Staff Picks: The Books We’re Excited About This Month

Staff Picks: The Books We’re Excited About This Month

Jessica Horton, Marketing Assistant

I’m dying to get my hands on The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward. I’m a sucker for generational dramas in novels, and I hold a special place in my heart for the deep south (might be because Dad was born in Texas!)

The Beast’s Garden by Kate Forsyth is already on my pile, because even though I don’t usually read wartime stories, Beauty and the Beast is a favourite of mine, both Grimm and Disney. The danger and intrigue is just an added bonus.

Cheryl Akle, Better Reading Director

I can’t wait to read the new Michael Robotham, Close Your Eyes. I love his writing and his last book was fantastic. With some crime writers, I think their books can get worse, but his books just get better and better. I particularly like his writing style; it’s almost literary. The other thing I like about Michael Robotham is how he is such a supporter of authors and writing in general, recognising new talent and showing his support for debut authors.

Liz Durnan, Website Editor

Having read and loved Paula McLain’s fictional story of Hemingway’s first wife, Hadley, in The Paris Wife, I’ll definitely be reading Circling the Sun, another fictional story about a real historical female. This time McLain turns her attention to Africa and Beryl Markham who becomes involved in a complex love triangle with the writer Karen Blixen and big game-hunter Denys Finch Hatton (immortalised in Blixen’s memoir Out of Africa). I’m guessing McLain has a thing about love triangles and big game hunters.

I’ll also be reading Jason Hewitt’s Devastation Roada book set at the end of World War 2 about a man trying to get home – it’s been compared to the novels of Sebastian Faulks and Pat Barker.

I love books about books too so The Book of Speculation by Erika Swyler is one I’ve already started. It’s about a young librarian living alone who receives a mysterious book from an antiquarian bookseller. He has to somehow unlock the mysteries of the book…

Todd Alexander, Social Media Manager

My pick is a bit out there, Us Conductorsa novel about love, music, the theremin, Russia and New York… from the renowned music blogger Sean Michaels – what’s not to like?!

Karen Collier, Art Director 

The only gift that the Dalai Lama asked for on his 80th birthday, is that human beings act with more compassion. Written by the Dalai Lama’s longtime friend Daniel Goleman, the bestselling author of Emotional IntelligenceA Force for Good is a timely read to coincide with the Dalai Lama’s birthday. As the inspiring world leader is being honoured worldwide, Goleman illuminates his voice of reason, which argues that ultimately, the extent of human suffering could be alleviated with a little more compassionate moral responsibility.

Liz Bray, Children’s Specialist

I’m keen to read The World Without Us by Mireille Juchau – so many people have said heartfelt, wonderful things about it and I am fascinated by bees and the plight of bees in our world. Another August book I’m interested in is Salt Creek by Lucy Treloar.

Compiled by The Team at Better Reading

What are you reading this month? Let us know in the Comments.

Like this list? Please share using the social media icons below.

Stay up-to-date with all the latest book-related news by subscribing here.

COMMENTS

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *