Libby Audiobook: My African Conquest, Julia Albu

 

I really wanted to love this book, as I enjoy stories about African adventures. Unfortunately, it did not quite capture me in the way I had hoped. That said, I have huge admiration for Julia Albu. At the age of 80, she drove solo from Cape Town to Cairo in a Toyota Conquest, which is an incredible feat of determination and courage.

Quite interesting that she also worked for Adele Lucas! That's where I cut my PR teeth. 

Rating: 3.8/5

Libby Audiobook: Dolly Parton Storyteller

Oh this was such a sweet audiobook. Narrated by Dolly Parton interspersed with snippets of her songs. Quite different to other bios and audiobooks. Really like her and her sense of humour.

She also does not have children, and her godchild is Miley Cyrus.

5/5

Kindle Audiobook: In the Deep by Loreth Anne White

In the Deep by Loreth Anne White is a gripping psychological thriller set along the wild Australian coast, where a woman’s seemingly perfect new life begins to unravel after her husband’s brutal murder. 

Secrets, lies, and betrayals emerge as investigators dig deeper, showing that what you think is happening is not what it really is.

The tension is superbly crafted, though I did not enjoy the narration style, as every last word was drawn out, which became distracting. Still, the story itself is so good, layered with twists that keep you questioning right until the end.

Rating: 4.5/5

 

Libby: The Let Them Theory, Mel Robbins

 

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Instead of getting tense about what other people are doing, the Let Them Theory reminded me to simply let them, and focus instead on myself and what I can do. It is such a refreshing mindset shift.

I especially appreciated the chapter about friends and the trap of comparing yourself with others. It was both grounding and liberating.

Key takeaways:

You cannot control other people’s choices, only your response to them.

Comparison steals joy. Your focus should be on your own growth and priorities. Although comparing can motivate you to do better.

Letting go of control is not weakness, it creates peace of mind and frees up energy for what truly matters.

Relationships improve when you stop managing other people’s behaviour and start managing your own perspective.

A simple concept, yet surprisingly powerful.

5/5

Libby Audiobook: Rise, Siya Kolisi

 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I am not a rugby fan, but I do enjoy starting my day with coffee and an inspirational leader.

Before reading, I knew very little about Siya and Rachel. The rugby match descriptions were not really my thing, yet there were moments where I found myself deeply moved, almost swept up in the elation and pride of those stadium victories.

What felt a little misaligned for me was that, early in the book, Siya emphasises his commitment to uplifting South Africa, yet later he moves to France. 

Still, any book that can elicit genuine emotion from me deserves top marks.

5/5

Kindle Audiobook: Snowflakes, Ruth Ware

 

I am not a fan of short stories, and this one did not change my mind. It was a little sad and, honestly, just meh. It didn’t blow my hair back.

3/5

Libby Audiobook: Making It So, Patrick Stewart

 

When I saw that this audiobook was almost 19 hours long, I thought, oh my goodness, how am I going to get through this? I am by no means a Star Trek fan, nor did I know much about Patrick Stewart beforehand, but I do love starting my mornings with a memoir. Over the past few mornings, it has been Sir Patrick Stewart keeping me company, and what a treat it has been.

The 19 hours flew by. What made it even more special is that he narrates it himself, which brings an intimacy and authenticity to the story that you would never get from print alone. His candour, humour, and honesty make the journey completely engaging.

Absolutely loved it. Really, really enjoyed it. 5/5.