Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo: Because One Voice is Never Enough

Rating: 5 stars Category: Literary fiction Synopsis: In Girl, Woman, Other, Bernardine Evaristo intertwines twelve lives - mostly black, British women. Their voices range from Hattie, an ancient mixed-race grandma struggling to keep her family farm and her pride along with it, to Amma, a black lesbian playwright whose radical work is showing at the National Theatre for the first time. Through this lively spectrum of characters, Evaristo explores the nuances of identity, connection, and what it means to be proud of who you are.

The Perfection Detox by Petra Kolber: Motivational Guide for Breaking Free from Perfectionism

Rating: 3 stars

Category: Non-Fiction

Synopsis:

Petra Kolber began her career as a fitness instructor, but she soon began to notice the impact perfectionism was having on the women she coached. Now she runs perfection detox workshops built around her 21-step programme, which aims to support women in the journey towards embracing their flawed, imperfect, yet wonderfully unique selves.

The Perfection Detox is subtitled 'Tame Your Inner Critic, Live Bravely, and Unleash Your Joy' - I think we could all use some of that!

Tess of the d’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy: Classic Pastoral Tale with a Hint of Proto-Feminism

Rating: 3 stars

Category: Classics

Synopsis:

When John Durbeyfield learns that he is descended from a grand ancient lineage known as the d'Urbervilles, he sends his daughter Tess to their nearest relations in the hope of claiming kin and improving his family's prospects. As the family sinks ever-further into poverty, she is only too aware of the keen urgency of her mission.

However, Tess knows nothing of the world outside her village, or the attention she draws by nature of her youth and beauty. Her experiences at the d'Urberville house will leave her torn between preserving secrecy - and her reputation - or risking honesty with the people she loves most.

Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez: Fortify Your Feminism!

Rating: 3 stars

Category: Non-Fiction

Synopsis: From limited career progression to queueing for aaaages in the ladies' loos, there are some struggles that women across the world have resigned themselves to. But what if it didn't have to be like that?

In this collection of case studies covering cities, the workplace, hospitals, disaster zones and beyond, Caroline Criado Perez reveals how, in a modern society that revolves around data, women are being systematically excluded.