Autumn Reads 2021
Autumn is the perfect season to get cosy – pull out the warm knits, light a candle or two and most importantly, curl up with a good book. So what’s been on my reading list this autumn? Here are my Autumn Reads.
Project Hail Mary – Andy Weir
I loved this book from the same author who wrote The Martian. To talk about the plot would reveal spoilers so let’s just say that waking up from a coma to find yourself alone, in a spaceship, with the fate of humanity in your shoulders would be a bit of shock to anyone’s system. Did I skip some of the science bits? Yes of course. Do I need to be interested in space to enjoy the book? Not at all. This is my first 5* book in a while.
The Louder I Will Sing – Lee Lawrence
Reading this one in Black History month felt kind of apt. This heartbreaking memoir tells the story of Cherry Groce, a young, black mother who was shot in her own home in 1985 by a white police officer and left paralysed. Lee is her son, who fought for years for the police to admit liability, and to admit that these actions directly contributed to her early death. It’s hard not to feel shocked, moved and bitterly angry at times at the injustice and the institutional racism embedded in the police force. Thanks to the struggles of Lee and his family, small positive changes are being made.
Invisible Girl – Lisa Jewell
I feel like Lisa Jewell is one of the hardest working writers out there, with what seems like a new release every week. Her style has changed a lot since her earlier books such as Ralph’s Party and Thirty-Nothing. She now writes slow-burn thrillers with heavy topics; this one has heavy themes of sexual assault and incel culture. It’s well-paced with short chapters, and kept me guessing almost to the end.
The Beekeeper of Aleppo – Christy Lefteri
One of the few books passed on to me by Mr Fletche rather than the other way round; this is the compelling story of Nuri and his wife Afra as they seek to escape Syria when civil war breaks out. Trying to find their place in broken world, they must navigate their way across Europe towards a new life in England. The story touches on themes of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, grief and abuse, as well as the experiences of applying for asylum. It’s beautifully written, although not an easy read due to the subject matter.
Never Let Me Go – Kazuo Ishiguro
I was excited to finally read this but unfortunately was left wanting. The book reflects on the childhood of Kathy and her group of friends at a mysterious school. The reader is left guessing as to the nature of this school, as it’s clear that Kathy’s life is not a normal one. There are tiny clues given, but I was left frustrated. The premise of the story itself is excellent, but I didn’t feel it was executed or even written particularly well, and I didn’t really care about the characters.
Firefly Lane – Kristin Hannah
This was a disappointing DNF* for me. How could an author that created such beautiful historical fiction in The Nightingale write such dross? I’m prepared to revisit Tully and Kate’s story at some point – after all, Netflix made a whole drama series about it – but a quarter of the way in and I wasn’t fully invested. I remain interested in reading Hannah’s other novels through, and The Great Alone is a new addition to my TBR pile.
*DNF = Did Not Finish
Mother Mother – Annie MacManus
DJ Annie Mac proves there’s another string to her bow with her debut novel, about motherhood, addiction, grief and unbreakable family bonds. We follow Mary as she navigates life as a teenage mother in Belfast, with no mother of her own to guide her. And eighteen years later, we follow her son TJ, as he seeks to understand what would make his mother disappear one day, with no warning. It’s a confident and assured debut, with lead characters that are easy to care about.
Everything I Know About Love – Dolly Alderton
I think very few women could read journalist Dolly Alderton’s memoir and not recognise themselves in at least one of her anecdotes. It’s the story of a woman finding her way in the world, trying to find her identity and battling with addiction. She’s refreshingly honest and candid about her mistakes – of which there are many. Throughout, it’s the relationships with her female friends that keep her sane. And it’s difficult not to be moved by the incredible chapter all about her best friend’s little sister Florence. Have the hankies ready.
The Water Dancer – Ta-Nehisi Coates
I almost DNF’d this book a couple of times, but something kept me reading to the end. It’s the story of Hiram, enslaved on a Virginian plantation whose mysterious gift of Conduction makes him a target for a network of abolitionists, helping other slaves to escape. The novel follows Hiram as he learns to master his power and receives guidance from both black and white mentors, and also follows his relationships with those left behind at Lockless. It’s hard going at times, but the lyrical and descriptive narrative just about held my interest.
Currently Reading
A Little Life – Hanya Yanagihara
Pandora’s Jar: Women in the Greek Myths – Natalie Haynes
The Knife of Letting Go – Patrick Ness
Want to add these to your bookshelf? Don’t forget to pin for later!
