Every woman should have this book on their to-do list.
Meet Celia Stone, the ultimate hyper-organised, journal-obsessed thirty-something with a life that is perfectly planned out and running like clockwork. From her promising writing career to her devoted partner and rigorous fitness routine, Celia has it all – and she’s right on track with her early retirement plan. But when her husband suggests it’s time to start a family, Celia begins to question whether a new addition might just throw off-course everything she’s worked so hard to achieve. Follow Celia’s diary entries on a year-long journey of self-discovery as she navigates the ups and downs of trying to have it all.
ISBN: 9781760992040
Dimensions: 23.4x15.3cm
Pages: 352
Publication: August 31, 2023
Publisher: Fremantle Press
RRP 32.99
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Praise for the book
“Move over Bridget Jones – there’s another diarist in town and she is funnier, savvier and even more relatable. Like so many of us, Celia wants her life to be perfect, but she isn’t quite sure what perfect is. Watching her navigate that journey will make you laugh and cry all in the same chapter. Filled with witty observations, this book has just the right mix of tenderness and joy.”
- Natasha Lester
“An exploration of anxiety, perfectionism, grief, relationships and diet culture that handles its concerns with emotional acuity and welcome humour.”
- The West Australian
“Frank, funny and infuriating.”
- WAtoday
“A thoroughly enjoyable and witty read.”
- Books+Publishing
“An important reminder of what really matters most in life, packaged in an inventive, thought-provoking and ultimately uplifting narrative.”
- Better Reading
Here’s why Emma is donating 50 per cent of Celia Stone royalties to Beyond Zero Emissions.
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"Emma Young's knowledge of literature wafts through this story of love, loss and loneliness like a warm breeze, reminding us that stories can help heal."
- Australian Women's Weekly
"Beautifully realised ... sweet and wholesome entertainment."
"Someone whose life of wide reading has deepened their understanding of the layered complexities of the human condition ... a storyteller with a sure grasp of the world she is creating."
- Sydney Morning Herald
"A gently optimistic novel that celebrates both the joys of reading and the ways it can bring people together."
- The West Australian, Play magazine
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“Charming, beautifully written, I felt immersed immediately.”
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"Something special ... At its beating heart shines a quiet perceptiveness, a gentle honesty and authenticity."
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“Book nerds, you’ll be extremely happy.”
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"A study of the loves and losses that good literature explores, and that ultimately make us who we are."
- Rachel Watts, Westerly Magazine