In brief: A collection of powerful, brutally honest short stories about women with no holds barred. The good: Lisa Taddeo dares to write what others don’t touch. The not-so-good: Would have loved a full-length story about any of these characters. Why I chose it: Always up for a great short story collection. Thank you to... Continue Reading →
Mailbox Monday and What I’m Reading: 27/6/22
Not as much reading for pleasure this week, but that just means I have some great reads ahead: Girls They Write Songs About by Carlene Bauer (available 5th July) arrived thanks to Bloomsbury. Set in 1990s New York, Charlotte and Rose become friends as they make their way through their lives. As they get older,... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley
In brief: Kiara is seventeen and at the end of her tether. She’s broke, about to be evicted and looking after her neighbour’s son. So she turns to the streets to make money, but becomes embroiled in police corruption. The good: Realistic and well written with glimmers of hope. The not-so-good: The characters’ lives are... Continue Reading →
Mailbox Monday and What I’m Reading: 6/6/22
It’s been a busy week, with not a lot of time for reading (particularly due to the Pokemon GO Fest on the weekend). I think this week I’ll get stuck instead at least one of these: Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley (available tomorrow) was thanks to Bloomsbury. Kiara is just trying to keep her family safe... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: The Woman from Uruguay by Pedro Mairal
In brief: An author travels to Uruguay, just for the day, to collect some money and see his secret lover. The day turns out very differently than expected. The good: A beautiful writing style and insight into different lives and cultures. The not-so-good: The narrator is not very likeable for most of the story. Why... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Today a Woman Went Mad in the Supermarket by Hilma Wolitzer
In brief: A collection of short stories, mainly about Paulie and Howard, your everyday couple. The good: Excellent writing and the last story tore me apart. The not-so-good: With all good short stories, I just want more! Why I chose it: Arrived from Bloomsbury with thanks. Year: 2021 Pages: 179 Publisher: Bloomsbury Setting: USA Rating:... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris
In brief: Nella is the only Black person in her workplace. So when Hazel starts, she should feel happy – right? But Hazel is suddenly taking over the office and Nella starts receiving messages to leave the workplace. But this isn’t just about work… The good: An incredible debut novel that fizzes with energy. The... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: No One is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood
In brief: An unnamed narrator is a leader in all things social media until tragedy brings her offline into real life. The good: The second half is raw with emotion. The not-so-good: Some concentration required to get through the first half, as life in the portal is anything but linear. Why I chose it: On... Continue Reading →
Mailbox Monday and What I’m Reading: 19/4/21
A busy week, but some things got done! No time for shopping so I have just the one book that arrived in the mail. No One is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood arrived thanks to Bloomsbury. It’s about a woman who lives for the internet and social media – or the portal as she... Continue Reading →
Mailbox Monday and What I’m Reading: 1/3/21
Happy autumn/spring. It’s still feeling rather summery as I write this. It might have been summery over the last week, I was honestly too busy to notice. I had two books arrive in the mail last week and I managed to get a couple of hours of shopping in too: The Other Black Girl by... Continue Reading →