What we're reading: Bechdel, Kuang & James
Each week we bring you a sample of the books we’re reading, the films we’re watching, the television shows we’re hooked on, or the music we’re loving.
Chris Gordon is reading The Secret to Superhuman Strength by Alison Bechdel
If you meet Bernard Caleo at Readings Carlton and receive a graphic novel recommendation from him, take it. His knowledge of this genre is tremendous. Last week he put Alison Bechdel’s latest novel, The Secret to Superhuman Strength in my hands. Since then, I’ve been on quite a journey. First of all, its important to know, that I trust Alison – I applaud her moral compass, her self-effacing humour and her generous ability to convey vulnerability and courage with one stroke of her pen.
The book covers Alison – and America’s – passage of physical activities; the quest of fitness, the cult of movement and the crux of it all. And here lies my own tour. Reading this book has made me refer back to Jack Kerouac’s On the Road, consider the poet S. T. Coleridge for the first time in my life (I know, terrible) and marvel at Suzuki’s Zen philosophy. This graphic novel has all this extra wonderful information tied up with explanations of physical sports, family times and romance. It is a slice of American life, but is also an exposé on Alison’s inner turmoil; that being to strive to be good and whole. And honest. Bechdel’s The Secret to Superhuman Strength is an extraordinary novel, suited for all those in pursuit of such things. And if that’s not you, then I know Bernard Caleo can steer you in another direction within the grace of graphic novels.
Aurelia Orr is reading Yellowface by Rebecca F Kuang
I'm only about 100 pages in but my God, I am loving it! The sheer audacity of the protagonist as she steals her deceased friend's book and credits it as her own has me gasping and my jaw aching from opening in shock so many times.
Yellowface is a masterful story exploring the inner machinations and politics in the publishing industry, the jealousy of watching someone succeed more than you in life, and learning how far you would go to get what you want – even if that means becoming the worst version of yourself.
Lucie Dess is reading Completely Normal (and Other Lies) by Biffy James
Have you ever read a book where you just feel completely seen? For me that book is Completely Normal (and Other Lies). I read it in one night, only putting it down to get some tissues. Cause when I tell you I cried, I actually SOBBED. One of those whole body shaking, can’t control it, sobbing moments.
Stella is apathetic (yes, she had to Google what that word meant). Her Dad just up and left the family and moved to Hong Kong with his new, pregnant girlfriend and her mum is insisting she needs therapy. But then there’s Isaac, and suddenly Stella isn’t feeling so apathetic.
Biffy James has truly captured the struggles of mental health as a teenager and this book needs to be put into the hands of every high schooler.
