Hayley Westwood
I don't usually opt for non-fiction books as find them to be a little dry, but was drawn to this one because of the subject matter.
Like most people I had read/heard over the years that the women killed by Jack the Ripper were prostitutes. Because of this there has been a loosely veiled form of victim blaming for a long time, with people's response being ‘what else should they expect when they are putting themselves at such risk'.
Rubenhold has done a great job at telling the stories of these women in such a way that you feel engaged with their lives. Each tale is quite sad and left me feeling for these women and the trials they went through in their lives, and I really feel glad to know their real lives and histories.
This feels like a true feminist book in that it is reclaiming the stolen stories of the victims, and finally putting the truth of their circumstances out there for the world to see.
For the most part I really enjoyed this book.
It read as though it was a collection of literary short stories focussed on the intercepting and overlapping lives of each character, which I really enjoyed.
The feeling of this changed however when it moved to the ‘afterparty' and ‘epilogue' sections, which I didn't enjoy as much.
I did think it was an interesting book overall from an inclusivity perspective. It highlights the different perspectives and experiences of gender, and was quite refreshing in the sense that it wasn't overly ‘preachy', as some books of that ilk tend to be, but was more focussed on the characters experiences through their lives.
I would recommend this book to others, and did enjoy it overall.
I read this along with the Simon Sinek book club, and the book club discussions definitely helped with keeping my engagement.
I think the book still has some useful insights, though it is a little dated with the examples. I also found some of it quite repetitive, but I guess some of the points need emphasising for others who may not have fully understood the concept in the earlier chapters.
I would recommend this for anyone who feels unsure of their purpose. Although it is primarily written from a busines standpoint, the concepts can be applied to day to day life as well. I have ‘Find Your Why' in my tbr pile as well so hopefully that will help provide some more clarity.
I'm re-reading the Narnia series, and haven't read it since I was a child really.
I enjoyed this, especially as there is some nostalgia for me with revisiting this series, but I didn't think this one was as good as the first two books, so have given it a slightly lower rating.
It was still worth reading as I was to read the set, but the plot was a little less interesting than the previous two.
I'm re-reading the Narnia series, and haven't read it since I was a child really.
This has been my favourite in the series so far, and I imagine it may stay as my favourite in the series.
I forgot how many religious connotations there are in this story, but at the same time its a very cozy, magical and fantastical children's book. I would read it again, and would recommend it to young people/children who are into the fantasy genre.
I'm re-reading the Narnia series, and haven't read it since I was a child really.
I don't think I actually read this book in the series before. When I was young I believw my set started with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
I did very much enjoy this prequel to the Narnia chronicles, and would possibly read again at some point in the future, though I'm probably not the target demographic!
I liked this book a lot. It was very engaging and easy to read.
I think that I could see a lot of parallels in my own life with those that were undesired in the story, but I guess that was the point the author wanted to convey.
I didn't particularly like the ending. I felt it built up to a bit of an anti climax, but overall it was still a very good story.
This was a nice little book for self care, with lots of mindful tips, ideas and nice recipes.
The rituals within the book would be good for anyone who needs to slow down and be mindful, and really focus on their needs and intentions. I don't personally believe in wicca or paganism, so some of the spells weren't ‘for me', but it was still a nice book.
I really enjoyed this book.
It was very easy to read, and the structure of the story was really engaging. The way it flipped between Carly in present day and Viv in the 80s made me want to keep reading to know what was going to happen.
I found the supernatural element interesting and it definitely added to the story, though part of the ending felt reminiscent of thr Haunting of Hill House - the TV show version.
I'd recommend this to anyone who likes supernatural stories, true crime and thrillers. I'd definitely read other books by Simone St James after reading this.
This book had lots of good points, and also lots of potential.
To start with, it is an interesting subject matter, tackling addiction, mental health and the peripheral issues that tie in with those things. While these topics can be quite ambitious, Neaton was articulate in some of his explanations and depictions, which helped you to bond more with the characters.
However, in parts I did feel he was over-explanatory in his writing, meaning that it detracted from the story a little and made me feel less absorbed.
The general plot of the story was interesting - taking a cross-country drive to obtain the prescribed medication that Jenny needed to beat her addiction, and both battling with their own demons but supporting each other at the same time. However, in points it felt as though there were elements that weren't adding anything to plot or for characterisation.
Overall it was a decent book, but I don't think I would read it again. I do think plenty of people would enjoy this book.
Disappointingly I really didn't like this book.
Like some other reviewers perhaps it just wasn't my brand of humour. I felt it came across as quite judgemental and aggressive in a lot of the comments and thoughts of the characters.
I probably wouldn't rush to read other books from this author based on this book, but would stay open minded to reading others, this one was just not for me.
‘All of life pushed past him regardless, uncaring or blind, and he knew not what was worse: those who saw and looked away or those who did not look at all.'
In parts I enjoyed this book. Parts were very descriptive, and pulled me in. Overall it felt a bit old fashioned in the way it was written, which fit with the timing of the story.
Until the afterword, where the explanation was given about how the stories were linked together because of the impact of the eruption (i.e. the change to the weather in other parts of the world) I wouldn't have understood how they were linked. It felt more like a collection of stories relating to each individual laid out in the foreword.
The book itself told of the devastating impact the eruption had, and the result for each of the characters in turn. It was quite a dire and sad tale.
I'm not sure I would read another book by this author, but I did enjoy it in parts.
I really enjoyed this book. I didn't know what to expect, but the blurb hooked me in, and I found that I couldn't put it down.
The structure was really engaging and I loved the movement of the story. How it flicked backwards and forward between present day and the past with the girls' father.
I did feel worried for Korede though, as it is clear that Ayoola is very manipulative. This came through in the accusations Tade made about Korede's treatment of her sister. I wouldn't put it past Ayoola that if it came to it, she would allege that Korede was to blame for all of the murders. She was after all a willing accomplice in disposing of the evidence, and has made these choices willingly, so isn't without guilt.
I would read this book again, I would recommend it to others to read, and I would seek out more books by the same author.
What I liked best about this book was the clever and complex plotting. At certain points I had to pause and think about it for my brain to catch up! I also really liked how the whole story made me think of life being cyclical rather than linear, and I've been trying to think of life like that recently; as having ‘seasons'.
What I liked least about the book was probably the depiction of the drug scene as I wasn't sure this was realistic, but that's just my opinion and I don't like to focus on negative elements when someone has made something so creative, as I certainly couldn't do it!
My favourite character was Oona. I think she was a really great protagonist and she was believable because she was emotional and complicated. You rooted for her at times, and hurt for her, and got frustrated at her in the way you would with a real person.
Favourite quote: ‘you have to stop trying to mess with your fate...you need to let the bad shit happen and stop trying to undo it' - so true!
I probably would read another book by this author, but it wasn't my absolute favourite, so I probably wouldn't actively seek other books out.
‘We have seasons when we flourish, and seasons when the leaves fall from us, revealing our bare bones. Given time, they grow again.'
I enjoyed this book. It is a very poetic reflection with pretty little stories and a regular reminder of our lives being cyclical, not linear.
I would re-read this book and would recommend to others to read, but will probably dip back into it at set times throughout life when it feels most relevant.
This book was a little mixed for me.
I think East is a very talented writer, and her descriptions are excellent. She is able to bring scenes to life and the settings are very vivid.
The book built tension well for the most part, but I felt towards the end the plotting wasn't the best.
I still enjoyed this book overall but I wouldn't likely read it again.
Some interesting elements, and I have downloaded the app which I like, but I don't think I would read this again. I am going to pass it on to a friend that I think will get good use of it though.
It was a very pretty book and I loved some of the illustrations and quotes. I did also like the facts about different cultures and their approach to sleep i.e. that partners in Scandinavian countries share a bed but have their own duvets!
I liked this book, and I liked reading Georgia and Karen's personal stories about their lives and theur views. However, I do prefer their podcasts to this book.
That being said it was an easy engaging read, amd I'm sure a lot of people would enjoy it, so would recommend it to anyone interested on true crime, murders, women's issues and podcasting.
I enjoyed this book to a degree as do enjoy learning about space and planetary exploration. However, it did feel a little dated with some of the information being from decades ago now. It would be great to see some more modern space exploration in the hopefully near future.
I would recommend to anyone who is interested in the topic, but don't think I would reread this.
This book... it made me really laugh, and it made me ugly cry.
As much as it was an insight into life as a doctor in the NHS, I still don't believe anyone who reads this can really appreciate everything our doctors and nurses have to go through, though at least it does give some great insight.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone, and it is probably my favourite books that I've read so far this year.
I enjoyed this book, and keep seeing lots of reviews and comments about it everywhere online.
The story seemed to take a sudden turn towards the end after building for a while, but I did like the narration and how it evolved from Jai's naive point of view.
I particularly liked the individual chapters from the missing childrens' points of view, but won't say too much as I don't want to give anything of the story away.
I also particularly liked the ending. Jai does feel like he is alone but he also seems to make peace with the fact that he may never get the answers or closure he wants, and I'm not sure what difference it would make if he did.
I would definitely recommend reading this book.
I really enjoyed this book. The richness and poeticism of the story telling is excellent.
I think a lot of people will connect with the struggles that Sayuri has gone through in her life.
As I read this book I felt very strongly about the unique ‘traditions' and struggles that Geisha are subject to, and the culture burden that they must bear.
Definitely an eye-opening read as well as a very enjoyable story. I would definitely recommend to others.
I really enjoyed this book.
While the subject matter was harrowing and sad, it was told in such a good way, passing from the viewpoint of the children and the mother. I don't want to use specifics here as don't want to give away the plot!
There were a few twists and turns that were genuinely unexpected. With some thrillers the same tropes can be used, but that definitely wasn't the case with this book.
It was gripping, and interesting, and kept my attention throughout - even with the ‘little details' like fraulein tinky.
I would definitely recommend to anyone who likes thrillers, and who likes books like Emma Donoghue's Room.