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A July Book Round-Up
I'm really enjoying sharing (and consuming) more bookish content lately; a combination of having more time to read due to lockdown, finding books to really fall in love with and discovering more bookstagram/booktube accounts on my wavelength. So with that in mind, I'm gonna switch up my monthly round-ups to focus solely on what I've been reading and no longer including things I've been watching/listening to/doing. So I hope you're all a bunch of bookworms too! If you are - join me on GoodReads.
I've always enjoyed reading but I've always been a slow reader. That is until lockdown kicked in, I lost my job and had endless days to fill with reading. So it seems like I've read a lot throughout July, and I have, but I start a new job next week so from August my book round-ups will likely be on a much smaller scale.
There's quite the variety of books here, so instead of ordering them in any kind of favourable way, I'm simply gonna stick to the order in which I read them!
Cilkas Journey by Heather Morris
I technically started this at the end of June after I finished the prequel, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, and after how great I thought that book was, I had high hopes for the sequel, but I'm just not sure I enjoyed it as much? I guess 'enjoyed' isn't really the right word given the subject really is it! I still loved the book, and I don't know whether it's because I know it's more fictional than the former, having some of the backlash from her family in the back of my mind, or maybe simply because it was more harrowing to think this was all in addition to time spent in Auschwitz and therefore proved a harder read, but it's still one I'd recommend if you're into historical fiction and want to understand more about what could've been happening post-Auschwitz. Cilka Klein sounds like a formidable woman.
To All the Boys I've Loved Before, P.S I Still Love You & Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han
Ever since the first film dropped on Netflix this series has been on my TBR and because I was in such a low mood earlier this month, it seemed like the perfect time to cosy up with some YA romantic fluff. And I absolutely adored them all! So much so that I cried at the end of book 3, but let's not talk about that.. Following the high school romance of Lara-Jean and Peter in the run-up to college, this is simply a heart-warming love story and a very easy read, definitely one to get you out of a reading slump.
The Good Immigrant edited by Nikesh Shukla
A compilation of essays from 21 Black, Asian and minority ethnic voices in Britain, this book looks at "why immigrants come to the UK, why they stay and what it means to be 'other' in a country that doesn't seem to want you or truly accept you, but still needs you for it's diversity monitoring forms". This was not only a really powerful and thought-provoking read, but one that I would recommend to everyone, especially white British people (like myself) to get just an inkling of understanding into how those different from you live their day-to-day lives so differently within the same country.
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
A much hyped book at the moment, I picked this up when I was made aware of the fact that it was only £2 at The Works (which then resulted in quite the hefty book order being placed, but I digress..). Set in the fictional suburb of Shaker Heights, where everything is planned, this follows the arrival of artist Mia Warren and her teenage daughter Pearl, their relationship with the Richardson family whom they rent an apartment from, and sees a custody battle over the attempted adoption of a Chinese-American baby by friends of the Richardsons. I absolutely loved this book; I loved the characterisation, the plot, the story-telling, and not only is the newly adapted Amazon Prime series now a must-see for me, but also Ng's first novel, Everything I Never Told You, has shot to the top of my TBR.
The Prison Doctor by Dr Amanda Brown
Another book that I bagged for £2 from The Works, I picked this up after seeing comparisons of it to Adam Kays 'This Is Going To Hurt'; a book that I loved. I must say I didn't find it half as compelling! With stories from Browns time as a doctor at a young offenders institution, the notorious Wormwood Scrubs and Europes largest women-only prison in Europe, Bronzefield, there is understandably quite some horrifying and heart-breaking tales. I found it a fascinating read to get a little delve into such a world, and the final quarter of the book was definitely where it picked up, but it seemed a little lacking for me? There seemed to be a lot rushed into a fairly short book and not only was there a lack of personality from the author, but it was just a very simplistic writing style.
How Do We Know We're Doing It Right (Essays on Modern Life) by Pandora Sykes
I pre-ordered this number back in January as I'm a big fan of Pandoras work. I requested delivery to store and little did I know it would arrive in the middle of a pandemic, so picking this book up was my first trip to Waterstones post-lockdown and I'm very proud of myself for managing to only pick up one other book whilst there! Anyway, this collection of essays was such a comforting read, so very relatable, beautifully written and well-researched. I particularly enjoyed the essays on binge-watch culture and fast fashion from such a relatable perspective.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
My final read of July was without a doubt my favourite of the month (if not the year so far??). The Vanishing Half tells the story of mixed race twins Desiree and Stella Vignes, born in a small southern black community, who run away at the age of sixteen. Although they will always be identical, their lives couldn't turn out any different. Spanning decades from the 1950's up to the 1990's we see multiple strands and generations of their family. Dealing with racism, colourism, LGBTQ+ and domestic violence, with a heavy focus on the conflicted sense of identity and the turmoil that comes with it, this was such a compelling read. Brit Bennett is an absolute genius and her debut novel, The Mothers, is absolutely my next purchase.
Me & White Supremacy by Layla F Saad
I almost forgot to include this when I started planning this post, simply because it wasn't a conventional book which I 'read' but more of a workbook. But that's not to say there isn't a lot of reading involved! Me & White Supremacy is a 28-day-workbook which breaks down the systemics of white supremacy, white privilege, white silence and so much more, in order to get those who hold white privilege to look within themselves, see how we are part of the problem and address how we can do better going forward. I've been working through this since the start of July and although it certainly isn't an easy book, it is absolutely an essential book if you want to make actual progress in becoming an anti-racist.
So, have you read any of these? What do you think? And what's been your favourite July read?
Loves. Emma.
Lockdown Has Made Me Reevaluate My Wardrobe
Well, I say 'lockdown' has made me reevaluate my wardrobe, but really that is one of a few factors. And I've simply come to the realisation that I don't need the vast quantities that are spilling out of my wardrobe; I don't need shoes and boots in every colour and style imaginable; I don't need leather jackets, denim jackets and trench coats galore; and I certainly don't need items that don't fit me anymore which I have been simply unwilling to let go of. I don't work in fashion and each item in my wardrobe doesn't get worn as much as it should, so I simply can not justify the excess to myself anymore. I used to see bloggers sharing wardrobe tours and think 'well mine's only a fraction of that so it can't be bad!' but honestly, it still is. Just because you're not buying into fast fashion doesn't mean your shopping habits are good, over-consumption is still bad. Nobody needs 80+ pairs of shoes and boots Emma!!
So what are the factors that brought this reevaluation about?
Lockdown, as I said. The fact I've been at home 90% of the time wearing the same 20% of my wardrobe on repeat. Obviously this was due to the fact that nobody outside of my house was seeing what I looked like, unless I decided to post on Instagram, so it didn't matter if I wore exclusively baggy t-shirts and leggings. But it just kind of brought home the extent of how many clothes in my wardrobe I don't really wear, and could they have a better life somewhere else, y'know?
Instagram. Sounds odd, I know, because we're all used to this having the opposite effect. But following the right people, seeing an influx of chatter about Slow Fashion Season and more of a focus on shopping your own wardrobes, I've been really looking at what I own, what's missing from my wardrobe (not a lot) and what's not being worn. The wardrobe challenges that have been occurring throughout lockdown have definitely been a big factor in this; actively looking through the clothes I own and finding new ways to style them.
Seeing everything laid bare. We've spent the past 2 weeks decorating my bedroom, which meant removing everything from said bedroom first. In that process of moving the clothing rail, chest of drawers, wardrobe and under-bed shoe storage, it brought home just how much I have. And just how unnecessary it all is. I've since left multiple bin liners full of items in another room which I am (slowly) listing on Depop as I'm trying not to add to the overload which charity shops are facing right now. So please have a nosey!
I'm never gonna be a capsule wardrobe kind of girl, I simply love clothes and styling too much for that. But it doesn't need to be as excessive as it has been the past few years. I love having an array of prints and colours to choose from, rotating from minimalist outfits one day to loud and lairy the next. The thing I need to cut back on is getting carried away with buying things in charity shops just because they're a bargain, and spending so much time searching and bidding for things on eBay when I'm bored. I want to really make the most of the pieces I have in my wardrobe because, to be honest, there are some GEMS.
So what are some of my favourite never-letting-go-of pieces in my wardrobe?
Vintage shirts, like this one, that brighten up any outfit and make you look (and feel) more put together than you actually are.
Dungarees. Whether it's this denim pair which were from Monki about 5 years ago, or my colourful Lucy & Yak pair, I just bloody love a good pair of dungas!
Converse and Vans. A lot of people say you're either a Converse or Vans type of person, but I don't agree because I have multiple pairs of each and love them equally. The comfiest everyday kind of shoes that go with any outfit.
Leather Jackets. I have a few different leather jackets which I can't part with including a vintage St Michael one and a tasselled number. They're not just a jacket to keep you warm, but to add another layer to your outfit and styling. As much as I love a denim jacket, leather wins.
Band Tees. Some of my most-loved and most-worn pieces are definitely band tees; whether vintage ones that have been lucky finds or ones bought at live shows, they all have a special meaning to me.
Straight Leg Jeans. I spent far too many years wearing exclusively skinny jeans, but last year I saw the light and wouldn't trade my vintage Levis for anything.
A-Line Skirts. I'm firmly a trousers over skirts/dresses person, but when I do fancy wearing something more girly 9 times out of 10 it's an a-line skirt. They're the most flattering fit and just a favourite for my body.
Ankle Boots. Doc Martens, chelsea boots or cowboy boots, I just bloody love an ankle boot of any style. They go with anything in my wardrobe and work any time of year. A hero.
My Burberry trench coat. The most expensive piece of clothing I own and one I saved up a long time for, admiring longingly. My trench coat isn't the most-worn because I am not wearing a jacket that expensive to work everyday on an industrial site, sorry. But it is the most-loved!
Hats! Bucket hats, fedoras, baker boy caps, whatever the style I just love wearing hats. I love the statement they can add and the way they immediately transform your look. Also great for good hair days too!
Loves. Emma.
May & June: What I've Read & Watched
Like most people, I've been making use of this extra time at home to fly through my TBR pile so let's talk books first. Because boy have I been reading fast.
What I've Read:
- Jog On by Bella Mackie - This one's been sat on my shelf since last year and I'm glad I finally got around to reading it because not only did it resonate so much with me, but it was the push I needed to get out running. My mental health has been a rollercoaster in lockdown but running has been quite the saviour!
- Normal People by Sally Rooney - This has been scrawled on the Notes app in my phone to buy for months and I finally ordered it in May so I could read it before watching the newly released Series. Oh my God, I don't think I've loved a book this much in a long long time. It follows the story of Connel and Marianne, two seemingly mismatched teenagers who keep coming together. The writing style, the characters, just everything!
- Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo - Another book that I absolutely adored. This was such a different style in telling the stories of 12 different women across the UK and how they interlink, covering such real and raw topics around race, gender and class. Evaristos writing is delightful and I've already added her other work to my list.
- Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins-Reid - Telling the fictional story of a 70's rock band, this was the fun, light-hearted read that lockdown needed. I loved the interview style and the twist in revealing the interviewer at the end. It's a book that really transports you to the era in which it's set.
- Validate Me by Charly Cox - Besides the dreaded Anthology at school, I've not read all that much poetry before. But I've been following Charly on Instagram for a couple of years now and love her work. After I read 'She Must Be Mad' last year and loved it, I knew 'Validate Me' would be the same. It's a nice break from the fiction/non-fiction cycle!
- Us by David Nicholls - As a big fan of One Day, I've been meaning to read more of Nicholls work for a while now, so finding Us for 99p in a Charity shop back in February seemed like fate. After Douglas' wife Connie announces she plans to leave him and the family home after their son leaves for University, this book follows their final summer as they go all out on a long-anticipated roadtrip across Europe. It was kind of heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time and just a really wonderful read.
- Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams - One you've probably seen all over social media recently! Queenie is a 20-something Black woman navigating life after taking a break from her relationship. It covers mental health, race, class and consent while remaining to be a laugh out loud read. I rated this 5 stars on GoodReads and, I don't regret that because I did enjoy it, but it was also a very basic writing-style and some of the issues I don't think were dealt with as deeply as they could've been. A nice quick read!
- Emma by Jane Austen - I mentioned in my last round-up post that I'm trying to read more classics this year and Emma was number 2 on that list. I love the story, but it's in parts quite lengthy where it doesn't need to be and with the old language, I sometimes had to read sentences twice through. It's still one I'd recommend as I do love the characterisation and the plot.
- Why I'm No Longer Talking To White People About Race by Renni Eddo-Lodge - Embarassingly, this was on my list to buy when it first came out but I never got around to picking it up because I wanted to read fiction more. So with the latest BLM movement this was always going to be the first book I picked up. And there's a reason it is so highly recommended. Covering history of race issues in the UK, whitewashed feminism and the link between race and class this is an absolute essential read for everyone about what it's like to be Black in the UK today.
- Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney - After how much I loved Normal People, I knew I had to read this ASAP. It's the tale of a complex menage-a-quatre with 21-year-old Frances at the centre and initially, I wasn't all that sold from the blurb. I absolutely loved it though because Sally Rooney is a genius.
- I Will Not Be Erased by gal-dem - A book that was brought to mention in the wave of resources being shared alongside the BLM movement. Gal-dem is an online and print publication by women of colour and non-binary people of colour. The book shares stories of different members often in the style of diary entries to their younger selves. It was a great eye-opening read that I'm strongly recommending.
- The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris - I am very late to the party with this I know, but it's been falling to the bottom of my TBR pile for the past year until I decided it was time to pull it out. Based on a true story, I found this such a harrowing read but also an essential read. I'm now reading the sequel, Cilka's journey...
In terms of what I've been watching lately, I've made a conscious effort to watch a wider variety of things, whether that be documentaries/films/TV series. A mixture of topics to educate and enjoy!
What I've Watched:
- Manifest Season 2 - It's such a bizarre yet gripping series about the return of a missing plane. At times it seems very predictable but I still love to get lost in it.
- Moonlight - A film I've been wanting to see for a long time, but if I can't add it to my list on Netflix and I don't catch it whilst it's on SkyMovies, then things slip under the radar. I paid to rent it on Prime a few weeks back and it was a really powerful watch.
- For Sama - A documentary available on 4 On Demand in which Waad Al-Kateab films across 5 years of her life during the uprising in Aleppo. It's a harrowing look into the female experience of war, but one I would recommend everyone watch immediately.
- Afterlife Season 2 - This show perfectly balances the line between heartbreakingly sad and laugh-out-loud funny. It's widely popular for a reason and a great watch whether you've dealt with grief or not.
- Normal People - After loving the book as much as I did I was kinda scared this wouldn't live up to it. But OMG! It was everything I could've dreamt of and more, it's clear that Sally Rooney had a hand in the writing of the show because it resembles the book so closely.
- Booksmart - I wanted to see this at the cinema when it was first released but it wasn't at all locations and there were few showings near me. It's then taken me far too long to get round to watching it, and I didn't love it, but I enjoyed it. There were too many toe-curling moments and too many lucky coincidences that I couldn't see past but it was still a heart-warming coming of age.
- BlacKKKlansman - An old work colleague recommended this to me a few months back so when I saw it was on SkyMovies I set it to record immediately. It was quite a shocking watch, especially knowing that the racism, the police brutality and the presence of the KKK are still rife in 2020.
- Once Upon A Time In Hollywood - I'd seen a lot of hype around this last year and after watching it, I don't really get it?? The end especially was pretty horrific, but the whole film didn't seem to have much of a plot?
- American Son - Based on a Broadway play of the same name, this sees an enstranged couple reunite at a Chicago police station when their son goes missing. It shows the intrinsic racism within the police force and is a must-see for all.
- 13th - A Netflix Original Documentary that looks at the history of race and the criminal justice system in America. There are some pretty shocking statistics that I wasn't previously aware of, so is quite the essential viewing the educate yourselves on mass incarceration and how it is deemed an extension of slavery.
- The Death and Life of Marsha P Johnson - As I write this post, I've just watched this today and it was a very emotional look at such a leading force in the Stonewall uprising and how trans women are failed so often.
What's your favourite thing you've read/watched recently?
Loves. Emma.