A Book A Month, thus far:

Generically, my New Years Resolution this year was to read a book a month. So far, I have explored genres like fantasy fiction, biographies and epistolary novels. All of which have given me a unique understanding of the topics they covered. I personally am drawn to books that give me an understanding of cultures, lifestyles or societies that I wouldn't otherwise have access to. Ultimately, one of the main benefits of books is that they allow you to learn something new and become transported into a new world, and a new way of thinking.

I kicked off 2021's challenge with the novel by Rajaa al-Sanea, 'Girls of Riyadh'. The story delves into the lives of four young Saudi women, Lamees, Michelle, Gamrah and Sadeem. It was originally written in Arabic, but has since been translated - this was much to my delight as, unfortunately, I am yet to become fluent in Arabic! Specifically, I enjoyed the nature in which the book was written: the letters, emails and personal dialogue between the main characters remained entertaining throughout. The novel shed light on a narrow scope of Saudi culture, particularly those with money, who had the ability to travel abroad. However, this did not come without its complications. Within the juxtaposition between conservative Islamic society and their travels to the West, the girls were constantly trying to assess their views on marriage, love, education and more. It showed the evolving nature of the world, and how money, religion and travel are altering the most foundational parts of society and its people. All in all, the book was well worth a read, especially if Islamic culture or the Middle East interests you.

Rating: ****

Shortly following al-Senea's novel, I delved into the fantastic mind of Daisy Johnson and her short story collection 'Fen'. Within pages of beginning, I found that boundaries that make up our existence were shortly dissolved, as I entered the bizarre and brilliant world of Johnson's writing. In this world, women starve themselves to turn into eels, houses fall in love with people, and mothers bring their sons back from the dead only to have their words and thoughts cause them excruciating pain. Johnson's work goes beyond anything I have ever read or seen, but by using such descriptive language to depict the scenes and landscape, you cannot help but admire her take on fairytales and folklore. Totally bonkers, yet I loved it.

Rating: ****

The month of March entailed a conquering of the renowned book by physiatrist and Holocaust survivor, Viktor Frankl, with his book 'Man's Search For Meaning'. Originally published in 1946, Frankl's observations were unique, inspiring and extremely humbling. As someone with no background in psychology, I found some of the sections on logotherapy rather long-winded. However, the way in which he used his intellect and expertise to analyse his experience of concentration camps, and his life after liberation, was stirring. It reminded me that meaning and purpose are the foundational things in our lives. Without them, he showed that there is little else to keep us around.

Rating: ***

In search of a more light-hearted, easy read, I stumbled across 'The Flatshare' by Beth O'Leary, and it proved to be just that. Controversially, as this book is raved about on most platforms, I found the premise and the ending a bit naff. It was really easy to get into, and I loved the quirkiness and diversity of the two main characters: Leon and Tiffy. However, towards the end, when previous partners started to get heavily involved and the plot diverged, I lost almost all interest. This was intensified more when the hero of the story made assumptions and judgements on the female protagonist without so much as a phone call or conversation. Regardless, I managed to chomp through the book in under 4 days. If romance books are your thing, especially those involving heroin "baggage", this is a good one to pick up.

Rating: ***

Most recently, I found a copy of 'The Beekeeper of Sinjar' by the journalist and poet, Dunya Mikhail. I was especially excited about this one, as it was nestled away in a charity shop shelf, and explored a region I am always keen to learn more about: the Middle East. ISIS was the trigger word across the world after the tragic photograph of Alan Kurdi appeared in Western newspapers in 2015. Since then, the terror organisation has drifted out of the headlines. Nevertheless, with UN investigations into their atrocities and evidence being gathered in support of the claim that they committed genocide against the Yazidi's, Mikhail's book that delves into the plight of the minority community seemed fitting. It shed light on the treatment of the Yazidi people by Daesh, which included being held captive for sex, physical labour, money, amongst other reasons. However, the book was also centred around the tireless work happening behind the scenes to help rescue captives. Despite their efforts, Mikhail touched on the fact that nearly 3,000 Yazidi's are still missing. Although this book is not for the faint-hearted, it is a necessary read to understand the reality for these people. It explores a resilient and strong group of women and men, who had their lives completely destroyed. Yet, they still are here today, after all that they have endured. I could not recommend this book more.

Rating: *****

At least for the next few months, I have most books laid out (this is mostly because my reading list has been building!). Next up, I am reading a collection of essays by Arab women from the Arab world in a collection edited by Zahra Hankir. That will then be followed by the memoir of Amanda Lindhout titled: 'A House in the Sky', and the only Khaled Hosseini book I haven't read yet, 'And The Mountains Echoes'. Needless to say, I am very eager to crack on.