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SKQ Reads: Winter 2013

Hello!

We are heading out on the road again, and for me that means choosing which books to tuck into my suitcase to keep me company in my bunk on the tour bus. It reminded me that I should share with you what books have really made an impression on me in the last couple of months. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did! See my full list at teganandsara.com/skqreads.

A Sport and a Pastime by James Salter – I downloaded this book for our European promotional tour. It was perfect for the train from Paris to London. A little … racy … but, if you’ve read that 50 Shades of Grey book this will probably seem like an ice cream cone stacked with vanilla. I haven’t read the aforementioned and found this book to be an ice cream cone stacked with … whatever ice cream is a euphemism for racy.

Far From the Tree by Andrew SolomonA fantastic article by Nathan Heller in the New Yorker inspired me to pick up this book. I was absolutely riveted. I didn’t want to do anything for a month except lay in bed and take every brilliant word in. I think this book should be mandatory reading in High School.

Are You My Mother? by Alison Bechdel – I love Alison Bechdel’s work. When I discovered Dykes to Watch Out For I felt delirious with happiness. Fun Home was one of my favorite novels of 2006 and it was inspiring and exciting to see it accepted by so many people who’d never read graphic novels/memoirs before. Are You My Mother? is my favorite of all of them. I cried so many times and I can’t speak highly enough of it. Get it!

Tenth of December by George Saunders – I read this pool side and felt afraid that people nearby me thought I was laughing at unfortunate bathing suits or near drownings. A totally innovative mind, I couldn’t believe how remarkably different each story was. I loved the entire book and give a HUGE recommendation that you all read it.

Wake in Fright by Kenneth Cook – This book was given to me by my favorite Australian, Kate Cooper from An Horse. I think she was trying to tell me something, or at the very least scare the hell out of me! I can’t articulate exactly why, but this book – even just saying the name in my head – gives me an unnerving feeling. It’s so deeply affecting that the description of kangaroo hunting will never leave my brain. Thanks Kate! It’s such a worthy read, especially if you like scary books that aren’t about ghosts, people with saws, possessed animals or demon children. This is just old fashioned tension that captivates you.

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