Long weekends in winter are meant for one thing: snuggling up on the couch with a good book and cup of tea, or, on second thought, going to the Hunter Valley to drink wines by the fire.
If you’re planning for the former, there’s just one thing you need – and we’ve done the research for you.
Below, the best books we’ve read recently.
1. The Vanity Fair Diaries by Tina Brown
When you engulf a book in one and a half sittings, you know it’s good. Tina Brown, the editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair from 1984-1992, keep a diary of her time at the magazine and, as you’d expect, it’s full of industry politics, celebrity inside knowledge and a whole lot of career tips.
2. The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer
This new offering from Meg Wolitzer, author of the New York Times-bestselling 2013 novel The Interestings, has been described as a novel which expresses “the yearning that lives in all of us: to be seen, to be admired, to be whatever we imagine as the best version of ourselves.” It follows shy college freshman Greer as she meets a feminist icon and, in becoming her protégé, begins to leave behind the life she once imagined for herself.
3. Feel Free: Essays by Zadie Smith
In Zadie Smith’s second collection of essays, she explores everything from politics to social media to Jay Z, all in the conversational, approachable tone that has made her work so loved. This book has fast become an office favourite.
4. Tangerine by Christine Mangan
Fans of The Talented Mr. Ripley will love this face-paced thriller, which is focused on two women, their close friendship, and the accident that changed them forever. It’s already set for a film adaption by George Clooney’s production company with Scarlett Johansson set as the lead.
5. Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler
Sweetbitter was one of the most talked about books of last year – and for good reason. Following a young woman who moves to New York City to work at a restaurant, this novel is one of those strange reads which grips you so strongly, though it’s hard to explain why. Danler’s beautiful writing certainly helps matters, though. It’s also just been released as a series on Stan, produced by Brad Pitt.
6. The Museum of Modern Love by Heather Rose
Described as a “dazzlingly original novel which asks beguiling questions about the nature of art, life and love and finds a way to answer them,” the Museum of Modern Love was the Winner of the 2017 Stella Prize, so clearly, a no-brainer for your must-read list.
7. Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race – Reni Eddo-Lodge
When you think of slavery and racism, the US is generally the first place that pops to mind. After all, all the heroic stories we’ve heard (Rosa Parks etc) and all the movies we’re seen (12 Years a Slave etc), tell the story of America’s history. This book is a harrowing eye-opener into race relations in Britain and reminds us that there’s still a lot of work to be done. Emma Watson also put it on her book club list, so you know it’s good.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
