A new school year means that procrastination is at an all time high and what better way to procrastinate than curling up with a good book. These 2022 book releases may be just what you’re looking for to take a break from coursework.
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Emily Henry is the queen of summer romance fiction. From Beach Read to People We Meet on Vacation there is a loving main girl, the charming leading man and a romantic trope for everyone. Book Lovers is no different as it explores Nora (the loving main girl) and Charlie (the charming male lead) who develop a personal rivalry as they end up in the same seaside town for a work holiday.
Nora is a high strung book editor who yearns for success and Charlie is her laid back competition as they end up working for the same book agent, leading to a juicy summer for the pair. Henry writes in such a way that connects with readers. She explores the protagonists’ romantic relationship, their friendships and family dynamics making it relatable. This book is also a lot more sexual than her previous releases which made the story even more tantalising and perfectly suited the story.
Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors
★ ★ ★ ★
This debut novel by Coco Mellors is the perfect emotional story for anyone who is not looking for an exclusively romantic novel. This novel explores Cleo and Frank’s toxic and turbulent relationship after they meet on New Years Eve in 2007. Mellors perfectly captures how two people can love each other but just not be compatible enough to keep the relationship going. The two come to a massive personal conflict splitting their relationship in half, which you won’t want to miss.
What I loved most is the use of multiple point of views as we see Cleo and Frank’s relationship through the eyes of his sister, her best friend and both their work colleagues making it a deeper and more interesting read. I will say there are some very heavy moments within this book so I would advise anyone triggered by blood or bodily harm to skip some chapters of this novel, otherwise I think most readers of a mature age would really enjoy this story.
Warner Bros Studios plans to develop the book into a limited series with production beginning before the year ends and a release date sometime in August 2024. Maggie Kiely is set to direct who you might know from the new “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin” directing team; so this is definitely a book to read before the series airs.
Invisible Woman by Caroline Criado Perez
★ ★ ★
This novel explores how sexism against women has become an everyday occurrence in our modern society. Differences between men and women are explored in great detail and would shock readers. With the majority of cars being made and tested for men and women being paid nearly 30c less than men in most occupations and countries around the world – the novel illustrates how inequality is a daily factor in every part of life.
Perez also deals with privilege by exploring how women in the global south struggle with basic everyday needs which women in the global north take advantage of. This can be seen where women in India have to think about using an outdoor restroom as they can be hurt or taken by men which we could barely fathom in the global north. While this book explores sexism in a multi-dimensional way it is no less harrowing to learn what other women have to face in their lives. Perez treats each theme of sexism delicately and breaks it down into small but understandable sections so it is easy to digest.
Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton
★ ★ ★
A memoir perfect for everyone in their early to mid-twenties. Alderton explores love, sex, friendships, family, work and so much more in this fast-paced memoir detailing her experiences during her twenties. While Dolly lives in London, there are lessons for everyone with funny and relatable anecdotes. Alderton reminds me of a more cheerful Sally Rooney as all of the characters experience the similar pains and embarrassment while growing up but Alderton’s tone is more light-hearted. Unlike Connell and Marianne, Alderton’s story is laced with just as many highs as there are lows which leaves her characters more optimistic than Rooney’s.
A perfect memoir for anyone in their early to mid-twenties, it is a relatable and lighthearted read. If you’re looking to get out of a slump, this book may help as it help me get right out of mine. Recently, the memoir was turned into a BBC limited series which I also highly recommend whether you read the book or not.
Sophie Melia – Entertainment and Lifestyle Editor
