The books that CHANGED MY LIFE

THE LAST BOOK THAT MADE ME LAUGH

Taffy Brodesser-akner nails Jewish, bleak, life-affirming humour in her brilliant book Fleishman Is In Trouble.

THE LAST BOOK THAT MADE ME CRY

Motherhood is relentless and rewires you. In her memoir, My Wild And Sleepless Nights, Clover Stroud managed to write down all of the mania in one place, making me shed a tear and honk with laughter, while also prompting me to nod in vigorous agreement. She writes so eloquently about all we lose as well as gain through our children. And confronts taboo thoughts with a ferocity that could help us all.

THE BOOK THAT CHANGED THE WAY I THINK

The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself

Radio presenter and journalist Emma Barnett’s book Period. is out now. She shares the reads that have made her laugh, cry and think…

by Michael A Singer made me realise the voice inside your head isn’t you – or rather, it is not me. I am something else.

THE BOOK THAT GOT ME THROUGH A DIFFICULT TIME

Praise be to Naomi Stadlen, author of What Mothers Do: Especially When It Looks Like Nothing.

Becoming a parent is tough for everyone but especially for women today; we’re reared to be independent, ambitious and ultimately selfish people – just like men. Being responsible for a small infant that does incredibly little at first is a handbrake turn into a life of mundanity and dullness, tempered by overwhelming love.

THE BOOK I MOST OFTEN GIVE TO OTHERS

I can’t emphasise enough how great What Mothers Do is. I silently hand it to anyone who looks like they need it, with a knowing nod.