Last month’s reads were a wonderfully eclectic mix of genres. It had everything from fantasy to scandalous to insightful and introspective. I managed to listen to 2 Audiobooks this month along with 2 physical books. I will admit both the audiobooks are not long at all but considering I was scared I wouldn’t meet my target I am quite happy with the February book round up.
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
I have heard a lot about Glennon Doyle over the past year but before reading this book I haven’t read any of her work. I wasn’t sure what to expect and was worried it wouldn’t live up to my expectations but I was wrong to be. Part memoir part life guide, Untamed is the book of Glennon’s life thus far including the lessons she’s learned along the way. It was an open profound self-aware spiritual read. Through talking about her own life, dealing with addiction, being married, getting divorced, marrying Abby Wambach, and motherhood, Glennon makes you look inwards at the relationships you have in your own life. The book empowers you to open your eyes and look at situations with a whole new perspective. It is a book you will not want to skim read. I found myself highlighting key passages not just quotes but also the mistakes she made. She was very open and raw, reminding the reader that as humans we are all flawed and we all need to work on ourselves.
Rating: 8/10 – I really enjoyed this and would recommend it to others who wanted a little bit of a lift or reminder that life after trauma can be rebuilt.
Amazing Disgrace by Grace Campbell
The first time I came across Grace Campbell was a couple of years ago where I watched her perform live at a Pink Protest event. I didn’t know what to expect and mainly went along to support the cause but I am so glad I did. I was in awe of how amazingly confident and funny she was. Her anecdotes were raw, gripping, and honest. The exact same can be said for her book. I listened to the audiobook. She managed to find the perfect balance of comedy and explaining the trauma she faced in her life. Amazing Disgrace is a memoir of sorts but it much more than that. Through her words, Grace is a confidant, reassuring sister, and solidarity for girls and women across the world who have experienced their version of the trauma Grace talks about. On one hand, I would say this isn’t for the young ones in your life but also, it is a good idea to read this book and discuss the topics in the book such as relationships with their body, food, and sex with them in a safe and healthy way.
7/10 – This is one of the most heartening/ bravest memoir/ life books I have read. Grace’s natural ability to share her story in such a unique way makes it required reading.
Right, Said Fred by Freddie Flintoff.
Fun fact, Freddie Flintoff is from my neck of the woods. In fact, I went to University in his city centre. I purchased his audiobook after watching his BBC Documentary. It was fun light-hearted listen for the most part. It is essentially Freddie having a bit of rant about certain things while sharing his life story. I would definitely listen to this rather than read the book. He doesn’t narrate the audiobook but it is a northern accent and if you know him and watch his presenting work you will see him as the narrator. Also, the tangents and the rants he goes on make for a better listen rather than a read.
Rating: 5/10 – It was good and lighthearted. Not the most in-depth or impactful memoir I have but it does deliver with barrels of laughs.
Eve of Man by Giovanna and Tom Fletcher
This is my first full fiction novel of 2021 and I couldn’t have picked a better one to read. It reminds me so much of the books I read growing up and the types of movies and worlds I like to get lost in. It is a dystopian story is about Eve, the first girl to be born in over 50 years. The time has come for her to start populating the world again but she meets Bram and her world gets thrown upside down. The book is written from two viewpoints. The view of Eve was written by Giovanna and Bram was written by Tom. This distinction is honestly wonderful to read and doesn’t take away from the story but rather adds a slightly more authentic voice to it. For example, Giovanna is able to talk about love and growing up from a teenage girl’s point of view and Tom is able to do the same for Bram. The detail that has gone into creating this world allows you to fall deep into it and everything it has to offer. It was quite a vivid read, as I was reading it I couldn’t help but imagine it as a TV show or film along the lines of The Hunger Games. It is part of the trilogy and the second one is on my shelf ready for me to pick it up. I haven’t read fiction in a hot minute to it was nice to escape in a fantasy world for a little while.
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