdown, but I still managed 5 which is more than I was managing last year. In fact, as I finished the last book of this month, I hit my goodreads 2020 challenge which I set in January at 40 books for the year! I'm now hoping to get to 50, which isn't all that much more for the next four months really, but I'm determined to make a dent in my pile of classics which always take a lot longer to read.
So what are the 5 books I've read this month? Well, I thought I'd start with my least favourite and build up to my two(!) 5 star reads.
The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary ★ ★ ★
I've seen this book all over social media for the past year and I was never really intrigued by it, but I picked it up for a bargain in the supermarket when I got some others as it was the August read for the book club I recently joined.
"Tiffy Moore needs a cheap flat, and fast. Leon Twomey works nights and needs cash. Their friends think they're crazy, but it's the perfect solution: Leon occupies the one-bed flat while Tiffy's at work in the day, and she has the run of the place the rest of the time. But with obsessive ex-boyfriends, demanding clients at work, wrongly imprisoned brothers and, of course, the fact that they still haven't met yet, they're about to discover that if you want the perfect home you need to throw the rulebook out the window..."
It wasn't a bad book, I definitely enjoyed it and smiled a lot, but there was nothing groundbreaking to it. It's the typical romantic, chick-lit (I hate that term, but don't know how else to describe it!) that you'd expect. And it actually turned out to the be the nice light-hearted, easy read that I needed after struggling with my previous read, but every part of it was just so predictable. Very sweet and heart-warming, definitely a good choice if you're in a reading rut!
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley ★ ★ ★
I decided it was finally time to read this simply because it's been sat on my TBR for the longest time. I picked it up a few years ago alongside The Catcher In The Rye and The Secret History in a bid to read some more modern classics. I read (and loved) the others immediately, but this seemingly got forgotten. And turns out it was really hard to get into!
"Largely set in a futuristic World State, inhabited by genetically modified citizens and an intelligence-based social hierarchy, the novel anticipates huge scientific advancements in reproductive technology, sleep-learning, psychological manipulation and classical conditioning that are combined to make a dystopian society which is challenged by only a single individual: the story's protagonist."
I don't know what it was, maybe simply that 2020 isn't the ideal time to be reading dystopian novels(!), but I just couldn't get into this book until I got to the last few chapters. It was one of those where I found myself reading a page, realising I'd not taken anything in and then having to read it again. I do love the plot, it was interesting, odd and the characterisation well executed,I think I simply need to read it again when I'm in a different headspace.
Love In Colour by Bolu Babalola ★ ★ ★ ★
I've followed Bolu on Twitter for the longest time and when she announced she was writing her first book I just knew I would love it. After pre-ordering it on Hive so I had it upon release, it immediately jumped to the top of my TBR and boy am I glad I didn't wait!
"From the homoromantic Greek myths, to magical Nigerian folktales, to the ancient stories of South Asia, Bolu brings new life to tales that truly show the vibrance and colours of love around the world. The anthology is a step towards decolonising tropes of love, and celebrates in the wildly beautiful and astonishingly diverse tales of romance and desire that already exist in so many cultures and communities."
With a combination of mythical retellings and original stories, Bolu really knows how to engage the reader. Beautiful imagery and stunningly poetic writing, I definitely think the retellings were my favourite as they felt much more vibrant. My most favourite story, however, was that of Alagomeji, of course. The personal touch truly added to how beautiful the final piece in the book was. This is a great display of how Black women and women of colour should be centred in romantic stories more.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
An incredibly written book that was brought to the forefront of my attention during the latest wave of the Black Lives Matter protests, this is absolutely one of the most important reads that I would recommend to everyone. It made me cry multiple times, but I simply couldn't put it down.
"Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighbourhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Facing pressure from all sides of the community, Starr must find her voice and decide to stand up for what's right."
When you find a book that combines being an important read with a political/social message, and being well-written, gripping and emotionally charged, it's rare. But boy is it good when you find them! With light-hearted moments of joy to make you smile among the often heavy themes, The Hate U Give really covers everything you could want in such a book. It's a truly eye-opening look into racial bias in the justice system in America with phenomenal characterisation and heart-warming family dynamics that I simply adored.
The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I'd been considering this book for a while, so when I saw it on The Works website for a mere £2 I couldn't resist. And I am so so glad because it was absolutely the most beautiful book. A very important read about love, loss and hope; another one I'd recommend to everybody!
"Nuri is a beekeeper; his wife, Afra, an artist. They live a simple life, rich in family and friends, in the beautiful Syrian city of Aleppo - until the unthinkable happens. When all they care for is destroyed by war, they are forced to escape. As Nuri and Afra travel through a broken world, they must confront not only the pain of an unspeakable loss, but dangers that would overwhelm the bravest of souls. Above all - and perhaps this is the hardest thing they face - they must journey to find each other again."
When I say this book stole a piece of my heart, I'm not even being dramatic. It was heavy, heart-wrenching and even stomach-churning in parts but that only made it even more gripping. The writing seamlessly transitions between past and present, cleverly done with single word pages, which I thought was a beautiful way of tying their story together. With wonderfully descriptive language, every part of this story feels all too real, but the brief glimpses of beauty with Nuri and the bees are the small pockets of joy essential in such a read. Nuri and Afra's story may be fictional, but knowing there are so many like it makes it even more important.
Loves. Emma.
One Vest Top, 5 Ways
Back in March, I placed an order with LostStock and earlier this month it arrived! If you don't know who LostStock are, where have you been?! When the pandemic hit and countries started going into lockdown, many of the big name brands cancelled their clothing orders with their Bangladeshi suppliers, refused to both pay and take the clothes made, leaving factory workers with nothing. So LostStock stepped in! Money from selling these clothes would help keep factory workers alive and also keep the clothes from going to landfill. It was somewhat of a lucky dip, answer a few questions about your style and they send £70 worth of goods for £35. And there have, rightfully, been a lot of criticisms. I simply got 4 different vest tops which aren't even worth the £35 never mind £70, but it was for a good cause and hopefully helped someone in need so I can't complain too much.
Anyway! There was one vest of the four I received that was actually my style, and given that I don't wear sleeveless tops/dresses of any kind normally (I hate my upper arms) it's pushed me into getting creative with styling. So I thought I'd share!
The Vintage Vibe
This white shirt is something that has been on my wishlist for months after seeing a similar Arket number and I finally spotted this one on Reina Vintage Depop shop last week. It's the perfect piece for layering up and creating a look that's just a little different. Paired with my all-time favourite jeans, the Levi wedgie fit, and this is definitely my favourite look of the 5 here.
Decorator Chic
A simple option and the usual go-to for me when it comes to vest tops, is just to layer them underneath a jumpsuit. This is a nice, lightweight number I picked up last summer and the orange tie-dye pops perfectly against the white!
Summer Pastels
An obvious choice for a vest top is to merely throw it on with a pair of shorts and voila, summer outfit sorted. Not my usual styling choice, but my favourite vintage shorts with a clashing shirt over the top seems to work rather well.
Classically
Another thing that I've been hunting for on Depop/eBay is a nice pair of brown check trousers because once I get an idea in my head, I can't get it out! So finding this Pull & Bear pair on Depop for less than a tenner was a steal. The brown works well with the orange of the vest, and you can never go wrong with a white shirt thrown on top can you?
The Print Clash
It wouldn't be right if I didn't add a good print clash now, would it? And what better clash than double tie dye! I've had this mesh number for a few years now and it's just one of my favourite pieces for layering. The orange vest works so well for adding a splash of colour to an otherwise monochrome outfit.
So which of the 5 looks is your favourite?!
Loves. Emma.
A July Book Round-Up
Lockdown Has Made Me Reevaluate My Wardrobe
May & June: What I've Read & Watched
- Jog On by Bella Mackie - This one's been sat on my shelf since last year and I'm glad I finally got around to reading it because not only did it resonate so much with me, but it was the push I needed to get out running. My mental health has been a rollercoaster in lockdown but running has been quite the saviour!
- Normal People by Sally Rooney - This has been scrawled on the Notes app in my phone to buy for months and I finally ordered it in May so I could read it before watching the newly released Series. Oh my God, I don't think I've loved a book this much in a long long time. It follows the story of Connel and Marianne, two seemingly mismatched teenagers who keep coming together. The writing style, the characters, just everything!
- Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo - Another book that I absolutely adored. This was such a different style in telling the stories of 12 different women across the UK and how they interlink, covering such real and raw topics around race, gender and class. Evaristos writing is delightful and I've already added her other work to my list.
- Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins-Reid - Telling the fictional story of a 70's rock band, this was the fun, light-hearted read that lockdown needed. I loved the interview style and the twist in revealing the interviewer at the end. It's a book that really transports you to the era in which it's set.
- Validate Me by Charly Cox - Besides the dreaded Anthology at school, I've not read all that much poetry before. But I've been following Charly on Instagram for a couple of years now and love her work. After I read 'She Must Be Mad' last year and loved it, I knew 'Validate Me' would be the same. It's a nice break from the fiction/non-fiction cycle!
- Us by David Nicholls - As a big fan of One Day, I've been meaning to read more of Nicholls work for a while now, so finding Us for 99p in a Charity shop back in February seemed like fate. After Douglas' wife Connie announces she plans to leave him and the family home after their son leaves for University, this book follows their final summer as they go all out on a long-anticipated roadtrip across Europe. It was kind of heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time and just a really wonderful read.
- Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams - One you've probably seen all over social media recently! Queenie is a 20-something Black woman navigating life after taking a break from her relationship. It covers mental health, race, class and consent while remaining to be a laugh out loud read. I rated this 5 stars on GoodReads and, I don't regret that because I did enjoy it, but it was also a very basic writing-style and some of the issues I don't think were dealt with as deeply as they could've been. A nice quick read!
- Emma by Jane Austen - I mentioned in my last round-up post that I'm trying to read more classics this year and Emma was number 2 on that list. I love the story, but it's in parts quite lengthy where it doesn't need to be and with the old language, I sometimes had to read sentences twice through. It's still one I'd recommend as I do love the characterisation and the plot.
- Why I'm No Longer Talking To White People About Race by Renni Eddo-Lodge - Embarassingly, this was on my list to buy when it first came out but I never got around to picking it up because I wanted to read fiction more. So with the latest BLM movement this was always going to be the first book I picked up. And there's a reason it is so highly recommended. Covering history of race issues in the UK, whitewashed feminism and the link between race and class this is an absolute essential read for everyone about what it's like to be Black in the UK today.
- Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney - After how much I loved Normal People, I knew I had to read this ASAP. It's the tale of a complex menage-a-quatre with 21-year-old Frances at the centre and initially, I wasn't all that sold from the blurb. I absolutely loved it though because Sally Rooney is a genius.
- I Will Not Be Erased by gal-dem - A book that was brought to mention in the wave of resources being shared alongside the BLM movement. Gal-dem is an online and print publication by women of colour and non-binary people of colour. The book shares stories of different members often in the style of diary entries to their younger selves. It was a great eye-opening read that I'm strongly recommending.
- The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris - I am very late to the party with this I know, but it's been falling to the bottom of my TBR pile for the past year until I decided it was time to pull it out. Based on a true story, I found this such a harrowing read but also an essential read. I'm now reading the sequel, Cilka's journey...
- Manifest Season 2 - It's such a bizarre yet gripping series about the return of a missing plane. At times it seems very predictable but I still love to get lost in it.
- Moonlight - A film I've been wanting to see for a long time, but if I can't add it to my list on Netflix and I don't catch it whilst it's on SkyMovies, then things slip under the radar. I paid to rent it on Prime a few weeks back and it was a really powerful watch.
- For Sama - A documentary available on 4 On Demand in which Waad Al-Kateab films across 5 years of her life during the uprising in Aleppo. It's a harrowing look into the female experience of war, but one I would recommend everyone watch immediately.
- Afterlife Season 2 - This show perfectly balances the line between heartbreakingly sad and laugh-out-loud funny. It's widely popular for a reason and a great watch whether you've dealt with grief or not.
- Normal People - After loving the book as much as I did I was kinda scared this wouldn't live up to it. But OMG! It was everything I could've dreamt of and more, it's clear that Sally Rooney had a hand in the writing of the show because it resembles the book so closely.
- Booksmart - I wanted to see this at the cinema when it was first released but it wasn't at all locations and there were few showings near me. It's then taken me far too long to get round to watching it, and I didn't love it, but I enjoyed it. There were too many toe-curling moments and too many lucky coincidences that I couldn't see past but it was still a heart-warming coming of age.
- BlacKKKlansman - An old work colleague recommended this to me a few months back so when I saw it was on SkyMovies I set it to record immediately. It was quite a shocking watch, especially knowing that the racism, the police brutality and the presence of the KKK are still rife in 2020.
- Once Upon A Time In Hollywood - I'd seen a lot of hype around this last year and after watching it, I don't really get it?? The end especially was pretty horrific, but the whole film didn't seem to have much of a plot?
- American Son - Based on a Broadway play of the same name, this sees an enstranged couple reunite at a Chicago police station when their son goes missing. It shows the intrinsic racism within the police force and is a must-see for all.
- 13th - A Netflix Original Documentary that looks at the history of race and the criminal justice system in America. There are some pretty shocking statistics that I wasn't previously aware of, so is quite the essential viewing the educate yourselves on mass incarceration and how it is deemed an extension of slavery.
- The Death and Life of Marsha P Johnson - As I write this post, I've just watched this today and it was a very emotional look at such a leading force in the Stonewall uprising and how trans women are failed so often.
Always Learning
- Social Media truly is one of the most powerful tools we have access to right now. Without it, we wouldn't be seeing the truth in the #BlackLivesMatter protests (because we all know traditional media only shows an edited fraction), heck these protests wouldn't even be happening on such a large scale without it. Without the ability to share videos around the world instantly, get petitions pushed to reach millions and have a simple and direct way to donate to the cause. It gives us the ability to educate both each other and ourselves, to share resources and organise protests in solidarity from various other countries.
- Resources are there are if you just take the time to look. Fiction and non-fiction books will teach you a lot, but there are podcasts we need to be listening to and movies/TV shows that make for hard-hitting learning too. They've always been there, we just haven't always made the effort to look. Everyone and their mum has been compiling lists of where you can start and I'll share some at the end of this post.
- It's not just the educational resources we need to be paying attention to. It might be unconscious, but the majority of the shows you watch, the books you read and the businesses you support will have white people at the centre. Be aware of this! Support Black-owned businesses, read the work of Black authors simply because the story sounds interesting, watch TV shows with Black actors/writers/directors because they look damn good. Don't only seek out the work of Black people when you want educating on race. That isn't on them, it's on us.
- Diversifying your social media feeds is essential. This not only stands for Black people, but all POC, plus-size people, trans and non-binary people, disabled people and those simply from different backgrounds. I like to think my following list has been diverse for a long while but there's always more we can be doing, to listen to their voices and uplift them. If you only follow people who look like you, you'll be existing in a bubble unaware of what others are facing.
- There's always something you can do to help. Even if you think you can't make a difference, even if you're not able to go to protests or donate financially, you can still help. You can sign and share petitions, you can educate yourself further and challenge those around you, you can support and uplift Black voices. Because together we're stronger.
- There is no excuse for ignorance. This is a lifetime commitment for me to not only make sure I'm as fully educated as I can be, but to use that knowledge and my white privilege to make a difference where possible. To speak up, to show up, to stand up. If you're not making the same commitment, why?
- Books: (FYI these aren't all anti-racism books, some are simply fiction books by Black and POC authors which cover the subject of race)
- Why I'm No Longer Talking To White People About Race by Renni Eddo-Lodge
- Me and White Supremacy by Layla F Saad
- Brit(ish) by Afua Hirsch
- The Good Immigrant by Nikesh Shukla
- Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo
- Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
- White Teeth by Zadie Smith
- The Colour Purple by Alice Walker
- The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
- I Will Not Be Erased by gal-dem
- TV Shows/Movies:
- 13th (Netflix)
- When They See Us (Netflix)
- Dear White People (Netflix)
- Moonlight
- Get Out
- American Son (Netflix)
- The Color Purple
- I Am Not Your Negro
- Who Killed Macolm X? (Netflix)
- The Death and Life of Marsha P Johnson (Netflix)
- Podcasts:
- 1619 by New York Times
- About Race with Renni Eddo-Lodge
- Intersectionality Matters! hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw
- Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast
- Yikes with Mikaela Loach & Jo Becker
- Other resources:
- Gal-dem magazine - a platform committed to telling the stories of women and non-binary people of colour.
- A running list of anti-racism resources via Dazed
- Why You Need To Stop Saying "All Lives Matter" by Rachel Cargle for Harpers Bazaar
- Racism, Police Violence and The Climate Are Not Seperate Issues via The New Yorker
- Dear White Women, written and curated by Rachel Cargle
- 43 of the Best Books by Black Authors You Should Read In Your Lifetime by Oprah Magazine