Minnie's Fiction Addiction

Because one more chapter is never enough

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  • Book Review: The Science of Racism by Keon West

    👀 First impressions:
    The Science of Racism by Dr. Keon West is one of those books that should be required reading for anyone interested in understanding how prejudice takes root. and how we can begin to dismantle it. As both a social psychologist and a clear, engaging writer, West bridges the gap between academic research and real-world experience.

    This isn’t a dry textbook or an emotional rant, it’s a carefully constructed exploration of the science behind racism: why it exists, how it persists, and what can be done to combat it. From evolutionary psychology and implicit bias to social conditioning and systemic inequality, West breaks down complex concepts in a way that’s accessible without ever dumbing them down.

    ✅ What I Liked:
    What makes this book stand out is its balance of evidence and empathy. West doesn’t just cite studies—he contextualises them, showing how racism is reinforced by culture, institutions, and even our unconscious minds. His writing is calm but firm, confident but compassionate.

    I especially appreciated the sections that challenge well-meaning assumptions, like the idea that “not seeing race” helps, or that racism is just about personal prejudice rather than structural power. These moments make you pause and reflect on how subtle bias can shape everyday interactions.

    There’s also hope threaded throughout. West emphasises that understanding racism through science isn’t about assigning blame, it’s about finding effective ways to create change.

    ❎ What I didn’t Like:
    There were moments when I wished the book had gone even deeper into the global or historical context of racism beyond the Western framework, though this doesn’t detract from its clarity or impact. It’s more of a wish for “more” rather than a criticism of what’s there.

    📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
    Because it arms you with knowledge. The Science of Racism is ideal for readers who want to move beyond slogans and social media discourse to truly understand the psychology of prejudice. It’s a guide for reflection, education, and action, grounded in data and humanity.

    Whether you’re an educator, a student, or simply someone who wants to do better, this book gives you the tools to start meaningful conversations and challenge biases (including your own).

    💭 Final Thoughts:
    Dr. Keon West has written one of the most important and accessible works on racism in recent years. It’s honest without being accusatory, scientific without being cold, and educational without ever losing heart. You’ll leave it change, more aware, more informed, and hopefully, more determined.

    🛍️ Where to buy
    To buy your own copy click HERE or HERE

    Final Rating ★★★★★ – A powerful, research-driven look at racism that educates, challenges, and inspires in equal measure.

  • Book Review: Jaws by Peter Benchley

    👀 First impressions:
    Before Jaws was the blockbuster that made generations fear the sea, it was Peter Benchley’s chilling 1974 novel, a story that fused horror, suspense, and small-town politics in one unforgettable bite. Set in the fictional seaside town of Amity, Jaws begins with the discovery of a mutilated swimmer and spirals into a nightmare as a great white shark terrorises the community.

    Reading it now, decades after its release, I was surprised by how grounded it feels. This isn’t just a monster story, it’s a portrait of fear, greed, and human denial. Benchley’s writing captures the claustrophobic tension of a town whose livelihood depends on the ocean… even when that ocean turns deadly.

    ✅ What I Liked:
    The pacing is brilliant. Benchley knows exactly how to build suspense, each shark attack feels like a drumbeat leading to inevitable chaos. His descriptions of the sea are vivid and atmospheric, blending beauty and menace in equal measure.

    I also loved how the novel explores human flaws as much as physical danger. Police Chief Brody, the desperate mayor, and shark hunter Quint are all complex characters shaped by fear, pride, and morality. The novel’s social commentary, on class, corruption, and media pressure, adds surprising depth.

    ❎ What I didn’t Like:
    Some of the subplots (particularly the infidelity thread) feel dated and unnecessary, slowing the pace in the middle chapters. And while Benchley’s portrayal of the shark is iconic, it’s more of a symbol than a creature, readers hoping for a naturalistic animal story may find it overly anthropomorphic.

    📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
    If you’ve only seen Spielberg’s film, Jaws is absolutely worth reading. It’s darker, more psychological, and rich with 1970s social realism. It’s a reminder of how a simple premise, a shark, a beach, and a town’s denial, can become a masterclass in tension and atmosphere.

    💭 Final Thoughts:
    Benchley’s Jaws is more than a horror novel; it’s a study of how fear infects communities. Even fifty years later, it remains gripping, unsettling, and oddly timeless. The movie may have made it a legend, but the book still holds its own teeth.

    🛍️ Where to buy
    To buy your own copy click HERE or HERE

    Final Rating ★★★★ – A tense, intelligent thriller that proves the scariest monsters are sometimes human.

  • Book Review: Pax by Tom Holland

    👀 First impressions:
    After Rubicon and Dynasty, I was eager to see how Tom Holland would complete his trilogy on the Roman Empire, and Pax: War and Peace in Rome’s Golden Age does not disappoint. Holland’s signature blend of scholarship and storytelling shines through once again, painting the first and second centuries of the Roman Empire with colour, drama, and humanity.

    Pax explores the era often seen as Rome’s peak, the time of emperors like Trajan, Hadrian, and Marcus Aurelius. But Holland refuses to present it as a simple “golden age.” Instead, he examines the contradictions of peace built on conquest, luxury fuelled by slavery, and order maintained through fear. From the glittering streets of Rome to the farthest provinces, this is history written as epic literature.

    ✅ What I Liked:
    Tom Holland’s writing is cinematic. He turns what could be dry political accounts into vivid, immersive narratives that make you feel the tension, ambition, and arrogance of Rome’s rulers. His ability to humanise these larger-than-life figures, without excusing their cruelty, is masterful.

    I especially enjoyed how Pax re-examines “peace” itself. Holland shows that Rome’s peace was selective, bought at a high moral price, and sustained by constant pressure at the empire’s borders. It’s a subtle reminder that prosperity and oppression often coexist.

    The book also feels remarkably relevant to today, echoing themes of empire, propaganda, and the fragility of power. Holland never draws direct parallels, but the resonance is unmistakable.

    ❎ What I didn’t Like:
    At times, the sheer scope of names, battles, and political shifts can feel overwhelming. Readers new to Roman history might find themselves flipping back to keep track. But Holland’s narrative flair makes even these dense passages engaging, and the effort pays off.

    📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
    If you love history that reads like a novel, or novels that feel grounded in history, Pax is essential. Holland bridges the gap between academic depth and storytelling brilliance. Whether you’re fascinated by ancient Rome or just love stories of power, politics, and human nature, this book will sweep you away.

    💭 Final Thoughts:
    Pax cements Tom Holland as one of the finest popular historians writing today. It’s intelligent without being inaccessible, grand yet intimate. A triumphant conclusion to a trilogy that redefines how history should be written: alive, passionate, and deeply human.

    🛍️ Where to buy
    To buy your own copy click HERE or HERE

    Final Rating ★★★★★ – A sweeping, insightful, and thrilling portrait of Rome at its height, proof that peace can be as turbulent as war.

  • Book Review: Living Better by Alastair Campbell

    👀 First impressions:
    After a close family member’s diagnosis of severe depression, I picked up Living Better: How I Learned to Survive Depression by Alastair Campbell, hoping to better understand what they might be going through. I expected something political or clinical, but what I found was far more human. Campbell, best known as Tony Blair’s former communications director, strips away the public persona and offers a deeply personal account of his ongoing struggle with mental illness.

    From breakdowns and therapy to moments of clarity and relapse, Campbell explores his relationship with depression in brutal honesty. He balances self-reflection with political insight, showing how mental health affects even those who appear most in control.

    ✅ What I Liked:
    he honesty hit me hardest. Campbell doesn’t sugarcoat or frame recovery as a simple journey. Instead, he portrays mental illness as something that ebbs and flows, something that can be managed but not magically fixed. His reflections on family, purpose, and identity feel both raw and hopeful. reminding readers that progress can exist even in small, quiet moments.

    I also appreciated how readable it was. Despite tackling heavy themes, Campbell’s conversational tone and flashes of dark humour keep the book engaging and accessible.

    ❎ What I didn’t Like:
    Some of the political sections, while interesting, occasionally drift from the emotional core of the book. They add context but may feel a little dense for readers less familiar with UK politics. Still, these insights show how deeply intertwined his personal and professional lives have always been.

    📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
    If you or someone you love is struggling with depression, this book offers clarity, compassion, and hope. It’s not a self-help manual, it’s a reminder that recovery isn’t linear and that speaking openly about mental health can change lives. Campbell’s vulnerability helps break the silence surrounding depression, showing that even those in high-pressure, high-profile roles are not immune.

    💭 Final Thoughts:
    Living Better gave me a deeper understanding of depression, both as a condition and as a lived experience. It’s part memoir, part reflection, and part message of solidarity. Alastair Campbell writes with courage, candour, and heart.

    🛍️ Where to buy
    To buy your own copy click HERE or HERE

    Final Rating ★★★★★ – A brutally honest yet hopeful read that helps you understand what living with depression really means.

  • 🌍 What to Read Wednesday: Stories Set in Africa

    Photo by James Wiseman on Unsplash

    Every Wednesday, I love sharing themed recommendations, and this week we’re heading to Africa through the pages of some powerful books. From sweeping historical epics to intimate character studies, these stories capture the diversity, resilience, and beauty of a continent often underrepresented in mainstream publishing. If you’re looking to broaden your reading horizons, here are some wonderful books to start with.

    1. Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Nigeria) 🇳🇬

    Adichie’s award-winning novel is a heartbreaking, sweeping story set during the Biafran War of the 1960s. Through the lives of three very different characters, she paints a portrait of love, loss, and survival against the backdrop of political upheaval. It’s both deeply personal and historically expansive, and Adichie’s writing is simply luminous.

    2. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah (South Africa) 🇿🇦

    This memoir by comedian and Daily Show host Trevor Noah is as funny as it is moving. Growing up as the mixed-race child of a Black mother and white father under apartheid, Noah’s childhood was literally “a crime.” His storytelling blends sharp humor with hard truths, making this a deeply memorable read about resilience and family.

    3. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Nigeria/USA) 🇳🇬 🇺🇸

    Though partly set in the United States and the UK, Americanah is anchored in Nigeria. It tells the story of Ifemelu and Obinze, lovers separated by migration, whose lives are shaped by questions of identity, belonging, and the meaning of home. It’s a novel about race, love, and the ties that bind us across continents.

    4. The Shadow King by Maaza Mengiste (Ethiopia) 🇪🇹

    Set during Mussolini’s 1935 invasion of Ethiopia, this Booker Prize–shortlisted novel shines a light on the often-overlooked role of women in war. Mengiste’s lyrical prose gives voice to female fighters and explores themes of memory, resistance, and power. It’s historical fiction at its finest.

    5. We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo (Zimbabwe) 🇿🇼

    Told through the eyes of Darling, a young girl navigating life in Zimbabwe before moving to America, this debut novel is both playful and piercing. Bulawayo captures the vibrancy of childhood alongside the harsh realities of poverty, displacement, and identity. It’s one of those books that makes you laugh one moment and ache the next.

    6. Circling the Sun by Paula McLain (Kenya) 🇰🇪

    For fans of historical fiction with a romantic, adventurous flair, this novel fictionalizes the life of Beryl Markham, the pioneering aviator who grew up in Kenya in the early 20th century. It’s a lush, atmospheric book that captures both the beauty and the contradictions of colonial-era Africa.

    Final Thought

    Books set in Africa are as varied as the continent itself, spanning histories, cultures, and genres. Whether you’re drawn to memoir, historical epics, or contemporary fiction, each of these titles offers a chance to see the world through a different lens. If you’re looking to travel without leaving your chair this Wednesday, let Africa’s stories sweep you away.

  • Book Review: The Nine by Gwen Strauss

    👀 First impressions:
    The Nine by Gwen Strauss tells the extraordinary true story of nine women who escaped a German labor camp in the final days of World War II. These women, mostly French resistance fighters, were captured, deported, and endured unimaginable hardship before banding together to make their daring escape across war-torn Europe. Strauss, who is the niece of one of the women, blends meticulous historical research with a deeply personal connection, creating a narrative that feels both intimate and epic. From the opening pages, the book’s tone is reverent and reflective, with a storyteller’s eye for humanity amid horror.

    ✅ What I Liked:
    The strength of The Nine lies in its blend of history and heart. Strauss brings each woman to life, giving them distinct personalities, quirks, and voices that cut through the statistics and dates. Her prose is beautiful without ever romanticising suffering, and she captures the women’s resilience with quiet grace. The level of research is astounding, every step of their journey feels tangible, from the freezing nights to the moments of shared laughter that sustained them. The inclusion of family archives and letters gives the book a rare authenticity, and it’s impossible not to be moved by the bond between these women.

    ❎ What I didn’t Like:
    While the book is compelling, it can sometimes feel fragmented, shifting between the escape narrative and historical context in ways that interrupt the emotional flow. At times, I found myself wanting to linger longer with the women themselves rather than moving through broader political explanations. The timeline can also be dense, making it occasionally difficult to track each woman’s individual story amid the larger wartime chaos.

    📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
    If you’re drawn to stories of courage, solidarity, and survival, particularly those spotlighting women whose bravery has been overlooked, this is essential reading. It’s perfect for readers of The Tattooist of Auschwitz or The Lilac Girls, but it stands apart in its focus on collective strength rather than individual heroism. It’s also an invaluable work of history that preserves voices that might otherwise have been forgotten.

    💭 Final Thoughts:
    The Nine is both devastating and uplifting, a meticulously researched account that never loses sight of the human spirit at its core. Gwen Strauss has done something remarkable: she’s turned the story of her aunt and her companions into a timeless reminder of endurance, friendship, and the will to survive against all odds.

    🛍️ Where to buy
    To buy your own copy click HERE or HERE

    Final Rating ★★★★ – A powerful, harrowing testament to courage

  • 📚 Why I’m Moving My Book Links from Amazon to Bookshop.org

    Photo by John Michael Thomson on Unsplash

    If you’ve been following my book reviews for a while, you know I usually include a link at the end of each post for anyone who wants to buy the book I’ve just reviewed. Until now, that link has almost always been to Amazon, because, let’s be honest, it’s convenient, familiar, and usually the first place many of us think of when buying books online.

    But starting today, I’m making a small but meaningful change: from now on, my book review links will go to Bookshop.org instead of Amazon.

    🌟 Why the Change?

    Supporting Independent Bookshops

    Bookshop.org was created to help keep independent bookstores alive in the age of big online retailers. Every purchase made through Bookshop.org sends a percentage of the sale to independent bookshops, including small, quirky, local stores that keep our reading communities vibrant.

    As someone who loves browsing shelves, chatting with passionate booksellers, and discovering unexpected gems in cozy indie shops, I want to support that world rather than see it disappear.

    Aligning with My Reading Values

    Books have power, to inform, challenge, and connect us. The indie bookshop scene thrives on that passion and diversity, championing voices and stories that might not always get mainstream attention. By linking to Bookshop.org, I’m helping direct some of your purchases toward stores that care deeply about books and readers.

    Still Convenient & Reader-Friendly

    Bookshop.org is easy to use, ships quickly (just like the bigger retailers), and offers a pleasant shopping experience. If you’re a fan of ebooks or audiobooks, you can still grab those from your usual platforms, but for physical books, this is a way to do some good with your purchase.

    💡 What This Means for You

    Whenever I review a book, whether it’s a buzzy new thriller, a backlist gem, or an advanced copy I loved, you’ll now see a Bookshop.org link at the end of my post. If you’re planning to buy the book, clicking that link will:

    • Support independent bookshops financially.
    • Help me continue to create content (I earn a small commission through their affiliate program at no extra cost to you).
    • Keep the love of reading alive beyond algorithms and megastores.

    If you already have a favourite local indie shop, you can even choose to direct your purchase to them specifically when you check out.

    ✨ A Small Step, A Big Impact

    This is a small change for my blog, but I hope it makes a difference, even if just a little. Every order through Bookshop.org keeps our bookish communities thriving, helping stores stay open and booksellers keep recommending the stories that matter most.

    Thank you for supporting my reviews, and for caring about where your book money goes. Together, we can keep indie bookshops part of our reading future.

  • Indie Bookshop Crawl: Midlands Edition

    Photo by Lulu Black on Unsplash

    There’s something magical about stepping into an independent bookshop. The smell of paper and coffee, the carefully chosen displays, the friendly booksellers who actually know what you like, it’s a far cry from the big chains. As part of Blogtober, I decided to take a little literary road trip through the Midlands to hunt down some of the region’s best indie bookshops.

    Whether you’re a lifelong bookworm, a casual reader looking for your next cosy autumn read, or a traveller wanting to support local businesses, these stops are worth adding to your itinerary.

    📚 The Heath Bookshop – Kings Heath, Birmingham

    Tucked away in the creative neighbourhood of Kings Heath, The Heath Bookshop feels like a living room you never want to leave. The owners curate everything with love, from buzzy new releases to thoughtful indie-published gems. Their events calendar is also brilliant if you want to meet authors or join a book club.

    ✨ Voce Books – Digbeth, Birmingham

    If you love discovering books you’ve never seen on the shelves before, Voce Books is your dream. They focus on independent publishers, translated fiction, poetry, and radical new voices. It’s edgy, surprising, and makes you feel clever just browsing.

    🏡 Kenilworth Books – Kenilworth, Warwickshire

    A warm, welcoming shop that’s part of the town’s heartbeat. Kenilworth Books has a great mix of fiction, non-fiction, and children’s titles, with plenty of staff recommendations. They’re especially good for signed editions and supporting local authors.

    🐑 Astley Book Farm – Near Bedworth, Warwickshire

    If you like your book browsing epic, this is the stop for you. Astley Book Farm is a huge converted barn stacked with everything from rare out-of-print treasures to affordable paperbacks. There’s a café on-site too, perfect for warming up with tea and a new read on a chilly October afternoon.

    🏰 Warwick Books – Warwick, Warwickshire

    A charming little shop just steps away from the castle, Warwick Books is a haven for readers of all tastes. Expect a thoughtful range from literary fiction to local history, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to linger.

    🌿 Five Leaves Bookshop – Nottingham

    Technically East Midlands, but too good to skip. Five Leaves is a fiercely independent shop with a passion for political, radical, and diverse writing, but it’s also a wonderful stop for fiction, poetry, and beautifully produced small press books.

    Why You Should Shop Indie

    Independent bookshops keep reading communities alive. They introduce you to new voices, host events that connect readers and writers, and put real love into every shelf. Plus, your purchase supports small business owners rather than just adding to a corporate bottom line.

    🗺️ Road Trip Tip

    If you’re travelling by car or campervan like me (hi, Morag 👋), plan your route so you hit two or three shops in a day. Most of these towns have cosy cafés or historical sites nearby, perfect for making your book crawl a full autumn day out.

    ✨ Over to you: Have you visited any of these shops, or do you have a Midlands indie favourite I should add to my next crawl? Drop it in the comments, I love discovering new bookish spots!

  • Book Review: Ghost Story by Elisa Lodato

    👀 First impressions:
    The title Ghost Story immediately caught my attention, it promises something chilling, something that lingers in the shadows. Elisa Lodato sets her tale on a remote Scottish island, a perfect backdrop for unease and isolation. The premise of a writer haunted by past losses, both literal and metaphorical, had me curious from the start. I was ready for a novel that blurred the line between supernatural and psychological, and while it delivered in some respects, the execution didn’t always hold me.

    ✅ What I Liked:
    Lodato’s writing is undeniably elegant. She excels at atmosphere, turning the island into more than just a setting, it feels alive, rugged, and weighted with history. Seren, the central character, is compelling in her grief and uncertainty. I appreciated the novel’s exploration of how memory and trauma can haunt us more persistently than any ghost. When the book leaned into that psychological element, it really shone.

    ❎ What I didn’t Like:
    The novel sometimes felt weighed down by its own introspection. While Seren’s grief is rendered authentically, the story often lingers too long in her inner world at the expense of momentum. The supernatural aspects, which promised a chilling counterpoint, were underplayed and at times uneven, leaving the book more contemplative than haunting. Some of the supporting characters also felt thinly sketched, which weakened the impact of their roles in the unfolding drama. By the end, I wasn’t sure if the ambiguity of events was deliberate artistry or simply a lack of clarity.

    📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
    Readers who enjoy literary, slow-burn ghost stories with heavy psychological undercurrents will find value here. It’s less about jump scares and more about atmosphere, grief, and the way loss lingers in every corner of our lives. If you enjoy ghost stories that are really about the ghosts we carry inside, this will resonate.

    💭 Final Thoughts:
    Ghost Story is a moody and introspective novel that succeeds in creating atmosphere but falters in sustaining tension. At its best, it offers an elegant meditation on grief and memory, but at times the lack of narrative drive left me drifting. It’s thoughtful, occasionally moving, but not quite the haunting tale I’d hoped for.

    🛍️ Where to buy
    To buy your own copy click HERE

    Final Rating ★★★ – Atmospheric but uneven

  • Book Review: The Centre by Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi

    👀 First impressions:
    The premise of The Centre immediately grabbed me: a secretive institute that promises to teach anyone to speak a new language fluently in just ten days. It’s a fascinating hook, especially for readers who love speculative fiction that blurs into social commentary. From the beginning, I knew this wasn’t going to be a straightforward thriller, it had the feel of a fable, an allegory, something layered beneath the glossy surface of its concept.

    ✅ What I Liked:
    What really worked for me was the way Siddiqi uses the fantastical premise to probe at deeper issues, power, privilege, cultural appropriation, and the commodification of knowledge. The Centre itself is unsettling not just because of its mysterious teaching methods but because of what it represents: an elite world where language and culture can be consumed, packaged, and sold.

    The writing is sharp and immersive, and Siddiqi builds atmosphere with precision. There’s a simmering unease throughout, a sense that something is always just out of sight. I also appreciated how the book deals with identity and belonging, particularly for the narrator, who straddles multiple cultures and is constantly negotiating what it means to fit in, or to stand apart.

    ❎ What I didn’t Like:
    At times, the novel felt more like an extended metaphor than a fully fleshed-out story. While the ideas are brilliant, some of the character arcs felt underdeveloped, which made it harder to connect with them on an emotional level. The pacing also faltered occasionally; the tension dipped in the middle before ramping up again toward the end. Readers expecting a fast-paced thriller might find themselves frustrated by the more contemplative, allegorical style.

    📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
    If you’re drawn to speculative fiction that asks uncomfortable questions and lingers in your mind after you’ve finished, The Centre is absolutely worth picking up. It’s a book that rewards readers who enjoy peeling back layers of meaning and exploring the ways language, culture, and power intersect. Fans of Kazuo Ishiguro, Yoko Ogawa, or Ling Ma will likely find a lot to admire here.

    💭 Final Thoughts:
    The Centre is an unsettling and provocative debut. It may not satisfy readers looking for tidy resolutions or high-speed thrills, but for those who appreciate literary speculation with sharp social critique, it’s a standout. Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi has crafted a story that feels both timeless and very much of the present moment, and I’m excited to see what she writes next.

    🛍️ Where to buy
    To buy your own copy click HERE

    Final Rating ★★★★ – Sharp, unsettling, and thought-provoking