As an English Literature and Creative Writing Student a love for reading is essential, although I do often find that the idea of analysing and studying a text is a lot more daunting and certainly less freeing than sitting back with a book and opening your mind to the realm of the written world. Therefore, I find solace through the escapism that comes with sitting in the far corner of a coffee shop with a coconut mocha in hand, whatever sweet snack I am craving on that current day, and the company of a good book (one that is free from the worry of having to Harvard reference it later on). Here are a few of my current favourite reads and an insight into why they are the perfect café accompaniment.
Florence Welch is a great inspiration of mine and I am not ashamed to admit that I have cried through a live performance of ‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’, because the feeling I get from the mesmerising melodies, vibrant vocals and liberating lyrics is something beyond my descriptive capabilities. When I discovered that I could explore these lyrics in book form and delve in to the ‘magic’ behind the creation it’s needless to say that I was excited; I couldn’t wait to appreciate the words as poetry and watch them create a melody of their own. Not only is the deep red textured cover absolutely stunning, each page is crafted beautifully and would make for the perfect Instagram post. Whether you’re an avid Florence Welch fan, a lover of exquisite poetry or just want to lose yourself in wonderful illustrations and delightful doodles, Useless Magic is the quintessential café companion.
My favourite line…
This fantasy, this fallacy this tumbling stone. Echoes of a city that’s long overgrown, your heart is the only place that I call home. (Heartlines, page 119)
Lisa Currie doesn’t fail to achieve the statement on the cover, ‘instant happiness on every page’; each flick of the thumb emits a ray of sunshine. The Positivity Kit is my go to whenever I’m feeling down, overwhelmed or just need a minute to stop and appreciate the smaller things in life. This book is filled with little activities, reminders and affirmations that can bring out a smile in a matter of seconds. I love sitting with a peppermint tea, a pencil and positivity as I doodle through the pages and take a few moments for myself; it does require some sort of writing equipment to be able to get the full experience (I’m sure there’s a pen somewhere in the bottom of your bag). However, even without a pen you can use this kit to inspire positive thoughts; perfect for a quick wind down!
My favourite page…
5 Reasons Why I Deserve a High Five Right Now (page 125)
Breakfast at Tiffany’s is the epitome of pure romantic escapism. Its elegance transports me right to the heart of New York in the 1940s in just 90 pages and lets me live my Audrey Hepburn fantasy. The main character Holly Golightly has such a captivating presence and I’m in awe of her charm every single time I read it. Being just a short piece of fiction, it truly is the perfect café read, as I’m sat alongside one black coffee and three macarons: lemon, raspberry and pistachio; I pretend that I’m in a Parisian café, surrounded by the opulence that this story possesses.
My favourite line…
“A girl doesn’t read this sort of thing without her lipstick”
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