What Team Bookends are TRYING this year (see what we did there?)

Inspired by Emily Phillips’ stonking debut novel Trying, Team Bookends share what they’ll be trying to do more (or less) of this year.

Aimee

This year I’m trying to read more outside of the genres I gravitate towards – in particular, I’m trying to read non-fiction. On my reading list I have Hunger by Roxane Gay and the brilliantly-named The Wonder Down Under by Nina Brochmann and Ellen Stokken Dahl.

I’m also trying to take care of myself a little better. I’ve now got a skincare regime together (though it’s still early days) and I’m trying to relax more by trying out some different hobbies. Past (and failed) attempts include origami, meditation, and listening to classical music. I’m now looking to take up knitting after my family bought me a kit for Christmas.

Vicky

In 2018, I am going to be #trying to do more running. Taking a leaf out of Bryony Gordon’s new book on how the marathon has helped her on her journey to happiness, I am going to be hitting the pavements, parks and footpaths that London has to offer. This will NOT be in pursuit of skinniness, self worth or (worse) unbearable smugness but simply to improve my mood for 2018. Less lows and more highs!

Hannah

This year I’ll be trying to channel my creativity and fall in love with drawing again – the fabulous folks at Scriberian have a handy (and rather beautiful) guide called How to Draw Anything that helps you rekindle the confidence and excitement of drawing. Time to splurge on fancy stationary and pencils for motivation…

Helena

Much to my brother’s delight I will be trying to read a lot more non-fiction (I’ve read one so far this year, an achievement in itself) as well as attempting to learn new recipes. I’ve got tons of recipe books that I’ve accumulated over the years full of delicious looking dishes and I definitely don’t cook from them enough. I’m going to be delving into Anne Shooter’s Cherish next month – it’s full of Middle Eastern delights and the Syrian courgette and cheese pies have caught my eye…

Alice

This year I am going to be #Trying to go more meat-free. My husband and I have agreed to have at least 3 vegetarian meals a week. I think we’ll eat more healthily as well as feeling better about ourselves.

Trying by Emily Phillips is out now.