A moreish box of delights. Mangan is out to show, not show off – to share her favorite books, sing their praises, and explain what they mean to her ... Part memoir, part good-book guide, Bookish is also a rallying cry ... This charming and entertaining book shows how reading has broadened a mind and enriched a life.
An exploration that is admirably free of the temptation to show off ... Readers won’t share all of Mangan’s preferences, but that’s part of the point – it’s enjoyable enough to eavesdrop on the pleasures of a committed bookworm, especially the romantic ones.
Tackles the myriad complexities of adulthood ... She makes for a wonderfully incisive critic ... But her memoir can also be read as a comic novel, drenched as it is in Sue Townsend snark. Like Townsend, she skewers everyday events for their comedic potential.
Blends literary criticism with a rich coming-of-age story ... For anyone who has ever described themself as 'bookish.' It will appeal widely to lifelong readers, spark nostalgia and recognition, and provide rich material for book groups and discussions about the role of literature in shaping lives.
