UK-based content creator, blogger at The Anna Edit and co-host of the podcast ‘At Home With…’, Anna Newton knows a thing or two about organisation – so much so that she’s a newly published author of organisation manual, An Edited Life. With the type of ordered life that would put most of us to shame – something she credits to growing up with two very tidy parents, and a lifelong love of the orderly – Anna has delighted her loyal legion of fans by launching her first book, An Edited Life – Simple Steps to Streamlining Your Life, a book that will help its readers to declutter every aspect of their life, both at work and at home. As i eagerly await for my copy to arrive in Sydney, I caught up with Anna to find out which eight books she’d take with her to the sandy shores of a desert island. You can buy An Edited Life here.

Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton

It’s a cliché, but this book made me laugh tears of joy and cry tears that I had to wipe away on the train. A rollercoaster of emotions, it’s a book that I like to dip into and refer back to often because Dolly is such a hoot.

Make-up Manual by Bobby Brown

A non-fiction pick that takes me back to 2008, when I received it as a Christmas present. I remember devouring this book for the whole of Christmas Day and I feel like the beauty tips shared in it were really helpful for someone getting to grips with make-up. I’d take this one with me as it’s a great one to flick through, but also for a nostalgia hit.

My Thoughts Exactly by Lily Allen

Another recent read for me, but I love how Lily writes. It’s so honest and raw and she speaks about the unfamiliar world of celebrity and fame that many of us have never experienced, in a way that’s so detailed and filled with such emotion that you can relate to the topics that she’s talking about.

She Must Be Mad by Charly Cox

I’ve known Charly for years and she’s such an incredible poet. She has a way with words that can make you laugh until you cry , but well up with sad tears too. Her first collection of poetry is so special and I can imagine myself dipping back into this whenever I want to feel all the emotions.

White Teeth by Zadie Smith

A modern classic that I only got around to reading last year and I absolutely adored it. A novel that weaves in culture, religion, family and relationships – I don’t think I’ve ever read a book and had such a clear image in my mind when I read each page. I’ve also never felt the urge to highlight stunning sentences that stood out to me as much as I did with this one.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

I really enjoyed digging into lots of fiction last year, and this book was one of the favourites that I read. I devoured it in just two days! I’d never read a book where it took so long to click in with the narrator and main character, but when you do, it’s just beautiful, and a wild ride up to that moment. I’d love to re-read this again and again.

Yes Please by Amy Phoeler

I love Amy’s work so this book would have to make it to the island with me. Any fan of Parks & Recreation would love this as there’s a whole chapter dedicated to the making of the show and personal dedications to each and every cast member. I read this and then immediately downloaded and listened to the audiobook because I loved it so much.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey

I wrote about this for my English literature A-Level so it will always hold a special place in my heart, and although it’s hard to put the film version to the back of your mind whilst reading this, Ken does a great job at setting the scene of this classic piece of writing. It’s so great it makes me forget about the stresses of coursework deadlines!

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Image Credits: Emma Croman, Paula @ Books for Dessert