WHERE — London
PHOTOGRAPHY — Sam Flaherty
The Hit List; aka all the things that I’ve read, watched, listened to and loved of late. And maybe even the odd recipe too. Basically a few recommendations to you get you through the month ahead.
WHAT I’VE BEEN READING
My Sister The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite is a thriller, but more than that it’s a story about two sisters who are forever annoyed by the other, while ultimately have each others backs. The language is a bit too jovial to really feel dark, but it’s definitely a page-turner you’ll whizz through.
Malcom Gladwell shot to literary fame in 2000 with his first book, The Tipping Point (this is the point where I say if you’re not familar with Malcom Gladwell or The Tipping Point, do yourself a favour and find a second hand copy to read asap). Gladwell is a journalist interested in the social psychology, researching and explaining (in layman’s terms) how crime, money, race, opportunity and time affect the fabric of life. Anyway, his new book Talking to Strangers focuses on how we communicate with strangers – and why we so often get it all so wrong. In all honesty it’s actually my least favourite book of his – but it’s still very much worth reading. And if you’re lucky enough to have not yet read the rest of his work – you’re in for a treat.
When Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman came out in 2017, it was hyped by pretty much everyone (and amassed plenty or awards), and for good reason. A story that is both sweet and sad, and completely original, about a woman with complicated social skills who ultimately is incredibly alone. And yet it’s not entirely depressing, as it’s interjected with just the right amount of humour and hope. It feels like every man and his dog as already read it, but if you haven’t, I 100% recommend.