Friday Book Debrief Vol 21
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. - ❤️
Possession by A.S. Byatt - Victoria
This is, like, an intellectual romance novel? It's about two academics in England researching 19th century poets. I knew nothing going in, but so far I've been delighted.
Buy it here.
All You Can Ever Know by Nicole Chung - Marian
I’m about halfway through this poignant memoir illuminating Chung’s experiences as a transracial adoptee. The beautiful storytelling captures honesty and vulnerability. I am a fan!
Buy it here.
Treeborne by Caleb Johnson - Nikki
A family drama set in the heart of Alabama, Treeborne is giving me all sorts of American South vibes that my Tennessee upbringing feels veeeery nostalgic for at the moment. I'm only about 50 pages in, but I'm already really impressed by Johnson's ability to coax out rich, distinctive voices with dialogue and dialect.
Buy it here.
The Little Friend by Donna Tartt - Courtney
My last Donna Tartt book to read (in current existence). It is vastly different from The Secret History & The Goldfinch, but I’m not hating it. What remains consistent is Tartt’s ability to create characters you hate to love; oh Harriet you divine little shit!
Buy it here.
The Babysitters Coven by Kate Williams - Mel
Like the name implies, it is a sort of adaptation of The Babysitters Club, with magic. Very cool so far.
Buy it here.
Crumb by Ruby Tandoh - Christina
I grew up with my mother reading her Betty Crocker cookbooks all cosied up in bed, so I’ll count this as what I’m reading this week. Every baked good Ruby presents in this magnificent book seems familiar yet exotic, like a fabulous flight attendant aunt who brings you fancy gifts from abroad. Between the actual recipes, the mouthwatering photography and troubleshooting, there’s even the odd Roald Dahl or Sylvia Plath excerpt.
Buy it here.
The Yellow House by Sarah Broom - Maggie
Obama read this book with army pants and flip flops, so I am reading this book with army pants and flip flops. But really, it’s a book on the authors family in New Orleans, bringing visibility to her family and her neighbors who are often left out of every conversation.
Buy it here.
This Beautiful Life by Helen Schulman - Melissa
My concentration has been really bad throughout quarantine. The speed at which I'm reading has slowed way down; my interest is more difficult to pique. But upon opening This Beautiful Life, I was instantly pulled in. I think this one is going to stick!
Buy it here.
Anna K by Jenny Lee - Jessica Maria
Just started this teenage, contemporary NYC remake of Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina. It’s sugary and bright and I think just what I need at the moment. Though if it stays true to the classic that brightness should fade pretty quickly.
Buy it here.