Book Recommendations

I have really enjoyed consuming what my younger self would probably have categorised as boring literature over the past couple of months. I'm talking non fiction. The area of a library I would have ignored growing up, unless I had an essay due and needed to cram some knowledge fast into my brain. 

I have always had a voracious reading habit since before I could remember. On holidays in my early teens, I would bring 5 or 6 books which my mother would lament was way too many, but by day 5 of a two week break, they would be well thumbed and I would need to scour the hotel for more- although the English section was mostly Harlequin novels or a Jilly Cooper novel. So inevitably I learnt a lot those summers. 

I also had- and still to this day have- in my childhood bedroom, stacks and stacks of books by my bed and around my room. Marie Kondo would have a field day, but honestly each has brought me joy and allowed me to journey to different places and realities, so I would not part with a single page. (Side note I lived through and survived the vampire stage that I feel should be a part of every young girls life, like wearing glittery eyeshadow and sparkly tops- I hate to admit but a sizeable amount of my collection are various series of that ilk. I'm still keeping them though.) 

The thing about reading and in particular non fiction is that you can continue to learn new ideas and perspectives- largely focused in my case on social theories and psychology as those are my main interests- long after finishing education. You will never be the cleverest person you know, but you can read and learn and become cleverer than you were the day before. This list is of a few titles that have helped me expand my thoughts a little more over the last couple of months: 

Everyday Sexism by Laura Bates- this is such an important text that everyone should read in their lifetime. The sexual harassment and discrimination that goes on in the world around us is still a very real threat to primarily women but also men. Bates provides unavoidable factual testimonies from women who have listed their experiences on her platform the Everyday Sexism Project. What was so interesting is reading some testimonies that I have also experienced in my day to day life; changing my route home to avoid a particular street corner, talking to a loved one or friend on my way home when I don't necessarily feel comfortable and so on. The assurances that we have socially that a lot has changed in the last 50 years is great but a lot of the same attitudes are perpetuated in and woven into the very fabric of everyday life and Bates' book has and should exemplify why this needs to change. 

Why I'm No Longer Talking To White People About Raceby Reni Enno- Lodge- again I would say this is a necessary read for everyone particularly in the wake of the current climate and attitudes towards immigrants and migration. An honest and confronting text which should wake you up to the discriminative actions happening around you and our complicity with them. As a White Brit, it was astounding to read about the deletion of British Black History and the rewrites that are now remembered alongside all the horrors that my skin tone excuses me from experiencing. The hype is very much real.

The End of Men and the Rise of Women by Hanna Rosin- I will admit that my favourite part about reading this book, is the horrified looks from men on the tube who obviously can't see the entire title, relegating me as either a misandrist or a conspiracy theorist. So if that's the kind of reaction you're looking for on a morning, then look no further. But seriously in terms of a feminist text, this is largely unique as it dispels a common assumption that women are inferior to men in the workplace around the world, when actually there are numerous examples of where this is actually the opposite. Women are adapting to changes in the workplace whereas men are being left behind. Rosin explores the implications of this shift for relationships, marriage, sex, society and economics- thought provoking stuff. 

Anything as in all books by Jon Ronson- this man is a witty genius who tackles difficult, confusing subject matters and peoples with such humour. Laugh out loud and relatable material. My favourite of his is So You've Been Publicly Shamed which is largely about Twitter and how it has become the platform for public shaming that previously existed in person. 

The Call of the Weird by Louis Theroux- the man, the myth, the legend. If you've seen any of his documentaries largely his earlier stuff, this is a collection and exploration of all his greatest hits- Thor Templar, Neo-Nazis, Survivalists, you name it. Do I need to say more? 

I've included links to the books in case you want to purchase them and get your read on. As a disclaimer, I still love a fiction- the vampire's bitch in my heart is not dead, just maybe on vervain- I'll write another list with my fiction faves at some point. 

I would love to know what books you've been loving recently, so comment below, hit me up on my insta or drop me an email- I am always ready to learn more.