James Sharp

Normal People At school Connell and Marianne pretend not to know each…

I romped through Normal People in just a couple of days—intimate, emotionally astute, and quietly powerful. A tender exploration of connection, miscommunication, and growing up. www.goodreads.com/book/show/41... #MyReads2025

James Sharp's review of Radical Love 5/5: Radical Love is a tender, quietly powerful novel that shines a light on one of the most overlooked moments in queer history — the story of the Vere Street Mollies, a group of men persecuted in 19...

The queer historical novel we’ve been waiting for. I loved it. More here ➡️ www.goodreads.com/review/show/... #MyReads2025

Tiepolo Blue Ben turns and grins ironically. ‘When you stopped just …

A slow-burning but beautifully written novel about desire, identity and the quiet collapse of certainty. More here ➡️ www.goodreads.com/book/show/59... #MyReads2025

James Sharp's review of The Names 5/5: The Names is a quietly stunning novel that explores, with grace and precision, how we become what we are. Through three parallel lives shaped by a single naming decision, Florence Knapp presents ...

The Names is a quietly stunning novel that explores, with grace and precision, how we become what we are. More here ▶️ www.goodreads.com/review/show/... #MyReads2025

Sir Keir Starmer should use Angela Rayner more effectively as she is popular with public, Harriet Harman says Sir Keir Starmer should use his deputy Angela Rayner more effectively because she is popular with the public, Harriet Harman has said.

Sir Keir Starmer should use Angela Rayner more effectively as she is popular with public, Harriet Harman says

100% agree with everything this caller says.

James Sharp's review of Sunstruck 5/5: Sunstruck is a striking and confident debut that really stayed with me. Set between a dreamy summer in France and the sharp edge of London life, it follows an unnamed mixed-race man from Manchest...

A compelling debut exploring race, class and privilege through a sun-drenched, unsettling lens. Stylish, sharp and full of tension. Read my review on Goodreads. #MyReads2025
www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

Describing a change in approach as a ‘U-turn’ is an oversimplification. In reality, listening, reflecting, and adapting course in response to new evidence or feedback is a hallmark of effective leadership.

Open, Heaven Set in the English countryside, Open, Heaven unfolds o…

Open, Heaven is a tender queer coming-of-age novel about first love, identity and loneliness. Hewitt’s writing is lyrical and honest. The ache for connection really resonated with me—quiet, beautiful, and deeply human. www.goodreads.com/book/show/22...

Hello Cymru. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

James Sharp's review of A Fatal Crossing 3/5: A Fatal Crossing by Tom Hindle is a gripping, easy-to-read cosy murder mystery set aboard a 1920s ocean liner. With clever plotting and mounting suspense, the story truly comes alive in the secon...

A Fatal Crossing by Tom Hindle is a gripping, easy-to-read cosy murder mystery set aboard a 1920s ocean liner. With clever plotting and mounting suspense, the story truly comes alive in the second half. The ending is brilliantly twisty and unexpected. www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

James Sharp's review of Shuggie Bain 5/5: Shuggie Bain is a raw and beautifully written portrait of love, resilience and identity in 1980s Glasgow. What resonated most with me was the deeply affecting relationship between Shuggie and his...

Shuggie Bain is a powerful story of love, addiction, identity and survival. Set in 1980s Glasgow, it follows a boy’s devotion to his mother amid poverty, abuse and brutal homophobia. An extraordinary book that will make you cry. www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

Tales from the Café (Before the Coffee Gets Cold, #2) In a small back alley in Tokyo, there is a café which h…

My second visit to the café—once again, pure, gentle escapism brewed to perfection. www.goodreads.com/book/show/54... #MyReads2025

James Sharp's review of A Case of Mice and Murder (The Trials of Gabriel Ward, #1) 5/5: Sally Smith’s A Case of Mice and Murder is a charmingly crafted cosy mystery that delivers all the classic ingredients of the genre with intelligence and heart. The plot is tightly woven and sati...

This book is an excellent example of the cosy mystery done right well-constructed, quietly gripping and just a little bit quirky. Full review here 👉🏼 www.goodreads.com/review/show/... #MyReads2025

Front cover of Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman. The cover is blue with the title in large yellow handwriting-style font. It features an image of two young men leaning against each other, looking upwards against a clear blue sky. A quote from Colm Tóibín appears below the author’s name.

Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman is a thoughtful novel about first love and identity. Poetic and descriptive, it explores complex emotions with tender insight and vivid atmosphere. #MyReads2025

The image shows a hardcover copy of "Intermezzo" by Sally Rooney. The book cover features a striking blue and black design with "SALLY ROONEY" prominently displayed in large blue letters at the top. Below that is an artistic illustration showing a small figure of a man in a suit standing between what look like curtains or drapes, with a fallen chess piece (appears to be a white king or queen) visible to the side. The title "INTERMEZZO" is printed in large black letters at the bottom of the cover. At the very top of the cover, there's a line that reads "AUTHOR OF NORMAL PEOPLE" and the Faber & Faber publisher logo.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

I wasn't sure about Intermezzo—my first Rooney—but was completely absorbed. Two brothers navigate loss and love with raw honesty. Ivan's quiet depth surprised me. Peter's fragmented style perfectly mirrors his grief. Subtle, messy, human. I adored it. #My2025reads​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Today we unveil our 2025 conference: "Can You Be Trusted?"
This isn't just an event - it's our profession's response to the misinformation crisis threatening communications integrity.
Secure your place now: www.cipr.co.uk/CIPR/Events/...
#LaunchDay #CommunicationsTrust #PRConference #MustAttend

Book cover of Dancer from the Dance by Andrew Holleran. The image features two men at a pool: one is seated at the edge with his back to the camera, and the other is diving in, legs mid-air. A red towel lies nearby. The title is in stylised silver-grey text, with a quote below: “Beautiful, hilarious, heartbreaking and tender” — Andrew McMillan.

Dancer from the Dance by Andrew Holleran is a lyrical, haunting portrait of queer life in 1970s New York. I went back and forth between absolutely loving this and simply admiring it while my mind wandered. #MyReads2025

Why do some people object to EDI in the workplace? Since the local elections this week we have seen more unjust attacks on workplace equity, diversity and inclusion - with much of the opposition stemming from misunderstanding.

Since the local elections this week we have seen more unjust attacks on workplace equity, diversity and inclusion - with much of the opposition stemming from misunderstanding. Read more of my views here: open.substack.com/pub/mrjamess...

Why email still matters: making it work in public sector communications

📧 Email isn’t dead - it’s thriving in publi! My new @cipr.co.uk Influence article reveals how our NHS team achieved 44.72% open rates with a subscriber-led approach, despite a 65% smaller team. See the data and practical strategies that made it work. influenceonline.co.uk/2025/05/02/w...

We'll Meet Again (feat. Cynthia Erivo) by Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra on Apple Music Song · 2025 · Duration 4:14

I need an entire album of Cynthia Erivo singing jazz blues - her voice is like velvet poured in sound. music.apple.com/gb/album/wel...

Book cover of 'The Scapegoat: The Brilliant Brief Life of the Duke of Buckingham' by Lucy Hughes-Hallett. The cover features a historical portrait showing part of George Villers (the Duke) face. The title appears in light blue text at the top, with the author's name in white at the bottom. There are also review quotes from Olivia Laing calling it 'Epic' and Colm Tóibín calling it 'Brilliant' at the top of the cover. The book notes that Hughes-Hallett is the author of the Baillie Gifford Prize-winner 'The Pike'

A detailed and interesting read, though quite long. Offers real insight into the rise of George Villiers - the Duke of Buckingham - during the early Jacobean period and his close and intimate relationship with King James I. Worth a read. #MyReads2025

Navigating trans+ inclusivity in PR and communications

A good time to reshare my blog on navigating trans inclusivity in PR and communications. influenceonline.co.uk/2023/11/15/n...

I cannot fathom why energy is being directed towards attacking LGBT+ people’s basic right to exist openly when our world faces urgent crises demanding collective attention. Just this week, I’ve read about UK libraries face growing calls to remove LGBT+ books from schools, whilst the UK Supreme Court has issued rulings that effectively erase transgender women’s recognition. These manufactured conflicts are taking progress back years. The LGBT+ community will continue to fight against this regression, but allies need to step up and provide meaningful support too. People must use their moral compass to recognise the harm being caused by these attacks. Meanwhile, truly critical issues—climate change, economic inequality, global conflicts—remain inadequately addressed. Our focus and resources should prioritise solving real problems, not creating new ones by marginalising fellow humans.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

There is no LGB without the T. We stand with you. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Paperback copy of the novel “Close to Home” by Michael Magee resting on a black background. The book cover features two young men looking down against a cloudy sky, with praise quotes from The Guardian, The Sunday Times, and The Irish Times. A Nero Book Awards 2023 winner sticker is also visible.

Close to Home by Michael Magee is a moving portrait of post-Troubles Belfast. With lyrical prose, it explores masculinity, class, addiction, and a generation’s uncertain future. A raw, powerful debut that lingers long after reading. #My2025reads #BookSky

I should have also said that you don’t have to be from East Anglia to join this event. Our webinars are virtual and open to all all PR pros across the UK and internationally.

#wevemadeadifference | James Sharp Chart.PR MCIPR In light of recent news affecting our profession, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate the extraordinary work of fellow communications professionals across the NHS. While sadly it wasn't a shock...

In light of recent news, I want to celebrate the incredible work of NHS communications professionals. While it wasn’t a surprise to see our roles singled out, it was still a gut punch for those of us dedicated to this vital work. Read my thoughts here: www.linkedin.com/posts/jsharp...

A copy of Yellowface by Rebecca F. Kuang lies on a bed of multicoloured pebbles. The book cover is gold with stylised black and white eyes near the top. A circular sticker on the cover reads “Book of the Year, British Book Awards, Fiction Winner.” The book’s edges appear slightly worn.

Yellowface by Rebecca F. Kuang is a page-turning romp that tackles cultural appropriation, cancel culture, and the dark side of publishing. Sharp, provocative, and unsettling, it keeps you hooked while confronting uncomfortable truths. A gripping, thought-provoking read. #MyReads2025

In today’s data-driven world, PR pros face mounting pressure to prove our worth. That’s why I’m proud @cipreastanglia.bsky.social is hosting Richard Bagnall for a PR measurement masterclass.
Moving beyond vanity metrics is essential for our industry’s future credibility.

#PRMeasurement #AMEC

A copy of Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin, part of the Penguin Modern Classics series, placed on a dark wooden surface. The cover features a red silhouette of a man in profile, with smaller beige figures of a man in a suit and a pair of crossed legs wearing high heels, set against a black background.

Giovanni’s Room is a poignant novel about love, identity, and self-acceptance. Through David’s struggle with desire and shame, Baldwin explores the pain of self-rejection and societal judgment. A beautifully written, timeless story on love and identity, it remains deeply relevant today #MyReads2025