Quick Reviews #1

Mini book reviews: comfort reads, thinkers and anything else I've felt like reading recently

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I thought I’d mix up the kind of book reviews I share with you here on The Write Up, to keep it fresh, and mainly also because I haven’t felt able to make enough time recently for my usual detailed notes — I still wanted to share these books with you.

Here are some brief comments on some things I’ve been reading recently. In case a quick mention sparks your interest in any of them. . .

(or, just, in reading whatever you like in general!)

Let’s talk about the books. . .

If you’re after more detailed reviews, you can find some more in-depth thoughts on one of my favourite non-fiction picks and a couple of anticipated novels in What I’ve Been Reading Recently, or I explored new genres and beautiful writing in 1 Month 4 Books.

If you didn’t catch them when I first shared these reviews, let me know if you find anything to read there too!

Otherwise, I’ve grouped together some reads I’ve been quietly making my way through recently below.

Let me know how your reading is going at the moment, I’d love to know.

Straight from the TBR

Olive

By

Emma Gannon

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel about female friendships — something I’m trying to treasure and cultivate in my life currently. I like that it tackles the topic of motherhood which is an extremely important topic to me, and that every character is navigating a different situation, and they’re navigating how those choices and circumstances impact their relationships too.

The Success Myth

(Also) By Emma Gannon

This has been the only book that I have made notes on recently, and I could share a more detailed review of, if you’d like to read this. Perhaps, my first solo review?!

Emma says so many things I can deeply relate to through her writing, and I thoroughly enjoyed making my way through the myths covered in her latest non-fiction. I definitely see how this read could be incredibly useful for so many, in re-defining their goals and values.

Thought provoking books

Man’s Search For Meaning

By Viktor E. Frankl

This one was recommended to me and it’s the one I’m currently reading. It’s about the psychological response to imprisonment, specifically in concentration camps. My feelings so far are — how could this not be an inspiring read?! (It talks mostly about the helpful responses.)

The Success Myth could have definitely come under this heading too, of course.

Comfort reads

Matilda

By Roald Dahl

Who doesn’t love re-reading Matilda — if you’ve read it before, seen one of the films, or even the musical (highly, highly, recommend if you haven’t).

It’s about an extremely intelligent young girl discovering her gifts and changing her everyday life and others’ too. I think I referenced my love of Matilda when I reviewed Lessons in Chemistry. This was top of my list when I was seeking an easy read recently. Nostalgia — check. Reading content — check.

Sweet children’s story — who says you can’t enjoy this as an adult?!

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

By Lewis Carroll

Another one I always come back to. There’s more going on in the book than in the Disney film I grew up with, and it’s a charming story of random occurrences that take you into another world with Alice — a world of talking animals, and magic potions. I also love the playful use of language throughout.

The Witches

By Roald Dahl

I was reminded of this story after reading Matilda, this is another quick read that doesn’t disappoint if you know what you’re going in for. A story about a child and his grandmother’s quest to get rid of the witches of England. Light-hearted, magic, sweet, extremely mild threat (if it were a film warning?! haha). I actually haven’t got round to the latest film yet. Has anyone seen it?!

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As always, please look up trigger warnings for any of these titles if you feel like you need them.

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What’s next

I had to include the classic — what’s next. Even though sometimes, something completely different piques my fancy. At the moment, I’m thinking of re-reading The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown, or just continuing to ‘Read recklessly’ as suggested by

Austin Kleon

in this lovely quick tips newsletter — Summer (un)Schooling.

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Have you read any of these? What did you think? What are you currently reading?

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I’d love to know, as well, whether you would prefer bi-weekly newsletters?

At the minute, I’m aiming for weekly but I’m not sure if I’m overloading your inbox.

Please let me know what you think!

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