95bFM's Loose Reads: Suri's Best of 2020 /  by Time Out Bookstore

On our final review for 95bFM’s Loose Reads for 2020, Suri chose her top books of 2020.

Listen below for some last minute Christmas present advice on:
Hiakai: Modern Māori Cuisine by Monique Fiso, The Meaning of Mariah Carey by Mariah Carey, Railways Studios by Neill Peter Atkinson Alsop, What We'll Build: Plans for Our Together Future by Oliver Jeffers, Summer by Ali Smith, and Magnolia 木蘭 by Nina Mingya Powles.

 
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95bFM's Loose Reads: Victory Park by Rachel Kerr /  by Time Out Bookstore

This morning on 95bFM’s Loose Reads, Jenna reviewed Victory Park by Rachel Kerr.

A fantastic character novel based around a council flat in Wellington. Single mother Kara starts spending time with new tenant Bridget, who has moved in after her husband is caught up in a Ponzi scheme. Subtle, yet still punchy and compelling, this is the newest novel from the publisher of Becky Manawatu’s Auē.

 
 

95bFM's Loose Reads: Another Now by Yanis Varoufakis /  by Time Out Bookstore

Another Now is an an experiment in building utopias; in envisioning and implementing progressive futures. Bouncing between dystopia and Socratic dialogue, Another Now tells the story of three politically divergent characters who are connected through love and friendship. Telling the story of 2008-2035, Yanis Varoufakis explores the impact of the 2008 financial crisis and the long-term impacts in a refreshing and thoughtful new way.

For fans of Rutger Bregman, Yuval Noah Harari and Joseph Stiglitz.

 
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95bFM's Loose Reads: Impossible by Stan Walker /  by Time Out Bookstore

This morning on 95bFM’s Loose Reads, Jenna reviewed Stan Walker’s Impossible.

Walker has an epic story - an unstable and violent childhood, abused by a cousin, winning Australian Idol and having stomach cancer. Throughout this, whanaungatanga (relationships between people) and kotahitanga (unity) have kept his whānau together.

Stan’s voice shines throughout this memoir with a kaupapa that no matter your past, you can succeed. A great read.

 
 

95bFM's Loose Reads: If, Then by Jill Lepore /  by Time Out Bookstore

'If Then' explores the origin story of the first data company in existence, The Simulatics Corporation. Started in the 50s at the height of the Cold War and housed in a sci-fi-esque geodome, this group of scientists, engineers, academics and ad-men pioneered the blueprint for today's data giants.

Revealing the political and philosophical underpinnings behind today's data economy and the growing power of trading human futures, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Jill Lepore sounds a warning bell about the future of our privacy and the quiet ways to resist its dissolution.

The perfect Christmas present for fans of strange history!

 
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95bFM's Loose Reads: The Haunting of Alma Fielding: A True Ghost Story by Kate Summerscale /  by Time Out Bookstore

A spooky book for a spooky week. Jenna reviews this true ghost story by Kate Summerscale, which explores the period of ghost hunting between the two world wars.

This has a little bit for every reader - for fans of true crime, ghosts, history, psychology and ethics. Kate Summerscale’s impeccable research makes for fascinating reading. This is also shortlisted for the UK’s top nonfiction award - the Baillie GIfford, announced late November.

 
 

95bFM's Loose Reads: What Are You Going Through by Sigrid Nunez /  by Time Out Bookstore

Jenna makes a case for everyone to discover the brilliance of Sigrid Nunez’s writing in this 95bFM breakfast show review.

Her brand new novel, What Are You Going Through, is a conveniently topical read for a New Zealand audience. The narrator is asked to accompany her terminally ill friend on a trip where she plans to end her life on her own terms. “I promise to make it as fun as possible.”

Of course, because it’s Sigrid Nunez, this book is not just about euthanasia. It’s about women, ageing, companionship, writing, teaching and philosophy. A warm and smart read by an incredible writer.

Don’t forget to check out her previous novels: National Book Award winning The Friend, The Last of her Kind and Salvation City.

 
 

95bFM's Loose Reads: This Pākehā Life by Alison Jones & Tree of Strangers by Barbara Sumner /  by Time Out Bookstore

Today, Jenna reviewed two wonderful memoirs that have both recently been published, are by New Zealand women and are about identity and memory.

First, Alison Jones’ This Pākehā Life: An Unsettled Memoir. Alison tackles the task of reflecting on her upbringing and life as a Pākehā in Aotearoa. What is a Pākehā? How do Pākehā live and respect Te Ao Māori? A frank, yet respectful memoir.

Then, we have Tree of Strangers by Barbara Sumner. This memoir tells of Barbara’s experience as an adoptee child, however story is quite unbelievable. Personal history alongside research and insights into the often tragic circumstances that adoption can lead too. A wonderful read.

Listen to Jenna, Rachel and Tess chat below.

 
 

95bFM's Loose Reads: Box Hill by Adam Mars-Jones /  by Time Out Bookstore

Set in the summer of 1975, Box Hill is a glorious queer love-story with biting wit and gentle humanity.

Told through the eyes of a young man exploring his new-found sexuality, Box Hill explores a submissive relationship in an England on the brink of change; a burgeoning gay rights movement and the genesis of Thatcher's new conservatism.

Bold, playful and keenly observant, Box Hill is a satirical love-story full of moments of genius.

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95bFM's Loose Reads: Burnt Sugar by Avni Doshi /  by Time Out Bookstore

Shortlisted for the 2020 Booker Prize, Burnt Sugar tells the story of Antara, an artist who has never had a good relationship with her mother. But when her mother’s memory starts declining, Antara is the only person who knows how to help.

Set in India, this is an intense, blazing narrative that takes us between past, present and explores the great tension of a mother/daughter relationship. Rich in prose, contemporary in style.

Listen to Jenna, Tess and Mary Margaret chat below: