Skip to main content
An honest reading diary

Reading is wonderfully, gloriously messy.

Honest reviews, cosy reading lists and all the bookish feelings, from one bibliophile to another.

Open Alison's library Surprise me with a review
Cover of Boy Like Me On the nightstand right now Boy Like Me by Simon James Green
84books read
82honest reviews
29,376pages turned
12waiting on the TBR

The latest review

All reviews
Cover of The Change
Fresh from Alison's bookshelf

An unexpected wonder

The Change by Kirsten Miller

“If I am being totally honest, I had never heard of this book, or of Kirsten Miller, until about thirty seconds before I started reading it. I’d watched an Instagram Reel about books to read if you’re feeling the feminist rage, and right now that sums me up…”
messyreaderAlison Rated 5 out of 5 Reviewed 19 August 2026 Spoiler free
Read the full review

From Alison's reading desk

Cover of The Change
While reading Now finished
“I stumbled across The Change on Instagram- and I can’t even find the original post any more- but I am so pleased that I did. It’s such a powerful and significant read. I am obsessed!”

The Change by Kirsten Miller

At this update: 32% read

Reading spot: Anywhere and everywhere!

Read Alison's review

Earlier updates

More notes from the current chapter and the ever-changing TBR.

While reading Now finished
“Oh I am obsessed with my current read. I don't normally do books that are leaning towards the Horror genre, but I am gripped!”

The Only One Left by Riley Sager

At this update: Page 209 of 400 · 52% read

Mood: Gripped Reading spot: Anywhere I can!

Read Alison's review
While reading Now finished
“When one book closes, another opens! Can anyone else not live in reality too long, so they start a new book immediately after finishing one?! I've had The Satsuma Complex on my shelf for a few years now, and it wasn't what I was going to go for, but I was inspired after laughing at Bob Mortimer on the television tonight. I'll keep you updated!”

The Satsuma Complex by Bob Mortimer

Mood: After something lighthearted and fun! Reading spot: In bed!

Read Alison's review
Thinking of reading next
“Thinking of going for non-fiction for my next read... I am clearly very easily influenced because I'm desperate to read Salt: A World History. Is this middle age?!”

Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky

Recently shelved

The whole shelf
Cover of Lula Dean's Library of Banned BooksTBRLula Dean's Library of Banned BooksKirsten MillerCover of The Women of Wild HillTBRThe Women of Wild HillKirsten MillerCover of My Husband's WifeTBRMy Husband's WifeAlice FeeneyCover of Beautiful UglyTBRBeautiful UglyAlice FeeneyCover of What A Way To GoTBRWhat A Way To GoBella MackieCover of Claws OutTBRClaws OutBella Mackie
Cover of The Murder After the Night Before
A favourite worth revisiting

A thoroughly enjoyable revenge thriller

“I stayed up long past bedtime finishing this book, which shows just how enjoyable I found it! The Murder After the Night Before is a darkly entertaining and well-paced thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish.…”
messyreaderAlison The Murder After the Night Before by Katy Brent Rated 4 out of 5 Reviewed February 2025
Read the full review

Shelf spotlight: Contemporary

My highest-rated contemporary reads. A different corner of the shelf gets the spotlight each week.

Browse the genre

Cover of The ChangeThe ChangeKirsten MillerRated 5 out of 5ReviewedCover of My FriendsMy FriendsFredrik BackmanRated 5 out of 5ReviewedCover of Dash & Lily's Book of DaresDash & Lily's Book of DaresRachel Cohn & David LevithanRated 5 out of 5ReviewedCover of The Great AloneThe Great AloneKristin HannahRated 5 out of 5ReviewedCover of There Are Rivers in the SkyThere Are Rivers in the SkyElif ShafakRated 5 out of 5Reviewed

Pick my next read?

There are plenty of books waiting patiently on my TBR pile. Spin the shelf and see what fate suggests.

Last month in books

7books reviewed
2,753pages
4.0average rating
Contemporarymost-read genre

From the journal

All posts
Featured image for What to read next
messyreaderAlison
Bookish Thoughts

What to read next

It came to my attention that I have a very specific "type" when it comes to reading choices. Yes, I have eclectic taste, but, given the chance, I would always go for a female author and books with strong, memorable…

Read the post
Portrait of Alison, the Messy Reader

Hi, I'm Alison. The messy reader.

A bookworm in Cumbria with an ever-growing TBR pile and a habit of starting new books before finishing the last one. I read across all genres, with a soft spot for contemporary fiction, gripping thrillers and anything that makes me cry on public transport. Honest reviews, real reactions, no pretension.

More about me Instagram TikTok