Top reads for 2021

I've decided to read and review books by independently published authors to find the gems that have been overlooked by big publishing houses and support fellow authors. These are my favourite reads this year...

Drowning: A Memoir
By Andy Palmer

Review: Insightful memoir - revealing perpective into the life of an addict

Brilliantly written, this insightful memoir offers a revealing perpective into the life of an addict. It takes you on a journey, from Andy's childhood relationships and misdemeanours, through to his struggles with addiction as a young adult. The description really brings the story to life, but there's not so much detail that it becomes cumbersome or boring. I loved the description of Andy's grandfather's house - a real reminder of the 1970s, and I'd urge people considering reading this book to download the free sample, because the first chapter kicks off very well.

As a reader, I did feel frustrated as Andy hopped from one great opportunity to another, messing each one up, because of his addiction to alcohol and drugs. But that's addiction for you. Eventually Andy has a breakthrough - a spiritual experience that changes him. And it leaves you ready for the sequel, which will be about his journey through sobriety. A few questions are left lingering... the first is 'why?' It's not clear exactly what triggered the downward spiral and I'm not sure Andy knows himself. I guess addiction can happen to anyone. The other lingering question is how the journey to sobriety goes - I expect lots of ups and downs in the sequel! A very good read. Buy it here

From Voiceless To Vocal
Danielle Larson

Review: Brave and insightful memoir

I was looking forward to reading this book and it didn't disappoint. The story follows Danielle's experiences of meeting the man who would become her husband and their turbulent relationship as it develops, through a disastrous abusive relationship and miscarriage. She paints a picture of a thoroughly unpleasant individual with nasty, belittling behaviours. He cuts off her family and turns her into a nervous wreck with no confidence. The situation is compounded by a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder, which has Danielle on medication that clouds her thinking. It seems this is part of the reason why she stays in this awful relationship, and doesn't flee from the situation earlier. Some of the experiences are very relatable for anyone who's experienced abuse. There's perhaps a little over-explaining in places, but I completely understand Danielle's desire to make things clear and understood. The ending, while obviously difficult, is full of hope and new opportunities. It's a good read. I respect anyone who can be this honest about their life experiences and put it out there for other people to read. Buy it here

Ringer: A Near Future Clone Thriller
By DT Wilby

Review: Fun, creepy, weird, futuristic, science fiction.

Great story about a man who meets his doppelganger. Fun, creepy, weird, futuristic, science fiction. It raises issues of ethics and has a twist. I have to admit, I guessed the twist quite early, but it didn't matter - I'd have been disappointed if it didn't turn out that way. Good romp through a man's strange surreal experience. Buy it here