Top 5: Books to Read This SeptemberBy Gemma Clapp
The nights are getting darker and colder, so it’s About Time you snuggled up on the sofa with one of these top reads.
1. The Essay Collection: I Call Myself A Feminist
Author: Edited by Victoria Pepe, Rachel Holmes, Amy Annette, Alice Stride, and Martha Mosse
Expect: A collection of witty, insightful and brave essays on what it means to be a feminist in 2015, written by 25 under 30s. They cover everything from how they became feminists to body politics and what part religion can play, with contributors including Laura Bates of the Everyday Sexism campaign, singer Emeli Sandé, and Sylvia Pankhurst’s great-granddaughter – and activist in her own right – Laura Pankhurst.
Why: Because, despite its widespread coverage and huge importance, many young men and women are still confused about what feminism means to them. This book is as funny and charming as it is deep and informative, and its essay format means it’s easy to pick up whenever you have a spare ten minutes.
2. The Baking Book: The Great British Bake Off: Celebrations
Author: Linda Collister
Expect: September means only one thing: Bake Off is back. Every Wednesday evening the country is glued to their TV screens, watching as Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood judge some of Britain’s best bakers. And with this book, you can bake like them, with over 100 recipes for every occasion, from Easter and Christmas to Bonfire Night. Expect stunning images and easy to follow recipes. Our tummies are rumbling just at the thought…
Why: Because who doesn’t love delicious treats? Learn how to bake Hogmanay Whisky Fruit and Nut Cake, Bonfire Night Toffee Apple Pie, and Lemon Easter Sugar Biscuits. Sadly we can’t promise Paul and Mary will judge them for you, but we’re sure your friends and family will be happy to.
3. The Fashion and Fitness Guide: MADE
Author: Former Made in Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh
Expect: Not just another reality star autobiography, MADE takes us on Millie’s journey from ‘skinny fat’ party girl to fashion and fitness guru. With access to the world’s best nutritionists, fashion designers and fitness trainers, Millie overhauled her life, and here she shares everything she’s learnt so you can get strong, not skinny, too. From fashion advice to workout routines and recipe ideas, including indulgent weekend meals, MADE is the perfect guide to help you become the best version of yourself.
Why: Not only are there bucket loads of expert tips, but MADE is full of funny anecdotes from Millie, who shows you that you don’t need to follow the book like a plan – just take what suits you, helping create your perfect lifestyle.
4. The One You Won’t Forget: What Milo Saw
Author: Virginia Macgregor
Expect: A heart-warming story about a little boy who sees the world a little differently. Nine-year-old Milo Moon has an eye condition that is slowly turning him blind, but for now he sees the world through a pin hole, noticing things that others overlook. When his gran moves to a nursing home, he realises something is wrong, and when no one listens he sets out on a mission to expose the home and its evil nurse.
Why: What Milo Saw is an insightful and surprising read, full of simple truths and an emotional message that will stay with you long after the final page. Many are comparing it to Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, so if you’re a fan of that bestseller you’re bound to fall in love with Milo too.
5. The New Gone Girl: Luckiest Girl Alive
Author: Jessica Knoll
Expect: A novel you just can’t put down. As a teenager at a prestigious school, Ani FaNelli endured a huge public humiliation which left her desperate to reinvent herself. And she did. Now she has a glamorous job, a designer wardrobe, and a handsome fiancé, and she’s so close to living the perfect life she’s dreamed of. But she has a secret – one that’s threatening to destroy it all. Luckiest Girl Alive is full of twists and turns you won’t see coming.
Why: Modern women are under a huge pressure to seemingly have it all, and Luckiest Girl Alive introduces a cutthroat, ambitious heroine that will become our favourite frenemy. It’s a real page-turner, with the intensity of Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train.
