I read these books over the last few months. It’s an eclectic choice, but I think they might be perfect reading companions for the long winter evenings, or can be given as a Christmas gift for your loved one(s). The list was supposed to be longer with another three books, but I only managed to read these two. Also, there is my book review of Fluent Forever on the school’s blog. I hope to add the other three books soon and will update you about it.
The Blue Castle by L. M. Montgomery
If you have read Anne of Green Gables, you’ll love this book too. It takes us back in time, but the topics it touches (to some extent) are as relevant today as they were 10 decades ago. Uneasy family relationships, staying true to oneself, expressing one’s own thoughts and feelings, choosing to live to one’s own values. But, at the same time, it’s a heart-warming story, romantic and dreamy. I read it in a couple of evenings, as I was so curious to know how it all ends. A beautiful story.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
“The greatest threat to success is not failure but boredom.” James Clear
When I ordered Atomic Habits at the library, I was number 146 in a long list of waiting readers, and eventually I got my copy after half a year. Once I read it, I understood why I had to wait so long: it’s a life-transforming read. Honestly, if you only read one book in 2026, let it be Atomic Habits. (Btw, last year I recommended Breath, have you read it?). Atomic Habits shows a different way of looking at motivation, goals and habits. I knew habits played an important role in our everyday life, but this book is solid proof of it. The book guides you through the process of building good habits and eliminating the bad ones. One of my favourite points is that you can start (very!) small. If you want to read books, start reading one page a day. That’s it! Just one page and see where it takes you after a while, especially when you start enjoying your short reads. And finally, a reminder if you progress too slowly: “Complaining about not achieving success despite working hard is like complaining about an ice cube not melting when you heated it from twenty-five to thirty-one degrees. Your work was not wasted, it is just being stored. All the action happens at thirty-two degrees.”
Book review: Art as Therapy by Alain de Botton and John Armstrong
If the world was a kinder place, perhaps we would be less impressed by, and in need of, pretty works of art. (p. 17)
Isn’t the above quotation a bit sad? I’ve always thought of art as something special, beautiful or inspiring, and not necessarily linked with my feelings or thoughts. After reading Art as Therapy, I understand that it’s me, my desires, problems or needs that I see through the eyes of art, and that art can play a beautiful, therapeutic role in self-healing or self-discovery (p. 57).
When I started reading Art as Therapy, I knew it was going to be an important read, a read that would challenge my vision of the world and enable me to see some hidden truths in art. It’s a book that gives you many ‘aha’ moments, and makes you smile when you make another little discovery about art, the world or yourself.
I think you can see reading the book as therapeutic: it discusses art in depth as well as life appreciation, love, nature, money or politics. It contains many beautiful art interpretations (my favourite is of The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr) and words of wisdom:
“(…) the museum is only a prelude to a life well lived.” (p. 91)
Will your next gallery visit be the same? Probably not, after reading this book, you’ll become equipped with tools that will make every gallery visit more thought-provoking. I’d be even brave enough to use the word deeper.
What are your most inspirational or interesting books you’ve recently read? Please let me know in the comments below.