What we're reading: Nelika McDonald, Stan Lee and Hanya Yanagihara

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.


Fiona Hardy is reading Amazing Fantastic Incredible: A Marvelous Memoir by Stan Lee, Peter David and Colleen Doran

I’m a huge fan of graphic novels and superhero movies, but not such a fan of superhero comics - though of course I totally adore Stan Lee, one of the forefathers of Marvel and the first real rush of success in comics.

This is an autobiographical comic with all the kaboom-pow-zam of a superhero comic, with Stan’s enormous personality jumping off each page (or literally trying to). Even office scenes from fifty years ago are exciting and enjoyable to look at; his team of writers and artists are as strong as someone of his standing could command. It’s occasionally cheesy and light, but with moments of pathos; he’s also kind to those he’s fallen out with along the way and somewhat aware of his own flaws. It’s exactly how the title is: an explosive rainbow of a life, and Stan remains someone whose influence has changed the landscape of literature and film as we know it.


Chris Gordon is reading A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

Work and family commitments keep getting in the way of my new love. A Little Life is a mind-blowing story of four friends, centering on Jude as the lead. The group are establishing themselves in their chosen careers, all rocking their own boat despite being at sea together. The writing is precise and detailed. In some ways it reminds me of Ferrante’s writing. There are the passages of denial, of hope and of the complications from friendship where loyalty is tested, and not unconditional.

Ferrante lovers: here is your new direction. I’m only half way through this epic novel, so weekend plans have been shifted, the dinner dates postponed. Right now, I’m all in.


Leanne Hall is reading The Vale Girl by Nelika McDonald

I can’t say enough good things about this amazing Australian debut novel from a few years ago. All the secrets in the small country town of Banville slowly come to the surface when Sarah Vale, daughter of the town sex worker, goes missing. The reader travels from house to house, inside the police station, the town hall, the gossipy front porches and down to the creek, in search of the truth.

Sarah and Tommy, two teenage friends, provide the heart of the novel. They are both responsible and mature before their times, to fill the gap left by neglectful parenting. Things aren’t pretty in Banville – small-mindedness, adultery, hatred, violence and misogyny are barely below the surface, yet the multiple perspective narrative provides a gentle and understanding view of complicated lives.

Is it young adult fiction, or is it crime fiction? I’m not sure, and I don’t really care. The Vale Girl was immersive, claustrophobic, beautifully written, and made my heart hurt in a very enjoyable way.


Angela Crocombe is reading George by Alex Gino

This new middle fiction novel about a ten year old boy who identifies as a girl was an absolute delight to read. George is just your average ten-year-old coping with some school bullies and really wants to be Charlotte in the school play of Charlotte’s Web. But deep down George has a secret that she really wants to tell the world and the character of Charlotte becomes the catalyst for her coming out.

The characters feel so authentic, and the author has such sympathy for each and every one of them that I felt fully invested in George’s story and wanted the best for her. This is not only a great school story but also an important book about the complexities of gender that is suitable for anyone aged nine upwards. I loved it.

Cover image for A Little Life

A Little Life

Hanya Yanagihara

In stock at 8 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 8 shops