DO YOU READ ME? This month’s biggest books
Want to devour last year’s bestseller again? Now you (almost) can with these new releases…
Sample line: “We arrive at an impasse: men must demand sex and women must refuse, except not too much because then we’re evil friendzoning bitches.” Why you should read it: Trump, trolling, trigger warnings – in these essays the feminist writer, journalist and activist Laurie Penny offers up her (sometimes uncompromising, always witty) opinions on all the topics that cause shouty debates in CAPITALS on your Twitter feed. You might not agree with her views 100% of the time but then sometimes most of the fun is in the disagreement – right? Read when you’re feeling: Pissed off with everyone spouting crap on social media. Sample line: “A car was approaching along the lane I lay in. And as I blacked out, I ejaculated.” Why you should read it: Touted as Trainspotting meets Dorian Gray, it follows Leander, who suffers from a mysterious pain all over his body. The only cure? Blood. His love for violence leads him into the world of an infamous criminal and things get brutal quickly. Read when you’re feeling: Like only something gritty will do. Sample line: “It began like all of Ben’s conversations, badly.” Why you should read it: Set over 31 days, it follows Ben and Alice who met on a park bench, felt an instant connection but never swapped numbers. It’s kind of like David Nicholls’ One Day but for twentysomethings. Read when you’re feeling: In need of comfort – this is the bookish equivalent of eating a doughnut. Sample line: “Dying isn’t the end of the world.” (Also the first line, FYI.) Why you should read it: Poet Nina died from breast cancer in February. This is an account of her final moments. Granted, not the cheeriest of reads but there’s plenty of life lessons and beautiful lines you’ll want to circle and then send to your mates. Read when you’re feeling: Melancholy. It’ll make you see what real pain is like.