Cham’s Top 5!
With the revival of this blog, one of my favourite people reached out to me to see if they could write about their favourite books. I love reading reviews, love seeing what my friends are reading, love hearing about books that make other people love reading - so how could I say no? I don’t know if I will have many guest posts? on this blog, but I will never stop someone from wanting to use my blog to write about their favourite books.
So please enjoy Cham’s post!
With the onset of the Great British Summer, many of you will be looking for a book to get into whilst: sunbathing on the beach; tanning by the hotel swimming pool or waiting for your favourite stripper to rotate onto the main pole.
Regardless of your situation, please find my suggestions below on some fantastic reads to get you through.
Tenants by Vicky Spratt
In these severely constrained economic times, the comfort of having a habitable home to build a life is seen as imperative. Unfortunately, millions of people are renting properties, often in precarious scenarios, that are often open to exploitation and deceit by landlords and housing associations. Tenants is a crucial investigative piece where Spratt meticulously outlines the vulnerability of renters across the UK. Some stories are so heinous that you question the people, as well as the very system that forces them into debt and despair.
Fatherland by Robert Harris
What if Adolf Hitler and the Nazis won WW2? Fatherland is Harris’ fantastic attempt to articulate an alternative reality where the triumphant Third Reich rules over Europe. Within this paradigm, Harris introduces an intriguing detective storyline that will tug at the reader’s emotions as the main character navigates the dark ways of the Gestapo and the totalitarian structure it embodies. The sharp narration and blunt imagery contributes to a gripping page-turner that will be over far before you realise.
A Heart That Works by Rob Delaney
Losing a child is the most horrific situation that any person can experience. In this book, actor and comedian, Rob Delaney, articulates his son’s heartbreaking journey from cancer diagnosis to death at home. Delaney writes with caustic wit and humour but this doesn’t paper over the visceral anguish that he displays throughout.
(Note from Zanib - I read this in January, and it was so good I had to tell my sister not to talk to me during a flight/bus until it was over).
Land of Second Chances by Tim Lewis
“Everyone deserves a second chance” is a popular saying. This is seen in Rwanda, where Tim Lewis narrates the growth of the national cycling team within the obvious background of the heinous 1994 genocide. Lewis highlights the inspiring athletes, offspring of the massacre, as well as the unique coaching staff who are also searching for redemption. The climax of the book, at the London 2012 Olympics, is a final conclusive end to a compelling journey of hope and hard effort.
Utopia for Realists by Rutger Bregman
We dwell in a world with multiple crises: from severe climate changes, to endemic poverty to long standing conflicts. In his first book, Dutch historian, Rutger Bregman, attempts to use real life examples to our global problems. Interesting proposals including giving money to poor people to combat homelessness to rehabilitating violent criminals away from prisons. The ideas will provoke and challenge you but, at its heart, Bregman is certain that they will create a fairer, more peaceful world for us all.