One of my favourite things to receive for my birthday is books – simply because I always have a never ending list of books I want to read, and it’s nice to get a few ticked off! Although I love them, I rarely find myself buying hardbacks and much prefer to be gifted them. This year I received three books from my grandparents and one from my parents – four totally different books; two novels, one historical memoir and one modern non-fiction. I can’t wait to get stuck into them!
Clothes and Other Things That Matter – Alexandra Schulman
Synopsis: Alexandra Shulman delves into her own life to look at the emotions, ambitions, expectations and meanings behind the way we dress. This startlingly honest memoir from the ex-Editor of British Vogue will encourage women of all ages to consider what their own clothes mean to them, the life they live in them and the stories they tell.
Inside Vogue, Alexandra Schulman’s diary as the editor-in-chief of British Vogue during its hundredth year is one of my favourite ever reads, so I can’t wait to read her recent memoir. It has been described as a mix of “memoir, fashion history and social commentary” and I can’t think of a better combination.
Ghosts – Dolly Alderton
Synopsis: 32-year-old Nina Dean is a successful food writer with a loyal online following, but a life that is falling apart. When she uses dating apps for the first time, she becomes a victim of ghosting, and by the most beguiling of men. Her beloved dad is vanishing in slow motion into dementia, and she’s starting to think about ageing and the gendered double-standard of the biological clock. On top of this she has to deal with her mother’s desire for a mid-life makeover and the fact that all her friends seem to be slipping away from her…
I can’t wait to read Dolly Alderton’s debut novel, Ghosts. It is a surprising choice for me, considering the fact that I am not the biggest fan of her memoir, Everything I Know About Love, but when I heard her describe the plot of Ghosts on her recent episode of the Off Menu podcast I suddenly really wanted to read it. I love that there’s going to be a friendship and family storylines woven in there and I have high hopes for a great, character-driven plot.
The Choice – Edith Eger
Synopsis: In 1944, sixteen-year-old ballerina Edith Eger was sent to Auschwitz. Separated from her parents on arrival, she endures unimaginable experiences, including being made to dance for the infamous Josef Mengele. When the camp is finally liberated, she is pulled from a pile of bodies, barely alive.
The horrors of the Holocaust didn’t break Edith. In fact, they helped her learn to live again with a life-affirming strength and a truly remarkable resilience.
Until I was writing this blog post, I genuinely thought this was a holocaust novel, on the lines of The Tattooist Of Auschwitz, rather than a true story. I now realise this is going to make it even more impactful. It has been a while since I’ve read a book about the Holocaust, despite the fact you can find many bestsellers in Waterstones. They are far too moving and emotional to read very often, but after hearing great things about The Choice I am looking forward to giving it a read, despite how many tears it will probably cause!
Us Three – Ruth Jones
Synopsis: Meet Lana, Judith and Catrin. Best friends since primary school when they swore an oath on a Curly Wurly wrapper that they would always be there for each other, come what may.
After the trip of a lifetime, the three girls are closer than ever. But an unexpected turn of events shakes the foundation of their friendship to its core, leaving their future in doubt – there’s simply too much to forgive, let alone forget. An innocent childhood promise they once made now seems impossible to keep . . .
I read Ruth Jones’ debut novel, Never Greener, a few months ago and wasn’t completely sold by it. However, this was more the fault of unlikeable protagonists rather than the writing itself and Us Three sounds more up my street. The story of three female friends is one that sounds very relatable and I can’t wait to get to know the characters.
What books have you added to your collection recently, and what are you currently reading? I’ve almost finished a book called “The Diary of A Bookseller” and have been really enjoying it!
EG x
