Go on, try it
Recommendations #13
Welcome to If In Doubt, Read an approachable book recommendation newsletter from someone who simply loves reading. Subscribe to make sure I land in your inbox 💌
The clocks have gone back and the temperature has dropped. People are discussing what soups they are making and how they had to “get their big coat out this morning”… there is no denying it, winter is winning. So thank goodness for British TV at a time like this:
📺 Celebrity Traitors
📺 The Great British Bake Off
📺 Taskmaster
📺 Nobody Wants This
I saw a petition to swap the dates of Christmas and Valentine’s Day* and I am a solid YES.
Currently reading: Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier (as I am going to Buffy’s bookclub event this week. I cannot wait to debrief 👀)
Books I’ve read this month:
On to the recommendations. This month is a selection of books I originally didn't fancy reading but I am so glad I did.
For those that are new here (hi, welcome!), I split my book recommendation’s into four categories and include a mix of new releases and books I’ve previously loved that feel timely. Hopefully there’s something for you.
COSY & COMFORTING
A book that has no ulterior motive and is simply a delightful time.
Paradise Lodge by Nina Stibbe
Published: April 2007
Summary: “Hilarity and pure escapism from a true British wit” - I can’t describe it much better than the Bookshop.org summary (but I’ll try)… Imagine if the Thursday Murder Club was narrated by a 15 year old girl who was working at the old peoples’ home and you get Paradise Lodge (but it is set in Leicestershire in 1970s and the home itself is more shabby and on the brink of closing).
One of the things I love witnessing (and being apart of) is intergenerational relationships and this book is stacked full of them. As an aside, I think we need more intergenerational relationships in 2025!
Nina Stibbe is a delight and this book is a balm for the soul.
LOVE & BEING HUMAN
Everything and anything that gives insight and exposes the true messiness of being human..
The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
Published: Mar 2025
Summary: I avoided this book when it first came out because the concept is totally barmy and sounds utterly ridiculous. But then it started getting rave reviews and my interest peaked.
The Concept: Lauren’s attic produces a stream of husbands. Every time one goes up, another one comes down. (I told you.. it’s barmy).
The Outcome: It is frivolous and fun and yet delivers a deep insight into modern day relationships. What people are willing to put up with and what others aren’t.
Hats off to Gramazio, I’m not sure how she made this work but she really did!
INTENSE & REWARDING
Books that can fall on the heavier side but really give you something to get stuck into.
Circe by Madeline Miller
Published: Apr 2019
Summary: I’m sure you have seen this around. If you have and are yet to read it, this is your sign to pick it up immediately. It’s perfect immersive escapism. I’m not normally one for Greek mythology but I’m so glad I gave this a shot. Follow Circe through her awkward upbringing that ultimately ends in exile and banishment to a remote island. Watch her figure out her strengths, how to be a woman in a world run by men and choose where she belongs … it doesn’t sound all that mythological now does it?
PICK ‘N’ MIX
Anything that doesn’t fit into the other three (e.g. fantasy/ non-fiction) or simply something I want to recommend that fits the theme.
Notes to Self by Emilie Pine
Published: June 2019
Summary: I’m not normally a short stories person but this collection of essays stopped me in my tracks. I devoured it in one sitting and had tears in my eyes throughout. It covers the full spectrum of being a woman. The incredible highs and the extraordinary lows. Grief, addiction, fertility and abuse, in amongst joy, companionship and humility - and somehow, all without any self-pity. The sections on the female body are devastating and relatable and I wish we weren’t still here in the 2020s but I’m glad we have Pine depicting them this eloquently.
Its most famous quote still takes my breath away -
“I am afraid of being the disruptive woman. And of not being disruptive enough. I am afraid, but I’m doing it anyway.”
TBR Update
I have taken to requesting books at my library instead of just adding them to my goodreads and then forgetting about them. In theory, this should work well. In practice, it’s made me realise how many books I 'like the look of’ and request which means I’m slightly too backed up (in books and library fines!).
The Rest of Our Lives by Benjamin Markovits
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
Little Weirds by Jenny Slate
Heart the Lover by Lily King
Any other suggestions? What is a book you originally didn’t fancy but ended up loving?
*Here is the link to the instagram justifying the Christmas Day & Valentine’s Day swap (I didn’t want to lose you to the scroll right at the top).
Please let me know what you’re reading and loving 💌
Happy reading xo
PS. All previous books recommendations are also categorised into ‘cosy’, ‘love’, ‘intense’ and ‘pick n mix’ shelves on my bookshop.org store (if you buy through any of the links via bookshop.org I may get a tiny kick back commission).
PPS. And if you’re still here, I get an email saying “xyz has liked your post” every time one of you clicks ‘like’ and it quite literally makes my day!
If you’d like to read more of my recommendations, see my previous Substack posts here:
Take what you need | A grazing board of books | Take one, pass the rest along | A pocket of peace | A sip of comfort | A mixed bag | Strength and beauty | Steady rhythm, joy | Here comes the sun | The illusive beast | A soft exhale | Floating through change