Hey lovely lot,
The one reason I actually enjoy my commute, is the fact I have chance to get stuck into a good book. So I thought it was about time that I did another batch of book reviews. Here are some potentials for your 2020 reading list…
How Do You Like Me Now?, Holly Bourne
Any 20 or 30-something female will find this book so relatable. It touches on female friendships, relationships and the overwhelming pressure that comes with growing older – e.g having to pretend you have your shit together. ‘You won’t be able to put this book down’ is often a rave review, but I’d say that you will be able to put this book down – only because you won’t want it to be over too quickly. I have to admit, the only thing that annoyed me about this book is the size of the pages (and the huge font) – I feel like it could have easily been down scaled. I had to strategically plan which days I could read on my commute, depending on the size of my handbag!
The Handmaid’s Tale, Margaret Atwood
When the whole world was obsessed with the television drama, The Handmaid’s Tale, I seemed to miss the boat entirely (I always do this with popular shows). However, its popularity did remind me to add this iconic read to my list. I’ll be honest, the first few chapters of this book didn’t have me hooked, but I’m so glad I suck with it – by the end you are so invested in the protagonist’s life and you want to know what will happen next. This book really makes you think about the power relationship about men and women. If you like this, you’ll also love The Power by Naomi Alderman.
Feminists Don’t Wear Pink and Other Lies, Scarlett Curtis
This book is a must-read for everyone (men included). It’s a collection of essays from women about what feminism means to them – and the whole point is that feminism comes in all different shapes and forms. If you’ve ever been tempted to think feminists are bra-burning complainers, this book will open your eyes to the everyday sexism that occurs around us and the very high pressured world that women are brought up in.
THE 28 THINGS I’VE LEARNT BY THE AGE OF 28
Swearing is Good For You, Emma Byrne
I do like to dabble in non-fiction book, just so I feel like I’m actually learning something rather than feeling continually, whole-heartedly invested into a fictional character’s life. This one took my fancy because I like to swear (no shit) and I simply wondered if there was some evidence to back up why I should totally continue to do it. Turns out there is. Tonnes of it. Enough to make a book from. It probably focused on a few too many scientific studies for my liking, and parts are a little dry, but I did come away having learnt a lot more about the origins of swearing and the function that it plays in our lives. So now when I’m dropping the f-bomb, I’ll know why!
Unnatural Causes: The Lives and Many Deaths of Britain’s Top Forensic Pathologist, Richard Shepherd
I’m no stranger to a harrowing book, so buying a book that is essentially based on death wasn’t really a downside for me. I was more intrigued if anything. I found every page of this tell-all account of a pathologist super interesting – and really enjoyed the way the author vividly described the realities of his every day work. It’s a fascinating insight into a fascinating industry and definitely worth a read (as long as you’re not squeamish).
Other book reviews that you may like.
That’s it for now folks. Please let me know if you have any book recommendations for me!
R x
Rachel Recommends 
I also loved Feminists Don’t wear pink and other lies! totally in agreement everyone should read it (especially men). Have also really been wanting to read How do you like me now 🙂
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