Friday Book Debrief Vol 56

HELLO HELLO Friday is here and that means you get to read another Friday debrief!

You know the drill, every week some of our glorious writers let us know what they have been reading this week. As always the full list is also available for easy browsing in our US and UK Bookshops! If you buy any of the books in our shops, not only are you actively supporting us and our work but you are also supporting independent bookstores with 10% of your purchase going directly to them at no extra cost to yourself, and all carbon emissions are offset! Good vibes all round. Now enough chat, big love and here is this week's debrief!

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The Startup Wife by Tahmima Anam - Cecilia

As someone who also works for a tech startup, I feel very seen by many of the scenes in this novel.

Buy it from our Bookshops - US & UK.

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Mona at Sea by Elizabeth Gonzalez James - Karen

Millennials, we did everything we were supposed to do, and the promised road was not to be found at the end of it. What do we do now? Who are we? This and many questions are ones that Mona ponders in this witty, sharp, and exasperating novel. Don't get me wrong, I'm only exasperated because of the relatability of this book. I'm constantly finding myself asking, "why, Mona, why?" because I am constantly asking myself the same questions. Mona is lost after graduating college, the road ahead was paved for her but then suddenly everything is snatched away in a world full of financial insecurity and unknowns. I think many of us will sadly be able to relate. Check this book out. I'm about 80% done and recommend it.

Buy it from our Bookshops - US & UK.

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The End of Men by Christina Sweeney-Baird - Melissa

One of my Twitter friends who shelves books at a library saw this book and messaged me right away because it made her think of me!! It's about a deadly pandemic that only affects men... and, basically, women are the only hope to save the population. Very excited to see where this takes me!

Buy it from our Bookshops - US & UK.

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American Royals II: Majesty by Katherine McGee - Lucy

I read the first American Royals sometime last year and had no idea there was a sequel. I was so keen when I found out! I'm only a few chapters in, but loving it so far.

Buy it from our Bookshops - US & UK.

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The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green - Mel

Listening to John Green narrate his opinions on various aspects of our world, both good and bad, has been surprisingly pleasant, even soothing. He goes into his own mental health history, the death of a friend and fellow writer, parenthood, his pandemic related fears and more while reviewing film, art, pestilence…. this collection of reviews goes above and beyond.

Buy it from our Bookshops - US & UK.

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The Rules by Lauren H. Mae - Lauren

I am making my way through Mae’s Summer Nights series, and it’s the perfect summer read. The Rules is the second in the series with a friends-to-lovers trope, and the chemistry between the two main characters is easy and off the charts sexy!

Unavailable at our Bookshops but ask your local independent bookstore!

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Nothing But My Body by Tilly Lawless - Courtney

A stream of consciousness-esk novel told across 8 days reflecting on a long emotionally tolling year. A queer sex worker in a toxic relationship who is desperate for escape. The writing is easy but experimental. The content is grim but fierce. I love being so boldly put in shoes I am interested yet completely unfamiliar with. I just KNOW this is one to watch.

Not available for pre-order at our Bookshops - but check with local independent bookstores after its August 3rd release date!

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The Island Child by Molly Aitken - Aleesha

The debut novel from Molly Aitken, The Island Child tells the story of Oona, a woman from the Aran Islands, as she reconciles her past with her daughter's disappearance. The Island Child explores the interplay between motherhood and longing, and folklore and religion against the backdrop of the remote island of Inis and the woods at the base of the Laurentians. An enthralling and thoughtful read, The Island Child is hard to put down. At least it was for me.

Buy it from our Bookshops - US & UK.

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UNTIL NEXT FRIDAY!