Five new books to read this week
By Prudence Wade, Press Association
Beeban Kidron has written a timely book on big tech – particularly relevant in light of the recent news around a social media ban…
Fiction
1. Natural Disaster by Lisa Owens is published in hardback by Virago. Available now
For a mother seeking to spend one last perfect day with her children before returning to work, the book’s title Natural Disaster sets the tone from the start. Chaotic and raw, at times it feels like a constant stream of consciousness from the protagonist mother trying to keep it together, dealing with everything from daily struggles to the existential questions. Not referred to by her first name and instead addressed as ‘mum’ throughout the book further hones in on this. Author Lisa Owens did well to bring out the different relationship dynamics at play that changed with motherhood within the plot, which being set over 24 hours, adds to the intensity of it all.
7/10
(Review by Anahita Hossein-Pour)
2. The End Of Everything by M John Harrison is published in hardback by Serpent’s Tail. Available now
The End Of Everything by M John Harrison is the antithesis of the relaxing beach read, and will make you feel as if you’re in a fever dream. The latest outing by the veteran author builds on 2017 short story The Crisis, in which an enigmatic alien presence known as the iGhetti occupies the City of London. The novel opens a decade or two later and takes us to the shores of the fading seaside towns of south east England. Beach comber Phillip Tennant spends his days collecting mysterious artefacts from the Channel and the adventure that unfolds when he picks up an object he can’t keep will leave you feeling unsettled.
6/10
(Review by Storm Newton)
3. The Ballad Of Ronan McCoy by Colin Morgan is published in hardback by HQ. Available now
Actor Colin Morgan, perhaps best known for his role as Merlin in the BBC series of the same name, delivers his debut novel with The Ballad Of Ronan McCoy, the story of teenager Brendan and his best – and only – friend Ronan. As he goes into his final year of school, Brendan’s world is upended when Ronan suffers a devastating injury that changes everything. As he balances his exams, a job, and a burgeoning relationship with Jennifer, Brendan’s primary concern is always for Ronan. It is an at times moving story of true friendship and love, though one that leans too often on simplistic, drawn-out dialogue that detracts from the power of the central story.
6/10
(Review by Ian Parker)
Non-fiction
4. Users: How Big Tech Took Control And How to Fight Back by Beeban Kidron is published in hardback by WH Allen. Available June now
Seeking a guide to the role big tech plays in our lives and our politics, you could not find anyone more expert than Beeban Kidron. Since receiving a peerage in 2012, the filmmaker has campaigned on digital safeguarding, conversing with politicians, Silicon Valley executives and children to form her case. Users gives a flavour of her work, and her core propositions. They are, in short, that social media does not simply show people content they look for, but actively channels users to addictive and harmful material; that better protections for everyone, especially children, are possible, despite corporate protestations; that no other sector is allowed such little responsibility and regulation. Kidron’s years of film narration and high-level presentations result in a slightly staccato style, but as a primer for the biggest social upheaval of our times her manifesto is unrivalled.
8/10
(Review by Joshua Pugh Ginn)
Children’s book of the week
5. The Bug Book By Becky Davies, illustrated by Denis Angelov, is published in hardback by Little Tiger. Available now
If you have a child that points out every ladybug, spider and butterfly they see out and about, they’ll love this interactive board book. It is, as the name suggests, all about bugs – ones that fly, crawl, buzz and more. It’s ideal for younger children, with sliders, flaps and fuzzy bits to manhandle to their heart’s content – but it might be a bit basic for older children, and would have benefitted from giving the actual name of each critter, to provide some fun facts along the way. Regardless, with a soft rhyming scheme and lots to do, it’s the perfect introduction to the world of creepy crawlies.
7/10
(Review by Lily Rose)
BOOK CHARTS FOR THE WEEK ENDING JUNE 20th
HARDBACK (FICTION)
1. Land by Maggie O’Farrell
2. Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
3. Songs Of The Dead by Brandon Sanderson & Peter Orullian
4. The Defence by Rob Rinder
5. The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout
6. The Midnight Train by Matt Haig
7. The Secrets We Hide by Karin Slaughter
8. The End Of Everything by M. John Harrison
9. The Ballad Of Falling Dragons by Sarah A. Parker
10. Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
(Compiled by Waterstones)
HARDBACK (NON-FICTION)
1. BBQ by Jamie Oliver, Jamie
2. London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe
3. The Book Of Birds by Robert Macfarlane & Jackie Morris
4. The Finest Hotel In Kabul by Lyse Doucet
5. Bloody Dangerous by Colin Bell
6. A British Childhood by Frank Cottrell-Boyce
7. So Good Express by Emily English
8. Dad’s Army by Sinclair McKay
9. Not For Disclosure by Jonathan Caplan
10. Rory by Alan Shipnuck
(Compiled by Waterstones)
AUDIOBOOKS (FICTION AND NONFICTION)
1. Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
2. London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe
3. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
4. Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
5. The Defence by Rob Rinder
6. Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
7. Land by Maggie O’Farrell
8. Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
9. The Divorce by Freida McFadden
10. Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
(Compiled by Audible)
