My to-read list grows every day, but one of the many kicks mental illness has given me is it has destroyed my concentration span, so I really struggle to read for any extended period of time, and eventually, despite being a lifelong avid reader, it made me entirely turn away from reading books.

I’m currently trying to take tiny steps towards increasing how much I can read at a time, and as of right now, I’m only at a few sentences to about a page maximum. But it’s all progress. So, I’ve narrowed down my extensive to-read list to just five books, and I’m hoping to be able to read at least one of them within the next year. Yes, that might sound like a ridiculously easy goal, but for me, as I am right now, it will be a huge challenge. When I was well, I read 50 books in a year. Now, one book in a year would be amazing.

Anyway, here are the top five books on my to-read list.

1. This Book is Gay – Juno Dawson

I want to read this book because it covers issues surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity – two areas about myself about which I’m still learning.

2. Big Magic – Elizabeth Gilbert

I started reading this book months ago but I gave up because, as I explained, my concentration was terrible and I just didn’t have the energy to continue. However, the bit that I read, I really enjoyed. This book is essentially about how to live a creative life, and rid yourself of self-doubt and self-criticism; skills I desperately want to learn.

3. The Self-Care Project – Jayne Hardy

I got this book as part of a Blurt Alerts Buddy box that a good friend of mine sent me. I’m hoping that reading it will help give me some new self-care ideas and help me be kind to myself more often.

4. The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k – Sarah Knight

My dad gave me this book in the hope it would help me to deal with my issues surrounding feeling judged and being a chronic people-pleaser. I would really like for this to happen.

5. The Witch’s Journal: Charms, Spells, Potions and Enchantments – Selene Silverwind

I bought myself this book because I’m fascinated by all things witchy. It’s a gorgeous hardback book with beautiful illustrations. I’ve read a few random pages from it already, but I’d love to sit down and read it cover to cover.

What’s on your to-read list? Let me know in the comments below!