Here are a few books I have read and enjoyed recently, that I think any female in their twenties and thirties will also like. I feel like these are must-read books in 2019.
Most of them are quite touching and make you think about the relationships you have with people around you. I feel like in your twenties and thirties you are still finding yourself, and some of these also reflect that. Below are my suggestions of nine books to read in 2019.
Tin Man – Sarah Winman
I loved this book. It tenderly tells the tale of friendship and love between three characters. It’s a real page turner, and the way it talks of the relationships and friendships is so touching and at times devastating. I wrote a review on Tin Man by Sarah Winman a few months ago. I feel like this book is essential for those trying to forge relationships and friendships.
Old Baggage – Lissa Evans
This is a tale of Mattie Simpkin, who was once a suffragette and is now battling dementia. This starts with Mattie in middle age when she comes across a small wooden club whilst rummaging around a cupboard full of her old possessions. Lissa Evans has such a witty writing style and with references to the suffragette movement – I feel this is a must-read for any woman.
Sally Rooney – Normal People
I’ve also written a review on Sally Rooney’s Normal People. This was hands down one of my favourite books I have read this year. Rooney has an excellent ability to craft characters that are believable and raw, and create interesting dialogue between them. It’s so utterly moving without an awful lot happening. Definitely recommend as a “coming of age” novel of sorts.
Dear Mrs Bird – AJ Pearce
I love a good wartime novel and this one was no different. It follows the life of Emmy, a journalist who accidentally applied to a job as a paper’s resident agony aunt of sorts. The letters that were received seem apt for the time, and the humour in the letters provided a startling contrast to the backdrop of war. It had suffering and sadness, but of course still injected that sense that life has to continue – despite a war and the frequent bombings London endured.
This is Going to Hurt – Adam Kay
This is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay was so utterly brilliant. It was touching and funny and opens your eyes to the struggles the NHS faces in modern times. This is just something you need to read. I wrote a longer review on This is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay here.
All Grown Up – Jami Attenberg
Another coming of age novel. All Grown Up follows the story of Andrea, a single woman in the city. This has none of the glamour of Sex and the City. Through reading the story you find out about Andrea’s troubled past, her sexual encounters, the relationship with her brother, his wife and their teminally ill daughter. It’s heart breaking and having a main character unafraid to show their flaws adds to the relatability. Who isn’t difficult, rude or selfish at times?
Read my review of All Grown Up by Jami Attenberg.
A Man Called Ove – Fredrik Backman
This novel by Fredrik Backman follows the story of Ove, a cantankerous old man. It flits between his past and present day, with some humorous anecdotes thrown in. It also tenderly tells the tale of his wife and their relationship. Ove is rude and insular. But deep down he is a good person and he gradually forms unbreakable bonds with his neighbours. A Man Called Ove was unputdownable, and I was often smiling with tears in my eyes. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoyed the film Gran Torino.
The Lido – Libby Page
The Lido by Libby Page follows Kate, a 26-year old journalist who recently moved to Brixton. It follows her struggles with forming bonds with those around her, the proposed closure of the Lido and her blossoming friendship with Rosemary. I wrote a review on The Lido by Libby Page, but I definitely recommend it for those trying to find their feet in a new city, as many of us experience in our twenties and thirties.
Convenience Store Woman – Sayaka Murata
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata follows the story of Keiko, a 36-year-old Convenience Store Woman. Keiko clearly suffers from a type of autism, and this is demonstrated by how she deals with people around her. However, I feel part of the message is that you should do what makes you happy, and not conform to society’s expectations of you. A message we can all relate to, I’m sure. I wrote a longer review of Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata here.
Which books do you recommend reading in 2019?
