Tag: am reading

Categories
Non Fiction

Everyday Sexism, Laura Bates

‘Everyday Sexism’ was released back in 2012 and I am unsure why (and also annoyed) that I had not read it sooner.

Having experienced a number of sexist incidents and being sick of how sexism has become normalised Laura Bates started the ‘Everyday Sexism’ project which is what is she used to fuel this powerful read. From young girls being harassed in the street to discrimination at work, to the most serious cases of sexual assault and rape – this book covers it all!

What makes this book really stand out is the sheer amount of research which Bates has carried out. Each chapter starts with statistics and the experiences people shared with her in the form of a tweet, which really illustrates the extent of the issue our society faces. The book is very well written and is not to be misinterpreted as a hate campaign against men. In fact, Bates discusses how men also face sexism (boys being told not to play with dolls, men being told to man up, lack of paternity leave) and shares stories of how men have and can confront it. It is made very clear that attitudes within our society need to change and why feminism is still important in the 21st century. Whilst a catcall, or a rape joke may be said without the intent to cause offence and therefore appear trivial to some, this book delves into the detrimental impact this can have on people and wider society.

For some, the horrifying stats and experiences will come as no surprise. To others, they will be a real eye opener. However, one thing that is for sure is that no matter what gender you are or whether you call yourself a feminist or not this is a must read and everyone can take something from this book

Categories
Fiction

I Made A Mistake, Jane Corry

I Made a Mistake: The compelling new thriller from the SUNDAY TIMES bestselling author of I LOOKED AWAY by [Jane Corry]

Having read other novels by Jane Corry I knew that I Made A Mistake would be a read which was hard to put down.  

Poppy Page is a mum, wife, and owns a successful extras agency. When her first love Matthew Gordon walks back into her life Poppy makes a huge mistake- and that mistake is more dangerous than one could ever imagine, which is bound to have a profound effect on the whole family.

The story is well written and told from 3 different perspectives; Poppy’s, scenes from The Central Criminal Court where Poppy gives evidence for a murder trial, and Betty’s, Poppy’s mother in law. I particularly loved how Betty’s story was told through a series of letters to Poppy which described her life with her late husband Jock. Betty appears to be a very loving mother, grandmother and mother-in-law, who at 70 years old is still full of life! Although she comes across very flawless, in letters to Poppy she unravels the mistakes she too made during her marriage and similarities are formed.

Primarily a thriller, I Made a Mistake also touches upon domestic transformations over the years. However, I was a little disappointed that at the end it is suggested that Poppy can’t be the best mum/wife and keep managing her agency.  Despite this, the book is well written, full of suspense and once again Jane Corry succeeds in leading you to believe one thing for the majority of the book and takes you by surprise at the end.

I would like to thank Net Galley and Penguin Random House for supplying me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.