Best books to read from the last 5 years

Some of us love it and some of us find it harder to get into the pages of a gripping book, but reading can bring so many benefits to your life, especially during a situation like the one we are currently in. For those who have limited mobility, finding a hobby that is low impact and requires minimal movement can be even more beneficial.

Louise Claire Johnson explains a little more about the benefits of reading and how it can induce relaxation:

“The power of reading is especially important during times of crisis as it offers a form of escapism and broadens our perspective on the world. The dynamic relationship between a reader and literature is one where you can step into someone else’s shoes and achieve higher levels of self-awareness and empathy. Reading is also a calming activity, much like meditation, that allows the body and mind to slow down amidst the chaos of our current climate.”

Lady in Waiting by Anne Glenconner

An autobiography about the Lady in Waiting to Princess Margaret and Maid of Honour at the Queen’s Coronation, Lady in Waiting shares the trials, tribulations and real-life dramas of this resilient woman. Sophia Bennett recommends Lady in Waiting to those who love a feel-good, true-life story:

“The book that really got my book club talking recently was Lady in Waiting, by Anne Glenconner. Lady Glenconner was close friends with Princess Margaret and walked behind the Queen at her Coronation. You would think her story would be one of privilege and excess - and sometimes it is, but it's really about the heartbreak and determination of a woman forging her identity and looking after her family through some very tough times. We all found it fascinating, from Anne’s days as a female sales rep, staying in down-at-heel hotels around the country, to her descriptions of her difficult, decades-long marriage to the mercurial - and impossible - Colin Tennant, Lord Glenconner. In times when we are all using whatever coping strategies we have to get through, it can be inspirational to see how a woman in her late eighties has survived whatever life could throw at her.”

Waterstones describes it as: “Glamour, romance and personal tragedy; the dramatic life of Anne Glenconner, Lady in Waiting to Princess Margaret, is recounted with rapier-like wit and sparkling vivacity by the woman herself. From the euphoria of partying on Mustique to the horror of losing two grown-up sons, this is an incredible life lived to the fullest.”

The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley

A story about how a little green notebook can transform lives and create friendships that’ll last a lifetime. The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley is a tall tale of how telling the truth and revealing your deepest and darkest secrets can bring you closer than ever to true happiness and the most authentic friends.

“What starts out as someone vocalising how alone they feel in the world turns into one of the most pleasurable reads I have had in years. What starts off as a story of painful sadness finishes as something far more joyous, highlighting that friendship and honesty is a real strength that many of us overlook.” Says Tamason from the Travelling Book Junkie.

“'I loved The Authenticity Project. It has such an intriguing premise, wonderful characters and is utterly truthful about the lies that we all tell. It's a clever, uplifting book that entertains and makes you think.' - Sophie Kinsella” a review on the Waterstones’ site.

Bringing you a story of uplifting happiness whilst telling a tale of trust and the truth, this book deserves its name as one of the best books of the last 5 years.

The Other You by J.S. Monroe

A suggestion from Louise Claire Johnson, The Other You by J. S. Monroe is a book of darker origins. A wife waits for her husband to join her on holiday and, as soon as he arrives, she knows it isn’t him. This thriller explores patience, paranoia and the feeling that everyone is not who they say they are.

An extract from the book as reported on the Better Reading website: ‘We’ve all got a double out there somewhere, watching, waiting. Shadowless. And I’ve already met mine, a long time ago… They say it’s bad enough to see your double once, but it’s meant to be much worse if you meet them a second time. The day I see him again will be my last. He’ll take over my life… He’ll steal my soul.’

Louise describes it as “A physical thriller about stolen identity that could so easily happen in today’s modern times. It highlights how one person can completely take over another’s life without anyone actually noticing.”

On Earth We Are Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous is a heart-breaking tale of a families love and loss and the trial and tribulations of the bond between a mother and son.

Penguin describes the book in stark detail: “With stunning urgency and grace, Ocean Vuong writes of people caught between disparate worlds, and asks how we heal and rescue one another without forsaking who we are. The question of how to survive, and how to make of it a kind of joy, powers the most important debut novel of many years.”

Louise describes the book as a “powerful debut that tells the story of a son and mother while unravelling a family history that asks how we heal and rescue one another without giving up who we are.”

The Rumour by Lesley Kara

A tale of rumours, suspicion and accusations, The Rumour tells the story of how rumours can turn people’s lives upside down.

“A chillingly credible thriller that examines issues of guilt, redemption and the pernicious effects of neighbourhood gossip, The Rumour takes its inspiration from real-life cases of released murderers and the effect their presence has on the wider community. Taut, tense and intelligently handled, Kara’s debut marks her out as one to watch.” says Waterstones.

Tamason also recommends this book, saying: “This book highlights how rumours can end up ruining lives, even if they turn out to be correct in some way. Nowadays, we live in a society that loves gossip and this novel by Lesley demonstrates just how dangerous it can become.”

The top five books released in the last five years:

• Lady in Waiting by Anne Glenconner
• The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley
• The Other You by J.S. Monroe
• On Earth We Are Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
• The Rumour by Lesley Kara

No matter what books you usually enjoy, reading is a wonderful and relaxing way to pass the time and requires little to no movement, so is ideal for those with limited mobility. If you or someone you know are looking for Stairlifts in the UK, explore Age Co Mobility for a wide range.