Book Review: Not Working By Lisa Owens

Monday, April 11, 2016
Book Review: Not Working By Lisa Owens

If you've been following my blog for the past few months (or my Instagram/Twitter) you will notice that I've been obsessed with book buying and reading recently so when I received this book from the lovely people at Pan MacMillan I was so so excited! I have *Not Working by Lisa Owens (£12.99, hardcover) and I couldn't wait to start it!

Firstly, the cover is gorgeous; it looks so pretty on my bookshelf! Although I have to say before I start my review that I rarely read contemporary books (I'm more of a fantasy, mystery, crime or horror book lover) but I definitely wanted to give this a go particularly because it has so many positive and rave reviews!

Claire Flannery has quit her job in order to discover her true vocation - only to realize she has no idea how to go about finding it. Whilst everyone around her seems to have their lives entirely under control, Claire finds herself sinking under pressure and wondering where her own fell apart. 'It's fine,' her grandmother says. 'I remember what being your age was like - of course, I had four children under eight then, but modern life is different, you've got an awful lot on.'

To me, this book is a mixture between poetry, Bridget Jones's diary and Sophie Kinsella books. It is told in a snippet of thoughts kind of way which makes it feel a little bit unstructured but it also makes the book seem quite lighthearted and interesting. I haven't read a book before with this kind of structure or layout.

I really liked the main character, Claire, and I definitely got a Bridget Jones's diary feel from this book which I loved! It's entertaining, funny and very, very relatable. It isn't quite as laugh out loud funny as I thought it would be but it was still an interesting and super enjoyable read – a perfect summer/holiday read. I did find a couple of the characters a little bit annoying and even though the majority of the book is fun and light-hearted; there are some more deeper and melancholy themes throughout the book, in my opinion but even so I was very happy with the ending and the book as a whole.

I love the writing style and the layout of the book – it's really unique especially compared to all the other books I've been reading recently. If you're not really a fan of contemporary books, I'd still definitely give this one a go! If you like Bridget Jones's diary or any of the Sophie Kinsella books then you will probably love this too. It's quite a short read and it's easy to get through but it still has an impact! Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5. 

Will you be picking up this book? What are you currently reading? 


18 comments

  1. It sounds like my kind of book. I love reading simple, easy stories where I can just relax my mind x

    Beauty with charm

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  2. nice book!

    www.bstylevoyage.blogspot.com

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  3. The layout and structure sounds really interesting. I haven't read a fun and lighthearted book in a while so this sounds like something I'd definitely pick up.

    Roxie | The Beautiful Bluebird

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    1. I don't usually but I really liked this one x

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  4. I love Sophie Kinsella so I think I would like this too! Plus the subject is so interesting too :D
    Pam xo/ Pam Scalfi♥

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  5. I haven't read a book in a while but I've been trying to finish Anna Karenina forever! (Very old, and I'm super late, I know), ahha. I love the bright cover of this book & wanna check it out, I think I'm overdue for a more fun book!

    Characters & Carry-ons

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  6. This sounds like a good holiday read! Adding it to my list :) x

    Evelyn @ We Were Raised By Wolves

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  7. This sounds great and very different from what I'd usually read (like you I'm into horror, sci-fi and fantasy etc.) but I definitely think I'll need to get a copy and give this a go. - Tasha

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    1. It's different to what I usually read but I really enjoyed it x

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  8. I am currently reading Dexter but need something light hearted and this sounds ideal! I love the bridget jones books but i haven't read anything by sophie kinsella before xxx


    BlondeOfCarbs

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  9. This definitely sounds like something Id thoroughly enjoy!

    Georgia | The Weekend Attic - Personal Style, Beauty and Lifestyle

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