We’re back to bring you another monthly round up of books we know you’d love! This month, we’ve got another four books for you to devour.
Woman, Eating, Claire Kohda
This book was everything I wanted it to be and more. Meet Lydia, a British born, Malaysian-Japanese young woman living in her rented artist’s studio in London, while working at a hip and desirable art gallery.
Oh, and she drinks blood.
Rethink everything you’ve ever heard or thought about modern-day vampires (cough cough, Twilight), Lydia’s story is one I couldn’t put down and devoured (excuse the pun, but I really did) in 5 days.
I was fascinated by Lydia’s constant obsession with food; her overbearing struggle of being a “demon”; navigating what it means to be mixed-race and a woman what that really means and what it truly means to exist, thrive and simply live as a human.
It’s a standout book for me, and one I think will leave you wondering how Lydia is doing with her life. (pub. 2022, 244 pages).
Who’d Like This?
Woman, Eating is a tale for those who love the blurring of lines between humanity and fantasy, for those who love being able to understand every thought of a protagonist and, ultimately, for those who want to read about a woman simply existing in a world as a human-demon, navigating the struggles of womanhood, independence, and ultimately – hunger in all forms.
Quote
“We only ever got pig blood. This wasn’t because it was the only type of animal blood the butcher had. “Pigs are dirty,” my mum said once. “It’s what your body deserves.” But it turns out that pigs aren’t naturally dirty. Rather, humans keep pigs in dirty conditions, feeding them rotten vegetables, letting the mud in their too-small pens mix with their feces; the filth of the pig is just symptomatic of the sins of the human.”
The Outsider, Albert Camus
The Outsider is one of Algerian-born French writer and philosopher Albert Camus most-loved novels. Meet Meursault, a man who simply chooses not to conform to the emotions society believes he should feel.
When his mother dies, Meursault and his lack of emotion shocks and confuses the people around him, which prompts Mersault to commit an act of violence that doesn’t affect him emotionally in any shape or form.
The Stranger leads readers on a journey of the absurdity of human life, the unspoken rules about emotion, and questioning if the ability to feel is innate, or simply learned. (pub. 1942, 111 pages).
Who’d Like This?
The Stranger is a book for those who love to read about existential crises through the eyes of others, and those who like a short, intelligent and mind-boggling story.
Quote
“It was as if that great rush of anger had washed me clean, emptied me of hope, and, gazing up at the dark sky spangled with its signs and stars, for the first time, the first, I laid my heart open to the benign indifference of the universe.”
Girl, Woman, Other, Bernardine Evaristo
Following the lives of 12 different Black people in modern-day Britain, Girl, Woman, Other is a deep dive into the thoughts, feelings and experiences of Black women and Black non-binary people navigating identity, gender, race, sexuality, history and tackling the racism in modern-day UK.
Each character brings a new perspective on womanhood, and each chapter feels like you’re watching from the side lines, looking into the intimate and sacred parts of an individual’s life; the gory and the good, the difficult and the divine, and the softness and the harshness of simply existing when you’re not male, white or upper class. (pub. 2020, 464 pages).
Who’d Like This?
For those who love books that read like character studies, and the intertwining of race, culture and gender, this tale will keep you preoccupied and wondering the futures of each character after finishing their separate stories.
I also believe this is essential reading for anyone living in Britain who has not had to experience racism or a hate crime – this will book will be eye-opening and leave you thinking.
Quote
“Ageing is nothing to be ashamed of. Especially when the entire race is in it together. Although sometimes it seems that she alone among her friends wants to celebrate getting older… Because it’s such a privilege to not die prematurely”.
“The Curated Closet”, Anuschka Rees
Now this is an extremely niche recommendation… but hear me out…
In an age where capitalism is more rampant than ever and simultaneously attempting to disguise itself under a anti-capitalist mask, minimalism can be a form of freedom as well as a middle finger to big corporate companies.
And this book is the perfect start.
Rees breaks down the ultimate capsule wardrobe, filled with a super-thorough guide with how to find your style, what makes you feel comfortable and how to minimise over-consumption when it comes to purchasing clothes.
I’ve had this book since 2018 and always come back to it about twice a year – it’s a good one to keep on the shelf and very easy to follow – it’s also a great gift for anyone you know who’s mentioned wanting to cut down on consumption! (pub. 2017, 272 pages).
Who’d Like This?
This is a wonderful book for anyone who’s looking to learn about minimalism in an easy and non-overwhelming way, with an aim to eventually only purchase items they need and can swap out over time. I end up mentioning this book often to people and think it’s a great one to keep around.