Annie Carty

Books for spring

Winter finally feels like a distant memory, and spring has officially arrived. There are fewer days of grey skies and drizzle, and daffodils and crocuses can be seen everywhere. I love spring; it’s a season of vibrancy, new possibilities and fresh starts where you can shake off the heaviness of...
Read More

Posted Apr. 7, 2025

Curated Reads: relationships and dynamics

Previously in this column, I’ve discussed how individual characters can make or break a novel, and an aspect of that is how the characters interact with each other. This week, I want to explore books where the relationship between the characters is the driving force. From broken romances to terse...
Read More

Posted Mar. 13, 2025

Curated Reads: Character Driven Books

When it comes to novels, you can usually sort them into two categories: those driven by plot, and ones driven by their characters. This week I want to focus on the latter. I find that there is something uniquely satisfying about a novel that delves into its characters’ flaws—books that...
Read More

Posted Mar. 3, 2025

The Grammys 2025: fashion roundup

The Grammys are as much about fashion as they are about music, and this year’s red carpet did not disappoint. This year’s ceremony showcased a wide range of styles – some hits, some misses, and some that sparked intense debate. Possibly the most discussed outfit of the night was that...
Read More

Posted Feb. 21, 2025

Curated Reads: Valentine’s Day

Last week, I compiled a list of the least romantic books I could find in a semblance of protest against Valentine’s Day. This week, however, I’m leaning into the love and embracing my inner hopeless romantic. Romantic comedies are one of my favourite and most-read genres, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed...
Read More

Posted Feb. 15, 2025

Is 2025 the year for women’s sport?

2025 is set to be a defining moment for women’s sport in England, with three major tournaments showcasing the nation’s talent on the international stage. Whether this year sees iconic wins or heartbreaking defeats; the Lionesses, the Red Roses and the Women’s Cricket team are set to represent their country...
Read More

Posted Feb. 11, 2025

No romance here

If you’re tired of love stories this February, I’ve curated a list of books with little to no romance for this week. This was a difficult task – I love a romantic comedy as much as the next person, and a lot of my favourite books do have a romance,...
Read More

Posted Feb. 4, 2025

Curated reads: the best books of 2024

From the most-talked about to the ones that flew under the radar, this week I’m bringing a round-up of the best books released in 2024. As January comes to a close, I wanted to take a look back at some of the standout books from a year of excellent reads....
Read More

Posted Jan. 27, 2025

Curated reads – Top Recommendations

Whether it’s a thriller, a thought-provoking romance, or a non-fiction read you’re after, there’ll be something here for anyone! Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn Despite being better known for Gone Girl, it’s my opinion that Sharp Objects is Flynn’s best novel by a country mile. It’s dark and visceral, and one of the only...
Read More

Posted Jan. 16, 2025

Curated reads: the art of gift giving

This week, I wanted to ease into the festive period. While it may be December, I didn’t want to jump straight to collating all the Christmas books I could find. Instead, I’m focusing on gift-giving (although I also completely endorse buying these books for yourself). I may be biased, seeing...
Read More

Posted Dec. 6, 2024

Curated Reads: Cosy November

November is the month for cosiness. It’s comfort, in every sense of the word, from what you wear and eat, to what you read. This is the time where we chase out the colder, darker nights with childhood-favourite films or a new, darker mystery series. November, to me, is the month for...
Read More

Posted Nov. 28, 2024