When I tell you I wept reading this book...

As someone who continues to struggle (though not nearly as badly as its beginnings) with health anxiety, reading a book about a terminal illness and death did make me a little bit nervous. BUT, whilst there are incredibly difficult passages and deeply emotional moments to read, somehow Richard E Grant makes it feel...okay. There's hope in the pages, real humour and delight. The name dropping was actually rather wonderful - to have such a wonderful group of humans to call friends is something I aspire to and have only just begun to collect. And the mantra, of finding 'a pocketful of happiness' every day was very comforting to read. I almost want a sequel in a few years' time just to hear how he's been getting on with it all.

It is a difficult read in moments and will certainly make you consider how you might react when a loved one passes away, as we will all experience at some point. But consider this book not a burden, but a balm. A reminder that there is life and hope and love all around us.

And, for the record, if I am ever lucky enough to be nominated for an Oscar - I want to experience it with the pure joy and delight that Grant had during his awards season for 'Can You Ever Forgive Me?'. Because that sounded AMAZING.