Welcome back to UO Book Club! The new year calls for new books - check out the books we've been reading. Whether your seeking escapism, positive outlooks or feel-good page turners, stay tuned for new must-read books dropping online.
UO Book Club: January
How To Be Hopeful by Bernadette Russell
Lisa Brett, Senior Digital Marketing Manager
What's it about?
The book highlights ways to be hopeful (clue in the title!) and I really enjoyed it, a nice easy read. Super relevant in these challenging times and the author highlights the pandemic too which is reassuring.
What’s right with it?
Some great little tasks for you to carry out either on our own or with a friend. Which is great as it encouraged me to reach out to others, gave us all a welcome distraction when conversations are currently consumed by the pandemic. The tasks themselves definitely help put things into perspective and leave you feeling more optimistic
Any critical comments?
It did make me feel a bit bad that I'm not out there planting trees with my community which isn’t always possible but has made me look for ways in which I can help my community so that’s only a good thing!
Would you recommend it?
Absolutely, I’ve lent my copy and sent another copy to a friend. Even if you can’t complete all of the tasks, the book consciously makes you look for the positives in your life and encourages you to pass that forward and be kind to others. Who doesn’t need reminding of that!
Rating out of 5?
5
Lisa Brett, Senior Digital Marketing Manager
What's it about?
The book highlights ways to be hopeful (clue in the title!) and I really enjoyed it, a nice easy read. Super relevant in these challenging times and the author highlights the pandemic too which is reassuring.
What’s right with it?
Some great little tasks for you to carry out either on our own or with a friend. Which is great as it encouraged me to reach out to others, gave us all a welcome distraction when conversations are currently consumed by the pandemic. The tasks themselves definitely help put things into perspective and leave you feeling more optimistic
Any critical comments?
It did make me feel a bit bad that I'm not out there planting trees with my community which isn’t always possible but has made me look for ways in which I can help my community so that’s only a good thing!
Would you recommend it?
Absolutely, I’ve lent my copy and sent another copy to a friend. Even if you can’t complete all of the tasks, the book consciously makes you look for the positives in your life and encourages you to pass that forward and be kind to others. Who doesn’t need reminding of that!
Rating out of 5?
5
Fleishman Is In Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner
Maisy Farren, Product Copywriter
What's it about?
Fleishman Is In Trouble tells the tale of the newly divorced NY doctor, Toby Fleishman, as he navigates his life after his ex-wife mysteriously goes missing.
What’s right with it?
The novel takes a unique look at the relationship breakdown of a married couple and the work that needs to be done to separate intertwined lives. The third-party narration helps you see the breakdown of the relationship from a separated viewpoint and offers a stark reminder that not everything is as it seems in the inner workings of a love life.
Any critical comments?
The timeline threw me every now and again, sometimes the narrator jumps back to moments in the past and it can be slightly confusing!
Would you recommend it?
Yes – I found it really engaging right through to the very end. A word of warning: this book is a touch NSFW!
Rating out of 5?
4
Maisy Farren, Product Copywriter
What's it about?
Fleishman Is In Trouble tells the tale of the newly divorced NY doctor, Toby Fleishman, as he navigates his life after his ex-wife mysteriously goes missing.
What’s right with it?
The novel takes a unique look at the relationship breakdown of a married couple and the work that needs to be done to separate intertwined lives. The third-party narration helps you see the breakdown of the relationship from a separated viewpoint and offers a stark reminder that not everything is as it seems in the inner workings of a love life.
Any critical comments?
The timeline threw me every now and again, sometimes the narrator jumps back to moments in the past and it can be slightly confusing!
Would you recommend it?
Yes – I found it really engaging right through to the very end. A word of warning: this book is a touch NSFW!
Rating out of 5?
4
Circe by Madeline Miller
Georgie Gough, Creative Marketing Editor
What's it about?
Circe is a ‘lesser’ goddess in the world of greek mythology, and this book chronicles her life story from her point of view.
What’s right with it?
I knew very little about greek mythology before reading the book and I really enjoyed learning about the Gods and myths woven throughout Circe’s story. As a greek goddess who is cruelly disregarded by her family and fellows, this accessible retelling is a fascinating introduction to ancient mythology and gives a feminist voice and perspective to the legend and her life.
Any critical comments?
Takes a minute to get used to as it’s different to modern fiction, but stick with it as the descriptions and pace will make it hard to put down once you get into it!
Would you recommend it?
Absolutely! Great way to escape the news and Netflix.
Rating out of 5?
4
Georgie Gough, Creative Marketing Editor
What's it about?
Circe is a ‘lesser’ goddess in the world of greek mythology, and this book chronicles her life story from her point of view.
What’s right with it?
I knew very little about greek mythology before reading the book and I really enjoyed learning about the Gods and myths woven throughout Circe’s story. As a greek goddess who is cruelly disregarded by her family and fellows, this accessible retelling is a fascinating introduction to ancient mythology and gives a feminist voice and perspective to the legend and her life.
Any critical comments?
Takes a minute to get used to as it’s different to modern fiction, but stick with it as the descriptions and pace will make it hard to put down once you get into it!
Would you recommend it?
Absolutely! Great way to escape the news and Netflix.
Rating out of 5?
4
So Lucky by Dawn O’Porter
Emily Palmer, Menswear Accessories BAA
What's it about?
So lucky is about three separate women who all live seemingly perfect lives, however underneath it all their lives are not as perfect as they may seem. The story shows how their lives subtly intertwine until they finally meet to reveal mutual friends who lead to the root of their troubles.
What’s right with it?
It's hilarious, whilst being thought provoking. The reader is almost taught to dislike the three protagonists at the start, yet through their character development you learn to love them. The book shows some raw realities of female life through empowerment and tackles very relevant issues to a social media filled life.
Any critical comments?
It's a total binge so I literally read it in 3 days!
Would you recommend it?
100%, a nice and easy read.
Rating out of 5?
4
Emily Palmer, Menswear Accessories BAA
What's it about?
So lucky is about three separate women who all live seemingly perfect lives, however underneath it all their lives are not as perfect as they may seem. The story shows how their lives subtly intertwine until they finally meet to reveal mutual friends who lead to the root of their troubles.
What’s right with it?
It's hilarious, whilst being thought provoking. The reader is almost taught to dislike the three protagonists at the start, yet through their character development you learn to love them. The book shows some raw realities of female life through empowerment and tackles very relevant issues to a social media filled life.
Any critical comments?
It's a total binge so I literally read it in 3 days!
Would you recommend it?
100%, a nice and easy read.
Rating out of 5?
4
How To We Know We’re Doing It Right by Pandora Sykes
Georgie Gough, Creative Marketing Editor
What's it about?
Journalist and podcaster Pandora Sykes discusses the pressures, pleasures and pitfalls of modern life, making astute and interesting observations on everything from fast fashion to social media, the pursuit of happiness, wellness, womanhood and loads more.
What’s right with it?
It’s really well researched and written, I found myself making notes and looking things up throughout. If you were a fan of The High Low podcast, this is one for you.
Any critical comments?
Some of the commentary is from a point of privilege, however this is acknowledged and noted. The book offers a balanced mix of essays on relatable topics with some really interesting thoughts and takeaways.
Would you recommend it?
Yes!
Rating out of 5?
4
Georgie Gough, Creative Marketing Editor
What's it about?
Journalist and podcaster Pandora Sykes discusses the pressures, pleasures and pitfalls of modern life, making astute and interesting observations on everything from fast fashion to social media, the pursuit of happiness, wellness, womanhood and loads more.
What’s right with it?
It’s really well researched and written, I found myself making notes and looking things up throughout. If you were a fan of The High Low podcast, this is one for you.
Any critical comments?
Some of the commentary is from a point of privilege, however this is acknowledged and noted. The book offers a balanced mix of essays on relatable topics with some really interesting thoughts and takeaways.
Would you recommend it?
Yes!
Rating out of 5?
4