What it Feels Like For a Girl – Paris Lees
This is divine. It takes a while to get into the writing style, but once you do, you’ll be hooked. It follows a 13 year old boy called Byron, who is stuck in a dead end town and decides to escape his mundane life. There’s a range of emotions to be had reading this, and they constantly change – but one thing is for sure, this really is a beautiful book. I saw one of the reviews describe it as a cross between Trainspotting, It’s a Sin, and Skins – and I’m not sure I could think of a better way to describe it.
Acts of Desperation – Megan Nolan
A story about an obsession with a love interest, a very toxic and psychologically abusive relationship; it’s a hard read at times, and can often feel claustrophobic and dark; but nevertheless brilliant – and quite important too. I wish this had been around when I was younger.
Luster – Raven Leilani
This follows Edie, a 23 year old black woman trying to navigate life; who somehow finds herself having an affair with a middle aged white man. It’s tense, it’s funny and it keeps you turning the page. It’s very clever, and it makes you think – I may even re visit this one in a few years time and I’m really looking forward to more from this author.
How to Kill Your Family – Bella Mackie
I haven’t actually got round to reading this one yet, but I’ve a feeling I may need to book myself out for the day! The main theme is, well pretty much as bluntly as the title suggests… a woman who murders her family – it’s a revenge tale, and apparently a pretty clever one at that. I can’t wait to indulge.
The Other Black Girl – Zakiya Dalila Harris
I devoured this almost in one sitting, absolutely devoured it. Another superbly clever offering – these women authors are wonderful, aren’t they! It follows Nella, a 26 year old black girl working at a book publisher. She’s also pretty fed up of being the only black girl in the outdated, casually racist company, that is until Hazel joins. However, are their intentions really the same..? A wonderful read, though it does get a little far fetched towards the end.
The Divines – Ellie Eaton
Pure escapism. A glamorous psychological thriller, set at an elite boarding school; it’s a page turner, at times chilling, and has a real coming of age vibe. It reminds me a little of a darker, more twisted Gossip Girl… almost.
Animal – Lisa Tadddeo
I loved this, and again, devoured it in one day, sat in my mums back garden with a box of ice lollies! It’s so different to other books I’ve read and it’s left me wanting more from the author. Another dark and disturbing one, that I just couldn’t put down – it’s hard to go into too much detail without spoilers, but the main character was really what stole the show in this book. Very very intriguing.
