THE BOOK CLUB

Summer and reading. The two things go hand in hand quite well, don’t they? When I was younger, buying a new book at the beginning of the long stretch of school holidays was literally THE BEST THING EVER. Usually I’m the first to jump up and defend the internet against criticisms of dulling our everyday experiences, but I have to say I really do miss the magic of going into Waterstones, opening up a new hardback and breathing in the new-book-smell. I for one am so guilty of opening up a book, having a quick peek at my phone, and then realising 45 minutes have passed and I’m lying horizontal on my bed drooling over a Tasty Facebook video of a spaghetti bowl made of cheese (MADE OF CHEESE!).

Kindles are amazing, blogs are great and listening to a podcast is practically a ritual of mine, but I do try to actively ensure that technology and social media don’t distract me completely from the joys of curling up with a good book, you know, in my actual hand. If I had my way, summer reading would involve a sandy white beach, ice cold pina coladas on tap and a topless Ed Westwick lookalike to fan me with a palm leaf. Sadly, I’ve got to make do with the drizzly British summertime and the odd day off from my full time job. Thankfully, the recent additions to my bookshelf pack more than enough punch to liven up such a boring setting for my book binge. This collection features poetry, non-fiction and some autobiographical type works from the wonderful Emma Gannon, Michael Faudet, Olivia Laing, Rupi Kaur and Bryony Gordon.

1. Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur 

I, like many others, stumbled across the extraordinary works of Rupi Kaur through her Instagram page. Rupi is an all-round fab gal and general feminist icon who, in her spare time, somehow managed to write a book full of raw, upsetting, uplifting and ultimately honest poems. Milk and Honey is split into four sections: the hurting, the loving, the breaking and the healing, and guides the reader through an achingly truthful account of life and loss. The pages of her poems are dotted with beautiful line drawings too - a definite plus for an art lover like me.

2.     Ctrl Alt Delete: How I Grew Up Online by Emma Gannon

Emma has long been one of my all-time favourite writers. Her blog, Girl Lost in the City, has a permanent place in my bookmarks bar and I’m not ashamed to say I purposefully have a stalk through her brilliantly sharp Tweets from time to time. When I heard Emma was releasing a book I’m fairly sure I let out a little squeal, and after reading it, I can confirm that it was in fact squeal-worthy. Ctrl Alt Delete is a witty, no holds barred account of growing up in the digital age, with tales of cringe MSN romances, how the internet can manipulate perceptions of our bodies and equally how it brings a whole host of positives. She touches upon finding your internet ‘tribe’ and the many opportunities the rise of digital technology has afforded us through a completely relatable, easily digestible tone of voice. This book catapulted me back to my youth, growing up fighting on the online battlefield that was Bebo, Facebook and MSN, and reminded me of hilarious memories I’d completely supressed. I loved this book so much that once I’d finished, I flipped it right back open to read my favourite chapters again.

3. The Lonely City by Olivia Laing

This beautifully covered book by Olivia Laing deals with the link between loneliness and creativity. I’ve always been someone who is particularly affected by the emotional ghostland that is loneliness, despite having so many lovely, lovely pals, and I’m fascinated by the fact that loneliness seemingly doesn't have a direct link with actually being alone. After a friend explained the concept of book to me I was all for it, and it was genuinely such an interesting read. The book discusses the concept of loneliness through a look at tales surrounding the likes of Andy Warhol, Edward Hopper and the author herself. It investigates the link between loneliness and finding peace in art and artistic mediums, and I feel so much more educated on the fluidity of emotions after reading this book.

4. Dirty Pretty Things by Michael Faudet

Last but most certainly not least is this beautifully written poetry book that deals with love, lust and loss. Michael Faudet’s whimsical short poems captivated me from page one, and once I’d started turning the pages I literally didn’t stop until I’d reached the last page. His beautiful, sexy, romantic words cover the pages and tell interweaving stories of passion as well as dealing with the nuances of day to day romance. Also, as a plus, the typography used throughout this book is bloody gorgeous and right up my street. If you’re a hopeless romantic, or as obsessed with the concept of love as I am, this one is for you.

Not included in this list is Mad Girl by Bryony Gordon. I’m currently in the middle of reading this little gem and so far am thoroughly LOVING it. I’m sure I’ll tweet my thoughts on it after I’m finished, I’m always banging on about books on there.

Hope you enjoyed this list, if you have any recommendations holla at me on here or on Twitter.

Sara x