The novelist and essayist, Christopher Morley, once wrote: ‘When you sell a man a book you don’t sell him just 12 ounces of paper and ink and glue – you sell him a whole new life.’ As a student entering the final semester of their final year at university, this seems swell.
So, prepare to feast your eye holes, ear holes and mind holes and take a gander at the best new books to come out in 2018. Because productive procrastination is the best kind of procrastination.
Feel Free – Zadie Smith
You may know her from the release of her best-selling debut novel White Teeth; Zadie Smith is back with a collection of essays set to be released in February of this year. Hailed as a voice of her generation, Smith’s subject matter ranges from Quentin Tarantino to the fundamentals of The Social Network with a style that never fails to amuse. Not one to be missed!
Dead Men’s Trousers – Irvine Welsh
*It’s finally here (in March…)* – Once again we are joined by Renton, Begbie, Sick Boy and Spud in the latest installation from Irvine Welsh. Renton is now a big-shot DJ manager, unsatisfied with the high life. After bumping into long-time nemesis Begbie, Renton is surprised to find that he’s reinvented himself as an artist and not set on revenge…? While Spud and Sick Boy have naturally embarked on a venture into the organ-harvesting business. Not to give any spoilers…but someone definitely dies at the end! Who’s wearing the dead man’s trousers?!
The President is Missing – Bill Clinton and James Patterson
Yes, this is a thing that is happening. Former US President, Bill Clinton, has ‘written’ a ‘book’ with actual writer, James Patterson. The publishers seem to have chosen a more minimalist approach to the books advertising, simply writing: ‘A sitting U.S. President is missing.’ Set to be a real page turner the book will be released June this year with a TV Show spinoff already in the works!
Upstate – James Wood
If you were looking for some lighter reading this year then look no further than James Wood’s new novel. The book follows the story of father, Alan Querry, and his two daughters. With one daughter in America and the other in London, they’re as ‘close’ as they can be but have never really recovered from their parent’s bitter divorce. When one falls into a deep depression all three come together for a light-hearted discussion on how to be happy and the meaning of life. – In all seriousness though this is a very nuanced, compassionate and honest read about mental health and definitely worth the time of day.
Sharp: The Women Who Made an Art of Having an Opinion – Michelle Dean
February of this year will mark the 100th anniversary of the Representation of the People Act 1918 whereby (some) women were allowed to vote in the general election for the first time in the UK! While Sharp covers the lives of 10 American women it is no less enthralling as Dean waxes lyrical on the achievements of women who faced the arrogance between 1920s to 1990s. An empowering and inspirational read.
Warlight – Michael Ondaatje
Writer of The English Patient and Anil’s Ghost, Michael Ondaatje, is releasing his first book in 6 years. Set in post-war London, 1945, following the aftermath of the Blitz, two young teenagers, Nathaniel and Rachel, find themselves in the care of The Moth and his rag-tag group of criminal acquaintances. Years later Nathaniel writes back on his memories of that time and uncovers the secrets not realised as children. Ondaatje is truly one of the greatest writers of our time and you can grab a copy of Warlight in June this year.
She Must Be Mad – Charly Cox
Her Instagram bio reads: ‘You’re probably here because you fancied one of my ex bosses. It’s fine.’ Having worked as a producer for both Russel Brand and the YouTube sensation JackGap, Cox has a lot to live up to. But live up to it she does and her new collection of poetry details the turbulent experience of turning from girl to woman and the madness of a contemporary society in a wry, yet comforting, style. A ‘call for communion’ for all the ladies out there.
Olivia Raine
Image: Inc.com