[ . . 30 before 30 . . ] 14. Read a book cover to cover

I really enjoy reading but only really find time for it on holiday.

Unfortunately TV and day to day stuff just gets in the way at home and I usually just end up falling asleep! Having said that I have actually read a couple of books that I can use to tick this one off my 30 before 30 list.

The first is Hypnobirthing: The Breakthrough to Safer, Easier, More Comfortable Childbirth. Not your average page turner but for me brilliant. I had heard a lot about hypnobirthing and it really appealed to me as I had had previous success with hypnotherapy for my needle/injection phobia. I believe the power of hypnotherapy is very strong. The question was would it be strong enough for childbirth. Well I would definitely recommend the book to others. There was the usual 'too hippy' for me bits and I didn't do everything it recommended but overall it made a lot of sense. Surprisingly a lot of common sense. The visualisation techniques were especially useful and knowing that the body is designed for childbirth and just to trust it. I truly believe that this and listening to MP3's got me the birth I wanted. It even includes a poem which I really should pin on the fridge for those difficult days now and in the future.

Please, Mum and Dad...
   My hands are small, I don't mean to spill my milk.
   My legs are short - please slow down so I can keep up.
   Don't slap my hands when I touch something bright and pretty. I don't understand.
   Please look at me when I talk to you. It lets me know you are really listening.
   My feelings are tender - don't nag me all day. Let me make mistakes without feeling stupid.
   Don't expect the bed I make or the picture I draw to be perfect. Just love me for trying.
   Remember, I am a child, not a small adult. Sometimes I don't understand what you're saying.
   I love you so much. Please love me just for being myself, not just for the things I can do.

The second is One Day by David Nicholls and is your more typical page turner. It received a lot of attention in the press, had great reviews and Mr B's mother actually bought it for him but I think it was a bit too girly. Perfect for me however. It's tag line is 'twenty years, two people, one day' and follows Emma and Dexter every year from 1988, the night of their graduation, right through to 2008. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me stay up for hours just to finish that next chapter. It is such a good concept for a book and by the end you really feel like you know Emma and Dexter and want to shout advice at them. I would recommend it to all especially as it is now less than £4 on Amazon! Oh, and if you need another excuse it has also been made into a film which is due to be released around August. I will definitely be watching it if only to relive the story again. I just hope they don't ruin it.

I have now started the first of Chris Evans autobiographies which is a first for me. I have never read an autobiography but I thought it was about time I tried. Let's just hope I can finish it this side of Christmas!

Do you read often? Have you any recommendations?