Fiction, Body Image, Relationships and Silliness - It kind of sounds like my epitaph.

 

Truly Madly Guilty - Liane Moriarty

This drove me crazy. If I hadn't already read a few of Liaine Moriarty's books (Big Little Lies, The Husband's Secret) I would have been getting frustrated at how the story should have probably ended but as I had, I knew that there was going to be a revelation that made it worth it. But rather than a shocking revelation it was more of a succession of incidents that fed in together to show how our paths can change as a result of one incident that ignites emotions within a dynamic. Forcing us to face our demons. How we choose to deal with life can change what happens to us, this is what makes us individuals. How we can all sit on the edge of sanity.

It was enlightening, I loved it. I really recommend it.

Also...

 

Manhood - Laura Dodsworth
Part of the #BodyPositive movement and with the goal to open our eyes to how our bodies can affect our behaviour, relationships and perceptions of life. 100 men bare all and explain how their penises have shaped their personality in an interesting, brutally honest and enlightening read, with the goal to “understand men better, both inside and out”. Laura Dodsworth has successfully managed to get an interesting range of perspectives from men of all walks of life, different sexualities, disabilities, phobias and upbringings. One in particular is my good friend Carl Chamberlain. This is her follow up book to The Bare Reality, which focuses on 100 women and their breasts. I will admit that I was a tad dubious at first, but as I started to work my way through the book, I found each individual viewpoint a little insight into their psyche and yet all so varied in their outlook. Maybe men aren’t all the same?!

 

The Ladybird book of The Ex.

I do like these books, even if they can be read in 10 mins! They’re the kind of books you leave in your downstairs loo for guests to have a quick read, you know, while passing the time. This one did catch my attention and made me giggle all the way through, maybe get it for a friend who has recently gone through a breakup to put a little smile on their face. It’s harmless fun with a nice dosage of sarcasm.

Bad Dad - David Walliams

As ever, pre-ordered and received on the release date. Me and the kids hit it with just as much excitement as the Trick or Treat sweeties. He does like writing about colourful characters and stretch yours and your children’s imaginations. In this latest story he tackles wrongful imprisonment, bullying, lesbian vicars, loneliness, poverty and car chases. Great combo, right?

 

The World as I Blow It - Sarah Colonna

I love reading biographies like this from strong women who bare all, warts and all. They can laugh and be honest about their mistakes, learning curves, not have their shit together at an exceptionally early age like so many known success stories and yet still manage to make a difference and have a career. Being dysfunctional, as so many of us are, but get it together when it counts, to not be dictated to and live by the rules that fit with you and who you are. Whats interesting in fitting into everybody else’s ideal? Success isn’t determined by a relationship that you may or may not be in. Nor is admitting something/someone isn’t what you want a failure, it’s life, it’s honesty. Who sets these rules anyway? This book was insightful, funny and a different perspective on getting through and achieving whatever your goals may be.