May 30, 20203 min read

Friday Book Debrief Vol 26

Every week we’re sharing what our some of our writers are currently reading.

For all of our US readers, we now have our own Bookshop! You can find the full list of the below books here and with every purchase you will be helping local independent bookstores! If you do not live in the US please support your local independent stores, lots are now doing local deliveries and they need your help more then ever in these uncertain times. - ❤️

Doxology by Nell Zink - Mel

After indulging in a lot of light fiction, I’m diving into this cerebral romp through NYC in the early 1990s. It easily drew me in as the city acts like the fourth friend in the young group of three trying to make some cool art and music.

Buy it here.

Life with Picasso by Françoise Gilot and Carlton Lake - Victoria

This, to me, is a perfect memoir. It takes you inside a world you couldn't imagine access to: 1943 Paris, Picasso at his least edited, in a studio that hosts Simone de Beauvoir, Hemingway, Gertrude Stein.

Buy it here.

The Mothers by Brit Bennett - Akilah

Reading Bennett's debut in anticipation of her new release The Vanishing Half from Riverhead Books in June. It seemed as if everyone loved this debut and that can make me worry—that the book won't meet the high expectations set. But I'm 23% in and more than halfway in love with it.

Buy it here.

Hurricane Season by Fernanda Melchor, translated by Sophie Hughes - Cat

I followed along as other readers (including The Book Slut's own Jessica Maria!) were making their way through this strange, compelling novel, and had a feeling it would be right up my alley. Told in pages-long paragraphs, this dark murder mystery explores small-town superstition, prejudice, poverty and ambition in fresh, inventive (and often violent) ways. I feel like I have to take a deep breath of air each time I dive into its pages because the writing and story are so immersive.

Buy it here.

The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa, translated by Stephen Snyder - Marian

Imagine a world where the state controls your memories of even the most mundane object as a hair ribbon or a bottle of perfume. This is s fascist state created by Ogawa where memory police ensure that the legacy of this country is controlled. Eerie parallels with how our country tries to spin the news daily and also reminiscent of Orwell’s 1984.

Buy it here.

Incendiary by Zoraida Cordova - Courtney

A fantasy novel based loosely on 15th century Spain where Renata is one of the last hopes of saving the existence of the magical Moria from the royal authority who aim to destroy them completely. There are a lot of things I enjoy about this book, and typically, for me, there are a few stereotypical annoying YA things I don’t like. But for once I’ve decided to focus on the things I see as strengths & I can safely say I’m itching to know the end!

Buy it here.

The Sober Lush by Amanda Eyre Ward and Jardine Libaire - Jessica Maria

I'm not sober, nor do I buy into anything that resembles 'self-help' books, but Ward and Libaire's structure of this open and generous book about living decadently and alcohol-free is wonderful already. Full of stories from the two writers, it's definitely making me think of my lifestyle, and how maybe I could try to still be indulgent without having to resort to hangovers.

Pre-order it here.

My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite - PL

Finally getting around to this, I have been saving it to consume in one go. Book Club is the perfect excuse to sit in the sunshine and do nothing but drink and read uninterrupted for a few hours. True bliss!

Buy it here.