I’ve listened to a lot of audiobooks over the past couple of years; they’re the only way I can read when I’m feeling burnt out, exhausted or unwell. I usually borrow them from my local library via Libby or BorrowBox, but I got the below via NetGalley, which enables booksellers, press and reviewers to preview books. Here’s what I thought of them.
Lucie Yi is Not a Romantic by Lauren Ho, narrated by Cindy Lay
I love a romantic comedy; they’re perfect for all seasons and for getting out of reading ruts. Lucie Yi is Not a Romantic is about (surprise!) Lucie: late 30s, broke up with her boyfriend, wants a baby. Lucie starts with a co-parenting website, which is where she meets Collin Read.
Lucie Yi is Not a Romantic is a fun story (with real laugh-out-loud moments). It has some heavy themes (infertility, miscarriage) and yet ultimately follows joy. It’s slightly pertinent to me, a 33-year-old, and an unusual topic to come across – but it works. I enjoyed Lucie as a main character – I wasn’t a fan of he ex-boyfriend! – and was rooting for her all way, even if I didn’t agree with all her decisions (often pertaining to said ex).
Welcome to Your Life by Bethany Rutter, narrated by Ell Potter
I’m planning to write a blogpost about books millennials will enjoy and this will definitely feature.
On the day of her wedding, Serena panics and runs away from her husband-to-be and their ceremony. She ultimately ends up in a London flat, sharing with her university friend, and sets herself a challenge: 52 weeks, 52 dates.
As someone who dated in London, I can verify that it is The Worst. I loved relating to Selena’s story; it’s enjoyable, body positive, inclusive and funny. It made me want to read even more “books for millennials”!
The Maid by Nita Prose, narrated by Lauren Ambrose
Molly Gray is in a pickle. She is a maid working in a hotel, and when the hotel becomes the scene of a crime, she is unfortunately questioned and disbelieved. Molly is a fresh and enjoyable character – and is as important to the the story as the actual plot – and she was my favourite part. I was less interested in the crime itself, and more frustrated with the way she was treated by the characters surrounding her.
There’s an interesting discussion online about whether Molly is neurodivergent. To me, it felt as if she very clearly is, perhaps autistic rather than simply ‘eccentric’ or ‘quirky’. There is a chance she may not know that she is neurodivergent. It’s not uncommon to be diagnosed as an adult, and since she’s not close to anyone except her Gran (who passed away), she doesn’t have anyone that understands her. When I first read it, it felt odd that nothing was mentioned, but I’m undecided now. Either way, Molly is a strong, honest and memorable character.
The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley, narrated by Clare Corbett, Daphne Kouma, Julia Winwood, Sope Dirisu, Sofia Zervudachi & Charlie Anson
Jess arrives in Paris, hoping to stay at her brother’s apartment. But he’s not there.
This thriller is set in an eerie city apartment building. It’s a quiet place, away from the bustle of the main streets, and no one except the neighbours ever seems to be around:
The watchful concierge
The lover
The prying journalist
The naïve student
The Paris Apartment is like watching a tense film (without the music!) where I didn’t actually realise there were multiple narrators until now – I thought the main narrator was just quite talented! It was particularly nerve-wracking to listen to in bed.
The Wrong Suitcase by Laura Jane Williams, narrated by Laura Jane Williams
I wanted a quick rom-com that would get me out of a slump, and The Wrong Suitcase was the one!
This is a listen-in-one-night novella, which was perfect for me. It’s super cute, super frustrating – when you want the characters to meet but due to an unfortunate series of circumstances they keep missing each other! – and super short. Izzy and Sam had great chemistry and great personalities; I hoped they’d find their suitcases!
Photography by Valkyrie Pierce.
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