book club - chapter one
having fun isn't hard when you have a library card!
I recently renewed my library card and with it, unearthed my childlike infatuation with reading. As a child, my mum would take my sister and me to the town’s library for the summer reading challenge. In my mind’s eye, the small corner of children’s novels in the dimly lit library (now the local indie cinema) was a treasure trove waiting for me to smuggle home.
15 years and 1 English literature degree later, I’ve found myself indifferent to reading.
It had largely become a chore—a skill I’d honed and have since used to skim press releases or wade through dense academic essays for university research. The last thing I wanted to do after a day of work was sit down and read more. Luckily this changed while on my travel sabbatical. The extra brain room and hours of wifi-less coach journeys allowed me to lose myself in novels the way I did as a child.
So this summer with little else to do; I’ve rejoined my hometown library.
Here’s what I’ve been enjoying:
The Song of Achilles - Madeline Miller (2011)
After visiting Greece last year, I’ve become fascinated by ancient Greek history. Somehow I’d managed to get through 25 years without properly studying or learning about it, so when I saw this highlighted for Pride month in my library I grabbed it. As suggested, this novel follows the tale of the titular character narrated by Patroclus after being banished from his home kingdom. The couple falls in love but is then faced with a war in which prophecy states will claim Achilles’ life while making him a legendary fighter.
Queer Beyond London - Matt Cook & Alison Oram (2022)
My Queer identity has been heavily linked to London. It was there that I had my first queer relationship, went on dates, and lived life as an openly queer woman. Growing up in Devon I always had boyfriends — so moving back here as an adult woman, single once again, I feel disjointed from that part of my identity. This unease is exactly what’s drawn me to this non-fiction work by Cook & Oram. They primarily explore four cities, Leeds, Manchester, Brighton & Plymouth. While interesting, I’ve never been more north than Derby so the former two destinations mean little to me. But queerness and Plymouth? Now those are two words I’ve never encountered together.
I’m a Fan - Sheena Patel (2022)
Two words. Decenter men. This short, snappy novel drew me in and spat me out. Exploring obsession, parasocial relationships, race, class and frankly, the power that men have: Patel’s short had me glued to its pages. It’s not a comfy read but it’s brutally honest.
Martyr! - Kaveh Akbar (2024)
Follows the life of Cyrus Shams: An orphaned, recovering addict and alcoholic navigating his twenties and grappling with his existential purpose in the wake of his mother’s death when he was just a baby.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow - Gabrielle Zevin (2022)
My favourite books are A Little Life, White Teeth and The Secret History. By which I mean, long, a bit dark, and with developed characters that I become so familiar with, I mourn them once the novel returns to the shelf. Naturally, Tomorrow has already earned its top ranking. Following the lives of two game designers, this story is a slow burn that draws you into their pixelated world. There’s an entire section told from the POV of two estranged characters interacting in an online Wild West simulator for crying out loud.
Tangerine - Christine Mangan (2018)
Set in mid-century Tangier, Tangerine is a psychological thriller: Gone Girl meets The Secret History. I picked up this novel in preparation for my trip to Morrocco, hoping that descriptions of bustling souks, arid northern African climes and colourful tiles would build my excitement pre-departure. It grabbed me from the off, hooking me in with the unusual and complex relationship between the central two female charatcers called Alice and Lucy. My only criticism would be that I wasn’t satisfied with the ending however I’d love to talk to somebody else to see if they felt the same — if you get around to reading this one, please drop me your thoughts!
That’s all for my first library haul — if you have any novels you’ve recently loved please let me know! I have too much time on my hands and will devour anything.
By becca mae x