Heather Evans Editorial

The time has come. The moment the world has patiently and restlessly waited 12 months for..

2017, thank the lord, is finally coming to an end.

I think I speak for the majority when, frankly, 2017 can kiss its sweet ass goodbye. Not that 2017 was the worst year out of all the 22 I have lived through, but I think after the shit show that was Brexit, Harambe, the death of David Bowie, the numerous and idiotic shootings in Orlando and generally around America, and the election of the baboon that is Donald Trump in 2016, I would think 2017 could have been bit kinder.

Oh no. Instead we have had to read in the papers about the awful negotiations and lies of Brexit (cheers Theresa), the tragedy of Grenfell tower, the continuation of terror, and more about Donald Trump speaking dumb and, for want of a stronger word, irresponsible words that have, unfortunately, huge political influence. All I want for 2018 is not for the world to end by nuclear war or America to recognise a ‘capital’ of a country that they have no right to. Basically, Donald, do 2018 a favour and shut up. And anyone that is a general idiot for that matter.

*edit, c’mon Logan Paul, it has only been 2 days, pal.

Anyway, this post isn’t meant to be a pessimistic look on 2017. Growing into adulthood, the world doesn’t have the sugar glaze it once did which makes it easier to look at everything negatively. Yet, we definitely had some strong writing going on, and I have read some brilliant stuff from past years too. So, without further delay, I hereby announce my year in reading, providing the golden star that is the Hev & a Bev approval for these 12 lit pieces of literature.

1. The Sun and Her Flowers, Rupi Kaur – this lady is a queeeeeeen, and if you don’t think so you should simply go away. Anything she touches turns to gold and her latest anthology was no exception. It’s organic, it’s rich and it makes one feel whole and that we can take on the world. Girl Power, amirite?

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   Awful Auntie, David Walliams – I could have listed all of his books, but this one was a particular favourite with the children at the school I volunteered at. This book has given me faith that children’s literature is not dead and can relate to young ones in the 21st century – as well as making me laugh too.

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   My Dad Wrote a Porno, Jamie Morton with Alice Levine and James Cooper – Okay, this is the first time I have mentioned a podcast but it is hysterical and you should download it now. Having Jamie Morton read out and analyse his Dad’s erotic literature made my commutes to work just about bearable. As well as trying not to laugh because I thought all of the train would subliminally know the graphics of what I was hearing. Listen to it – you may not be able to unhear the filth, but at least you can sleep at night knowing Rocky Flintstone is not your father.

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   The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F***, Sarah Knight – I think we need someone to say this louder for the ones at the back. To be honest, this is my twin’s book (check her blog out – Double Paige Spread!) but I have dipped into it when she has been doing adult things, like working. It really gave me a different outlook on relationships and how to be happy for yourself regardless of others. Definitely some lessons I’ll be taking forward.

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   Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, Gail Honeyman – This was hands down my favourite novel of 2017. It is simultaneously uplifting, hearbreaking, tragic and hilarious, and so so moving. We all are Eleanor Oliphant and it is ultimately a story of the power of kindness. I think I read it in one sitting – I’m impressed with myself, I know.

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   The Good Immigrant, Nikesh Shukla – I don’t think this book is more topical and relevant in this day and age. From the voices of 15 British black, Asian and ethnic minority writers, artists, journalists and thinkers, these snippets into their lives walking in our multicultural community is eye opening in more way than one. If you want something to make you think, read it.

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   Our Great Canal Journeys, Timothy West and Prunella Scales – This book made my 2017 in that it was the first book in my publishing career that I actually influenced AND it was a fully integrated colour title. Working alongside the main editor James Hogkinson (whom I owe huge amount of gratitude to) I helped with the picture research, proofreading, forming of the front pack plan and general support in making it a reality. Yeah, it is also a pretty beautiful book, too.

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   Only Revolutions, Mark Z. Danielewski – From the author of House of Leaves, I came across this text from sitting in one of Matt Hayler’s lectures at university where he talked about the importance of a book’s form and how technology, i.e. kindles, can affect how we consume literature in a negative or positive light. This is a book that adamantly has to be read as a book, back to front. As the story of two lovers across time come into one, their stories literally and figuratively meet in the middle of the spine. I have never read a book like it – mind blown.

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   Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo – This book is beautiful and inspirational, just like the women celebrated within its pages. Favilli and Cavallo have shown how bed time stories are not just for our children but how everyone can enjoy stories before slumber. The best part? These protagonists are badass females. Real badass females. Oh yeah.

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    Just Kids, Patti Smith – I cannot say I enjoy her music (soz) but this was one of the best books I read when at university. It was amazing being allowed access to the fairytale of Patti Smith and Rob Mapplethorpe’s New York and how the city influenced their artistry. If you’re looking for heartbreak and a bit of NYC culture, pick it up.

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    The Diary and Letters of Alice James, Alice James – How could I not talk about this lady? She took over my 2017, quite literally, and after a break away from her I’m okay to say that she is pretty fab. A feminist, political thinker and James in her own right, I wanna say cheers for the first in my dissertation.

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    Ed Milliband’s Twitter, Ed Milliband – Finally, this is here purely for the shade Ed has thrown on Theresa and the joy it has given me. Thanks, Ed.

Sorry, that was quite a lot. But yes, 2017 brought some new literature into my world and rocked it. Hopefully 2018 can give me something to blog about this time next year too!

Happy reading,

Hev xo