I don’t need big, loud plots. I am infinitely more interested in character-driven stories, their journeys, and how they develop over many, many years. Books where nothing happens, but everything changes.
I came across the term plotless slice-of-life recently, and whilst I can’t quite decide if it was meant as a compliment or critique, I am embracing it as the perfect description of my favourite genre.
I long for the tiny little observations of everyday life. The lines so true they make you stop and laugh. Sentences that bring your attention back to something you’d normally skim over. My camera roll is full of such lines. I live for the wit, the sharpness and the care authors give to the so very ordinary.
I like to read to unwind, but I primarily read to understand and experience the world around me. To help me build a feeling of gratitude and presence in daily life.
If you also adore “placid daily existence”, here are my top picks from what I’ve read this year.
My top 6 reads of the year so far
Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout, part of the Amgash series (Buy pre-loved with Verse or new)
No-one does micro-drama and emotional precision quite like Strout. Women’s Prize shortlisted and a brilliant, gorgeous read. I remain in awe of her character building.
Consider Yourself Kissed by Jessica Stanley (Buy pre-loved with Verse or new)
Witty, literary, full of London social observations. Smart, satisfying, funny and flirty. I took this to Paris with me for the day and finished it before I got home. Set to be one of the bestselling stories of the summer.
Perfection by Vincenzo Latronico (Buy new)
A strange and perfectly observed take on expat life, social media performance, and quiet dissatisfaction. Part of The Slow Down Book Club this summer and shortlisted for the International Booker.
The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden (Buy new)
Exceptional debut, deeply rooted in character and place. Won the Women’s Prize this year, very deservedly. One of the books we recently shipped out as part of our subscriptions.
The Camomile Lawn by Mary Wesley (Buy new)
A hot summer, a garden in Cornwall, a tangle of cousins, and the end of innocence. Timeless and irresistible.
All Change by Elizabeth Jane Howard, part of the Cazalet Chronicles (Buy new)
The perfect series to fall into when you don’t want to emerge. Sharp, funny, sprawling, tender.
Editor’s picks from the Pre-Loved store
If you want to pick up something for less than a coffee, then the shop is freshly stocked this week. Here’s a few titles that I would highly recommend: Audition by Katie Kitamura, Wellness by Nathan Hill, Welcome to Glorious Tuga by Francesca Segal, Happy Place by Emily Henry and Autumn Light by Pico Iyer.
Or find the rest of the best linked below!
New hardcovers for £4? Don’t let them pass you by 👇
Sightings of the week:
Happy Sunday! x
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