Despite it being the shortest month of the year, I was pretty happy with the range of genres I read in February. There's romance & erotica, business & self-help, poetry, personal essays and comedy. See what I thought of each below.
Persuasive Copywriting by Andy Maslen (4/5)
I found this really helpful, and it answered a lot of questions I had about copywriting. The chapters cover techniques to identify the reader or customer, improve your writing and get from theory to profit. It's easy to dip into, and reads like a genuine conversation, which I liked. The exercises don't make you want to claw your eyes out either, which makes a nice change from some workbooks I've read before.
Meet Me at The Museum by Anne Youngson (5/5)
This is about a woman getting in touch with a museum curator in Denmark, enquiring about the mummified man from the Iron Ages she's spent her life thinking about. Their correspondence continues and their friendship deepens. The book is structured in letters, similarly to 84, Charing Cross Road, which I personally love. This is about regret, choices and finding companions in later life - which isn't something I've read much about previously. So heartwarming.
My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh (3/5)
This is a darkly comic novel about a woman who decides to medicate herself (under the supervision of a questionable psychiatrist) so that she can 'hibernate' for a year. The protagonist is really unlikeable, but I was curious about what would happen to her, and if she would ever stop being so cynical. I found this interesting, but I didn't find myself that excited to keep reading.
Undying by Michel Faber (3/5)
This is Michel's debut poetry collection, which he wrote during his wife's six-year battle with cancer. I liked a fair few of the poems, and admittedly they are very powerful, but for some reason I didn't connect with them that much. Regardless, this is a sweet extract:
'All I can do, in what remains of my brief time,
is mention, to whoever cares to listen,
that a woman once existed, who was kind
and beautiful and brave, and I will not forget
how the world was altered, beyond recognition,
when we met.'
We Are Never Meeting in Real Life by Samantha Irby (5/5)
I cry-laughed my way through this entire essay collection. It's brilliantly written and genuinely hilarious. There's the painfully realistic job application, accounts of awkward sexual encounters and an eye-wateringly funny description of scattering her father's ashes. Samantha isn't necessarily self-deprecating, but she's just honest. There's no 'confessional' or embarrassed tone, just raw, ridiculous and heartbreaking stories shared.
The Pisces by Melissa Broder (2/5)
~ Book Club Read ~
I'm still unsure about this one, which is a shame as I'd heard great things about it. It's about a woman house and dog-sitting for her sister in L.A. for the summer. She's going to group therapy and avoiding writing her thesis. As she deals with her existential angst (I feel you girl), she meets a mystical man. So apparently merman erotica is a thing... Who knew? Melissa is skilled in making these bizarre sex scenes seem utterly normal, but the dialogue was unrealistic and cringeworthy. Overall, it's disturbing with a deflating ending.
The Fire Starter Sessions by Danielle LaPorte (5/5)
I bought a copy of this for my brother's birthday, and figured I might as well get one for myself, too. I'd say this is for students, innovators, lovers, salespeople, project managers, lost souls - everyone. This book is a 'soulful and practical guide to creating success on your own terms'. I wrote over thirty pages of notes whilst reading, and have been sharing quotes with anyone who will listen. It's incredible.
Living The Dream by Lauren Berry (4/5)
This follows the lives of two fictional writers in their late twenties, trying to escape the mundanity and live their dreams in London. The honest inner dialogue and commentary on being stuck in a job you hate is hilarious, and there are witty one-liners throughout. It's been compared to Bridget Jones, and for good reason. I loved Lauren's sarcastic tone and the short chapters are perfect for dipping into.
~ ~ ~
Here's February's playlist, for good measure: PLAY ME
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