Friday Book Debrief Vol 09

Every week we’re sharing what our some of our writers are currently reading. Please join in the chorus and tell us what you’ve been enjoying or slogging through in the comments!

What I Loved by Siri Hustvedt - Courtney

This book came to be in my possession as I saw rave reviews on Instagram. Nothing has been grabbing me lately but it’s safe to say after only 46 pages, I am positively intrigued.

Buy it here.

Uncanny Valley by Anna Weiner - Jessica

An easy-read memoir of a life in Silicon Valley, from the outsider perspective of a woman who made the leap from publishing to tech. Her own story is used to deliver biting, smart insights on everything from surveillance and data to labour and capitalism, as well as a series of anecdotes that make you think twice about your devices and networks, and every tap, swipe, and click.

Buy it here.

Sissy: A Coming-of-Gender Story by Jacob Tobia - Mel

Jacob is a wonderful storyteller. I’m having a hard time putting down the audiobook when I have to do other things because I’d much rather spend more time feeling nostalgic for the ‘90s and befriending Jacob’s younger self.

Buy it here.

Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang - Alexandra Mendes

This year I decided to travel the world through books and my first destination is China. I am getting to know the story of three women from different generations in 20th century China and it's been a fascinating and touching history class.

Buy it here.

A People’s Future Of The United States edited by Victor Lavalle and John Joseph Adams - MAGGIE

An anthology that includes some of my favorite writers imagining a brighter tomorrow as an act of resistance to today’s troubling times. I’m only one story in, but it takes place in a bookstore that is a safe haven as California and the United States go to war, so I’m obviously hooked.

Buy it here.

Four Souls by Louise Erdrich - Akilah

This is my first Erdrich novel and I am in awe. Less than 30% in I am convinced her name needs to prominently feature in the conversations about the so-called Greatest "American" Writers™.

Buy it here.

In The Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado - Marian

I’m listening to the audiobook and am utterly wowed. Machado is a wonderful narrator—the book’s structure, use of metaphor, and the story of her life has me floored. I’ve just placed my order for the hard copy!

Buy it here.

White Tears/Brown Scars by Ruby Hamad - Cat

I saw this author speak powerfully at an event in Melbourne in 2019; she'll be coming to my hometown to share at Adelaide Writers' Week in about a month so I thought it was about time I read her book! Spawned by an article the author wrote for the Guardian, this is a well-researched, insightful work about intersections of race, gender, and power.

Buy it here.

The Breakdown by B.A. Paris - Melissa

B.A Paris roped me in with Behind Closed Doors so I knew I had to check out some more of her work. I'm not very far into this yet, but the plot hit the ground running right on the very first page... I'm excited to see what's in store!

Buy it here.

Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadine Evaristo - Jessica Maria

Finally picking up the Booker Prize winner and I’m delighted in the structure and prose (no periods… no endings perhaps?) and the warm observations of a feminist mother, Amma, and her daughter Yazz.

Buy it here.