One of the benefits of having a blog is being able to talk about some of my favourite books on here. I can share what I really enjoy reading with you all in hope that I’ve directed you to a book that has the potential to change your life — just like it changed mine. Another benefit is being able to speak about incredible books written by my dear, talented friends.

One of these is the incredibly talented and humblest Liam Xavier. I had the good fortune of ‘technically’ bumping into Liam on Instagram. I don’t remember exactly how, or when, or why — but I’m so grateful that I did.

I am a huge fan of Liam’s work.

His words are raw and gentle at the same time. They are streaked with emotions and sometimes a little bleakness — rightly so as they are exude honesty.

Liam doesn’t shy away from speaking about things that most people choose to ignore, or play a deaf ear to. His work is both provocative and soothing, kind and brutally authentic, and filled with necessary truths at the core of human hearts that we all must read. That is why the title of his latest book, ‘Welcome to Hell: And Other Poems About Adulthood’, acts as an emotional blow to your face — one that brings you back to reality, and your true self, sooner than any other book can.

Contrary to what the title may recommend — this book is an affirmative one. It is filled with pieces about love, , growth, change, pain, existentialism (in the simplest, non-theorising sense), hope, fears about the future and so many questions that we battle with and emotions that we feel during our 20s.

I absolutely loved this book!

Liam's words and perspective help reground you and bring clarity regarding your twenties, despite the inevitable turbulence that we all feel. These years are some of the most ambiguous in our lives, and Liam not only sheds light on the various feelings, the internal battles, the struggle to face new challenges and the anxiety of what the future holds — he also gives us hope.

I found hope and light in each page, no matter how straightforward it was.

I was shown the beauty of falling, of loving, of getting hurt and figuring things out in my own messy way. The truth of the limbo that our 20s are rattles against each page of Liam's book, but it consoles you somehow.

Perhaps because the books tells you that you are not alone. And there is comfort in knowing that we’re all in this together. That, despite the emotional turmoil, the confusion, the worries and all the hurdles we must cross — there is light at the end of the tunnel. That is what I found most in this book. Light. Honesty. Love. I found myself in these pages, and that is something I can't say about books often.

This was a tremendous read and I'm grateful to know Liam, as a writer and a friend, and to be able to share in his art as a reader.

You guys definitely need to pick this one up!

Until next week,

Happy reading :)