Books That Every Twenty- Something Should Read
Whilst pondering what topic to cover for this months Ulster Tatler Column and sitting down to write, I realised that today marks exactly 6 months until I get married. Alongside wedding planning, life has never been busier. I would initially have predicted that spinning so many plates at this particular stage of life would equal stress with a capital ‘S’. Oddly though, whilst indeed I am in an era of absolute chaos, I’m enjoying every minute.
I’m revelling in how fast paced life is right now. Planning the details of saying ‘I do’ has been a joy. Buying our first home together alongside renovating a second property has been a confidence builder (with a hefty side order of admin & DIY learning curves). And my radio job has never been more jam packed. It is busy but I have never felt more engaged whilst spinning several plates at once.
Of course, it can’t all be smooth sailing. There is, one element interlinked with heading into this new stage of life that I view as a shadow of doom.
This beast in question: Packing. And with moving out of my childhood home soon. A lot of it awaits me.
I loathe packing. I mean I loathe it. A weekend city break alone is enough to send me into a frenzy of writing lists and I will need to block out literal hours to complete this task. The feeling that comes with deliberating about the benefits and/ or inconveniences that could hypothetically arise for future me based on if I bring or don’t bring said minor item holds a special place of hatred in my heart. Don’t start me on the fact that I can not visualise what items I will need unless I physically open and close every drawer and wardrobe as I go.
This isn’t satire. I genuinely question on a weekly basis why I was cursed with this niche and ridiculious affliction.
This being said, I hope this now paints a picture of much I am looking forward to the task of packing up the last 27 years of my life and transporting them to the new home that Matthew and I will share together once married.
On the bright side, most of my things will be coming with me, which eliminates the decision making element that causes me such deep suffering. The exception is my collection of books. Much like a child choosing a favourite toy to take on holiday, when I move out, I will have to choose a realistic selection of my favourite titles to take with me.
I can’t bring them all because as well as having a phobia of packing a suitcase, I think I may also have a hoarding problem with collecting books. (This is satire, but truly, I love my books as much as I loathe my suitcase).
And so this is why, 6 months in advance, I have already started to compile a list of my favourites. Ones that will absolutely have to take pride of place in our first marital home.
These are titles that I believe every female in their twenties should read. They helped me to navigate the confusing times, laugh in the difficult times, and served as a reminder that life is constantly moving onto new chapters. I hope they can do the same for you.
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo – by Taylor Jenkins Reid
To encourage you to dream big - Room – Emma Donoghue
For when you need a good cry - You could be so pretty – Holly Bourne
To remind you that you are so much more than just your looks - Everything I know about love – Dolly Alderton
To reinforce the power of female friendship - The Midnight Library
For when you feel you’re lost and want to find yourself again
