If the single/post-uni/no-structure-to-the-point-you’re-losing-track-of-the-days lifestyle has given me anything positive, it’s a renewed interest in reading. So, in very main character fashion, I’ve spent a lot of my time over the past few months at the beach or at the park ever so *mysteriously* reading books alone. Actually, come to think of it that sounds more lame than mysterious and main character, but we’ll overlook that for the sake of my emotional wellbeing.
Anyway, thanks to a seemingly endless amount of free time on my hands, I’ve managed to get through a few books recently- which, might I add, is unheard of for me considering I tend to enthusiastically start a book, lose interest a quarter of the way through and then proceed to leave it on my bedside table to collect dust for the rest of time. So, if you’re like me and easily lose interest when it comes to reading, I urge you to pick up one of these books. Even if you don’t read them, you still get to put them on your bookshelf, or on your Instagram story, so everyone knows you’re cool and indie because you read.
Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton
When I say that I have never read a book so quickly in my life, I mean it! Everything I Know About Love is a heartfelt, honest and hilarious memoir that explores coming of age and the evolution of relationships (of all kinds) in your twenties and reminds us that some of the most important relationships we have are the ones we often take for granted with our closest friends. Dolly’s writing is confident, witty and relatable and without wanting to sound too obsessed, I would be genuinely surprised if you didn’t fall in love with Dolly and her voice in this book.
5/5
Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman
Admittedly, I am very late to this party, but regardless, this book was a beautiful read and felt very timely in reminding me of the magic of love and lust (*cries in single person*), and also for whisking me away to an Italian paradise while international travel remains off the cards. Packed with incredible imagery and emotion, I firmly believe that everyone must read this book, if not to gain some perspective on love and the special connections we share with people in our lives, then just to cry a little. Or a lot, it’s up to you. If you’re still not sold, watch the movie. Timothée Chalamet will change your mind, trust me.
5/5
The Space Between by Zara McDonald and Michelle Andrews
Gifted to me from my Mum, The Space Between was a perfect read for me as a young woman looking at my twenties with a great deal of confusion, fear and excitement. But mostly confusion. Through a series of short essays, funny listicles and personal stories, podcast queens, Zara and Michelle eloquently cover a lot of important topics and questions concerning young women, including sex, friendships, first jobs and everyday sexism. While I didn’t find this one as witty and captivating as Everything I Know About Love, this is still an easy and worthwhile read for every young woman.
4/5
My Thoughts Exactly by Lily Allen
Regardless of your personal opinion of Lily Allen, this memoir is exciting, emotional, insightful and at times heartbreaking. Lily Allen did not hold back when delving into her personal relationships, mental health, addictions and the world of fame she suddenly found herself in after entering the music industry. My Thoughts Exactly is undeniably raw and real. I couldn’t put this one down, not just because I wanted to jump into her world of fame and celebrity, but because I found myself connected to Lily’s personal struggles and vulnerability.
4.5/5
Just Kids by Patti Smith
Although Just Kids is another autobiography on this shortlist, Patti Smith’s writing, along with her personal story, felt more like a magical fictional world than a memoir. Based on Smith’s time as a young, hopeful woman looking to make a place for herself in New York’s thriving art and music scene in the 60s and 70s, this book was a fun temporary escape from reality. While a little slow at points, Patti Smith’s strange and life-changing relationship with Robert Mapplethorpe captivated me.
4/5
