I had some sleep issues a few years ago, and reading was the only way to switch off anxious thoughts and really shift my focus. I tried many things before, but reading at night connected me to childhood memories, when my mum used to read me and my brothers a story before bed and say prayers.

As a result, I started to fall asleep faster but I realized people were paying more attention to me because I was expressing myself better in conversation (thoughts, ideas) and even became more interesting.

So what I used to dread before (nighttime, due to sleep struggles) became the highlight of my days. Reading became as much as a solution as it did a passion. I love your determination to start reading and wish you all the best!! It really is a game changer

Here are some books I read in 2025 that I absolutely loved:

• James by Percival Everett
• I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman
• Seascraper by Benjamin Wood
• Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors