Reading Review: February 2020

Here are some mini reviews of the books I read last month (February)!

Be My Guest by Priya Basil (3/5)

I finished this as the UK officially left the European Union, which definitely added a painful aspect to reading. Priya writes about immigrants and refugees, about hospitality and how we welcome others through sharing food. It was touching and insightful, with glimpses into her own life and her family's attitude towards eating. I would say that this is one for dipping into, as the pacing is quite slow. 

Love, an index by Rebecca Lindenberg (5/5)

Rebecca's partner disappeared whilst hiking a volcano in Japan, and these poems span the moments before and after, following love and loss as they tangle. It's possibly my new favourite collection. Each poem is haunting, lyrical and powerfully simplistic. 

The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes (2/5)

This one was intense. It follows a middle-aged man as he tries to unpack his past. The mystery he is faced with is a curious one, but I lost interest as the novel develops.  found it clumsy, with an unsatisfactory reveal at the end. 

Adults by Emma Jane Unsworth (4/5)

This is about social media addiction and flailing through adulthood. The protagonist is self-absorbed and dramatic, similar to the chaotic Tyler in Animals (Emma's previous novel which I really liked). This accurately portrays the mania of obsession and using performative social platforms as a crutch in life. Some painfully relatable inner monologues too. 

The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp (5/5)

This is really great. Practical advice from Twyla's thirty year dancing and choreographing career, applicable to all creators - designers, writers, artists etc. Or even anyone trying to get a little more creativity into their lives. I'm writing a full piece on this, so stay tuned for that...