Marginalia: Two F*cking Amazing Books to Get You Through to September

If you read just one book this month (or this month, this year, whatever) make it one of these.

Welcome to Marginalia — my speedy, from the front-line-of-motherhood, round-up of the very best things I have been trying to read whilst looking after my two young sons. 

My signature Crib Notes newsletter, featuring succinct book reviews for new, busy and knackered parents, will be back after the summer holidays. In the meantime, why not check out these archive issue:

Crib Notes: Bingeable Books for Full-On, Hands-On Days with Kids

Crib Notes: How Do You Even Read When You Have Young Children?

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Reading Jo Hamya’s The Hypocrite during a staycation at the grandparents’. I haven’t actually written about this book here, but it is excellent — precise, acerbic, riveting.

So far, my summer has been the usual carnival of pure joy, boredom, squabbles, comically high stress levels, and loveliness. 

Have I read all the books on my Hot Mum Summer Reading List? Of course I haven’t! Are you insane? It is at this time every year that I marvel at my earlier, pre-summer-holidays self and her foolish optimism. When exactly did I think I was going to read eight books, between the delusionally ambitious craft activities; outings, packing; car journeys, and peace negotiations ?

This month I’ve read one and a half (1.5) books. The first was from my Hot Mum Summer Reading List — I loved it and felt bereft when I finished it. The second book is a surprise, spontaneous reading pick and I’m obsessed with it.

If you are going to read something over the week and a half, I highly recommend making it one of these books.