Good books, brighter days.
THE BOOK EDIT
A curated collection of books to inspire slower living, mindful choices
and a more considered life
A curated collection of books to inspire slower living, mindful choices
and a more considered life
FEATURED
Our current reading list.
Good Energy
Minimalista
Four Thousand Weeks
Zen: The Art of Simple Living
Kinfolk Travel: Slower Ways to See the World
The Let Them Theory
MORE THAN JUST BOOKS
Time to read.
Books have a way of helping us slow down,
see things differently and feel a little more
connected. This edit brings together inspiring
reads for a more considered life.
JOURNAL
Ideas for a more considered home.
The Books We're Making Time For
The Pleasure of Getting Lost in a Good Book
A Little Less Scrolling, A Little More Reading
Good Energy
We've all had those days when our energy seems to disappear by mid-afternoon, leaving us reaching for another coffee or something sweet to keep us going.
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But what if the way we feel every day has more to do with what's happening inside our bodies than we realise?
In Good Energy, Dr Casey Means explores the connection between metabolic health and our overall wellbeing. From blood sugar and nutrition to sleep, movement and the everyday habits we often overlook, the book looks at how our bodies produce and use energy, and why that matters.
It's an interesting read for anyone who's curious about their health and wants to understand a little more about how the body works.
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Why we love it
We're always drawn to books that make us question the way we do things, particularly when it comes to the routines we've followed for years without giving them much thought.
What makes Good Energy interesting is its focus on metabolic health, something we hear increasingly about but don't always fully understand. Dr Means takes a subject that can feel quite scientific and connects it to familiar parts of everyday life, from what we eat for breakfast to how much we move throughout the day.
We particularly like the emphasis on looking at health as a bigger picture rather than focusing on one particular habit or quick fix.
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There's plenty here to think about, and while some of the book's claims and recommendations are worth approaching with a critical eye, it encourages readers to become more curious about their own wellbeing.
It's the sort of book you might find yourself dipping back into, highlighting passages and reconsidering a few everyday choices along the way.
And perhaps that's what we appreciate most. The reminder that looking after ourselves doesn't always have to begin with a dramatic overhaul. Sometimes it starts with understanding a little more about what our bodies need.
A thought-provoking addition to the bookshelf, particularly for anyone interested in nutrition, longevity and the science behind feeling well.
Affiliate disclosure:Â If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Minimalista
There's something incredibly satisfying about a good clear-out. That feeling when you've finally tackled the overflowing cupboard, sorted through the clothes you never wear or reclaimed a corner of the house that's been gathering clutter for months.
But keeping things that way? That's often the tricky part.
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In Minimalista, professional organiser Shira Gill shares a practical approach to creating a home that feels calmer, more organised and better suited to the way you actually live.
Rather than encouraging you to get rid of everything you own or turn your home into a perfectly styled showroom, the book focuses on making thoughtful decisions about what you keep and how you use your space.
From wardrobes and kitchens to everyday routines, it's full of ideas for simplifying your surroundings without losing the personality that makes a house feel like home.
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Why we love it
We've always liked the idea of living with a little less, although we're equally fond of beautiful things, interesting objects and the occasional impulse purchase. So the idea of minimalism can sometimes feel a little unrealistic.
What we appreciate about Minimalista is that Shira Gill makes the whole process feel much more approachable.
Her method encourages you to start small, rather than attempting to transform your entire house over one exhausting weekend. A drawer, a shelf or that wardrobe you've been meaning to sort out for months. It's a much more manageable way of making changes that might actually last.
We also love the emphasis on being intentional about what you bring into your home. It's easy to accumulate things without really noticing, particularly when we're constantly being shown something new to buy.
This book is a lovely reminder to appreciate what we already have and make room for the things we genuinely enjoy.
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Affiliate disclosure:Â If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
And while the interiors featured throughout are beautifully styled, the message isn't that every room needs to look perfect. It's about creating a space that works for you, where the things you use are easy to find and the things you love have room to breathe. We particularly enjoyed the sections on wardrobes and everyday organisation. There's something appealing about opening a cupboard and finding exactly what you need, rather than having to move half its contents out of the way first.
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It's the sort of book that makes you want to put the kettle on, choose one small corner of the house and finally get around to sorting it. A thoughtful read for anyone who wants a little more breathing space at home, without feeling they have to give up everything that makes it theirs.
Four Thousand Weeks
There never seem to be enough hours in the day, do there?
There's always another email to answer, something that needs doing around the house or a growing list of things we keep promising ourselves we'll get around to.
And somehow, even when we've had a productive day, there's still that nagging feeling that we could have done more.
In Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, Oliver Burkeman offers a rather different way of thinking about time.
The title comes from the fact that, if we're lucky enough to live to around 80, we'll have approximately four thousand weeks on this planet. It's a surprisingly small number when you think about it.
Rather than offering another system for squeezing more into our days, Burkeman questions why we're so determined to do everything in the first place.
He explores our obsession with productivity, the pressure to make the most of every moment and the uncomfortable reality that we'll never have enough time to do everything we'd like.
It's a refreshing perspective in a world that constantly encourages us to be busier.
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Why we love it
This one feels particularly close to the Maison Kasbah philosophy.
We've always believed there's something to be said for slowing down, enjoying the ordinary moments and making time for the things that genuinely matter. But actually putting that into practice isn't always easy.
What we love about Four Thousand Weeks is that it challenges the idea that a good life is necessarily a productive one.
We're so used to measuring our days by what we've achieved. How many things we've ticked off the list, how much work we've finished or whether we've made good use of our time.
Burkeman gently turns that thinking on its head.
One of the ideas that really stays with you is that we'll never get everything done. There will always be more to read, more places to visit, more things to learn and another project waiting for our attention.
And perhaps that's perfectly fine.
Affiliate disclosure:Â If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
There's something quite liberating about accepting that we can't do everything. It means we can be a little more selective about what deserves our time, rather than constantly trying to fit everything in. We also appreciate that this isn't another book telling you to wake up at 5am, perfect your morning routine or become the most efficient version of yourself.
Quite the opposite, actually. It's about recognising the limits of our time and learning to live more comfortably within them.
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Perhaps that means spending an afternoon with a friend when you have a hundred other things to do. Taking the longer route home because the weather is lovely. Or simply enjoying a quiet Sunday without feeling the need to make it productive. Of course, responsibilities don't disappear just because we've decided to slow down. But the book offers a useful reminder that life is happening while we're busy trying to get everything else finished. We think that's something worth remembering.
Four Thousand Weeks is thoughtful, occasionally uncomfortable and surprisingly reassuring. It's one of those books that might change the way you look at your calendar, your priorities and the ordinary days that make up a life. And if there's one thing we took away from it, it's this: perhaps the answer isn't finding more time, but being a little more deliberate about how we spend the time we have.
The illustrations are another reason this book caught our eye. They're beautifully understated, giving the pages a calm, almost meditative quality. It's the sort of book that's just as enjoyable to flick through as it is to read properly. And because each chapter is short, there's no pressure to sit down and finish it in one go. You can read a little over your morning coffee, return to it before bed or open it at random when you fancy a moment away from everything else.
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We wouldn't suggest that reading a book will suddenly make life less complicated. There will still be busy mornings, overflowing laundry baskets and days when nothing quite goes to plan.
But we like the idea that even on those days, there might be opportunities to slow down and appreciate something small. Zen: The Art of Simple Living is a gentle reminder that a more considered life doesn't necessarily require changing everything. Sometimes, it's simply about paying a little more attention to the life we're already living.
Affiliate disclosure:Â If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Zen: The Art of Simple Living
There's something rather appealing about the idea of a simpler life. Fewer distractions, less rushing around and a little more time to enjoy the things we often overlook. Of course, actually living that way is another matter.
In Zen: The Art of Simple Living, Japanese Zen Buddhist monk Shunmyo Masuno shares 100 small practices inspired by Zen philosophy that can help us approach everyday life with a little more calm and intention.
The ideas are refreshingly simple. From making time for quiet moments in the morning to appreciating the changing seasons, Masuno encourages us to pay more attention to the ordinary things happening around us.
It's a beautifully illustrated book, with short chapters that are easy to dip into whenever you have a few minutes to yourself.
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Why we love it
We have a soft spot for books that remind us there's pleasure to be found in the everyday, and this one fits rather nicely with the Maison Kasbah way of thinking.
What we particularly appreciate about Zen: The Art of Simple Living is how uncomplicated the advice feels.
There's no elaborate morning routine to master or endless list of habits to track. Instead, Masuno suggests small changes to the way we approach familiar moments.
Something as simple as taking a little time to tidy your surroundings, enjoying a cup of tea without distractions or stepping outside to notice what's happening around you.
None of these things is particularly revolutionary, but perhaps that's the point.
We're so accustomed to looking for bigger changes that it's easy to forget how much difference the smallest adjustments can make.
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We also love the way the book encourages us to appreciate our surroundings. The changing light throughout the day, a favourite corner of the house or the simple pleasure of sitting somewhere peaceful for a few minutes.
There's something quite lovely about the Japanese approach to finding beauty in simplicity, and Masuno brings that philosophy into everyday life in a way that feels approachable.
Kinfolk Travel: Slower Ways to See the World
There's something lovely about arriving somewhere new with absolutely no plans.
No rushing from one attraction to the next, no endless list of places you feel obliged to visit. Just the freedom to wander, find a little café down a side street and see where the day takes you. It's a way of travelling we've always been rather fond of.
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In Kinfolk Travel: Slower Ways to See the World, John Burns and the team behind Kinfolk explore a more thoughtful approach to discovering the world. Rather than focusing on the usual tourist attractions, the book invites readers to experience places through the people who live there, the everyday rituals that shape local life and the quieter corners that don't always make it into guidebooks. Beautiful photography sits alongside stories and recommendations from around the world, offering a different perspective on what makes a journey memorable.
It's part travel inspiration, part coffee-table book, and the sort of thing that makes you want to start planning your next escape.
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Why we love it
Travel has always been a big part of what inspires Maison Kasbah, so naturally, this one caught our attention.
We're drawn to places with character. The little neighbourhood cafés where everyone seems to know each other, the markets full of everyday life and the streets you stumble upon when you've taken a wrong turn.
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Often, those are the things we remember long after we've returned home. What we particularly love about Kinfolk Travel is that it celebrates this slower, more curious way of exploring.
There's no pressure to see everything or fill every hour of a trip with activities. Instead, it encourages you to spend a little longer in one place, pay attention to your surroundings and appreciate the experience of simply being somewhere different. And we think there's a lot to be said for that.
Some of our favourite travel memories have come from the most ordinary moments. A long lunch that stretches into the afternoon, finding a quiet beach away from the crowds or sitting outside with a coffee watching the world go by. The book captures that feeling beautifully.
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We also love the photography. It's understated, atmospheric and full of the little details that give a place its personality. The sort of images that make you want to linger on a page rather than immediately turn to the next. And while it's certainly a beautiful book to leave on the coffee table, there's plenty to enjoy beyond the photographs. It reminds us that travelling doesn't always have to mean going further, spending more or fitting as much as possible into a few days.
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Sometimes, the most rewarding thing you can do is stay a little longer, take the scenic route or spend an afternoon doing absolutely nothing in particular.
There's also something rather refreshing about bringing that same curiosity home with you. Exploring a neighbourhood you've never visited, trying a new café or taking a different route on your usual weekend walk. After all, you don't necessarily need a plane ticket to experience somewhere with fresh eyes.
Kinfolk Travel is a beautiful addition to the bookshelf for anyone who loves discovering new places, appreciates thoughtful photography or simply enjoys the anticipation of a trip.
And if it inspires you to leave a little more room in your next itinerary for the unexpected, we'd say that's a very good thing.
Affiliate disclosure:Â If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
It's a simple concept, but one that can feel quite powerful when you start applying it to everyday life. Someone doesn't invite you to something? Let them. A friend makes a decision you don't agree with? Let them. Someone has an opinion about how you're living your life? Well, they can have that opinion.
Of course, it's not about accepting poor treatment, ignoring problems or pretending that other people's behaviour doesn't affect us. Healthy relationships still require communication, boundaries and sometimes difficult conversations. The interesting part is recognising the difference between what belongs to someone else and what we're responsible for ourselves.
We also appreciate the second part of Robbins' approach: Let Me.
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Because once you've stopped trying to control what other people do, you're left with a much more useful question. What am I going to do about it?
Perhaps that means setting a boundary, making a decision you've been putting off or simply choosing not to spend another afternoon worrying about something you can't change.
There's a lot in this book that feels relevant to the way we live today, particularly when it's so easy to compare ourselves with others or feel pressured to meet everyone's expectations.
And while the central idea isn't entirely new, Robbins has a way of making it memorable and easy to return to when you need it.
We can imagine this being one of those books you find yourself thinking about during an awkward conversation or when you're tempted to overanalyse something that really doesn't deserve quite so much attention. It's also a reminder that protecting your peace doesn't necessarily mean withdrawing from people or avoiding uncomfortable situations. Sometimes it simply means accepting that other people are allowed to think differently, and so are you. The Let Them Theory is an accessible, thought-provoking read for anyone who spends a little too much time worrying about what others think or feels responsible for keeping everyone around them happy.
We particularly like its reminder that we have a choice about where we direct our attention.
And perhaps learning to let a few things go is a good place to start.
Affiliate disclosure:Â If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
The Let Them Theory
Ever found yourself worrying about what someone thinks of you? Feeling frustrated because someone hasn't behaved the way you hoped? Or spending far too much time trying to keep everyone happy?
We probably all have, at some point. In The Let Them Theory, bestselling author Mel Robbins introduces a simple idea that could change the way we approach our relationships and everyday frustrations.
Let them.
Let people have their opinions. Let them make their own decisions. Let them behave in ways you wouldn't necessarily choose yourself. And rather than exhausting yourself trying to change things that are outside your control, turn your attention back to what you can actually do.
Written with her daughter Sawyer Robbins, the book explores how this shift in thinking can help us navigate friendships, family relationships, work and those everyday situations that have a habit of taking up far more of our mental energy than they deserve. It's straightforward, relatable and full of examples that will probably have you recognising a few of your own habits along the way.
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Why we love it
There's something rather liberating about the idea that we don't have to manage everyone else's feelings, opinions or expectations. And yet, it's surprisingly difficult to put into practice.
How often do we find ourselves replaying a conversation, wondering whether we've upset someone or feeling disappointed because another person hasn't responded the way we wanted?
What we particularly like about The Let Them Theory is that it encourages us to stop giving so much attention to things we have very little control over.