Strong Female Character
This is my last book that I am reviewing that I read in 2023. As I go over all of the amazing books read last year, there are so many “honourable mentions” that are definitely review worthy! I wonder if I should do an honourable mentions review list at some stage. There are just so many good books out there!
This week we take a look at Strong Female Character by Fern Brady.
I must admit that I hadn’t heard of Fern Brady but this book kept popping up on social media. It also had a very high rating on Good Reads so I added it to my TBR. As it turns out, Fern Brady is a comedian and podcaster. I don’t think you need to have heard of her to enjoy and appreciate this book. This is a book for fans of biographies and memoirs. I think I read this one in a day. It was enthralling and engaging. The writing style is candid and funny, and is a perfect combination of personal anecdotes with social commentary.
In her book, Fern Brady offers a deeply personal and insightful narrative about living with autism. What I admire most is how she uses her personal journey to illuminate broader topics, including the intersection of mental health, neurodiversity, and gender. Her experiences, while unique to her, resonate for a wider audience. Many women, especially those in male-dominated spaces, may relate to her challenges and the effort to find a sense of belonging.
The subject matter is undoubtedly serious and could easily be overwhelming, but Brady approaches it with a lightness that makes it accessible. While some reviewers have described the book as hilarious with moments of laughing out life, my experience was somewhat different. I found it amusing, certainly, but it was the insight into Brady's life that truly captivated me. Her descriptions of navigating the world from her unique perspective were enlightening and deeply engaging.
For me, one of the greatest joys of reading is the opportunity to see the world through someone else's eyes, and Brady offers this chance beautifully and skillfully. If you're someone who cherishes understanding and appreciating life from diverse perspectives, Strong Female Character is a must-read. After all, life is too short to read bad books.
P.S I have a friend who I think will message me after reading this review and ask if she thinks she should read this. If you are that friend, the answer is yes!