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.

Bronte Coates has been dipping in and out of The Most of Nora Ephron

Last weekend I read Helen Macdonald’s memoir H is for Hawk, which was wonderful and moving. I never thought a goshawk playing with paper would make me burst into tears (this statement basically sums up the entire joy of reading books for me). I then read Gerbrand Bakker’s The Detour. A recommendation from a trusted reader along with this terrific and strange review of this novel is what inspired my pick and the novel is – as promised – bleak, thought-provoking and extremely well-crafted.

But after reading two (very different) stories about depressed women reflecting in nature on things like grief, identity and the flesh, Nora Ephron was a welcome companion on my bedside table. I’ve had a lot of fun dipping in and out of this collection of her work this week which, now I think about it, is still a woman reflecting on things like grief, identity and the flesh…

Marie Matteson is reading The Secret History of Wonder Woman by Jill Lepore

Over the last couple of weeks I’ve been delving into the secret history of Wonder Woman. Jill Lepore’s social history by way of a biography of Wonder Woman and her creators is a fascinating journey through the battlefield of American popular culture and feminism.

Wonder Woman as feminist icon is well established but the world of her creators, the Marston family, William and his wife Sadie and their partner Olive, is a revelation. Duality lies at the heart of this fascinating book. Lepore explores the many deceptions and obfuscations Wonder Woman’s’ creators employed in an effort to fight for women’s rights and the protection of their own secret identities much as their creation fought for the same things comic strip to comic strip.

A truly unexpected secret history.

Cat Matteson is listening to St Vincent by St Vincent

2014’s self-titled release from St Vincent is a perfect record. That’s not to say it’s flawless, but somehow the musical missed steps fall in line with the heavy stride of insanely addictive tracks such as ‘Rattlesnake’, ‘Birth In Reverse’ and ‘Bring Me Your Loves’. Full of jagged edges and reserved lulls, St Vincent is easily one of the most ambitious, and (un)successful releases of the year.

Tate Jerrems is reading The Encyclopedia of Flowers: Flower Works by Makoto Azuma Kyoko Wada

This was one of those moments when something catches the eye in a shop window, there is a double take, a pause, and a re-tracking of one’s steps. A perusal of the stunning photography in this book stayed with me for another 24 hours, and the next day I just had to go back and buy it.

The Encyclopedia of Flowers is simply beautiful. My partner and I are about to open a florist and healing centre, and this is exactly the kind of inspiration we need for all things natural and creative. Makoto Azuma is a genius of the craft, the photography by Shunsuke Shiinoki is absolutely breathtaking, and this book demonstrates that natural beauty truly does have the power to change lives.

Ed. note: You can find more information about Tate’s soon-to-be-opened-and-we’re-all-very-excited florist and healing centre