Whitney
In The Dreamhouse by Carmen Machado

What do you think?
As someone with a short attention span when it comes to reading, I was instantly gripped by this book having not a clue what it was about. It started as a distraction for my commute and became something I wanted to read whenever I got a spare minute during the day.

It follows Carmen Machado’s personal account of an abusive relationship she was in with another woman from the time they were both graduates. You come to realise that the ‘Dream House’ is actually both the real home of her girlfriend, as well as the fantasised life and future Machado thought they’d eventually build together.

What’s right with it?
Each chapter unpacks the abuse and its consequences as a way for Machado to understand what happened herself, so it almost feels like reading a very intellectually detailed and intimate diary.

These vignettes are told through different genres like as folklores, poems and plays like Patrick Hamilton’s ‘Angel Street’ in which he explores gaslighting (a psychological abuse term). These vastly different references all impressively come together in Machado’s narrative which I think was my favourite aspect of the book.

Any critical comments?
Nope. Nada.

Would you recommend it?
As the prologue of this book says, ‘if you need this book, it is for you.’

Rating out of 5?
4

Jamie
Diary Of A Drag Queen by Crystal Rasmussen

What did you think?
The book is a hilarious, yet heart warming rollercoaster ride through the realities of being a queer, gender non-conforming person in the 21st century. With the diary format, taking it day by day through Crystal’s incredibly glamorous life, the balance between the hard hitting realities of LGBTQ+ rights and prejudice and … well a tricky incident in a KFC, is the perfect combination. Taking us through Crystal’s work in the fashion industry, and their trial and tribulations with their love life, it’s a book that anybody can relate to and resonate with the spontaneity and hilarity of life.

Any critical comments or thoughts?
Don’t forget how nosy people can be when you’re reading in public/on public transport, as there are many moments that discuss raw, hardcore ‘mature’ action, that can make for awkward eye contact when people realise what you’re reading about.

Would you recommend it?
100%. This book is the perfect companion, and reading it is like talking to a best friend you never knew you had. It will enlighten your mind into the daily struggles LGBTQ+ people face, whilst throwing you into fits of laughter at the flip of the page. A must read.

Rating out of 5?
5

Megan
Normal People by Sally Rooney

What did you think?
After watching the adapted BBC drama of normal people I quickly decided to buy the book. I read it under a week as I was instantly captivated by the story. The book is about young love, which I think anyone can relate to. Rooney dives into Connell and Marianne youthful experiences as we the readers connect with their pain and turmoil through the course of their love story. As we follow them through high school to the end of university, their dynamic relationship grows as we read the twists and turns of how life can dramatically get in the way of love. However, it is truly lovely to read the strong influences each of them have which allows them to shape one another to who they become.

What’s right with it?
I think it’s just a beautiful love story for anyone who enjoys reading about young love and the real struggles dealing with their complex issues.

Would you recommend it?
Yes definitely it’s a simple yet heart-warming take on a modern love story.

Rating out of 5?
4

Iona
Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

What did you think?
It's an outstanding novel and absolutely lovely and heart-breaking in equal measures. I devoured this book and was left sobbing wishing for the story to continue. The narrative and characters of Patroclus and Achilles are utterly addicting and I don’t think I have ever loved a fictional couple more!

What's right with it?
Madeline Millar does an amazing job of combining her story with Greek mythological fact, which makes the book even more interesting (and also left me a geek for learning more about mythology, lol).

Any critical comments?
What I loved most was how she managed to convey Patroclus and Achilles relationship in all its precious subtleties. It’s also really interesting to read the growth of the two characters individually on their journey from adolescence into adulthood – making the readers attachment to them even stronger.

Would you recommend it?
I would recommend this book to everybody - especially if you’re a sucker for romance or Greek mythology.

Rating out of 5?
5

Harry
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

What do you think
This book is so imaginative and incredibly dark at times. Leigh manages to create a world that feels familiar and very different at the same time. Filled with dark magic, forbidden practices and one of the most formidable and likeable heroines in recent memory. It’s one of the best fantasy novels I’ve read in years and will definitely scratch that Harry Potter itch.

Any critical comments or thoughts?
Due to the surreal and otherworldly goings on in the world it can be difficult to grasp what is happening at times. However, the incredible setting and engaging protagonist elevates this into a book that is very hard to put down.

Would you recommend it
I have already recommended this to several people and I can’t wait for the next instalment.

Rating out of 5
4