Daring Greatly

This non-fiction work by shame and vulnerability researcher Brené Brown looks at the courage it takes to be vulnerable, look at our own shame and face it head on. She says, "Daring greatly is not about winning or losing. It's about courage. In a world where scarcity and shame dominate and feeling afraid has become second nature, vulnerability is subversive." 

What is it similar to? The author has a detailed list of work she feels is related to this book on her website. I'll let you take a look. She has also written a more prescriptive book called The Gifts of Imperfection on a similar thread. 

Am I in the mood? If you feel like doing some soul searching, laughing, crying and thinking about life, go right ahead. If you feel like you are stuck and need some advice for moving forward in relationships, work, or self-confidence, stop what you're doing and go grab this book. 

Find the book? I read it on my tablet using the Kobo app.

Watch the author speak at TEDx Houston 

Watch the author speak at TED 

Read a ton of related articles on Huffington Post

Can't get enough? There are tons of links, book suggestions, videos and related content on the author's website: http://brenebrown.com

Would you recommend this book to a friend? I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever felt ashamed, vulnerable or not good enough: aka the whole human race. If you don't read the book, at least watch one of her TED talks.

The Panopticon

A first novel by Scottish author Jenni Fagan, The Panopticon is about a 15 year old Scottish girl who is living "in care" at an institution for teenagers called 'The Panopticon'. The author draws on her personal history to paint a portrait of the life of young people who have grown up in the foster system. The book is worth reading for its dry humour, and for the beautiful development of the central character, Anais. This book is not for the faint-hearted when it comes to swearing and has the added twist of Scottish slang and dialect.

What is it similar to? The Panopticon has elements of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (the institutional setting and undercurrent of uncertain mental health), Vernon God Little (the constant swearing, first person narrative from a troubled teen, cutting commentary and local dialect) and even The Princess Diaries (straight up funny teen girl content).

Am I in the mood? If you feel like contemplating the complexities of our social systems and children in care, read this book. It is a great choice if you are in the mood for more of a character study than an adventure, though the characters do get up to some serious antics. It is funny in parts, but the humour is dark.

Find the book? Anywhere- I read it on my e-reader from the library, it is widely available.

Listen to an interview with the author about The Panopticon.
Read a British review.
Read a Canadian review.
Reviewers seemed somewhat skeptical about the breadth of knowledge of the main character, but I seem to recall being well-read and interested in many things in high school myself, and didn't feel that the author was reaching. 

Can't get enough? The Panopticon might just be made into a movie.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Yes, especially for the fantastic main character, but not to a friend who can't handle swearing/drugs/sexual content. 

Slammerkin

This novel by Irish-Canadian author Emma Donoghue is based on real characters and events from 18th century England. A young girl who is leading a dreary, colourless existence is drawn to beautiful clothing and fabrics and finds a different life in her pursuit of them.

What is it similar to? Slammerkin is reminiscent of books like Perfume, it is something of a cross-genre historical novel. It also has similarities to Alias Grace.

Am I in the mood? This book is interesting, but not uplifting. You should read it if you are in the mood for something darker, with plenty of metaphor. Read it if you enjoy historical fiction with complex, realistic characters. This book has explicit adult content. 

Find the book? Anywhere- I read it on my e-reader from the library, it is widely available.

Listen to an interview with the author about Slammerkin.
Read an interview with the author.
Read a detailed review.

Can't get enough? Here are Emma Donoghue's other books.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? I most certainly would, but not suited to a young or squeamish reader.