Sep 11, 20203 min read

Friday Book Debrief Vol 40

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. - ❤️

The Human Fly and Other Stories by T.C. Boyle - Nikki

It's been a minute since I've read a short story collection, and this one by T.C. Boyle has been a fun, colourful reentry to the genre. These stories are bold and plot-centric, packed with playful language and a mastery of prose that's a joy to read. Makes me super excited to read his novel The Terranauts, which I've had on my shelf for a couple of years now!

Buy it here.

Every Note Played by Lisa Genova - Melissa

I've been a fan of Lisa Genova since I read Still Alice, and I'm fascinated with her talent for writing fiction based around the human mind. In this particular story, main character Richard is an accomplished concert pianist who can never play again after an ALS diagnosis. The plot is heartbreaking for a number of reasons, and each character is interesting in their own way. It's great so far!

Buy it here.

Nothing is Wrong and Here is Why by Alexandra Petri - Mel

A book full of barely believable parodies of Trump and his cronies (barely believable because the reality is already bordering on surreal) this is a must-read for anyone in need of some comic relief.

Buy it here.

A Children's Bible by Lydia Millet - Victoria

This has the same extremely readable & extremely clever feeling to it as Jenny Offill or Miriam Toewes. I loved it.

Buy it here.

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron - Alexandra

Today I am going to start reading The Artist's Way since I have felt more down and not very creative. So I want to go back to my old self, full of energy and willing to write, and I think that help in the form of a book is the best way to find myself.

Buy it here.

Sorrow & Bliss by Meg Mason - Courtney

This book is wonderfully insightful into the realities of living and coping with mental health, knowing something is wrong but not being able to pinpoint it exactly. It jumps from present day back to our main character Martha’s childhood, giving us a broad idea of the spectrum of her struggle. As the title suggests there are moments of deep sadness and blissful hilarity. I’m really enjoying what I’ve read so far and cannot wait to delve further into Martha’s life!

Releasing in 2021.

Come by Rita Therese - Courtney

An extremely insightful memoir of Australian sex worker, Rita Therese. This book is so gripping at every turn. I have been listening to it on audiobook so it feels podcast-ish and I just could not stop. I have an enormous amount if respect for sex workers but Come adds an entirely new layer I had never considered before. We’ve all thought, fuck it I’ll be a stripper, but since listening I think I’ll leave that one to the professionals.

Daddy by Emma Cline - Jessica Maria

Emma Cline dazzled me with The Girls and I was prepared to be unimpressed with her short stories, but damn if they aren’t just as shiny and even more honed in on the details of human existence—namely the nature of men, generational divides, California—than her debut. Delicious collection halfway through. Also, I love a thinly veiled Tobey Maguire burn.

Buy it here.