Life Honestly: Strong Opinions from Smart Women

by The Pool

Life Honestly is a complete guide to modern life from some of today's most talented and insightful writers including Bryony Gordon, Dolly Alderton, Natasha Devon, Lauren Laverne and Yomi Adegoke.

Within these pages you’ll find an un-airbrushed selection of advice, comment and opinion. These are intimate stories from bad sex to bad boys, from workplace inequality to the sheer joy of learning something new, that will spark hope, triumph and occasionally outrage. In Life Honestly you will find fresh perspectives on everything from age milestones and friendship, motherhood and weddings, and why you should always, always, tell someone when you like their earrings. This book will make you feel empowered, supported and more prepared than ever to take on anything life has to offer because, honestly, we're all in this together.

Featuring an introduction by The Pool co-founder Sam Baker, this fabulous collection is full of articles to inspire you. The pieces vary in length, which makes this a perfect collection to dip into for a few minutes while you wait for the kettle to boil, or something meatier for your morning commute. Some are long and some are short but they all pack a punch. From Sali Hughes on blended families to Viv Groskop offering fresh perspectives on daily problems, Life Honestly is a collection of advice, comment and opinion that acts as a complete guide to modern life.

These writers are empowering, engaging and unapologetic about their Life Honestly is full of lessons and observations on what it means to be a woman or non-binary person now.

Genres: Nonfiction

321 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 20, 2018

Reviews

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved being able to read a few articles from this each morning.

Each writer has their own unique voice, thoughts, and opinions, and having them all collected together in the one volume was incredible!

While some articles were more relatable than others for my life and experiences, I still found all the articles easy to read and enjoyed hearing about these opinions, values and concerns that are widespread for women across different experiences to my own.

It's definitely a recommended read from myself for any woman, as it touches on so many different subjects that everyone can find something to take away from it.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this series of articles and was excited to find out. It is not so much a book to be read, but articles to dip in and out of, which will challenge and provoke you and above all educate! It always made me reflect. They give you advice, comments and opinions which really challenged my thinking.

Such a wide variety of areas are covered, I’m sure that every woman will find something to mull over. Some, I particularly wish I had read when I was younger. So many of the articles gave me pause for thought and provoked discussion with friends and family, I found them to be both empowering and inspiring.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a real mix of essays in this collection - some funny, some clever, some tedious and some which are really only aimed at a certain age and certain class of women. I did enjoy them and I even found myself laughing or nodding at points. But it was clear these were short essays written for the internet, so many lacked the kind of depth I enjoy in a good essay collection.

[Aileen Duffy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved loved loved parts of this and it was making me want to take notes as I read it. Seemed that I really ran out of steam with the last 50 pages though and it became a bit laborious. I hind sight, I should have started to read something lighter along side it. Definitely would recommend for women friends to have a copy!

[Emma Dargue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting series of essays from women who have written for the blog the Pool. As all with collections of writings there were some essays that I identified with more than others but on the whole it was a good collection.

[Sarwat Bond · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some stories were good and insightful. I did not enjoy every story

[Alex Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the variety of topics covered in this book. Inspiring and lovely to read.

[Quyên Anh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could not finish the last chapter but the book does have some great pieces with solid writing

[Isabel Payne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gave me ptsd from even thinking about pregnancy and the pain of it all
Was a birthday present from mum and dad for when i was turning 15

[Kate Jenner · Rating 1 out of 5]

a collection of essays. some good. others tedious. Overall...it's a no from me!

[Maura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was impressed by the breadth of topics it explored, such as identity, sexuality, career, friendship, body image, money, health and so much more.

Although predominantly coming from a UK perspective, I loved the inclusion of some Irish voices, such as Louise MsSharry and Irish issues, such as the movement to repeal the Eight Amendment.

I resonated with some of the sentiments expressed, while others opened my eyes to things I haven't experienced.

Sali Hughes' contributions were my favourite.

Highly recommend!