The Shadow Cabinet by Juno Dawson
Best for: Those who enjoyed the first book in the series, Her Majesty’s Royal Coven. In a nutshell: Taking place immediately after the end of the first book, we find a witch who has taken over her sister’s body and a lot of men who want to cause a lot of harm to women. Worth quoting: N/A Why I chose it: I enjoyed the first in the series. Review: Without spoiling the book, I appreciate that the first one had a theme that was related […]
The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa
Best for: Those who enjoy contemplative stories. In a nutshell: The main character of this book is a novelist whose name we never learn. She lives alone in a world where anything can disappear. But not for everyone. Worth quoting: The writing is the book is lovely, but I didn’t find myself underlining anything specific. Why I chose it: This was a birthday gift from friends. Review: I’m feeling a bit melancholy after reading this book, but I’m not sad, and I’m not disappointed that […]
High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out by Amanda Ripley
Best for: Anyone interested in narratives around people making connections across seemingly large divides. In a nutshell: Journalist Ripley explores the concept of ‘high conflict’ through the stories of a few different individuals and groups. Worth quoting: “The challenge of our time is to mobilize great masses of people to make change without dehumanizing one another.” “Hatred assumes the enemy is immutable. If the enemy will always be evil, there is no reason to ever consider any creative solutions to the conflict.” Why I chose […]
Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo
Best for: Anyone interested in a straightforward exploration of a woman’s life under patriarchy. In this case, the patriarchy women experience in Korea. In a nutshell: Kim Jiyoung’s story, from birth through motherhood, and all the times her being a girl / woman has been held against her. Worth quoting: “It felt more like harassment or violence than pranks, and there was nothing she could do about it.” “It wasn’t that she didn’t have time – she didn’t have room in her head for other […]
The Price of Life: In Search of What We're Worth and Who Decides by Jenny Kleeman
Best for: Those interested in exploring not just the philosophical questions about ‘value,’ ‘worth,’ and ‘price,’ but those contemplating how to – and if we should – put a price on a life. In a nutshell: Journalist Kleeman investigates the different prices we put on lives, from hiring a hit man to covering medications to paying ransom to bomber jets. Worth quoting: “It is possible to not be a slave but still be exploited: this £23 pedicure has taken seventy-five minutes. Does £23 adequately cover […]
Run: Races and Trails Around the World by Rachel Laidler and Elspeth Beidas
Best for: People who like to travel to their run, or who are looking for some inspiration. In a nutshell: One hundred runs and trails of varying lengths, spread across every continent (yes, even that one). Worth quoting: N/A Why I chose it: It was a birthday gift. Review: I’ve been running for about 15 years now. In those years I’ve run 15 half marathons, and some of the best have been ones I’ve traveled for. There was one in the Black Country near Birmingham, […]
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