Reviewed by Frances Churchward. This is a story about a fourteen year old girl named Ro who lives with her single mother, Bonnie. Bonnie, who appears to be unconcerned about her daughter’s wellbeing, neglects Ro. Bonnie is a hoarder so that the house is filled with paper to the...
Books
Book Review: Year of the Monkey by Patti Smith
reviewed by Andrew Godsell. Patti Smith has long been one of the most original women in rock music, appearing on the scene with her debut album, Horses, way back in 1975. Smith’s records have often included poetic pieces, and she has complemented them with the publication of several books...
Book review: Come Join Our Disease by Sam Byers
reviewed by Frances Churchward. Let me say right at the outset that I detested this book. With most books, I find that I am able to struggle through to the end even if I am not greatly enjoying it. However, with this book,it disgusted me and I had to...
Children’s book aims to boost self-esteem and highlight what we have in common
By Charlie Hislop and Sarah Phoenix. ‘Where are we going?’ is the most gorgeous children’s book by Southampton’s self-esteem champion Vie Portland! It’s all about imagination and adventure, which all of us love… It just happens that the main character is disabled. This book is so important because rather...
Book Review: Wilthaven by Oli Jacobs
reviewed by Will Vigar. Every now and again, a book comes along that, once finished, you put down, take a deep breath and think “What the *bleep* have I just read?” This isn’t a bad thing. The premise of Wilthaven is classic: other dimensions and realities rub against ours,...
Review: Hot Jazz Special by Jonny Hannah
reviewed by Charlie Hislop. Can you do jazz without sound? Hot Jazz Special comes very close. In sketches, painting, words, and colours it captures all the excitement; the buzz, the characters, and the clubs. Featuring jazz greats like Billie Holliday, Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington and more while mixing song...
Book Review: Tales From Our Living Room by The Children of Hampshire
Tales from Our Living Room: The Children’s Isolation Book Project written by The Children of Hampshire, edited and compiled by Juliette Jones. reviewed by Chris Richards. 2020 has brought the words ‘uncertainty’ and ‘unprecedented’ into daily conversation and if you don’t hear at least one of these in a...
Book Review: Childish Spirits by Rob Keeley
reviewed by Chris Richards. Childish Spirits is a perfect steppingstone for preteens and young teens to widen their genre knowhow. It is written for young readers but has every appearance of a classic ghost story without ever becoming uncomfortably frightening. It is creepy and mysterious and horrible at times,...
Join Southampton author Craig Jordan-Baker online to hear about his debut novel
Southampton’s independent radical bookshop, October Books, is hosting local author Craig Jordan-Baker to talk about his darkly comedic debut novel The Naucillans. You can read a review of the novel here. The event will take place on Thursday, September 24, at 7pm, via Zoom. Register via Eventbrite to attend. Welcome...
Book Review: The Guilty Die Twice by Don Hartshorn
reviewed by Will Vigar. The Guilty Die Twice was a frustrating read. This is partly because the genre – Legal Drama – is not one I particularly enjoy. I’ve never really got on with the Grisham’s of this world. Give me a police procedural and I’m happy, but from...