Words by Sistem Magazine
It’s official: reading’s the new thing. To help you join the cool kids, Sistem Magazine details the five books to buy for your reading list.
Like New Balance, reading’s cool again. It’s always been cool, true – but in the past couple of years, its popularity has only grown. Cool kids now carry tote bags filled with books, Timothee Chalamet’s Elio made reading a sexy personality trait – and the likes of Michelle and Barack Obama latest releases have injected the habit into younger audiences.
And more time to spend indoors (you know, working from home and all) you might be looking for some new suggestions. If so, you’ll do well to pay to sit up and pay attention. Here are five books to buy for your reading list.
Such a Fun Age – Kiley Reid
Synopsis: Kiley Reid’s debut novel Such A Fun Age pulls no punches. We are immediately thrown into action as the protagonist, 25-year-old Emira, is accused of kidnapping (yes, kidnapping!) by a run of the mill meddling busy-bodied Karen. She is accused of kidnapping Briar, a white toddler that she is babysitting. But, don’t think this is some kind of high-octane crime novel. Au contraire, in fact, we soon realise that the brilliantly written Emira just wants an easy life (and a decent health insurance plan… God Bless America). Kiley Reid’s talent for portraying interpersonal relationships really is amazing. Whether it’s the dynamic between Emira and her slightly cringy but well-meaning boss, Alix, or the importance of strong female friendship, Reid’s nailed it.
Rating:5/5
Who should read: Anyone who has ever considered googling ‘what is a quarter-life crisis?’ and is realising that perhaps the home, the dog, and the nuclear family isn’t achievable by 25.
High Fidelity – Nick Hornby
Synopsis: Meet Rob Gordon, a man whose only real remarkable quality is his record collection. He’s a pretty standard bloke living a pretty standard life in North London in the 1990s. It may not sound like the most thrilling read, but there is something special about the way Nick Hornby writes. He will have you chuckling away to yourself one minute and then feeling like you should ring your parents to tell ‘em you love ‘em the next. The main focus of the book is Rob’s love life which, to borrow the title of my favourite childhood books, could be described as ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’. Read this book for a masterclass in how not to woo the lady in your life and for a healthy dose of ‘90s nostalgia.
Rating:4/5
Who should read: If you have been led to believe that ‘men are from mars’ and you can’t quite figure them out maybe this book will shed a little light. And, if you’re unlucky in love, then you’ll find a kindred spirit in Rob.
Who’s Loving You – Sareeta Domingo
Synopsis: This collection of short stories curated by Sareeta Domingo is the kind of book I will save for when I have children and they start finding their feet in the world of love and romance. It’s the kind of book I will lend to a heartbroken friend when they’re ready to start believing there’s more to life than sadness and anguish. For me, a Black woman, this collection of stories of women of colour in love is a reminder of worthiness. It affirms the idea that women of colour are deserving of love and positivity and tenderness. I particularly loved the stories written by Sareeta Domingo, Varaidzo and Danielle Dash.
Rating:4/5
Who should read: If you’re desperate to get back into reading after falling out of love with it over the past few years and you’re concerned about your attention span, this is the book for you! Oh, and it helps if love stories are your Kryptonite.
Open Water – Caleb Azumah Nelson
Synopsis: This story of two young Londoners falling in love is quite spectacular. In his debut novel, Caleb Azumah Nelson manages to detail all the different parts of love with an almost hypnotic lyricism. From the delightfully mundane (an endless stream of Ubers and takeaways) to the notoriously challenging dynamics of long-distance love. This book quietly and gently does and says so much about young black love without having to shout and scream from the rooftops. It’s as much an ode to the city of London as it is to love itself and it captures the intensity of being young and in love so perfectly, making it one of the best books to buy for your reading list.
Rating: 4/5
Who should read: Deciding whether or not to text them back? Read this book, then go out there and start your very own love story.
Natives – Akala
Synopsis: This is the only non-fiction book on my list of recommendations, and what a book it is. Put it this way, if I was to become Minister of Education, this book would be a compulsory part of the curriculum in all British schools. And all school staff rooms for that matter. In fact, let’s just make it compulsory for all British citizens. Akala’s take on Britain is fascinating, incredibly well-researched, and totally eye-opening. It’s actually quite unbelievable to think that Akala has the same amount of hours in the day as the rest of us because the man knows everything. Natives is a great starting place for Black British history and I can’t recommend it enough. When it comes to books to buy, it’s a no-brainer.
Rating: 5/5
Who should read: Anyone that posted a black square on their Instagram last year and accidentally forgot to do anything else.
Not much of a bookworm? Here’s what you need to watch on Netflix.