Light Reads for Brighter Days by Evie

Spring has finally arrived and it is my favourite time of year. Now that the days are brighter, I take great joy in carefully selecting what books will start my morning and accompany me on my walks. My book choices are not usually so specific, and to be quite honest are often very… let’s call it spontaneous. However, there was nothing impulsive about about my urge to read these books. I craved something that would make me feel as light as the sunshine that surrounded me and it is safe to say these books did just that.

Let the Light Pour In by Lemn Sissay

Often, when I wake, my eyes are glued shut and not even my alarm could drag me from my sleep. Since I bought this book, I can’t help but find myself reaching for it off my shelf, in search of some motivation to get me out of bed. When I first saw this book, there was a review from Jeanette Winterson tucked inside its cover which read, “Just swallow one like an espresso and go”. I certainly have taken on board this advice and I highly recommend you do too.

To show you just how brilliant these little poems are and how bright they shine, I have picked out one of my favourites for you.

‘How do you do it?’ said night

‘How do you wake up and shine?’

‘I keep it simple,’ said light

‘One day at a time’

Lemn Sissay has been writing these poems for the last decade. Each morning he set out to have his four-line poem written and completed. A daily practice he has been following for years. Each poem was then published on social media so that this joy could be shared with others.

I truly believe there isn’t someone out there who wouldn’t gain a little bit more light in their day from reading these poems. I am so grateful I discovered this collection (though I can’t take full credit as it was my colleague, Ross, that told me about them) and am certain each morning shines brighter when I have started each day this way.

The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

This is the first book of Kazuo Ishiguro’s that I have read and I can confidently say it will not be the last. In writing this blog, I am transported back to my many lunch breaks spent reading this book and I can’t help but smile when I think about just how happy this story made me. The warmth Ishiguro has created still follows me, even weeks after finishing this book.

For those of you that aren’t already familiar with its story, it takes place across one summer in 1956 and follows Stevens, a butler at Darlington Hall. After years of working at this residence, Stevens is given the opportunity to take a well deserved holiday (an offer that he eventually accepts). Free from his usual obligations, Stevens’ journey through the British countryside allows him to reminisce on his past. A journey readers are invited to join him on.

It is important I mention that most of my delight in recalling my experience of reading this book is because of Stevens’ character. Ishiguro writes Stevens with such authenticity, that I have to remind myself that this man does not exist (and it pains me to do so). I took great pleasure in spending the 258 pages of this book with him, as he narrates a life of devotion to his job and the missed opportunities that came with it.

Just like I described with Sissay’s poetry, there is a light that radiates from the pages of this book. A light that is contagious and has followed me even after it’s story has ended. This is a book about feeling and if it is joy you are searching for, then I urge you to read this book. It is the perfect read for this time of year which is why we have decided to make it our text for July’s Classics Book Club. Please come and join us for a lovely evening discussion.