The books that shaped me: Andi Osho – goodhousekeeping.com
Posted: February 10, 2021 at 9:49 pm
Welcome to 'The books that shaped me' - a Good Housekeeping series in which authors talk us through the reads that stand out for them. This week, we're hearing from Andi Osho, a writer, actor, stand up comedian and film maker. She's appeared in shows including I May Destroy You, Holby, Curfew and Death In Paradise. Her debut novel, Asking For A Friend, is out now.
Like with most people, books were my escape. From childhood right into my 20s I devoured fiction - from all genres including fantasy, comedy, romance - I couldnt get enough. Then I went through a phase of consuming all and every self-help book going. At that point, books became transformative, helping me understand myself and the things I was going through. Then I got very into non-fiction and learning about society through the eyes of people much wiser and worldly than me.
More recently, having ventured into writing myself, Ive circled back and started enjoying fiction again. Its reassuringly familiar but at the same time refreshing, especially given the diversity of voices we now have access to. So the impact books have had on me has continually evolved as Ive got older. Im wondering whats next? I sense a lot of gardening books as soon as I get my own garden!
Bears in the Night by Jan and Stan Berenstain
5.35
As a kid there was one book I read time and time again: Bears In the Night by Stan and Jan Berenstain. It's so simple it only has 24 (different) words apparently and is simply about a group of bear cubs who steal out of their beds one night without their mother knowing a thing about it.
As a kid, I was always quite spirited and free-willed. I wanted to do things on my own and have my own way a lot of the time, much to my mothers frustration so a story about little rascals making this midnight bid for freedom is right up my street.
But this book is also a metaphor about the relationship between kids and the safety our parents bring. The bears venture out into the world but the minute they get scared, they dont scatter, or fight, they go straight back to the safety of home. Of mama. Isnt that what we all do? I bought this for my niece. Shes a bit like I was as a kid so I hope she enjoys this book as much as I did.
Asterix and The Roman Agent by R Goscinny and A Uderzo
6.35
I really, really wanted my choice to be highbrow and "important" but the truth is one of my all-time faves is from the Asterix The Gaul series by R Goscinny and A Uderzo. In particular, I love Asterix and The Roman Agent. Even now, the memory of it still makes me smile.
The basic premise is that the Romans have made several failed attempts to conquer the Gauls and in this one, they despatch their new secret weapon, this weedy, little fella whose skill is disseminating lies. The Romans hope this will cause the Gauls to turn on each other.
Ive read this story on multiple occasions and cried from laughter every time. But even though superficially, the series seems like just an amusing David and Goliath story, thematically, its also about friendship, community and in this instance, trust. I also love Uderzo, the illustrator, and his use of the form in the storytelling. For example, when this secret agent speaks, his speech bubble appears in increasingly vivid shades of green, the more egregious his lies become which for some reason, works brilliantly on the page and is hilarious. This particular story also speaks to modern politics and how, often, its not violence that controls or conquers the people but the dissemination of lies.
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
7.38
I love Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert because she has such a light yet deep approach to being a creative. Some books on the same topic can be quite worthy and serious but Big Magic is funny and frank, while being a really substantial read.
As someone who loves discussing creativity and has even started a podcast on the subject, I would love to have created this wonderful piece. I aspire to Gilberts level of honesty and authenticity in her work. Whether shes documenting her personal experiences, as in Eat, Pray, Love or sharing insights on her creative processes, shes always so real. Thats my goal with my work, to bring that same truth to it all but also that humour, be it in my books, my podcast or my acting.
Time Management for System Administrators by Thomas A Limoncelli
19.91
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T Kiyosaki
11.91
Am I allowed two? The Time Management System by Thomas A Limoncelli and Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T Kiyosaki. These two books completely changed my relationship with time and money and they are two areas in life that so many of us struggle with.
In my situation, I was squandering both but the moment I read these books, coincidentally around the same time, my attitude, and ultimately my life, changed.
Often, people dont realise how much theyre haemorrhaging both these precious assets. I certainly didnt but these books have the power to recalibrate our outlooks. Both were recommended to me by different people and Im infinitely grateful - though I dont think they realise the impact they had.
The Prophet by Kaglil Gibran
The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran was lent to me by a friend and it could not have come at a better time. Perhaps they sensed I needed this. I remember reading it and being blown away by the countless insights and the wisdom packed into this tiny book.
Sometimes, when things get too much, a book that offers a bigger context to experience the world in can really shift our mood. My late 20s were quite a troubled time. I experienced my first bout of depression - at one point I was having constant nightmares and was feeling the fallout from childhood experiences - so this book came at just the right time to help calm my soul. And because its broken down into topics (marriage, love, time, death religion etc) its very dip-in-and-out-able, which I still do from time to time.
The Light Fantastic by Terry Pratchett
6.95
The Light Fantastic from the Discworld series by Terry Pratchett is pure magic. Im not even sure what prompted me to dive into these books but I loved them from the beginning. The Light Fantastic is so funny, its brimming with great characters and because its set in a fantasy world, is perfect escapism. I particularly loved Terry Pratchetts brilliant way of parodying our myths and mythology, our history and society, taking a playful swipe at a different aspect in each book.
Alongside that, what I ultimately loved about The Light Fantastic was the friendship between the two main characters. It was difficult and beautiful. Though I cried tears of laughter as I read this book, by the end I was so moved. Wow. I think I might have to read it again! In life, friendships are some of our most significant relationships and are also a big part of my book, Asking For A Friend. That could be why I love The Light Fantastic so much.
Asking for a Friend by Andi Osho
Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.
SIGN UP
In need of some positivity or not able to make it to the shops? Enjoy Good Housekeeping delivered directly to your door every month! Subscribe to Good Housekeeping magazine now.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
Visit link:
The books that shaped me: Andi Osho - goodhousekeeping.com
- Impact of COVID-19 on Efficient Foliar Fertilizer Market 2021 | Size, Growth, Demand, Opportunities & Forecast To 2027 | Grasshopper Fertilizer,... - February 10th, 2021
- Buhari: Kachikwus Books Attest to Our Governments Transparency in Oil Sector - THISDAY Newspapers - February 10th, 2021
- 3 series to watch in a weekend on Netflix - Inspired Traveler - February 10th, 2021
- Global Anti-Transpirant Market 2020 Technology Development, Key Manufacturers, Forecast Based on Major Drivers and Trends Up to 2025 NeighborWebSJ -... - February 5th, 2021
- The banality of good morning posts and our positivity fixation - Mint - November 10th, 2020
- Reflections on Zen Practice Now and What Comes Next - Patheos - November 10th, 2020
- Creating a safe space to speak - Free Press Journal - November 10th, 2020
- Line of Duty's Arnott, Fleming and Hastings unite to tackle bent coppers in behind-the-scenes pic - RadioTimes - November 10th, 2020
- Manbeena Sandhu: Ma Anand Sheela is still the queen of her kingdom - The Indian Express - October 11th, 2020
- 5 arrivals, 14 exits - every Reading FC transfer in and out this summer - Berkshire Live - October 11th, 2020
- Books of the week: From An Anthology on Climate Change to Kalpish Ratnas A Crown of Thorns, our picks - Firstpost - October 11th, 2020
- Sunday Long Reads: Of coding, Gandhis assassination, Louise Glcks best books, and more - The Indian Express - October 11th, 2020
- Line Of Duty: Adrian Dunbar dances with Vicky McClure and Martin Compston - Metro.co.uk - October 9th, 2020
- Applications are On for the 2021/2022 AIG Scholarships for Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxfor - BellaNaija - October 9th, 2020
- What Akshaye Khanna said about Vinod Khanna leaving family for Osho: Something must have moved him... - Hindustan Times - October 8th, 2020
- When Ma Anand Sheela met Indira Gandhi to talk of land woes and Oshos ashram - ThePrint - September 23rd, 2020
- First Look At The New Season Of Line Of Duty Has Been Released - Balls.ie - September 12th, 2020
- An Evening with Osho - The New Leam - August 31st, 2020
- Mickey Mehtas 10 commandments of wellness - Hindustan Times - August 31st, 2020
- Could a return to primal living help us live longer and healthier lives? - woman&home - August 31st, 2020
- Tuesday's Reading FC transfer news as Osho wanted by Royals' rivals and target Mendes told to leave Sporting - Berkshire Live - August 14th, 2020
- Priyanka Chopra on staying connected with family during pandemic: There have been lot of Zoom calls,... - Hindustan Times - August 14th, 2020
- Sachy introduced me to Osho: Amala Paul - Times of India - June 22nd, 2020
- Blast from the past: When Parveen Babi suddenly joined Kabir Bedi in Italy - Filmfare - June 3rd, 2020
- On Vinod Khannas 3rd death anniversary, a look at how joining Osho became the most defining moment... - Hindustan Times - April 29th, 2020
- Amala Paul: 'When she is not even free of one pregnancy, the husband is ready to make her pregnant again' - International Business Times, India... - April 29th, 2020
- Poem of the week: The New Divan by Edwin Morgan - The Guardian - April 29th, 2020
- Surviving COVID-19: What We Learned from Seun O's Interview with Elizabeth Osho - BellaNaija - April 26th, 2020
- The secret of everlasting happiness this is how you can find the key! - Times Now - April 13th, 2020
- German woman found living in cop's cottage without information, FIR registered - Udaipur Kiran - April 13th, 2020
- Exclusive- Radhika Madan on quarantine, upcoming projects and more - Filmfare - April 13th, 2020
- Loved Tiger King? Watch these 5 similar shows on Netflix to keep the momentum going - GQ India - April 6th, 2020
- Looking for a Bitcoin Halving Payday? Tamp Expectations - CoinDesk - April 6th, 2020
- Town Stages Announces 2020 Fellows and Residents - American Theatre - April 6th, 2020
- Finished Tiger King? 7 shows you should watch next on Netflix and Amazon Prime - TechRadar - April 6th, 2020
- Coronavirus vs nostalgia: Escaping the epidemic on a magic carpet with Nukkad, Ram, Tintin and Tendulkar - Firstpost - April 6th, 2020
- Is Trance inspired by Osho? Writer of the Fahadh Faasil starrer clears the air - Republic World - Republic World - February 25th, 2020
- Line of Duty series 6: Everything we know, from BBC release date, new cast members to H theories - The Independent - February 25th, 2020
- Enyimba will thread with caution away to San Pedro - Osho - Latest Sports News In Nigeria - Brila - February 3rd, 2020
- Ma Anand Sheela Talks To Neha Dhupia On Working For Osho: There Is A Certain Spirituality In Criminality - Koimoi - February 3rd, 2020
- Nederland resident imagineers a veterans' ownership village - The Mountain -Ear - January 27th, 2020
- Enyimbas Afelokhai, five others return to training - The Nation Newspaper - January 11th, 2020
- Anand Sheela interview: It is time people know the real me - Scroll.in - December 29th, 2019
- A historic and cultural glimpse into Pune, from the lap of luxury - Indulgexpress - December 29th, 2019
- Chesterfield 1 v 2 Yeovil Town: Spireites lose again and defender Will Evans plays as makeshift goalkeeper for last half an hour - Derbyshire Times - December 11th, 2019
- 11/21/19 Blotter - SRU The Online Rocket - November 25th, 2019
- Goalkeeper top priority for Reading FC in transfer window, say fans - Get Reading - November 25th, 2019
- 'Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator': Netflix documentary charts the rise of an empire through systematic abuse by a - MEAWW - November 25th, 2019
- A Rejoinder to Makinde: Let the Real Work Start - P.M. News - November 25th, 2019
- New report offers analysis on the Travel Agency Software Market - Space Market Research - November 25th, 2019
- Just exhale with the sound, Oooooo! - Economic Times - November 19th, 2019
- Steve Ewen: Unbeaten Knights warned to fear the Rams in high school football playoffs - The Province - November 19th, 2019
- Examining a jealousy that's a long way from the green-eyed monster - The Japan Times - November 2nd, 2019
- Ipswich Town taking a look at Reading defender - The 72 - We Love the Football League - November 2nd, 2019
- Alia Bhatt may have rejected Aamir Khans Osho movie because she was committed to Salman Khans Inshallah,... - Hindustan Times - October 27th, 2019
- Osho takes five in STM win - Burnaby Now - October 25th, 2019
- Exclusive: Deepika Padukone to team up with Karan Johar for her next, directed by Shakun Batra - Bollywood Bubble - October 24th, 2019
- Oshos controversial aide Ma Anand Sheela recounts how the guru loved her, explained Umrao Jaans poetry... - Hindustan Times - October 20th, 2019
- The sensuous art of eating and drinking - Economic Times - October 18th, 2019
- Osho Biography | Biography Online - June 20th, 2019
- Andi Osho - Wikipedia - May 26th, 2019
- Osho (Author of Courage) - Goodreads - February 20th, 2019
- Osho | Enlightened Beings - December 26th, 2018
- Osho - Spiritual teachers - Google Sites - December 1st, 2018
- 250 Osho Quotes on Love, Life and Meditation | Sunil Daman - November 23rd, 2018
- All You Need to Know About Osho, Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh in ... - November 22nd, 2018
- Osho - amazon.com - November 12th, 2018
- Osho Radio on the App Store - iTunes - Apple - October 15th, 2018
- OSHO: There Is No Goal - October 15th, 2018
- Osho books - amazon.com - August 18th, 2018
- OSHO: Life Is A Very Mysterious Phenomenon - YouTube - August 2nd, 2018
- OSHO: Being In Love - YouTube - July 2nd, 2018
- 15 Quotes By Osho That Will Touch Your Heart & Make You ... - June 26th, 2018
- 52 Best Osho Quotes on Love, Life and Fear with Images - June 26th, 2018
- Osho Meditation Atlanta (Atlanta, GA) | Meetup - June 26th, 2018
- Wild Wild Country: The wild Osho cult seen through ... - June 26th, 2018
- Osho: About Osho - April 28th, 2018
- Osho Stories | Stories told by Osho, my Beloved master - February 23rd, 2018
- Visit | OSHO | Meditation - Mindfulness and the Science of ... - January 24th, 2018
- Noahs Ark Of Consciousness - HogueProphecy.com - December 20th, 2017