I wish I could tell you where and when I first heard about this book but the truth is, I cannot remember. I have an inkling it was in the pages of Vogue, forecasting upcoming books for 2018 but either way I made note of it and went so far as to pre-order the book. That mightn't sound like a big deal but I hardly ever do this with books. To cut a long story short, it is safe to say this was one of my most highly anticipated reads of the year. If you're time poor, it didn't disappoint. If you're after the details, keep reading...

When I think of the novels I enjoy the most, they seem to have factors in common; elements of escapism yet also enough to resonate. Whether that's in a character trait or even just a sentence that provides some sense of association. I don't need to see myself in the pages but I think having aspects that perhaps provide some glimmer of meaning only better the reading experience. I certainly found this with The Female Persuasion. The story really centres around Greer Kadetsky, and the journey she goes on in the aftermath of her meeting female powerhouse and feminist icon, Faith Frank a visiting speaker at Ryland College. She ends up working alongside Faith at her foundation Loci and we see her come into her own. We are also introduced to Greer's boyfriend Corey and her best friend Zee and they all form pivotal parts of the story. It explores topics of feminism, ambition, self-discovery, friendship and family among others. 

One thing I really liked about this book was the way it took you through Greer's perspective but it also looked at the backstory of Faith, Corey and Zee in a bit more detail. They each probably had a chapter or so dedicated to them but I felt like adding those additional voices alongside Greer's didn't detract from the story and instead enhanced it. I also love that all the characters are flawed and remain so, despite overcoming conflicts they may face. Particularly when it came to Greer and Faith. Without giving away any spoilers Greer in a sense places Faith on a pedestal. Perhaps without realising, perhaps because of her age and subsequent perceived wisdom. Anyway, when Greer learns that Faith is in fact human like everyone else, it's somewhat...refreshing. I'm probably explaining this badly but just the way we can sometimes idealise people, whether it be because of their age or something else, we in a sense dehumanise them. So to see a character go through that experience and in such a poignant way was brilliant. 

The Female Persuasion was a ride from start to finish. Admittedly it took me a little while to get into because I have a fantastic habit of attempting to read multiple books at once. I did really enjoy it though and found myself wishing the train trips I found myself on were longer, just so I could read more before having to go back into the real worlds of work or home. If you've been considering giving this a read, I highly recommend it. It's a rewarding read. 

"...there would be people you would meet who would affect you and turn you ever so slightly in a different direction. Suddenly you knew what you were working for, and you didn't feel as if you were wasting your time."

Further Listening: NPR Podcast, The High Low (Meg Wolitzer comes in partway through this episode).

-Image via free people, image on the right x me

Hello and welcome to book week. Yes, I'm aware two posts don't really equate to a week but let's just roll with it shall we? While I don't make monthly reading lists nowadays, if only for the eventual disappointment I felt not finishing everything, I did want to try to make seasonal reading lists a thing. There's a lotta material here and given one of the books clocks in at well over seven hundred pages, I may not make it through everything. They're all titles I do want to read in 2018 though so I am sure I will get to them eventually Perhaps most surprisingly, almost all these inclusions are novels. Don't worry, my memoir-loving self hasn't run away. I just seem to be having a good run with fiction right now and want to make it last. Anyway, books for Autumn incoming...

Enigma Variations x Andre Aciman: After reading and loving every inch of Call Me By Your Name, this made its way on to my to-read list. I've actually requested this from the library. Like CMBYN it looks at the nuances of romance and the way in which our relationships shape us. I'm expecting more vivid, beautiful words. Here's hoping it delivers. 

The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath: So I am currently reading this, as touched on here and am taking my time with it. If only because I find it's the kind of book I want to immerse myself in for a while, hence dragging the reading process out. It seriously blows my mind that Plath was 18 or 19 at the beginnings of these journal entries. Her writing is so profound and captivating. I've been marking sections I like with a black ballpoint pen to return to later. In fact I can see myself revisiting this one a lot. 

The Female Persuasion x Meg Wolitzer: Honestly, I can't remember where I read about this book now but it's one of my most-anticipated novels for 2018 because it just sounds flippin' fantastic. I mean, read that synopsis if you need convincing further. 

Everything Ali Smith: The Ali Smith obsession continues, right now I am reading How to be both for a book club I joined and I am loving it immensely. This was the first book of Smith's I attempted to read and I gave up on it pretty quickly yet I knew it was a book I wanted to try again in time. So glad I persevered. Anyway, I also have Winter, Artful & Girl Meets Boy to read so this lil' literary love affair will continue for some time yet. 

The Price of Illusion x Joan Juliet Buck: A candid, refreshing memoir from a former editor of Paris Vogue. Naturally the subject matter appeals but I've heard this is brilliant. Also, Kristin Scott Thomas is a fan which makes it all the more enticing. 

The Muse x Jessie Burton: Emma loved this book which reminded me I also had it on my shelves and really need to get to it soon. Like How to be both, this is a book about art and paintings, set over two different time periods. In fact, the whole centreing around one painting gives me Goldfinch vibes too, which is a book I want to reread but anyway. This has been on my bookshelf for way too long so I will be reading it sooner rather than later.

The Catcher in the Rye x J.D. Salinger: In my quest to read more classic literature, this book finally entered my life recently. I deliberately don't know much about it, other than it's a classic, coming-of-age novel and I'll be getting to it very soon.