July 2010. It’s hot. It’s very, very hot. Too hot to handle. Like standing behind a bloody bus. There’s not much on the tube, cinema is lackluster instead of blockbuster, Toy Story 3D not withstanding. (yeah, yeah… I cried too).
But I digress….This is the annual book list. The really good flicks start making their way into our air conditioned theatres tomorrow, so, without further ado, you asked for it, you got it:
The MOAM Summer Reads List
The Children’s Book – A.S. Byatt
This is a big, meaty, sprawl of a book. It follows the lives of a famous writer and each of her children, their friends and families. Starting out in Victorian England, and finishing up at the end of the First World War, reading this baby was like watching the most exquisite period film and hoping it won’t end. This novel is brilliantly written, and not just because I am biased towards AS Byatt. I’ve loved her since Possession (which you should also read) and read everything she’s written. This one is totally accessible – and devastating. Not necessarily a beach read, but fantastic. Break out the tissues.
The Slap – Christos Tsiolkas
I was hooked from the very start. At a BBQ in Australia a man slaps a child who isn’t his. And thus it begins. After the proverbial shrimp on the barbie, the incident is seen through various eyes, intertwining stories and characters while painting a spectacular portrait of life in the Melbourne suburbs. Modern families, domestic life, identifiable characters and yet….totally sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll. I couldn’t put this one down – you won’t either. AWESOME.
The Help – Kathryn Stockett
Is there anyone out there who HASN’T read this book yet? What are you waiting for? The film? Good books almost always outclass and outlast their oft feeble adaptations (unlike the cheesy books which make for FABULOUS flicks)….Set in 1962 Mississippi, we’ve got a university graduate ahead of her time who tells the stories of, well, the segregated town’s Help: the nannies, babysitters, and maids. Compelling, brave, awesome. It’s been in softcover for months now, so no more excuses. Grab it and start. You won’t be able to put this one down.
Stieg Larsson Trilogy
What? How could I do a summer reading list without these books on it? Blockbusters to be sure – but with good reason. All of Sweden can’t be wrong, right? The rest of the world obviously agrees. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. The Girl Who Played With Fire. The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest. Potboilers. Kick-ass female lead. They are NOT flawless – the late novelist would probably have a lot to answer for, putting his magnificent Lisbeth Slander through such gruelling, violent and downright deviant experiences. His details made me a little squeamish, for both the content itself and the dichotomy of the strong female lead stacked up against such gross brutality. Did he need to go that far? Is it twisted porn in some ways? Who knows? They’re terrific reads and quick quick quick, ensuring you have lots of time to finish them before you see all the Swedish flicks (no. 2 out next week) or the American remakes. My fave was the second book. What’s yours?
One Day – David Nicholls
Full disclosure: I haven’t finished this one yet. While I was in London one of my favourite people raved about it, foisted it upon me, and promised I’d love it. I saved it for the plane, but then got all caught up in the third and final Larsson book. Meanwhile, my man scooped me, read it in a matter of days while I read magazines, waiting. He loved it too. And suddenly – this book is everywhere. Or at least seems to be (Helloooooo EW). It’s about two people who meet on the night of their college graduation. We follow their lives, chapter after chapter, each one depicting the same day, but one year later. I couldn’t wait. I wanted to love it, live it, breathe it. And…. I didn’t like it. The characters bored me. They felt cliched and earnest, annoying and indulgent (especially The Girl). AT FIRST. And then, last night, Emma and Dex (said characters) turned 30. And I turned into a fan. A huge fan. Total 360. Gripped?! I am gripped.
Gotta go. Must finish my book.
ENJOY!!
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