Whilst I'm not the biggest bookworm out there, during lock down I've found myself reading a hell of a lot more than usual. It's a little way of seeking solace away from the world - a period of escapism in this weird time. I've found myself longing for mental medicine in word form, and the books I've had my eyes glued to lately are certainly that.

I'm a huge fan of poetry, and anything that helps shift my mental perspective. I love words that make me feel something or inspire me. I love anything that can encourage me to improve myself or knock a pessimistic side of me that needs to be dampened down.

I find a lot of innovation in words and it's normally what inspires me to write things myself or even what sparks that artistic match when I'm capturing images.



The Insecure Girl's Handbook

First and foremost, the book I've been reading the most is The Insecure Girl's Handbook by Olivia Purvis. Liv has been one of my favourite creators for such a long time (I had the pleasure of bumping into her at work a couple of weeks ago, and yes, she truly is the gorgeous in real life). Her images and writing have always influenced me massively.

Her book is a wonderful read that helps you feel able, confident and good enough in your own life, and as someone who struggles a lot with comparison, self-doubt and a bucket load of other insecurities, it has been the perfect thing to help me combat those struggles.

The book really encourages you to enter into your own insecurities and understand why you feel a certain way. It enables you to shift your attitude towards yourself and your own work, which I find so incredibly helpful.

I love that it doesn't just include one perspective too. It has wonderful outlooks and advice from lots of different types of women and I think that helps you realise that you're not all alone in those doubtful feelings and that everyone is dealing with something. 

Despite not having finished it yet, I really do highly recommend it to anyone who struggles with comparison or insecurities (all human beings basically haha). It's a really uplifting read, has helped me loads and I'm only on chapter 4!



Flux 

Next up, we're moving onto poetry. 

Orion Carloto is not only one of my the most beautiful, creative women I've found on Instagram, her poetry is also just absolutely beautiful. I got Flux gifted to me at Christmas from my parents and ever since, I read snippets of it daily.

It's a collection of poems written through the grief over heartbreak, something which we've all undoubtedly experienced at one point or another. It covers the themes of love, loss, solitude, depression, sex, nostalgia, and unrequited romance. 

I like that the book features a lot longer poems than your usual poetry book. I think that says a lot about the story Orion is trying to portray in Flux

I find it such a beautiful book, not only because of the gorgeous illustration, but because of how I connect with the words. It's poetry that really makes me feel something and I always head to this book if I'm in need of inspiration. 

If you're a poetry lover, you'll really enjoy this one.



The Sun And Her Flowers

Lastly, let's talk about a classic. The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur has been a favourite of mine ever since it came out - I also loved her debut book Milk and Honey. 

Unlike Orion's 'Flux', Rupi Kaur's poetry book is a celebration of love in all it's forms. It covers such an array of topics, some of which I can't relate to personally, but still really move me. Her words are so rich with emotion - it's a really provoking read.

Consequently, as someone who struggles with their mental health, this book has really helped and influenced me and some of my emotions, especially towards love and past relationships. The words in this book are so simple yet so incredibly meaningful, I cannot express my love for it enough.

Again, this is definitely one for the poetry lovers out there.

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