Books
‘I’m a warped guy, I don’t want my son to turn out like me’
Life according to Limmy — In his autobiography, the Scottish comedian writes candidly about his experiences with anxiety, alcoholism, suicidal thoughts and sex. But while others may find revealing such details daunting, Limmy isn’t too fazed. He’s always been a motormouth.
Written by: Niall Flynn
What On The Road taught me about power and privilege
The book that made me — Writer Lauren O’Neill reflects on the rhythm and soul of Jack Kerouac’s 1957 novel, and its eventual reclamation as a soft-boi classic.
Written by: Lauren O’Neill
Inside the UK’s most radical indie publishers
Part Nine: Fitzcarraldo — Fitzcarraldo Editions are the stylish, innovative publishing house that puts authors before books – creating an environment where they can grow, and prosper, together.
Written by: Kit Caless
What Modern Nature taught me about sex, loss & identity
The book that made me — In a new column, the world’s most exciting writers share the books that had the biggest influence on their life. This week, Luke Turner reflects on the groundbreaking legacy of Derek Jarman.
Written by: Luke Turner
What the The Virgin Suicides taught me about life & love
The book that made me — In a new column, the world’s most exciting writers share the books that had the biggest influence on their life. This week, Megan Nolan reflects on the devastating power of Jeffrey Eugenides’ 1993 cult classic.
Written by: Megan Nolan
Gay’s The Word: inside England’s only LGBTQ bookshop
Four decades on — This week marks the 40th anniversary of Gay’s The Word, a UK institution that fought police raids, prejudice and censorship to become a hub of social activism. We talk to manager Jim MacSweeney about the fights the venue has faced over the years.
Written by: Patrick O’Connell
Jason Reynolds is the star that literature needs right now
Lessons learned along the way — Jason Reynolds didn't read a book until he was almost 18. At 35, his prolific run of best-sellers are inspiring new generations to reimagine their future.
Written by: Cian Traynor
Inside the UK’s most radical indie publishers
Part Eight: Silver Press — From Audre Lorde to Leonora Carrington, Silver Press is the London publishing house uncovering forgotten feminist gems: ‘We’re working on bringing back into print strange women writers who we feel offer some reflection or guidance for the present – we think of them a little as mothers of the press.’
Written by: Kit Caless
‘Our first love leaves an indelible mark on us’
André Aciman in conversation — Writer Megan Nolan talks to André Aciman – author of Call Me By Your Name and the new Enigma Variations – about love, sexuality, and the power of the written word.
Written by: Megan Nolan
The cult comic rewriting the history of female sexuality
The vulva vs. the patriarchy — Liv Strömquist explores sex, bodily shame, and the cultural life of the vulva in her bold book The Fruit Of Knowledge. ‘I don’t know if feminism can be saved,’ she tells Polyester founder Ione Gamble. ‘Maybe we have to abandon it.’
Written by: Ione Gamble