BOOK CLUB: FEBRUARY PICKS

I can't say I'm a massive fan of romance novels, all too twee for my liking, so instead I've gone for Valentine- esque books of a varying variety. Because, let's face it, love isn't just one straight road...

NICK HORNBY - HIGH FIDELITY

If you're a woman, read this book immediately to understand just what goes in a man's mind when they're in love/ going through a break up/ not communicating how they're feeling/ generally just being a man. I had this recommended to me under the quote 'it's like a male Bridget Jones' and it did not disappoint. I read it in two days flat. It's witty, dry, funny and emotional and although the lead character is a bit of a dick (for want of a better word), you really connect with him.

The story goes as such: Rob's girlfriend Laura has just left him and naturally he has not taken it well. For the entire novel we're in Rob's head as he goes through the motions and past relationships to try and understand why he can't be 'loved'. There is a also a great soundtrack mentioned throughout (Rob works in a record store). It's written beautifully, you really feel like you're inside the mind of a man. So shoutout to Nick Hornby for trying to help us ladies understand the male species a little better...

MATT HAIG - HOW TO STOP TIME

This is such a lovely little tale about love. Usually not one for a romance book, but this isn’t your typical love story. It’s written so beautifully, leaves you thinking and has a great deal of historic references (great for a geek like me), I couldn’t recommend this novel enough.

It follows the story of Tom Hazard, who looks like an ordinary 41-year-old, but has actually been alive for centuries due to a rare condition. Ultimately, it’s a bittersweet story about losing and finding yourself all the while navigating your love life.

This was the first Matt Haig book I read, and since then I;ve stocked up on his other work. I can’t recommend this book and his writing in general enough, this book is one of my favourites and makes me feel all warm and fuzzy, which is a nice change to how my usual thriller-crime genre makes me feel...

LISA TADDEO - THREE WOMEN

It’s absolutely fascinating, definitely one to add to your lists, and even more so if you needed another excuse to hate men, Taddeo tells the tale of 3 different women experiencing different types of relationships at different stages of their lives. One woman is going through the trial of having a relationship with her high school teacher, one is having an affair with her high school sweetheart and one woman’s husband likes to watch her have sex with other men. Pretty heavy stuff eh.

The novel explores how women are exploited and manipulated but ultimately are so in love with their spouses that they are either blindsided or allow it to happen. It’s a real thinker and leaves you wondering about relationships you’ve had or are in. Taddeo writes this so beautifully as well, I was totally captivated and you have to commend Taddeo for dedicating 8 years of her life to following and studying these women

HOLLY BOURNE - HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW?

Without a doubt one of my favourite books of 2019. I really wish Holly Bourne would write more adult fiction (she's best known for young adult literature) because her writing is addictive, relatable and so funny. This story centres on Tori, a self help guru who's life is actually falling apart at the seams. It's a lot more about Tori's feelings than having an actual griping plot to it. Don't let that put you off though. Bourne's writing makes you feel like you're Tori's BFF. This is Bridget Jones for the millienials.

All content and imagery from @thegoodbookclub_