Cannot stop and will not stop spending my student loan on books. Since I gave up getting drunk I seemingly have a lot more spare cash. Who knew that instead of a craft beer I could buy a new book? Shocking.
Here is what I have updated my library within July. In the pile, I have included a few university core texts, a novel to make the Greek Mythology geek inside of me shine, and a memoir that is breaking everyone’s hearts across the UK.
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Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Author Zadie Smith brands Their Eyes Were Watching God as one of the “greatest American novels of the twentieth century”. Its themes include a discussion of gender roles and race, as well as voice and image due to its easy-to-get-used-to favouritism of colloquialisms. Adorned with a stunning Yehrin Tong cover, the novel is a work of art.
Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton
Welcome to 2018, the year of Dolly Alderton. Her podcasts (The High-Low with Pandora Sykes and Love Stories) are soaring and of course, her memoir is on the tip of anyone’s tongue when you ask them “have you read anything good lately?” A smorgasbord of recipes and anecdotes fastened together with comical hoots and heartbreak; Everything I Know About Love must be a stand-out for a reason.
Richard III & King Lear by William Shakespeare
Another couple of university core texts added to my shelf, this time in the form of Shakespeare’s Richard III and King Lear. I have not studied a Shakespeare play since 2014 (Othello) so next term is sure to be a challenge with these two über enjoyable plays.
Circe by Madeline Miller
The second of two books in this haul that I have bought in its year of publication (I am usually a few decades or centuries too late) Circe by Madeline Miller tells the story of Helios’ daughter exploring her witchcraft abilities while seducing mortals and glimpsing that famous golden fleece. I am so looking forward to reading Circe that I am planning on stretching it out for as long as purely pleasurable possible.
The Tiger In The Well by Philip Pullman
The penultimate novel in the Sally Lockhart Mystery Quartet, The Tiger In The Well sees our protagonist setting her life on the line to save not only herself but her family and her livelihood. Published in 1990, I am 28 years too late to avoid spoilers, but that is not stopping me from consuming the next instalment of The Sally Lockhart Mysteries.
Paradise Lost by John Milton
A poem intricately detailing the biblical epic of Genesis has never been on my to-read list. I am familiar with both John Milton’s Paradise Lost as well as the Christian Holy Book’s version of events, yet I have never fully read either. But, when university classes Paradise Lost as a core text, it looks like its time to finally settle down and read.
The White Queen by Philippa Gregory
Historical drama fiction was a genre made for the writing capabilities and style of Philippa Gregory. I have previously read extracts of The Other Boleyn Girl for university year one and fell in love with the author, and am finally picking her back up.
Set in 1464, Elizabeth Woodville marries Edward IV of York, becoming the Queen of England. This is the first novel in the Tudor series by Gregory, and I simply cannot wait to immerse myself in 15th-century life.
ELLA LOUISE SCOTT 