England has finally decided to participate in summer with
temperatures rising to 30+degrees. Whenever the weather is this good, all you need now are a few drinks, a park and
a good book (I am officially a grandma that enjoys reading for fun). I have started to accumulate a few fiction and non-fiction books that I have read or want to read this summer - perfect for
a lazy Sunday in bed, a commute or day in the park....
1. Everything I know about love – Dolly Parton
Dolly is a co-host on one of my favourite podcasts, 'The High Low' and a former dating columnist. Everything I know about love is a coming of age and funny narrative which we can all find one or two things in it that are relatable (which makes it even funnier). What I admire is her openness to talk about her history and experiences. I would even go as far as calling the book ‘a journey of self-discovery’ that you should read if you want the ‘ahh it’s not just me that goes through that’ moment
The book inspired by the authors 2014 blogpost, is such a great resource if you want to educate yourself on something that is such a poignant issue in the U.K...race. We’re always told about how race is such a huge issue in the US, however this book does a great job at giving a historic overview of race in the U.K., what white privilege is and how structural racism is in fact intertwined into our wider society ideology/thought process. At no point is 'Why I am no longer speaking to white people about race' an attack on people, more so a view into how structural institutions and systems work in the favour of some individuals over others.
3. Bonjour tristesse - Francoise Sagan
A little disclaimer: probably best to order the book in English and not French like I did.
This is a relatively short read. Written in the 1950s, Bonjour Tristesse sees the world through a 17 year olds eyes. You feel a tad sorry for the main character, who conspires to interfere with her father's new love interest and spoiler…it has a sad ending. Another disclaimer: when it was published back in the day, it was considered scandalous for its sexual references but it can’t compare to 50 shades of grey.
4. Selfie: How the West Became Self-Obsessed - Will Storr
Fun fact: I found out about this book by stalking the Instagram of Farrah Storr, editor in chief at Cosmopolitan, who also happens to be married to Will Storr, the author of this book.
Following on from my ‘social media is taking over our lives’ rant, I really related to this book as it considers our reliance on technology, the age of digitisation, the concept of self and narcissism. It looks at the reasons as to why people are so self-obsessed, our sense of self-worth and how we’ve all become ‘social perfectionists’. Interesting.
- Emma Gannon
Writer, broadcaster, podcast host, guest digital lecturer at Condé Nast College and all round inspiration, Emma Gannon has released her second book. This book is by no means preachy or full of cringe ‘reach for the moon, if you fail you’ll land in the stars’ quotes about success. Emma is an inspiration for all women, whether you’re still in school or a 40-year-old finance director (not sure why they’d be reading my blog but still). With her succinct, thorough advice, The Multi-Hyphen Method will make you want to go out, pursue your side hustle and achieve your goals.
6. Brit(ish): On Race, Identity and Belonging Hardcover - Afua Hirsch
For someone who always gets asked the question ‘So where you are from?’ and then when I reply Nottingham, UK where I was born, or Yorkshire, UK where I was brought up, or Manchester, UK where I went to university or London where I currently live, the response ‘No…where are you really from? Africa?’ is always asked. Brit(ish) is another important socio-cultural documentation we should all read, regardless of race, colour or background. It delves quite deeply into the author's own past and story, as well as British culture and society, addressing and challenging the obstacles faced by minority ethnic individuals in a Eurocentric, western world. Although you can pause at a number of arguments that she makes and think 'oh really?', Brit(ish) is still a fascinating read.
Outfit details
Blouse - ASOS
Shorts - ASOS Design
Shoes - RAID Via ASOS
Sunglasses - Weekday
Mx
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