The Need for Roots translator talks about how she approached the famous philosopher’s best-known work. Scattered throughout the main narrative are little snippet chapters where another point of view comes in-- a doctor, a journalist, a mother, an internet troll --all with differing opinions, and I found these short, hard-hitting chapters really effective. Here, the author does a number of things well. Arguments are made and challenged, the callousness of the internet and media is captured, and she explores why some parents try desperately to find reasons for their child's illness or depression or ADHD.

Having really enjoyed Andrea Bartz’s debut novel, The Lost Night, I had rather high hopes for The Herd. Sadly, not only is The Herd populated by simultaneously unrealistic and detestable characters but it also tells a rather derivative story. This is essentially a book about two middle class women who think they know better than decades of established medical science. Sigh.On the other hand however, the author has produced a book that is pretty sympathetic to the anti-vaxx movement and reeks of privilege. I love a book that not only grips me and makes me think but also educates me. The Herd reminded me a little of Jodi Picoult’s Small Great Things, because the research was meticulous and unbiased, the topic of whether to vaccinate was fair and balanced and above all I felt I was learning so much whilst reading the book. I’m not gonna give spoilers not to ruin your enjoyable reading. I canceled my appointment with Henry Cavill for reading this book. ( Okay, not real appointment, I’m not delusional, just a happy drunk. I just skipped to binge watch “Witcher” but as far as I can see I made the right choice, this book is more delicious than ex-Superman’s and Tom Cruise movie villain’s looks. I hate his Legolas wig anyways) Wow! What an incredible book, and so timely. I was riveted! Really beautifully written, compassionately told and incredibly thought provoking. A truly immersive telling of both sides of a story. - Susan Lewis I already added “Lost Night” novel of the author to my tbr list as high as Mount Kilimanjaro. So happy to read a brilliant writer’s work.

This is a brilliant book for a buddy read that will encourage discussion. Thanks to all the lovely readers who read along with me.

LoveReading Says

Each one desperately living their offspring. Mistakes easily made having a domino effect on another with consequences unforgivable. And, unfortunate. But with well meaning at that time. Special thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books to share this thrilling ARC COPY with me in exchange my honest review. Special thanks to Andrea Bartz for her talented writing and this unputdownable journey. Though told with clarity and balance, Emily Edwards’ The Herd is an emotional rollercoaster of a novel for readers who like their fiction to have real-life resonance, and family life at its heart. Exploring both sides of the child vaccination debate through two women, its themes and heated scenarios chime with current vaccination debates and conflicts. Namely, how societies and individuals navigate and reconcile public health needs with personal beliefs and fears. Eleanor Walsh is the classic female character who appears in this type of so-called ‘psychological’ novels. We are told that she is the basic embodiment of the perfect modern woman: beautiful, intelligent, charismatic, a feminist. Being told that she is alluring or interesting doesn’t actually make her those things.

Even though there are opinions in the book it is pretty much 50/50 so if you are wary its going to be anti or pro vax then don’t be, it genuinely seeks to offer both sides of the arguement, morally and otherwise based around the story told, I liked it was so impartial and the author chose not to add her feelings/views into the story ( as quite a few tend to on various topics nowadays ) bravo to her on that frontThe book is told through both parties viewpoints in 2019 with sections designated to a trial held at the end of that year. and in my opinion is one of those books which is best read without too much forewarning.