Books
Life lessons from Barack Obama’s right-hand woman
‘Xanax goes a really long way’ — From bagging groceries to leading White House operations, Alyssa Mastromonaco was described as one of the ‘most powerful, least famous’ people in Washington. She talks stress, social anxiety and the perils of corporate feminism.
Written by: Briony Cartmell
Permission: the book bringing romance into the 21st century
Love, consent and BDSM — Saskia Vogel’s debut – which explores the relationship between a young actress, a dominatrix and her live-in houseboy – is one of this year’s most exciting. We speak to the author about how she used compassion to subvert the genre.
Written by: Emily Reynolds
What Patti Smith’s Just Kids taught me about priorities
The book that made me — Writer Daisy Jones pays tribute to the musician’s 2010 memoir, and the lessons it teaches about knowledge, pleasure and fulfilment.
Written by: Daisy Jones
‘White men can be angry and get elected – so why can’t we?’
Angie Thomas in conversation — The bestselling author of The Hate U Give talks rage, resistance, and the political power of hip hop.
Written by: Katie Goh
‘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