Maddie
For those of you who love Miriam, you will love this book. As you read it you can hear her voice saying everything in her own eloquent and sometimes naughty way. Overall, it is an enjoyable and lighthearted read with great insights into the acting profession and charming anecdotes on being a woman who is gay, Jewish, British and fat. I feel as though I want to give her a big hug!
In short: I loved this book. Baldree continues to impress with his inspired characters and slice of life storytelling. Bookshops & Bonedust has a sprinkle more physical conflict than Legends & Lattes, but don't let that fool you into thinking that it doesn't provide you with the same warm and cosy embrace of L&L. I really enjoyed learning more about Viv's past and watching new friendships bloom - not to mention the coastal setting adding a new depth to the world. Despite this being a prequel, I would still recommend reading L&L first, as I think that really helps set the tone. The books complement each other wonderfully. And for those who have already read B&B but not L&L: you are going to love the story after the story.
Jennette, I'm glad your mum died too.
The book that has gotten me back into reading - easy to read but a hard hitter for sure. Makes you question parenting and the entertainment industry, but also how powerful the human mind is. Massive trigger warning for victims of emotional abuse, eating disorders, religious trauma, substance abuse, and OCD. As someone who has been through a few of those things myself, it marked an unexpected milestone in my recovery where I can read about such things and be proud of my progress and even cry with joy at hers! Jennette you have been dragged through life, but you've come out the other side running, and it is a wonderful thing that you have shared your story with the world.