Last month I finished the sumptuous and beautiful “Grayson Perry” by Jacky Klein which the lovely folk at Thames & Hudson sent me to review for Shiny New Books. I could literally look at a page of this book every day for the rest of my life and never tire of it, always finding something new.
Coming right up to date in the final chapter with Perry’s Brexit and identity politics pieces, and his pair of prints, “Sponsored by You” and “Selfie with Political Causes” which take two views of humanity, basically, this is a wonderful, generous and colourful journey through Perry’s life and art which can be enjoyed on a detailed or surface level. Naturally, it’s a beautifully produced large-format paperback with French flaps, notes, a chronology, a list of public collections holding Perry’s work, his exhibitions, including the ones he’s curated, a bibliography and an index. A great gift that would be appreciated by anyone with more than a passing interest in Perry and his work.
Read my full review here.
Books in
I have been buying many fewer books on Amazon recently, however I happened to notice that Stormzy’s book (co-written with Jude Yawson), “Rise Up”, which is the story of his company Merky, was on sale for £2. I already had “Slay in Your Lane: The Black Girl Bible” by Yomi Adegoke and Elizabeth Uviebinené in my shopping trolley, as I have just won “Loud Black Girls”, which builds on its foundations, through NetGalley: it felt important to read these narratives of successful Black women’s lives first, so I will.
I’ve been enjoying interspersing my on-going reading with the books on other people’s lives than my own demographic’s (although a discussion of “The Girl with the Louding Voice” reminded me that I have indeed been reading such books all my reading life). I hope I get as many views and comments as I do on my other books; I was a bit disappointed to see so little engagement with my review of “Our City” although maybe people thought it was one of those “Old Birmingham in Pictures” type books rather than the excellent work of social history and 21st century discussion on immigration that it actually was. I’m not reading such books to be worthy or performative; I picked a load off my wishlist so I could read them at the same time as others and discuss them, starting with books detailing people’s lived experiences and going on to those approaching racism and activism, so I hope my blog readers will come along with me in this project, too, as I know you have all sorts of interests and experiences to bring to the table yourselves, and I’m sure you’ve seen a good scattering of such books here in the past so you know it’s not some sort of bandwagon-jumping!
Aug 05, 2020 @ 08:10:15
Sorry to see that your recent posts haven’t been so popular – I think I was one who thought Our City was a niche book for locals. Should have been more adventurous. Btw, I can’t recall if I thanked you for adding my site to your blog roll – most kind.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aug 05, 2020 @ 08:12:57
It was just that one that really dropped – I guess I should have included a picture of the actual book, which would have made it more clear. I’m glad you confirmed my suspicion! And you’re most welcome!
LikeLike
Aug 05, 2020 @ 10:50:52
I pretty much always expect to read about a diverse range of books on your blog, Liz – so I’m sure you’ll carry on covering these. I can always count on your to write about works I wouldn’t have come across on my own! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aug 06, 2020 @ 07:27:08
Well ditto to that and I love the overlap we have too (I have a pile of books for you and fear I may have to post them!).
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aug 06, 2020 @ 07:35:16
Alas, I think we won’t be meeting up anytime soon. 😕 I do miss my trips to London… (or anywhere actually)
LikeLike
Aug 05, 2020 @ 12:39:47
I haven’t been online much the last few days so have missed your recent posts, I’m attempting to catch up today and will make sure to read your review of Our City. It sounded interesting when you mentioned you were reading it.
The Grayson Perry book sounds really interesting, I’m glad you enjoyed it as much as you did.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aug 06, 2020 @ 07:27:58
I’ve got a blog lag again right now and know I’ve missed your Wednesday post! The Grayson Perry book was SO good, I could read it all again right now. And thank you for popping to look at the Our City review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aug 05, 2020 @ 16:30:21
The Grayson Perry book sounds great, glad it’s given you such joy. I must say I loved the sound of the Our City book, and you know how little non fiction I read. I love how diverse and interesting your reading is, more so than mine. Though I try to widen my horizons with translated fiction.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aug 06, 2020 @ 07:29:05
Happy to lend you Our City as I think you’d enjoy it (tho I have a hardback copy) and I know you commented on the post originally so didn’t read it as a walk down memory lane in pictures type book. You’re doing brilliantly with all that translated fiction, which is something I miss a lot of.
LikeLike
Nonfiction November Week 1 – Your Year in Nonfiction #NonFicNov | Adventures in reading, running and working from home
Nov 02, 2020 @ 08:01:12
Nonfiction November Week 4 – BooksPlease
Nov 26, 2020 @ 20:01:56
State of the TBR January 2021 and reading stats / best books of 2020 #AnneTyler2021 | Adventures in reading, running and working from home
Jan 01, 2021 @ 20:58:44