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In fiction, Rebecca has found a little jewel for those who enjoy historical fiction. [[Three-Martini Lunch by Suzanne Rindell ]] is a follow-up to 2013's ''The Other Typist''. The 1950s publishing milieu takes centre stage and as three young people collide over a debated manuscript, Rindell expertly evokes New York City's Beat culture and the post-war paranoia over communism and homosexuality. This classy, well-plotted follow-up will win Rindell even more fans and tide us all over until the film version of ''The Other Typist'' – produced by and starring Keira Knightley – appears.
In non-fiction, Luke enthused about [[Paralian: Not Just Transgender byLiam by Liam Klenk ]]. Paralian is an Ancient Greek word, meaning one who lives by the sea. Here, we follow the author's journey through life, narrated by his relationship to water – the river he grew up near, the oceans he crosses, and the water that later becomes his place of work. Uplifting, enlightening and ever engaging, this is a life story filled with dramatic events and major life changes. Well written, with a relatable tone and easy flowing prose, what really shines through is the author's attitude to life. No true life sob story here – this book follows a fascinating journey through life, gently educates on the subject of gender dysphoria, and, above all else, the author's attitude and nature shine throughout, making it a hopeful and mood enhancing read.
For YA readers, Jill was blown away by [[Whisper to Me by Nick Lake ]]. Cassie lives with her father in a New Jersey beach town. Dad spends most of his time closeted away with his insect collection. He's an ex-Navy SEAL who suffers from PTSD and its concomitant anger issues. Frankly, Cassie finds him best avoided. Cassie herself is doing ok, despite a recent tragedy. Until, that is, she finds a dismembered foot on the beach, thought to be from a victim of a serial killer stalking the locality. A murder mystery, love story and exploration of mental ill health combined, this is a heady, addictive, paralysing read. Wonderful, wonderful stuff from Nick Lake, one of YA's most powerful voices.
We've been interviewing authors for you again this month and there have been some interesting Q&As.
Sue absolutely refused to be separated from [[Inside of Me by Hazel McHaffie|Inside of Me]] until she found out what happened to anorexic India and her mother. She had quite a few questions for author Hazel McHaffie when she [[The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Hazel McHaffie|popped into]] Bookbag Towers. After she read [[Smart by Joel Mentmore|Smart]] Ani realised that she would never be completely comfotable comfortable with her mobile phone again. She had a lot to ask author Joel Mentmore when he [[The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Joel Mentmore|called in]] to see us. Jill thought that [[Cold Calling by Russell Mardell|Cold Calling]] was unexpectedly delightful and above all, very, very human.Her [[The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Russell Mardell|conversation]] with author Russell Mardell was very enlightening.
'''Reviewers'''
'''''All at Bookbag Towers'''''
See what we were reading [[May 2015 Newsletter|last year]].
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[[Category:Newsletters|* 2016 05]]