Five of the best new health books
Every week, the Stella magazine team select their favourite new books on a different theme – from must-read novels and thrillers to life-affirming non-fiction and memoirs. This week, these four recent releases tackle health-related topics, from the menopause to mindfulness. Happy reading!
The Opposite of Butterfly Hunting
By Evanna Lynch
Best known as Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter films, here Lynch sheds light on her battle with anorexia off-set. A raw and powerful memoir, it shares lessons on banishing self-hatred. You can’t help but hear Luna’s one-liner while reading: ‘Being different isn’t a bad thing…’ Published by Headline; ￡20.
Read by Emilie Hill, editorial apprentice
If In Doubt, Wash Your Hair: A Manual for Life
By Anya Hindmarch
‘Self confidence is like a muscle. If you make yourself use it… it gets stronger’. This is only one of the takeaways from this witty and wise life manual, which should appeal to just about everyone, be they a budding entrepreneur or someone looking to lead a more contented, satisfying life without being too hard on themselves. Published by Bloomsbury; ￡18.99.
Read by Lisa Armstrong, head of fashion and style
Fitter. Calmer. Stronger
By Ellie Goulding
The singer is passionate about mindful living – through boxing, vegetarianism and climate activism – and here she extols its merits, explains how you can adopt it too, and weaves in nuggets about her family life and upbringing in Hereford. A perfect book to dip into while commuting, with cameos from the likes of Fearne Cotton and star trainer Matt Roberts. Informative and feel-good. Published by Seven Dials, ￡18.99.
Read by Sophie Tobin, fashion assistant
Reflections
By Holly Willoughby
Willoughby’s latest memoir reveals her ‘toolbox’ for rediscovering herself since turning 40 earlier this year. The feelings of detachment, anger and guilt that she describes will be familiar to many. She offers insight for tackling them, from meditation to daily rituals – along with beauty and self-care tips she has learnt from 25 years in the public eye. Published by Century; ￡20.
Read by Jessica Doyle, interiors editor
Cracking the Menopause: While Keeping Yourself Together
By Mariella Frostrup and Alice Smellie
‘It’s time to drag menopause and all the surrounding symptoms and experiences out into the sunlight,’ writes Frostrup in this memoir of how she navigated that time, which doubles as a handbook for anyone in perimenopause or beyond. Practical and passionate. Published by Bluebird; ￡20.
Read by Kate Bussmann, deputy editor