Between now and Christmas Eve, I’ll be posting about the best books that I’ve read (or the best audiobooks that I have listened to), just in case you need any last minute present ideas. Today, I’m focussing on the non-fiction books that I’ve read or listened to this year. All of these are books that I have awarded five stars on Goodreads.
The links below to buy the books are all sponsored links to Amazon, but you’re welcome to borrow these from your local library, or buy them from an independent book shop.
‘Period. It’s About Bloody Time’ by Emma Barnett
I don’t get periods, being a cisgender man, but my wife Christine does. Whilst this isn’t the first period book I’ve read (that would be Maisie Hill’s Period Power), I really enjoyed Period. It’s About Bloody Time by Emma Barnett. It’s funny, but also a very important book about how periods are perceived, and what society can do to better accommodate those who menstruate.
I like how it goes through lots of the euphemisms that people use instead of the word ‘period’ (it’s called ‘Shark Week‘ in our house).
The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read by Philippa Perry
Or to give it its full title, ‘The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did)’. If you only ever buy one parenting book, make it this one, as it was full of useful advice. It’s taught me to be more patient as a parent, and to focus on being present and nurturing with our child.
I also read Perry’s follow-up book, The Book You Want Everyone You Love To Read (and maybe a few you don’t) this year, which was still good but not as good as her first.
Barry Cryer: Same Time Tomorrow? by Bob Cryer
I’ve been to a couple of recordings of I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue, which is now into its 82nd series, and Barry Cryer was a regular contestant for over 50 years before his death in 2022, aged 86. Barry Cryer: Same Time Tomorrow? is a biography of him written by his son, Bob, along with many anecdotes contributed by Barry’s friends and colleagues. It’s a lovely tribute to someone who carried on working in comedy well into his senior years, and was loved and respected by comedians both new and old. As with Rob Wilkins’ biography of Terry Pratchett, it’s written with warmth and admiration.
A Girlhood: A Letter to My Transgender Daughter by Carolyn Hays
Right now, the issue of care for young transgender people is very much in the news, and I would urge anyone wanting to have an informed opinion on the topic to read A Girlhood: A Letter to My Transgender Daughter by Carolyn Hays.
Published under a pseudonym, it’s written as a letter over several chapters, about a family who is doing their best to provide gender-affirming care for their child. There’s a lot of bravery on show, especially as the book starts in an American state which isn’t particularly trans-friendly.
Fix the System, Not the Women by Laura Bates
Laura Bates was the founder of the Everyday Sexism project, and wrote a 2014 book of the same name. This follow-up, Fix the System, Not the Women, is about how society’s systems and structures work against women and other marginalised people. But it also has positive recommendations for how society can change to be more equal.
It’s an important book for anyone committed to gender equality and inclusion.
“No Offence, But…” by Gina Martin
Gina Martin is probably best known as a campaigner who pushed for the Voyeurism (Offences) Act 2019, which made upskirting a specific criminal offence. “No Offence, But” is a useful handbook for responding to claims such as ‘not all men’ and ‘playing devil’s advocate’. Whilst Gina herself has written around half the chapters, there are also contributions from other authors and activists who write in their area of expertise. Again, it’s a positive book that offers useful talking points to respond to lazy stereotypes.
Next time, I’ll be writing about the fiction books that I’ve most enjoyed this year.
