All posts by Charlotte Grainger

Hailing from the UK, Charlotte is a feature writer, literature lover and caffeine enthusiast. A self-proclaimed cat lady, she spends most of her time looking after and taking pictures of her kitty, Harry. She also has a masters in creative writing from the University of Sheffield and contributes to publications both in the US and her homeland.

4 Ways to Get Over A Fight With Someone You Love

Contrary to popular belief, childish arguments don’t just happen in the school playground. Sure, we may have come a long way since our days on the slides and swings, yet it’s still entirely possible for us to revert back to our former, child-like, argumentative self.

The people we’re most likely to have an interpersonal conflict with are not those who we genuinely despise; they are those closest to us – our dearest friends or, indeed, a significant other. When you spend an excessive amount of time with anyone, their flaws seem exaggerated; they begin to tower over your every meeting in a simply unignorable and sometimes intolerable way. To cut a long story short, there will come a point in every close relationship, platonic or otherwise, when conflict arises – often unexpectedly.

So, what happens next? Well, in the wake of any fracas, the two parties walk away feeling hurt; that’s a given. What makes the situation a whole lot worse, though, is when that hurt festers into something altogether more sinister – bitterness. That emotion is the most dangerous of all since it prevents you from forgiving the other person. Aside from the many social benefits of letting bygones be bygones, there is a very real health advantage too.

According to research from Mayo Clinic, failing to forgive people (i.e. holding a grudge) can actually lead to physical issues such as high blood pressure and an elevated heart rate. On the other hand, these issues are completely avoided when you take steps to resolve the issue and move forward in the relationship. While finding ways to get over a fight is anything but easy, it’s necessary if you hope to lead a happy, healthy existence. Here’s how you can learn to let go of your negative feelings and solve the problem at hand.

 

Don’t internalize the situation

As the French novelist Anaïs Nin wrote, We don’t see the world as it is, we see it as we are.” That sentiment is worth recalling every now and then. The way in which you see things is not necessarily how they actually are. Often, we internalize situations, and see them through a somewhat distorted lens.

Looking at the situation in a rational way is not always possible when your emotions are riding high. The likelihood is that you’ve both said or done things you regret. Once you stop internalizing your thoughts and start seeing the bigger picture, forgiveness will seem like a logical next step.

 

Set your ego aside 

You may not realize it, but your ego plays a leading role in the way you approach conflict. All too often, the reason that a person shies away from forgiving people is because their ego has been bruised by the conflict. You don’t have to be a major narcissist to allow this to happen either.

For example, let’s say that you’ve always been proud of your cookery skills. They’re not something you’d boast about, but subconsciously, you view them as an intrinsic part of your character. If a friend or your partner begins to question that fact or even insults your skills, you will take offense. You may not realize it at the time, but their words have threatened one of the core things you believe to be true about yourself. If you rise to this threat, an argument is bound to follow. When you set your ego aside, you will realize that these comments don’t have any effect on your self-worth. Then, you can begin to move forward.

 

Accept what can’t be changed

Bitterness is a truly toxic emotion, yet it creeps into us all from time to time. After the event or argument, it’s easy to hold onto that feeling of hurt. You may replay the conflict in your mind over and over, focus on the things that really stung and consider what you should have said or done in response. Thoughts of revenge might even be a guilty pleasure, no matter how futile you know them to be.

While you may not be doing these things consciously, they create an unhealthy pattern of behavior. All you’re doing here is allowing the bitterness to overwhelm you. This poison will seep into your every experience and taint the way you act and speak. The only way to avoid it is to act fast.

According to a study from the University of Adelaide, we’re simply more likely to forgive people when they suffer some form of punishment. We want blood and we will stop at nothing until we get it. That’s a trend that we simply have to buck before it gets the better of us. Rather than seeking retribution, seek common ground.

To do so first, you must understand that you can’t change the past; what’s happened has happened. Game over. What you can control, though, is the future. Look at this situation as an opportunity to grow and develop as a person; and also as a way in which you can strengthen your relationship with the other party.

 

Simply let it go

It would be callous to suggest that you can simply change your mindset and – *poof* – the argument never happened. As convenient as that may sound, we are all too aware that getting over a conflict is not so easy. The key to overcoming this conflict is honestly avoiding negative thought patterns.

Sometimes, we get so caught up in our our mind, that we warp our own perception of things. Whenever you catch yourself thinking something that could be detrimental to your mental health, for example ‘That person was out of line’ or ‘I should have said this when they said that,’ stop and reevaluate things. When you catch these thoughts as you have them, you can train yourself not to have them anymore.

How do you eradicate the thoughts completely? The answer is simple – you have to replace them with something else, something positive. Create a mantra that helps you to overcome your feelings about the situation. For example, you might tell yourself “I am strong enough to be the bigger person” or “This happened because of [this reason] and I can take [this lesson] from it.” Once you get into the habit of repeating these mantras to yourself, the negative thoughts will slowly start to disappear. Only then, can you truly get over the situation and start to move on in a healthy, positive way.

 

Cornwall: A Guide To Britain’s Stunning Seasides and Beaches

When you picture British seasides, you likely conjure “Kiss me quick” hats and looming 50s ferris wheels, yet there’s so much more to the UK’s coasts.

Tacked neatly onto the bottom of the island, you’ll stumble upon Britain’s most underrated county. Cornwall is a place of authentic natural beauty, quiet country walks, and historic architecture. When planning a visit to the UK, you’re certain to be engulfed by main tourist traps; they are utterly inescapable. Once you’ve had enough of the London Eye and Buckingham Palace, though, I strongly urge you to venture just a little further south. The celtic region is most definitely worth exploring should you be able to spare a few days or so.

An iconic Cornish Engine House perched on cliffs at Rinsey Head on the Cornwall coast
An iconic Cornish Engine House perched on cliffs at Rinsey Head on the Cornwall coast

Before we begin, let’s delve into just a little history. To look at the area now, all is serene, but Cornwall was once one of the most significant industrial hubs in Europe. Back in the 19th century, the region was infamous for both its copper and tin mines. Although the area is a mere dot on the surface of the planet, there was a period in which most of the world’s copper was sourced exclusively from Cornwall. What’s more, for a short time, the region was home to the “richest square mile” in the world thanks to its booming industrial trade.

Dawn at the harbour in Padstow an historic fishing town on the north Cornwall coast
Dawn at the harbour in Padstow an historic fishing town on the north Cornwall coast

These days, there is undoubtedly less mining in the area than there once was. Like many places in the UK, the region has succumbed to a steady decline in traditional industry. What’s left is a region steeped in traditional values, celtic festivities and some of the most awe-inspiring country you will see here in Britain.

Experience Wild Woodland Walks

Exploring this region is best done on foot, but you ought to be wearing sturdy shoes. The woodland walks in Cornwall are simply enchanting. They look like something out of an old German fairytale, decorated with bluebells, shrubbery and the odd hidden away cottage. From deep country valleys to disused railway tracks, walking along these paths is like taking a step back in history. You won’t get phone reception while rambling, and that’s just how it ought to be. For just an hour or two, you can immerse yourself thoroughly in the natural world.

The historic Treffry Viaduct and aqueduct across the Luxulyan valley in Cornwall
The historic Treffry Viaduct and aqueduct across the Luxulyan valley in Cornwall

While the region is rife with walks of this nature, there are a couple that I’d certainly recommend. In the north of the region, Luxulyan Valley is rich with entwining branches, trickling streams and signs of the ever-forgotten industry here. It’s not unusual to find an abandoned factory or rusting wheels. A little further south, you’ll find my personal favorite walk in Cornwall, which brings you out in the formidable sounding Deadman’s Cove near Camborne. This circular walk offers the best of both worlds; you start in a wooded, overgrown area, yet along the way find yourself discovering a hidden and isolated beach. Should you find yourself near either of these paths, I’m certain that they won’t disappoint.

Luxulyan Valley
Luxulyan Valley | Photo: Charlotte Grainger

Taste Some Authentic Cornish Staples

The popular food in the area is derived from its industrial history too. The humble yet moorish Cornish pasty was initially created as a transportable meal for workers, specifically miners. The D-shaped pastry has a hard outer-crust, which was used as the handle and not eaten, while the inside was traditionally filled with cheap and readily available vegetables, such as turnip, onion and potato. Over the years, though, the recipe developed; and as meat became less of a luxury, the bakers began to include it in their pasties.

Pasties
Pasties | Photo: Charlotte Grainger

These days, you can barely walk a village street in Cornwall without finding that the air is thick with the smell of these indulgent baked treats. This affordable street food makes for the ideal snack whilst sightseeing. Of course, all the modern bakeries offer the authentic recipe, but most have branched out to make new varieties of the staple. From peppered steak bakes to cheese and bacon, the stores here have put an ultra modern twist on the classic recipe.

The Summer Festival Season

When the rare British summer sun raises its sleepy head, so does the festival season in Cornwall. There’s a handful of modern music festivals in the area, such as Tunes in the Dunes in Perranporth and BBC Music Day in St. Austell.

While these events are bound to be enjoyable, they offer little more than any other music event in Britain. You’d hardly know where in the country you were. That’s why I’d suggest passing these up in favor of a longer established festival in the area.  

In mid-June, the Golowan Festival, down in Penzance, is the highlight of the Cornish calendar. The festivities date back to the 1800s, when the locals would celebrate the coming of midsummer. Intriguingly, this is one of the only remaining events of its genre in the area, which is why it’s simply unmissable. For many years, after some unmentionable fire trouble, the event lay dormant but was resurrected in 1991, and is an annual fixture once again. Mixing celtic traditions with contemporary theatre, art and music installations, this is a unique and bizarre spectacle. The festival culminates on Mazey Day, when there are fireworks in the street, and a parade led by a man wearing a horse’s skull marches on. Needless to say, it must be seen to be believed.

Visit Breathtaking Beaches

Finally, you simply cannot talk about the Great British seaside without mentioning the expansive beaches here. Which you choose to grace solely depends on what you’re hoping to gain. If you’re looking for sheer beauty, there’s a wide array of choices. Porthcurno Beach is a secluded cove where you can relax in peace, without fearing the endless chatter of excitable tourists or screams of unattended babies.

CORNWALL, ENGLAND: Busy Porthcurno Beach in the lovely summer day, minutes walk from Minack Theater
CORNWALL, ENGLAND: Busy Porthcurno Beach in the lovely summer day, minutes walk from Minack Theater lulu2626 / Shutterstock.com

You’ll have to take a clifftop walk to reach this cove, though that is more a pleasure than a chore. Other notably attractive beaches include the ever-popular Porthmeor Beach in St. Ives and Marazion Beach, just near Penzance. These are the places in which you can spend an afternoon walking or maybe pitch yourself a seat and begin reading a novel.

Kynance Cove, Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall, UK
Kynance Cove, Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall, UK
Newquay
Newquay | Photo: Charlotte Grainger

If, on the other hand, you’re looking for excitement and maybe aiming to try some watersports, there’s only one place you need go. Newquay is the surfing capital of the country, since the waves there can often be ideal for the sport. If you’ve never surfed before, there’s also a surf school in the area, where you can book week-long lessons and individual lessons too.

Surfing on Fistral Beach, Newquay
Surfing on Fistral Beach, Newquay

The coast of Newquay is scattered with bars, restaurants and arcades; and so, it offers a stark contrast to other areas of Cornwall. If you have the chance, it’s worthwhile visiting both this tourist-centric side of Cornwall and the more secluded areas. They are not to be pitted against one another, since both have a wealth to offer travelers.

Newquay
Newquay | Photo: Charlotte Grainger

5 Things You Should Know About Beyonce’s Album, Lemonade

 

Whether you’re a self-proclaimed member of the Beyhive or just another innocent onlooker, the fact that Beyonce just released a brand new album will not have escaped your attention – at least not if you’ve so much as glanced at social media in the last week.

If you’ve heard anything deeper about the release, it’s likely to be this: The central theme is her husband Jay Z’s infidelity. There’s allegedly truth in that, and make no mistakes, Queen B is full of vengeance in the first few chapters of the album. (The visual version is laid out much like a novella.) Before now, we’ve seen her Crazy in Love and then, a little later, Drunk in Love; but this is the first time we see her truly angry in love. It’s something rare and beautiful to see her show this darkly fierce side within her music; and it’s fascinating too.

If that plot line – the one where her husband cheats on her and she repays him by immortalizing his sin in verse – were the only notable feature of the album, it would still be a masterpiece. Yet, there’s so much more you need to know about Lemonade, about what’s woven between each sure-to-be hit single and why it’s culturally important.

 

The album features an array of pure musical legends

There’s just no denying the fact that Beyonce is a legend in her own right. When you talk to people about her and her work, everyone has a firm, unyielding opinion. She divides people so that we fall into two camps: Either people recognize her as one of the world’s great contemporary artists, or they resent the fact that she’s become so popular, given that they can’t see what all the fuss is about. Those in the latter camp will do all they can to persuade you that her fame and all that surrounds her is nothing more than well-thought-out marketing – an illusion of sorts. Still, the rest of us know the truth. Like legends before her, she has weathered the storms of the music industry, grown and changed with each release and still managed to remain relevant.

So, arguably, to work with her on a project like this one, you’d have to be someone of notability – another great of the industry. Here, Beyonce has pulled together some of music’s most creative artists. From an unexpected collaboration with Jack White and writing credits from Robert Plant to her sampling the likes of The Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Animal Collective, this is a highly diverse album. Forget your average pop record; Beyonce has used her industry influence to entice some spectacular artists. That in itself should be reason enough to listen to it in one sitting – from start to finish.

 

The visual album will be submitted for an Emmy

For those of you still under the impression that Lemonade is merely a collection of music videos and catchy tracks, perhaps this will change your mind. Since the visual album first aired on television a little more than a week ago, it is actually eligible for Emmy consideration. Unsurprisingly, the executives at HBO have decided to submit the video release. Despite the fact that the album was available for just 27 hours, it still had its initial release on TV – and that’s all the panels needs to go on. Sadly, you can no longer catch the full visual album on the channel, but there are still options. You can buy the album on iTunes, which comes complete with all the videos, or you can sign up for TIDAL (that’s Jay Z’s music streaming service) and watch it there.

beyonce lemonade screen grab
Screen grab from LEMONADE Trailer

 

It absolutely is about the experiences of black women

Aside from the undeniably real focus on the instability of her marriage, there is yet more to this album than a mere tale of a love story gone wrong. Within the visual album, she quotes Malcolm X, stating:

“The most disrespected person in America is the black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the black woman. The most neglected person in America is the black woman.” 

Those who listen to and watch the album without acknowledging this fact may still enjoy it on a surface level, but it is by no means something that should be overlooked. Throughout the videos, she includes a selection of symbolic imagery to this effect: hoards of black woman coming together to hold hands and tell their individual stories to the camera. These women are here to be seen.

This is Beyonce making a statement about her history and heritage, about the struggles that many women like her face when it comes to being recognized by the greater community. It is her telling the world that this is still an issue today, even in a Western society that many of us perceive to be more equal than ever.

It’s a convincing and weighty sentiment. What’s more, it marks a change in Beyonce’s statements, a more political side of the songstress. This is the woman who just three years ago, in Vogue, replied to the question of whether she was a feminist with:

“I don’t know. That word can be very extreme. But I guess I am a modern-day feminist.”

 

“Hot Sauce” turns out to be a baseball bat

Back in January, Beyonce released the single “Formation” – the same song she performed live at the Super Bowl less than a month later. The song and performance were controversial for numerous reasons; but among all the hype, there was one lyric that stuck in all our minds: “I got hot sauce in my bag.” Wait, what? Why was Beyonce carrying hot sauce everywhere she went? Surely, she’s the kind of lady who frequents the type of restaurants where the condiments are thrown in free of charge, right? We were all a little baffled by this reference in an otherwise flawless, not to mention sensical, song.

Well, all becomes clear when you watch the second video of her album, the one that accompanies the song “Hold Up.” Clad in an outrageous yellow dress, Beyonce is seen smashing up the streets with a baseball bat. Look a little closer and you’ll see a faint inscription on the weapon: “hot sauce.”

 

The poetry between songs is just that – and it’s not by Beyonce

While the audio album is nothing short of brilliant, it lacks something that the visual album has to offer – poetry. In the film version, Beyonce punctuates the gap between each song with readings of strangely vivid poetry extracts. In fact, the words are the work of another rising star. Warsan Shire is a Somali–British poet who already has a cult-internet following. I’ll admit that before this, I had no idea who she was; I’d not so much as heard the name. I doubt I’m alone. Now, though, she will undoubtedly widen her audience further still, and so she should.

A stand-out line, which is likely to stick with you long after you’ve finished the album, plays with the idea of love – both family love and romantic love:

“My father’s arms around my mother’s neck, fruit too ripe to eat. I think of lovers as trees … growing to and from one another. Searching for the same light.”

Hearing Beyonce’s voice-over of these words – this striking imagery against the backdrop of her bizarre visuals – is utterly awe-inspiring.

Of course, you don’t have to know all of the above to find joy in Beyonce’s latest musical offering. It stands alone as a catchy R&B album with a few rare digressions into soul and even country too. It asks nothing more of you if you’ve nothing you’re willing to give. Dig a little deeper, though, and it’s a work of unlike any other in mainstream music; showcasing the most mature version of the star yet and allowing her to break violently into a new era of her career.

5 Books You’ve Always Meant to Read

As we slowly tick over into the summer months, even those with the most hectic of schedules take a moment to stop, breathe, and relax. What’s truly wonderful about this period is the fact that you can finally get around to dipping into some of those books that you’ve always meant to read. If you’re on the hunt for your next literary adventure, look no further. There’s a handful of brilliantly engaging novels that everyone simply must read at least once. From deeply touching accounts of life and death to alternate lifestyles, the tales here are ones that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page.

 

Down and Out in Paris and London

by George Orwell

orwell down and out in paris and london

First of all, if you’re hoping for a fast-paced adventure, this is not the book for you. In Down and Out in Paris and London, Orwell meanders through a lengthy account of his experiences of sheer poverty in both cities. The genius of Orwell was that he was never one to waste words, yet he still had the power to weave descriptively rich tapestries in the reader’s mind. Flipping through the pages is like living his reality, however bleak, moment by moment.

This may not be the most uplifting book you’ll even read; it’s packed with the struggles and sorrows of an often times lonely man, but the themes are as relevant today as they were back in 1933, when it was originally published.

 

The Dice Man

by Luke Rhinehart

rhinehart the dice man

The term ‘cult classic’ is thrown around a lot these days, but The Dice Man really is a novel deserving of that title. The plot follows Luke Rhinehart, a psychiatrist who has ultimately grown tired and weary of his mundane existence. (Note that although the book carries this character’s name, it is not an autobiography. The author has used the protagonist’s name as his pseudonym.) When he finds that nothing pleases him anymore, Luke makes a decision that would likely terrify most sane people; he will live his life by the roll of a die. Every minor and major life decision he makes from that time forward is controlled solely by chance. He gives over his free will to chaos in the hope that he will somehow find life satisfaction once again.

As you might imagine, it often makes for a rather shocking read. When you take morality and common sense out of the equation, your choices may lead to disastrous consequences, but in a way that’s the beauty of this fictional lifestyle. On opening this novel’s pages, the reader is taken on a tumultuous journey with the main character by their side, holding a set of dice and grinning manically.

 

The Unbearable Lightness of Being

by Milan Kundera

milan kundera the unbearable lightness of being

There are many themes woven seamlessly into this story of love and infidelity – politics, philosophy and morals come together to set the background for the tale. What I personally enjoyed the most about the book is that it never once leads the reader one way or another. On a surface level, you can read the story of a marriage slowly being crushed by the protagonist, Tomas’ tireless womanizing.

There’s also the striking tale of Sabina, his mistress and a painter in that order, who has the feverish desire to think and live for herself. Finally, there’s Tereza, a woman made of morals and Tomas’ wife – her story seems to be the most tragic of the three as she goes from near poverty to stability, but loses her independence along the way. The three characters symbolize archetypal personalities of the time, and you don’t have to understand the political implications to be moved by their tales.

 

The Secret History

by Donna Tartt

tart the secret history

What would inspire a group of five Classics students to premeditate and carry out the savage murder of one of their closest friends? That is the question that will be running through your mind from the moment you begin this feverishly addictive book. Tartt wastes no time gleefully mapping out the murder scene for the reader – giving away one of the central plots of the book before you’ve gotten more than a few pages into it. Just as Tarentino leads us into Pulp Fiction with the infamous diner robbery that doesn’t chronologically take place until much later in the film, Tartt leads us into an unceremonious murder that will most certainly resurface later in the novel. From that moment, the reader is hooked. This is not a game of figuring out who killed the character – we know that already – but one of why they killed them.

The narrative unfolds in the voice of one of the group – Richard Papen or Dick for short – who is new at the university. Upon arriving, he quickly makes friends with an odd, anachronistic group. It’s not clear when the novel is actually set, but most assume that it is in the 1980s, when Tartt herself attended university. Yet, despite this, the central group of characters dresses and acts as though they’ve walked off the pages of a period drama. While that in itself is bizarre, there’s much more to these individuals than meets the eye.

 

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

by Ken Kesey

kesey one flew over the cuckoo's nest

If you’re looking for a quick read that will leave a lasting, unyielding impression, this is the modern classic for you. This is yet another work which many people know only by its later film adaptation. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is an insight into the troubled mind of the narrator, Chief Bromden, who resides in an Oregon psychiatric hospital.When a new patient comes onto Bromden’s ward, he’s taken by his ferocious nature and cheeky con man-esque hyjinx. He sees this new-comer as a savior of sorts; this could be a sign of change within the ward. Soon enough, though, the Chief has to let go of this misguided notion – as he sees that even this oddly precocious man can be worn down.

Of course, if you’ve seen the movie already, you’ll know all of this, so why is the novel any different? Well, there is something about the first hand account (albeit fictional) that you read here. From the unethical practices within the institute to the stigmatization of the ‘chronic’ patients, this is a book that conveys just how far we’ve thankfully come in terms of understanding mental health.

Five Real Life Lessons We Learned From Gilmore Girls

Throughout the early 2000s, there was one show that had its rightful place in our consciousness. Dismissed by some as a superficial show about the trivial lives of young women, Gilmore Girls was none of these things. Instead, it was a truly charming series, exploring the fragilities of family bonds, the struggles of single-motherhood and, of course, matters of the heart.

For those of us who grew up with this series, the news that it will soon be back on our screens has been more than a little thrilling.

via GIPHY

Filming for the four-part revival is already well underway, but let us not forget why we all fell so madly, deeply in love with the show to begin with. More than just mere entertainment, it delivered its fair share of life lessons along the way. Here are just five things we learned via hour upon hour of binge watching Gilmore Girls.

 

1. Family feuds are not the end of the world

Throughout the show, the family feuds come thick and fast – the worst being between Lorelai and Rory in season six. Though these moments were heart-wrenching to watch, thankfully they never ended quite as disastrously as we expected. In the battle between egos and family bonds, the latter is always victorious.

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2. There’s nothing wrong with being driven

There’s no doubt about it – these ladies know what they want. Lorelai takes an evening business class and, along with Sookie, starts her own business on a shoestring. Rory is set on becoming a political journalist, and dedicates herself to her studies above all else. And, Paris… Well, Paris is perhaps the most driven of all, never for a moment taking her eyes off the prize. These ladies are truly fierce and set an empowering example to us all.

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3. Sometimes, taking chances is great for you

For all his faults, Logan teased Rory out of her meek little shell. While some of his ideas were a little outlandish (ahem – The Life and Death Brigade – ahem), he had his golden moments. Encouraging Rory to live in the moment and take the odd chance now and then was his achievement and his alone.

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4. Your soul mate could be standing right in front of you

Forget Romeo and Juliet – Lorelai and Luke have a truly enviable romance throughout the series. A far cry from sickly, soppy romantic gestures, Luke proves his worth through little acts of kindness, like the time he builds her a mini ice skating rink, and his continual support of all that Lorelai does. He’s her rock. And, while it takes her some time to realize that, they are undeniably perfect for one another.

via GIPHY

via GIPHY

5. Reading is a lifestyle choice

During the first two seasons, Rory is scarcely seen without her nose wedged deep in a book. No doubt her literature-loving nature encouraged a generation of young readers to take pride in their habitual reading – myself included.  

via GIPHY

via GIPHY

4 Must Read Celebrity Autobiographies

Curling up with a fictional novel might be your activity of choice; but when you fancy a something a little different, there’s an entire world of interesting factual literature out there. In fact, when you take the time to seek them out, there are some truly intriguing celebrity autobiographies adorning the many shelves of bookshops. These intricately knitted life stories can aid you in weathering the many storms of your own life. Each person’s tale contains a wealth of experience and life lessons. If you plan to read an autobiography this year, let it be one of these four.

 

The Fry Chronicles – by Stephen Fry

stephen fryIf Fry’s all-engrossing narrative is not enough to draw you into his world, then perhaps his charming way with words will do the trick. Most know this man as a mere TV host, but he’s so much more than that. Part actor, part comedian, full human, he tells of a comically tragic past in an exquisitely engaging style. A master of the English language, his writing has a bewitching quality unlike almost any other author. While the book covers just seven years of his life, each chapter comes packed with a life lesson and a pinch of humor.

During that period, Fry had his first taste of fame, began to perfect his comic stylings and started experimenting with drugs (hilariously noting Sugar Puffs as his first real addiction). In short, the book is a large slice of his winning, yet tainted, personality, carefully packaged into just over 400 pages of text.

 

Not That Kind Of Girl – by Lena Dunham

lena dunhamWhen Dunham’s candid coming-of-age book first appeared on shelves, it was met with no end of controversy. Like the woman herself, the book pulls no punches and tells everything just as it was – or, at least, as she saw it at the time. If you read any reviews of the autobiography, you’ll come across the same words time and time again. “Narcissistic,” “self-indulgent” and “privileged” all make frequent appearances in both critics’ reviews and posts by the average reader.

It is all of these things, but it’s also worth your time and here’s why:

Dunham tells her story, that is a story of a privileged young woman growing up in an artistic community of actors, writers and the like. The chapters (or essays) may be speckled with grossly overstated first world problems, but they also hold gems of genuine wisdom too. Though it would be all too easy to disregard her problems, they are real and here she spills them out across the pages of her book for all to read and, of course, judge. It’s a brave move; and no matter what, her story will captivate even the most skeptical of readers.

 

Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance – by Barack Obama

barack obamaWho wouldn’t want to read a narrative by the most powerful man on earth? First published back in the mid-90s, this is not the tell-all political novel many expect it to be. Instead, it is a far more personal account of the many lessons that shaped the man Obama has become. The fact that the book was written before he had the slightest success in the political spectrum is to its merit. Highlights include a glimpse of his youth, in which he details excessive drinking and mild drug use.

Far from attempting to hide his past, this book lays out his truth, which is that he lived fairly normal teenage years. If you’ve ever pondered who the man behind the title is, this memoir is an excellent place to start.

 

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? – by Mindy Kaling

mindy kalingThough the tone of these essays are light-hearted, that never detracts from the sheer intelligence of the book. Mindy Kaling has a sparkling personality, which is entirely evident in her writing. Reading her prose is like having a heart-to-heart with an old friend; her informal use of language draws you in and engages from the first page. It would be unfair to say that this is a complete overview of Kaling’s life; it’s not. Instead, it reads like random scenes from a movie that hasn’t quite been edited together yet.

Incredible Female Singers You Need on Your Playlist

When you pop in your earphones and hit play, what do you expect? Music should do so much more than merely entertain us. It should engage and captivate us in a way that no other medium does. If you take the time to discover them, there’s a wealth of masterful female singers and songwriters you may just adore. With their insightful lyricism and skilled composing, these women have the ability to inspire whilst at once entertaining. If it’s high time you updated your music collection, here are four incredible female singers you simply must include.

Fiona Apple

Fiona Apple makes turning her classically trained hands to soulful, sullen ballads seem almost effortless. If you’ve yet to experience (because it is an experience) one of her tracks, you must rectify that as soon as possible. Her lyrics are weighted in her own emotions, which range dramatically from record to record. At times she is doused in dripping sorry, while at others her outlook is positively joyous. My favorite songs include “Shadow Boxer” and “Dull Tool”; but her back catalogue is astounding, so you should really explore it yourself. Don’t be alarmed if you recognize her husky, seductive voice immediately. During her career, she’s written and sung some popular theme tunes, including her latest for the hit series The Affair.

Regina Spektor

Somewhat overlooked in discussions of female singers, Regina Spektor is an uplifting songwriter, whom we all should appreciate more than we do. Yet another classically trained pianist, she’s gained a cult following since her debut back in 2001. If you’ve heard any of her songs, it would be “Us.” It may be her most famous tune, yet it’s by no means her greatest. Her 2012 album “What We Saw from the Cheap Seats” is perhaps the finest example of her talents. To give you the highlights, “Oh Marcello” verges on comedic writing, while the power ballad “How” showcases Regina’s impressive lung capacity. The album is a must-listen and will make you fall in love with this female singer’s addictively innocent voice.

Joan Armatrading

It would be darn rude to write this piece and neglect to mention the sublime Joan Armatrading. Her career is as long as it is varied. Though she begun writing and singing back in the 1970s, her music and the vivid pictures it paints have stood the test of time among female singers. Forget Destiny’s Child’s “Independent Woman.” Joan’s “Me Myself and I” is the original anthem for independence. When she assertively proclaims, “I wanna be by myself, I came in this world alone,” you believe every word of it, and that’s just the beginning. This woman really ought to be an inspiration to not only her own generation, but all that have followed.

Amanda Palmer

amanda palmer bookIf I could tell you just one thing about New York-born Amanda Palmer, it would be that she started the “Rebellyon.” After claiming that her ex-label Roadrunner Records wanted to edit one of her music videos because they thought she looked “fat” in it, this inspiring lady took to the internet. Having always had a mass following online, she reached out to her adoring fans. What followed was unbelievable – a storm of real belly photos, some with lyrics and supportive messages, appeared on Twitter and the like. Her fans spoke out. They supported her decision to maintain a “normal” weight; more than that, they encouraged it actively and even aggressively.

This example is by no means defining of Amanda Palmer, but it shows her spirit. She’s feisty and independent (literally from any record label now). This is evident in her music, which is immensely engaging. Her writing is witty and wry, entwined with in-jokes and laden with double entendres. Favorites include the rather fierce “Girl Anachronism” from her days with the Dresden Dolls and “Runs in the Family” from her 2008 album. Whether you listen to her bands or solo material, it doesn’t matter. She stands out from other female singers. Her music is at once charming and ferocious.

Amanda doesn’t confine herself to the medium of music; last year, she released her first non-fiction book. Part autobiography, part self-help, the book reaches into this woman’s compelling history and draws out meaningful life lessons. If you already like her music, think of “The Art of Asking” as an ideal companion piece to it.