Books, like all the good things in life - art, music, fashion - are subjective. So these aren't definitive reviews, just my short, spoiler-free thoughts on what I think is worth your time (and what maybe isn't). A few books I'd maybe steer you away from, but more importantly, the ones that kept me absorbed and up way too late turning "just one more chapter" into 2am. So here's my latest bedside reading pile, complete with a few, um, opinions. Some lived up to the hype, some absolutely didn't, and a handful reminded me why there's nothing quite like curling up under your doona and finding a book that gets right under your skin.
Yesteryear – Caro Claire Burke ****
This is one of those books people seem to either love or hate, so consider yourself warned. I fell firmly (well, softly) into the first camp. I loved the cinematic premise of the story. The writing itself is nothing remarkable though, it's clipped, almost staccato, but it suits the pacing and the hard-to-like protagonist. The novel flips between present-day Natalie, whose massive social media presence presents an idyllic Idaho tradwife existence, and Natalie waking to find herself living that very dream as a pioneer in 1805. It's unique, compelling and completely absorbed me.
The Correspondent – Virginia Evans *****
Widely adored, and for once the hype is justified. It takes a little while to settle into the rhythm because the entire novel unfolds through letters, written by and to 73-year-old retired lawyer Sybil Van Antwerp. It also takes some time to get the cast of characters straight, but once you're immersed in Sybil's cranky, razor-sharp world, the emotional payoff is worth it. Quietly devastating.
Lost Lambs – Kelly J. Ford **
I thought this was wildly overhyped! We follow the deeply dysfunctional Flynn family, yet I never felt the characters developed beyond the surface, and the plot became increasingly convoluted, veering into made-for-Netflix territory. I finished it mostly wondering, why? The commitment to the recurring "gnat" motif felt schlocky and oddly juvenile rather than symbolic or clever. It didn't work for me.
Half His Age – Jeanette McCurdy ***
Raw, unsettling and deeply uncomfortable. Jeanette McCurdy's first work of fiction follows 17-year-old Waldo as she enters a predatory relationship with her 40-year-old teacher, and she writes these blurred power dynamics with confidence. McCurdy has an extraordinary voice, and this novel suggests a future writing complex, uncomfortable character studies.
Heart the Lover – Lily King ****
Following three university friends over decades of relationships, this took me a little while to warm to. The early chapters are packed with philosophical debates and ego-driven conversations that feel too clever for their own good. But once the novel unspools, it becomes engrossing and surprisingly moving. More than a love triangle trope, it's really the love story between Yash and Jordan. The final chapters, as Jordan is pulled between her new life and her love for Yash, are beautifully written and really affecting and emotional.
Famesick – Lena Dunham *****
If you like memoirs, listen to this on audiobook. Hearing Lena Dunham tell her own story adds another layer entirely. As polarising as she is, she's a singular voice, and Famesick confirms she's a truly exceptional writer. Dunham, true to form, lays everything bare, warts and all - but it's the metaphors she draws and the beauty of her language that elevate the memoir. Yes, reading about her ongoing health struggles can feel exhausting at times, but that's precisely the point. This is what living inside her body has been like. Loved all the Girls behind the scenes too.
Down the Drain – Julia Fox ****
Another memoir I think is best experienced on audiobook. Julia Fox may not be a household name, but her story is extraordinary and worth telling. Her account of growing up and surviving in 2000s New York is wild and chaotic. From sex work and heroin addiction to becoming a fashion icon, actor and mother, she tells it all with unflinching honesty. It's hella messy, heady and completely unfiltered.
Broken Country – Clare Leslie Hall *****
I adored this. Set in rural England during the 1960s, it follows farmgirl Beth and her enduring connection with her wealthy neighbour Gabriel. It's beautifully atmospheric and occasionally a slow-burn, but I was more than happy to settle into its world. And then came the twist, which I genuinely did not see coming. I absolutely ate it up.
Night People – Mark Ronson ***
As much as I love Mark Ronson, I found this a little light on the dish. The memoir focuses almost exclusively on his childhood and his rise through New York's club scene as a DJ, which is interesting enough of course, but I couldn't help wishing the next chapter ventured into his producing career (it never did). If you're hoping for stories about Amy Winehouse or the iconic albums that made him famous, you'll be disappointed (like me).
Loved One – Aisha Muharrar ****
I loved this. Stylish, acerbic and well observed, Aisha Muharrar's years writing for television (Parks and Recreation and Hacks) shine through. It offers a unique take on experiencing grief, following Julia after the sudden death of Gabe and the unlikely relationship she forms with his London-based ex. It's funny, awkward, modern and emotionally astute.
Is there anything better than a hotel room bed and a good book?
