Rachel Recommends

Let’s talk about books!

Growing up I was always a bookworm and I think that played a big part in me wanting to be a writer, but once I reached uni and my head was buried in a textbook, I fell out of the habit of reading novels. However, in the last few years, I’ve made a conscious effort to make time to sit down and get stuck into a good book. I find it a really good way to relax and unwind.

Here are some of my most recent reads that I would suggest giving a go! 

Everything I Know About Love – Dolly Alderton
If you’re a millennial woman then you need to read this book. Relatable is an absolute understatement! From the etiquette of MSN to the strives of friendships, reading this book was almost like reading an auto-biography. I say almost, as I swear I didn’t have as much fun as Dolly! If feels like the story hasn’t come to an end so I’d be expecting another instalment of the hilarious Dolly Alderton saga.

The Power – Naomi Alderman
Female empowerment is having a real moment and this book’s release was perfectly timed. It’s a dystopian tale where women now have the ‘power’ to electrocute men if they wish. It’s interesting to see power roles reversed at the trouble it can cause. Once you pick up this book, you won’t be able to put it down.

This is Going to Hurt – Adam Kay
Written by a former Junior Doctor, this book isn’t for the faint hearted. As my mum’s a nurse, I feel like I’ve become accustomed to strange stories about rather gross things but if you’re a little prudish/squeamish then you will definitely cringe at this. Aside from the shocking, harrowing tales, there’s a whole load of laughs in this book. I honestly chuckled out loud on many occasions. It’s a must-read for anyone who wants a gritty (but hilarious) insight on what it’s like to work for the NHS.

The Rosie Project – Graeme Simsion
I randomly picked up this book in a charity shop and boy and I glad that I took a punt on it. The way it’s written is fantastic – you follow the story of a middle-aged professor, Don, who has autism. It’s about his quest to find a suitable wife and you guessed it – the course of true love never did run smooth. You learn about people with socially-awkward personalities, but in a funny light-hearted way.

The Girls – Emma Cline
Based on the story of Charles Manson and his cult, this book is pretty heavy – it’s gritty, it’s raw and it’s about a really horrible story. However, the way in which Emma Cline writes is so, so beautiful that you’ll instantly get sucked in. You can feel every single moment and with each turn of the page I was gripped even more. It’s worth a read, only if you don’t mind a harrowing tale.

Suicide Club – Rachel Heng
After reading The Power, I found I had a real interest in futuristic fantasy books (before that I thought real-life, hard-hitting stories were more my thing), so I decided to order Rachel Heng’s debut novel. I found it fascinating from the get-go. It’s set in New York, in a world where green juicing, sunrise yoga and general wellness is a way of life. The healthier you are, the longer you live but it’s taken to the extreme when scientists develop a way to be immortal. It makes you question, would you want to live forever?

The Cows – Dawn O’Porter
I’ve long been a fan of Dawn O’Porter, but I must admit I wasn’t so sure what her debut novel would be like. However, my friend Grace recommended it to me so I thought I’d give it a go. I was pleasantly surprised right from the off-set. I won’t give away the main storyline – as it’s a biggy, but it’s something that makes you go “WOW – Can you imagine?!!?”

…and I’m currently stuck into Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine – and I’ve heard only good things about this book. 

Any must-reads I should add to my list? I’d love to hear from you.

R x