Libby Audbook: It.Goes.So.Fast, Mary Louise Kelly

 

It. Goes. So. Fast. by Mary Louise Kelly. Sweet. It's a deeply personal memoir in which the journalist documents her son’s final year of high school. What begins as a chronicle of juggling school runs, college applications, and the bittersweet milestones of parenting soon expands into a meditation on time itself, and how fleeting it feels.

Kelly balances her identity as a war-time journalist with her role as a working mother. The book feels intimate, almost therapeutic, as she also weaves in the grief of losing her father. 

 

I like that she narrates the book.

3.8/5

Libby Audiobook: Britany Spears, The Woman in Me

 

I have never really paid too much attention to Britney Spears, but listening to her memoir has been heart-wrenching. The level of abuse imposed by her family is shocking. She was given a mere $2,000 weekly allowance while her father paid himself millions, and instead of supporting her, her mother chose to write a book. Also, being sent to rehab for taking energy drinks seemed excessive.

What really struck me is the glaring unfairness of being a woman in the industry (in fact, in any industry). Men can get away with philandering and questionable behaviour, yet women are scrutinised and criticised for every detail of their lives and choices.

At times, the book felt a little thin in certain areas, leaving me wanting more depth. Yet it was still very powerful and moving to gain an inside look at her life, her struggles, and her resilience. 

3.8/5

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