BOOK BITES | John Westlake, Paris Hilton, Ruth Ware

The Story of Harley Davidson: A Tribute to an American Legend

John Westlake

**** (4 stars)

This little book offers a well-produced, accessible and concise history of Harley Davidson and its evolution from a small motorcycle start-up in Wisconsin to a global symbol of American motorcycle culture. As an unauthorised and unofficial celebration, the book fearlessly details the highs and lows of the company, from the unreliability of certain models and bad management decisions to successes and triumphs that have led to Harley Davidson becoming one of the world’s oldest surviving motorcycle manufacturers, having endured world wars and economic downturns. In telling the company’s story, Westlake provides a wealth of technical information, but also looks at the enduring social and cultural significance of the brand, making the book well worth a read by gear heads and non-gear heads alike. — Guy Martin

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Paris

Paris Hilton, HQ

*** (3 stars)

Paris is “sliving”. A portmanteau buzzword which the party princess proudly and accidentally came up with when she wanted to say “slaying” and “living your best life” at the same time. Paris is the original influencer and her book is like her; pink pastel and diamonds on the outside, chaotic and pointless on the inside, which she does warn the reader about (not the pointless part), as she has ADHD. She also explains she has PTSD from going to a school that was essentially a torture camp for badly behaved teens. Maybe that’s why she used terrible slurs. Maybe not. It’s not clear. But what is clear is that there is something behind the pink-heeled façade. Something calculating. — Jennifer Platt 

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The It Girl 

Ruth Ware, Simon & Schuster

*** (3 stars)

Oxford was Hannah’s dream. But it became a nightmare when she found April, her roommate, dead. It was Hannah’s testimony that put a man in prison. But now, 10 years later, Hannah is married, pregnant and working at a bookstore. When the man behind bars dies, she begins to question everything. Was what she saw the truth? Her quest to answer the question will risk everything she holds dear. Ware turns a glaring eye on class in this slow-burn thriller. — Tiah Beautement 

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