What I'm Reading This Month...

Now that work is about to calm down slightly (last exam of the year on Friday!), I wouldn't mind getting on with a bit more reading. I used to be a prime example of a book worm, but the ever increasing workload of a pharmacy degree has gradually stripped me of this title. Saying that, I have read two very good books this academic year: Captain Corelli's Mandolin and The Glass Blowers by Daphne DuMaurier. There's something about DuMaurier's work that makes it near impossible to put down. However, books seem to be collecting on my shelves at the rate of knots, so here is a list of my 'to read' list, along with several other titles.

1. Bad Science by Ben Goldacre. I purchased this book after jumping on the bandwagon at a book-signing after a lecture presented by Ben at my university back in March. I am hoping that it will prove to be a useful read, seeing as I've tailored my uni modules next year to favour Epidemiology and Drug Safety. The book basically exposes how the Pharma industry is ripping people off (and perhaps risking peoples' health) for profit, carefully hiding any dodgy clinical studies and trials. Sneaky.
2. Mere Christianity by C S Lewis. This book isn't very substantial in quantity, but a lot more so in quality. As the title suggests, it is a Christian book mostly outlining Christian morals and the reasoning behind them. Do not expect to be bombarded with backless wardrobes and various talking animals: this is a serious book. So serious, in fact, that I'm struggling to finish it. I'll have to chivvy along a bit though, because I'm sure the friend who lent it to me will want it back before the end of the semester!
3. Call the Midwife by Jennifer Worth. Again, I started reading this book a few months ago when there was a lull in workload. The beauty of this book is that the chapters are relatively stand-alone, so it can be dipped in and out of. It is a fascinating view into the life of a post Second World War midwife and kind of makes me want to travel back in time. 
4. Under the Jewelled Sky by Alison McQueen. This is my Aunt's new book which is set in India around the time that British colonialism was falling apart. From what I've read already, it's a lovely flowing read with a spark of romance, and very accurate on the historical part too.
5. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy. A birthday present from my house, in addition to the lethal food blender (0-fingers hanging off in 4.5 seconds).

There are various others, but this should stand me in good stead for at least the first part of the summer holidays, and will be an extremely welcome break from the (easily) foot high pile of textbooks sat next to my desk.