Reading the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction Longlist: Part 1

In which I muse about the first books I have read from the Women’s Prize for Non-fiction Longlist.
#booktube #readingrecommendations #booklover #bookreview #reading #bestbooks #nonfiction #womenempowerment #motherhood #doppelgangers
Books discussed:
Matrescence by Lucy Jones
Doppelgänger by Naomi Klein

[@ulbaboomsbooks]

You have certainly put 'Matrescence' on my list. Thank you for that. 'Doppelganger' is fabulous.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

It really is! Agreed 👍

[@SavidgeReads]

This was great, sounds like two corkers so far. I am very much looking forward to hearing how you are getting on with Shadows at Noon if you have been dipping into that. I am worried I am not clever enough for Doppelgänger. Matrescence sounds incredible and I am so tempted to give it a go, but am going to resist and wait for the shortlist. I have to say I never expected to hear my foetal cells being discussed on the internet, hahaha.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

😂😂😂 And yes, you are clever enough ❤️❤️❤️

[@laurenclarke9284]

I love your passion Louise! I can't wait to read Matrescence, it's been on my TBR for a while🎉

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Thank you. 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💜💜💜

[@user-gm2zf4wm7v]

@@louisesavidgemuses4135 If you want I can show you all your problems solving problems will increase your views more subscribers plus your videos will reach more people faster

[@Novaturient_Liv]

These reviews are thorough and fantastic. It really gives me enough information to know whether I would like pick them up. Cannot wait for more reviews!

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Great to hear! Thank you 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💜💜💜

[@Beatts113]

I can’t put into words how valuable your videos are. You’ve opened my eyes to so many books I would never have picked up! Thank you again and safe and happy travels

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

That’s a lovely thing to say! Thank you 🙏🙏🙏💜💜💜📚📚📚

[@MichelleReadsandVlogs]

My degree is in biomedical science and I did know all of the facts that you said about what happens to the body during pregnancy; I find pregnancy SO interesting. I’m so glad that you’ve talked about Matrescence as it’s now on my TBR 😊 Thank you Louise. Hope you’re well and have a good day.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Thank you. Would love to know your perspective on it if you get to read it 🙏🙏🙏💜💜💜📚📚📚

[@blueeyes2938]

I loved Matrescence. I read it not that long ago, before I knew it had made this list. Actually I listened to it and loved it so much I’m going to buy a copy and make my partner read it. I have two sets of twins (18 and 13) and there were so many things in this book that resonated and I think it’s an important read.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Two sets of twins! Wow! Agree with you about the book’s importance 🙏🙏🙏💜💜💜📚📚📚

[@fozzymup268]

This was very useful Louise. I'm interested in Matrescence. I'm not a mum, nor have I ever wanted to be, but I think its important to try and understand other experiences. And the human body has always fascinated me! I was interested in Doppelganger, but hearing you discussing it, I've changed my mind a little. Your enthusiasm is wonderful, but I'm not really interested in politics as such. This is why your thoughts and discussions are valued, as its helping me to prioritise what books in the long list I'd be more likely to read, so thanks Louise! Looking forward to future thoughts. Best Wishes 💕

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Really glad that I’m helping you to rule books in and out. A list like this can be marvellous but daunting 🙃🙏🙏🙏💜💜💜📚📚📚

[@GraceCC06]

I already own Doppelgänger because it really intrigued me and now I think I’m adding Matrescence to my wishlist! Thank you for your wonderful discussions around both books :)

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Hope you enjoy them both 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💙💙💙

[@SelinaAllinson]

Thank you so much for this wonderful review Louise. I'm loving the selection of Non Fiction from the Women's Prize this year. I'm really grateful because I would never have been introduced to so many remarkable works of NF as I tend to read mostly fiction. I'm almost finished Matrescence and I have found it to be not only very well researched and fascinating but also a real source of comfort. I stopped at so many points to savour Lucy's words of insight and understanding. Being a first time Mum, it has been wonderful to listen to this and to feel seen. Next up are " Some People Need Killing" and "How To Say Babylon" Looking forward to more reviews and updates from you, I so love both yours and Simon's channel ❤️📚

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Thank you. I do think Matrescence is a very important book and feel validated by your comment about being seen. I think this book should be available to all mothers and fathers as a source of insight 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💙💙💙

[@debrahills8148]

Matrescense did not immediately draw me, but after watching your review, I’m now very interested ! I’ve heard nothing but good about Doppleganger, but this is a stressful election year in the US, and in view of my mental health, I’ve chosen to put it off for awhile.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

That’s probably wise, although sometimes I feel alone in my views and then it’s great to read some sane politics as affirmation. 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💜💜💜

[@juliehughes1258]

Debra, your comments really resonate with me, as does Louise's book reviews. Once again, I have placed myself on a political news blackout and am reading and listening to none of it. Like you, this is for my mental health. My mantra continues to be, "You only get one vote, Julie, and that's as far as I want to get involved." LOVING Louise's channel so much, and I'm subscribed.

[@meganshrum1928]

Thank you for this video! I thoroughly enjoyed it. Can't wait for more of your reviews of the books in this prize.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

More to come! 😊🙏🙏🙏💜💜💜📚📚📚

[@michelleyoung6672]

A thoroughly enjoyable wrap up of these two writers. I have Doppelgänger so moved it up the list and I would now like to read Matresence.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Hope you enjoy them as much as I did 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💙💙💙

[@Minnie.Pauline]

Thank you for your thoughtful comments on these books. Doppelgänger is waiting for me at the library and I’m excited to get into it. Reading more non-fiction is one of my goals this year. How thoughtful of the Women’s Prize to give me a list! I’m looking forward to hearing your next reads. (I wish I could read non-fiction that fast!)

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

I never thought I would devour non-fiction in this way. I’ve realised that it’s all down to finding the right books! 🫢🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💜💜💜

[@jesssmith1352]

I really want to read so much of this list and the Lucy Jones one really interests me. Thank you for the review, I have thoroughly enjoyed listening. I’m now itching to go to the library website where I know these books have quite a big waiting time already. Will I press hold or not 😂 I must remember the up coming fiction list and the international booker too! What a wonderful problem to be surrounded by so many good books 😂 Wishing you a lovely weekend Louise 📚

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Hope you had a successful visit to the library website 😊🙏🙏🙏💜💜💜📚📚📚

[@jesssmith1352]

@@louisesavidgemuses4135 I am a couple of chapters into the Lucy Jones book and really liking it. So much information!

[@siamese63]

I’ve just ordered Matrescence . Sounds fascinating and much needed !

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Absolutely is 🙏🙏🙏💜💜💜📚📚📚

[@thelefthandedreader6632]

I’m really enjoying your reading of this long list, Louise!

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

I'm so glad! 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💜💜💜

[@YourTrueShelf]

What a brilliant start!! These two were both on my most wanted list and I am definitely going to go ahead with them, excellent reviews 😊

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Do let me know how you get on with them 🙏🙏🙏💜💜💜📚📚📚

[@jennifernash4638]

I recently finished Doppelganger, and I loved it. Your recaps helped remind me of so much in the book that I had forgotten already! Matrescence isn't available yet in the US (May 7), but I am really keen to check that one put after your comments.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Please let me know how you get on with it when you get hold of it 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💙💙💙

[@BethanLCollins]

Gosh you’ve put matresence at the very top of my list. Came here from your longlist video with your son and I’d never heard of either of you before but your videos are delightful 😊

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Thank you! So glad you found us 🙏🙏🙏💜💜💜📚📚📚

[@LaughingStockfarm1]

Isn’t it wonderful to have one’s ignorance exposed by a book (as opposed to a person)…I think it brings back that sense of wonder and amaze I had as a child. ❤️

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Spot on! I love having my bubble burst - very healthy 🙏🙏🙏💜💜💜📚📚📚

[@peaseblossom4252]

Great video-really appreciated your thoughts on both books. Doppelgänger has been on my TBR list, but after watching your unboxing video with Simon (so fun!), I honestly want to read all of these books. I wish I had the time & budget to read them all before the shortlist is announced, but alas-so I’ll enjoy your video summaries & thoughts as the next best thing. Thank you so much.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

My pleasure. Must admit I wouldn’t be attempting this if I was still working 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💜💜💜

[@PattiReadsALot]

I could listen to you talk forever! So glad I have a backlist of your videos to watch. I live in America but bought the UK version of Eve from Blackwells after watching the longlist reveal! I can’t wait to receive it, and now I’ll have to get these 😊

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Do hope you enjoy Eve - haven’t got to it yet 🙏🙏🙏💜💜💜📚📚📚

[@cindyhaiken5644]

Groveling on your knees!!!😂😂 I’m so glad you started with Matrescence. It is not out here until early May and I think it sounds really interesting but I decided to wait for it rather than buy it early from the UK. I know exactly what you mean about your head exploding when you read Doppelgänger. It is so thought-provoking and complex. What a great start!!!

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

I’m loving this list 🙏🙏🙏💜💜💜📚📚📚

[@annie-mz9956]

Louise thanks for the great review as always! Very intrigued by one and the other not so much

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Thanks for watching! 🙏🙏🙏💜💜💜📚📚📚

[@taneesewilson8844]

I really enjoyed this video Louise. Great book reviews of your first two reads and appreciate you judging them against the womens prize criteria. I personally love that. Looking forward to more of your reviews as you read through the long list. 😊📚

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Many thanks. Think it’s important to have the criteria in mind 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💜💜💜

[@tanyam6197]

Two great reviews Louise!

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Many thanks 🙏🙏🙏💜💜💜📚📚📚

[@evamarie1537]

It’s very interesting to listen to your thoughts about the books. They both seem great!

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

I thoroughly enjoyed both 🙏🙏🙏💜💜💜📚📚📚

[@readingbytheriver5752]

Matrescence will make it onto my pile of possibilities but not straight away. I will wait until the price lowers in the US it is $42. After listening to you talk about the book - I may give my sons copies of the book. I seem to have a small collection of books about women. Bitch, Eve, Period, and Unwell Women are on the the list. Shadows at Noon is my top choice to read first. Doppleganger is now on my Pile of Possibilities. Thank you for talking about it.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

What a wonderful idea to gift Matrescence to your sons! Do let me know how you get on with Shadows At Noon. 🙏🙏🙏💜💜💜📚📚📚

[@rachael5677]

Doppelgänger was already on my TBR but now it's certainly rushed to the top of the books I need to get out of my library. Admittedly, Matrescence wasn't really coming on my radar, even after being nominated, but you've sold it really well. Looking forward to more of your musings about these long listed books.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

I love the Women’s Prize for its ability to throw new discoveries my way 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💜💜💜

[@lozzyjohnson85]

Enjoying hearing your thoughts. Matrescence doesn't sound like it's for me as a woman without children, but the others sound good!

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

🙏🙏🙏💜💜💜📚📚📚

[@blueeyes2938]

I agree that Lucy Jones is a fantastic writer. I want to read more by her.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

👍

[@melissafirman1962]

Fantastic reviews! I started Young Queens on audio this week and feel that it might work better as a print/listen endeavor -- especially since the audio is 18 hours long and that will help break it up.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Yes, it’s quite a chunkster 😂🙏🙏🙏💜💜💜📚📚📚

[@clairebanks1903]

Thanks Louise Thought I had my Women’s Prize non fiction reading sorted but tempted by Dopelganger now

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

😂😂🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💜💜💜

[@sniffingthesheets]

Matrescence sounds really interesting! Thanks for sharing, Louise :)

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

You're so welcome! 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💜💜💜

[@sian4533]

Thanks for your review of Matrescence, I'm going to buy it on kindle now! I have a baby and toddler and I still struggle every day, so I'm glad to know it approaches that topic.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Think you’ll find it just the thing! 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💜💜💜

[@lisaedwards8505]

This video was riveting, Louise. I am a retired RN who spent 20+ years in Obstetrics and Neonatal care. I would not have been tempted by Matrescence if it weren’t for your wonderful review. I’m a little skeptical when it comes to non-academic books about this topic but Matrescence sounds well researched and really interesting! My eldest daughter is hoping to become pregnant this year so I will consider passing it on to her after I’ve read it. 😊 And I have Doppelgänger on my shelves and hope to get to it soon! ❤

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Oh wow! I think you’ll find Matrescence very interesting. I’d love to know what you think of it and do wish your daughter luck 🍀 🙏🙏🙏💜💜💜📚📚📚

[@Womens_Prize]

Love this Louise!

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Thank you! I’m loving the Longlist ❤️❤️❤️

[@still-reading]

I'm reading Young Queens. As an American who doesn't know much about these women I'm finding it very interesting. But I only read a little at a time so I can soak it in.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Yes, I often think that I need to take my time over non-fiction 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💜💜💜

[@JardineraAnge]

Both those books sound fascinating Louise, thanks for such an in-depth review. 👏🏼👏🏼

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

You're so welcome! 🙏🙏🙏💜💜💜📚📚📚

[@AnalogueHolly]

Ive been slowly reading Matrescence for about a month (around uni readings) and im so glad its getting promotion through this prize because it truly is phenomenal

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

So glad you are impressed by it too 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💜💜💜

[@lizziedalley5799]

I'm eagerly awaiting part 2!

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Marvellous 🤩 It’s just landed 🤭🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💜💜💜

[@lizziedalley5799]

@@louisesavidgemuses4135 Yes, almost immediately after I left that comment- perfect timing!! 🥳 You're the only booktuber I know of who is reading the longlist- it's my favourite content, thank you 😊

[@MJ-in-Canada]

I haven’t yet read either of these books but you’ve piqued my interest with your thoughtful reviews. I like how you give your opinion on whether or not they meet the criteria. I recommend the beautifully-written “How to Say Babylon” by Safiya Sinclair.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Glad your curiosity has been aroused 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💜💜💜

[@mradcaqbdb]

I didn’t think I was going to want to read Doppelganger originally, but I will definitely be listening to the audiobook read by the author. It does sound fascinating. I started to read Thunderclap, but then went back to Laura Cumming’s first book The Vanishing Velázquez, which I’m listening to know and definitely enjoying. Whim is a funny thing. Not sure how deeply I will go into the non-fiction list, but I am definitely enjoying hearing your thoughts on the books as you read them!

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

I must admit I thought I would be daunted by this Longlist but I just keep looking at it and grinning. Think I’m going to be a much wiser woman in a few weeks time! 😂🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💜💜💜

[@curioushmm9027]

i loved your discussion of both books but particularly of doppleganger which i've wanted to read since i came out..instead right now i'm reading 'no is not enough' and loving it...she's one of my favorite writers ever since i read 'on fire'..and i'll be heading to shock doctrine and no logo in the not to distant future as they are waiting for me on my shelves..matrescence sounds interesting and seems to have more weight than i found in 'losing eden'

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

I think I’ll definitely be back to Klein when I need some real brain food 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💜💜💜

[@hayleyc5594]

How exciting that there is now a women’s prize for non-fiction. I will eagerly be watching all your thoughtful reviews on the books you read from the list. I find non-fiction more challenging to read than fiction or the classics but occasionally a non fiction book grabs my attention. Matrascence sounds really interesting and not something I would normally gravitate to.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

That’s the brilliance of this prize - it’s really piqued my interest in non-fiction 🙏🙏🙏💜💜💜📚📚📚

[@Mesa37122]

Matrescence didn't catch my attention from the long list initially. But I'll be adding it to my TBR now!

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Please let me know what you think of it 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💜💜💜

[@maddiesbookishthings]

I’ve read Eve and All that she carried so far loved both of them!

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Oh good - I think I have some belters to look forward to 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💜💜💜

[@janethansen9612]

I haven't heard much of Matrescence, it doesn't seem to be on many tbr lists. However you have made it sound fascinating.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

It really is! Thoroughly enjoyed it 🙏🙏🙏💜💜💜📚📚📚

[@Phillybookfairy]

Hi Louise! How long did it take you to read these two books? Did you use audio to help get thru them quicker? Thanks for such great reviews I definitely want to read Matrescence as for the other, I don’t really want to relive the Trump years (as a scary new reign may be upon us yet) so I’ll prob skip doppleganger… I’m keen on Eve but it is as you say “ a tome “ I did read the first chapter of it and it’s well written and engaging but I’m in the middle of three others so it will have to wait 😂. Isn’t the long list for fiction coming out soon too?

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

I think I read them both over about six days. I didn’t use audio as I wanted to give them my full attention and sometimes my mind wanders when I’m listening 🫢The fiction Longlist lands 5th March. Happy reading! 🙏🙏🙏💜💜💜📚📚📚

[@jorjastonej]

Good reviews Louise. I’ve been fluctuating with Doppelganger for months. Should I read it? Yes. No. Yes. No. It’s been on and off my TBR several times. Your review helped me decide. Great insights!

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Hope you enjoy it! It’s an incredibly well structured argument 🙏🙏🙏💜💜💜📚📚💜

[@miriamtraynor936]

1st watcher , great!

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Yes you are! 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💜💜💜

[@maartjedegroot9598]

Matrescence is now on top of my wishlist

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏💜💜💜📚📚📚

[@LouiseReader]

2 books down already!! I'm halfway through my first. I'm interested in Matrescence, it's not very available in Australia though

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Fingers crossed you manage to get hold of it. Such a thoughtful book 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💜💜💜

[@LouiseReader]

It looks like it's coming out here in May, I'll certainly look out for it later in the year.

[@ilovebillyjoel]

Matrescence sounds really interesting. Thanks for sharing. I haven’t had children but find it interesting. Deffo couldn’t cope with the sleep deprivation. Another one for the tbr

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

My pleasure 📚📚📚💜💜💜🙏🙏🙏

[@dorydoesbooks]

I had not been at all interested in Doppleganger, but it sounds fascinating! Off to buy…

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Please do let me know what you think 📚📚📚💜💜💜🙏🙏🙏

[@user-ff1uz4sy5g]

Both sound interesting reads 📚

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💜💜💜

[@karenmiddlebrook5069]

Guilty as charged, with regard to Naomi confusion 😭 but I've realized in my case it's Alderman and Klein I had mingled together in my mind 😢 I see Wifedom on your pile, I haven't recovered from Mrs Orwell... not sure I'm strong enough to read a non fiction version!

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Well… am currently reading Wifedom and my jaw keeps dropping! 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💜💜💜

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Well… am currently reading Wifedom and my jaw keeps dropping! 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💜💜💜

[@karenmiddlebrook5069]

@@louisesavidgemuses4135 he wasn't a good man 😭

[@TK-ux5du]

I think we know which book is going to win then 🤣 - it's a shame that some of the others won't get a look in but at least channels like this will hopefully get people interested in them and bring them all to a wider audience. 🙂

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

I think that there are going to be lots of corkers in that splendid pile of books. Jury’s out 😃🙏🙏🙏💜💜💜📚📚📚

[@ashleychia]

Do you have a goodreads account? Would love to follow your reads.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

I did but no-longer use it 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💙💙💙

[@enidlacob1157]

Wifedom is fictionalised and if you enjoy your non fiction fictionalised read it I like the sound of dipping it into Shadows at Noon. I am afraid I would need to dissolve these books with fiction as a palate cleanser. Good luck I admire your tenacity.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Thank you. I may need to resort to the odd splash of fiction inbetween 🙏🙏🙏📚📚📚💜💜💜

[@user-gm2zf4wm7v]

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[@spexi513]

Added both to TBR 📖 🪱 💚

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

🙏🙏🙏💜💜💜📚📚📚