My August Read, Watch, Listen List

August always feels rather languid to me. It's a time to relax, take a step back, refresh your body and reboot your brain. So that when September comes we're ready to get back to our hectic, everyday routines.

Here’s what’s on my read, watch, listen list this month.

The Mission House, Carys Davies - set in a remote hill station in India this quiet, gentle read is the perfect respite from the noise of modern day living.

Braiding Sweetgrass, Robin Wall Kimmerer - I wanted to read more non-fiction this year and cannot wait to start this book which blends botany, Native American mythology, natural history and philosophy.

Conversations on Love, Natasha Lunn - I came to this via Instagram. I loved the exercpts she posted, heard her being interviewed on Woman’s Hour and ordered a copy immediately. Great to dip in and out of.

Small Pleasures, Clare Chambers - yet to start this one but here’s a review by someone whose reading tastes I really rate (Pandora Sykes) - 'Gorgeous... If you're looking for something escapist and bittersweet, I could not recommend more'.

Useless Magic, Florence Welch - lyrics, poems, sermons, drawings. You’ll be hearing some of these in class.

This Is Home, Natalie Walton - I love this because it’s more than a coffee table book with inspiring images. It also explores the values of the featured homeowners and how they create a nurturing space to inhabit.

Desert Island Discs Podcast, Tom Daley - Confession time. I LOVE Tom Daley. He is just the most excellent human. And he knits and crochets whilst winning gold medals! This podcast is a treat.

Happy Place Podcast, Caitlin Moran - frank, sweary and laugh out loud funny.

Love Island - yes, this is my summer viewing. As a Love Island newbie I don’t mind admitting I am obsessed! Yes of course I can feel my brain cells depleting as I watch, but it creates a surprising amount of heated family debate on a wide range of current hot topics.

What’s on your watch, read, listen list?