‘Bookish’ by Lucy Mangan

Lucy Mangan’s Bookish acts as a sequel to her earlier work, Bookworm, now focusing on the evolution of reading experiences into adulthood. Mangan’s diverse taste in literature offers readers an engaging exploration of how different genres resonate at varying life stages—from adolescence through middle age.

The memoir delves into personal anecdotes, including memorable moments such as exploring bookshops in Hay-on-Wye. Mangan’s reflections on her reading habits during significant life phases—like indulging in Lee Child novels during maternity leave—resonate deeply with many readers, reaffirming shared experiences in the literary journey.

This insightful work not only rekindles nostalgia for beloved classics but also introduces new titles worth exploring, enhancing the reader’s literary repertoire. A review copy was graciously provided by Random House UK, Vintage via NetGalley.

‘Base Notes’ by Adelle Stripe

In Base Notes, Adelle Stripe presents a compelling memoir shaped by her working-class upbringing in late 20th-century northern England. The work intricately weaves her complex relationship with her mother into the narrative, offering a candid examination of personal and familial themes.

Stripe’s memoir uses a unique structure, with each chapter linked to fragrances that evoke vivid memories, such as scents from her mother’s salon. This innovative approach captures the emotional weight of olfactory memories and shines through the author’s signature bleak humor, reminiscent of her earlier biography Black Teeth and a Brilliant Smile.

‘Erasure’ by Percival Everett

Percival Everett’s Erasure, recently adapted into the film American Fiction, critiques the publishing industry through the eyes of Thelonious “Monk” Ellison, a Black author grappling with the stereotypes of “authentic” Black literature as represented by Juanita Mae Jenkins’ We’s Lives In Da Ghetto.

As Monk navigates personal challenges, including family crises and career setbacks, he crafts a parody that unexpectedly gains acclaim. The novel’s layered narrative brilliantly interrogates biases in literature, reflecting on the pressures faced by authors of color.

‘Is This Working?’ by Charlie Colenutt

Charlie Colenutt’s Is This Working? chronicles the diverse experiences of workers across the UK through a series of interviews. This work examines the nature of work and its evolving significance in a post-pandemic landscape affected by Brexit and economic challenges.

Each segment highlights the interviews of around 100 individuals from various professions—ranging from midwives to delivery drivers—shedding light on the emotional and practical dimensions of work. The narratives showcase both the strains of bureaucracy that detract from job satisfaction and the fulfillment found in hands-on occupations.