I really struggled to read for fun during uni term-time. That was because, for my English degree, I was reading a book per week, and they were seldom things I was actually interested in reading.
BUT now that I am finally finished my degree, the world of literature is my oyster. One of lockdown’s silver linings is that I’ve been absolutely firing through my to-read list. I’ve come across some absolute gems so far this year, so what better way to share them than with a lil round up post.
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
I loved Handmaid’s Tale and I LOVED this.
It’s a sequel, and while I do think you could still enjoy it if you hadn’t read the first book, you definitely get way more from it with a base knowledge of the workings of Gilead.
It follows the stories of three women and their different ‘roles’ in the attempt to take down the patriarchal society. It’s as incredible and thought provoking as the first novel and something I would recommend to absolutely anyone.
Lies by T.M. Logan
No exaggeration, I read this book in less than 48 hours and it’s almost 500 pages long. Gripping doesn’t come close.
I read T.M. Logan’s The Holiday last summer and absolutely devoured it so I knew I would love this before I started.
Every 50 pages I had a different theory and thought I had it all figured out. In the end, I was wrong with every single one. If you love a mystery, this will be right up your street.
A History of the World in 21 Women by Jenni Murray
Now I’m not usually a non fiction reader at all, but I actually really enjoyed this.
Each of the 21 chapters shares the brief history of an influential female dating all the way back to Ancient Egypt.
If you’re not too into history but still like to keep yourself knowledgeable then this is definitely easy to digest. It left me with a very ‘I can achieve absolutely anything I want’ kind of feeling which is never a bad thing.
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Please excuse the pic, I’ve lent my copy of this to a friend because it was too good not to share.
This book is a decent length if you’re not too into huge thick novels, and incredibly gripping with that ‘just one more chapter’ vibe. The characterisation is amazing and the story is completely fresh compared to anything I’ve read before.
One thing I wasn’t too sure about was the ending, but have a read for yourself and see what you think.
What You Did by Clare McGowan
Once again, a mystery that I thought I had solved halfway through, only to be told that I was way off.
The ending was great, the characters were great and the layered storyline just kept me wanting more.
Again, this didn’t take me more than a few days to read because I loved it so much, and I’ve already bombarded all my group chats recommending it.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy
I’ve left this for last as it’s not exactly what I’d call a reading book, if that makes any sense at all.
It’s more of a ‘flick through this whenever and feel notably warmed afterwards’ kind of book.
The illustrations are stunning, and it’s fun in the sense that you can open it up on any page for a little cosy anecdote. I’ll definitely be keeping this for years to come and think it’s something everyone should have in their collection.
Please don’t hesitate to share some recommendations of your own! I will never oppose new additions to my reading list, the goal is never to get to the end of it.
Lauren Robertson 