B O O K S
In February, I read 7 books!
For transparency, every book marked with * are titles I received for free as I currently work at PRH UK.
The Night Stairs*
When schoolgirls start fainting one after the other at a convent boarding school, years of trauma threaten to unravel the very foundation St. Cordula’s was built on. Deputy Head, Fiona Fox, is determined not to let the fits distract from the school merger, but as one of the very people who survive the fits in 2002, she determined to protect her girls but to also protect the secret of what happened on the night of the tragedy all those years ago.
Forgive me, Erin Kelly, I was not familiar with your game. This is her eleventh book and the first time I’ve ever read one of her books! I’m not a thriller reader AT ALL, but this one got me HOOKED. Hell hath no fury like a teenage girl scorned. Seriously.
Hot Chocolate on Thursday*
Set around the Marble Cafe, a woman orders hot chocolate every Thursday as she pens a new letter to her friend. From there, the story grows expanding into the lives of staff, customers and passer-by’s subtly intertwined into a lovely slice-of-life healing tale.
If Michiko Aoyama has no fans, then I am simply dead.
Atlas of the Invisible*
Redefining the atlas through human data, I really enjoyed seeing all the rich and visual information about the human past, present and future! Sliiightly outdated now but still very very cool to read. It reminds me of those books that I used to randomly read in primary school!
The Barbecue at No.9*
The residents of Delmont Close are preparing a neighbourhood barbecue to watch Live Aid. A day watched by millions, and changed the lives of many. Including the people of Delmont Close. And as the hours tick by, do they really know their neighbours as well as they thought!
Super fun! A bit more predictable compared to The List of Suspicious Things, but if you enjoyed her debut, then this one is will not disappoint at all!
A Hymn to Life: Shame has to Change Sides*
I still remember the day I first read about Gisele’s case in 2024. This is her story in her own words. An extraordinary memoir whose story will be remembered for years to come.
They Came to Slay: The Queer Culture of DnD
Found this book through TikTok! Dungeon Master Thom recounts the queer history of hit tabletop roleplaying game Dungeons & Dragons. A great quick read, but too short to be enough of a deep dive. No fault of the book as its part of Ink 404’s Inkling series. (Topics designed to be condensed!)
Sarah Perry’s father-in-law David died only nine days after a cancer diagnosis. She offers a moving and loving account of his last days. It’s not an easy read, one that reminded me deeply on my paternal grandmother, but it’s such a moving one. A tender and compassionate reflection on death and the void it leaves.
That’s it for this month! Tell me what went on in YOUR life this month! What sort of things was important for you this month? New obsessions? New TV shows? Or book? Any new song recs (I’m always open to new music!)? Best books you read this month?
as told by zaheerah 