December books of the month

19 Dec 2017

With the festive season almost here, there has never been a more appropriate time to find a good book (or three). Whether you’re on the hunt for gifts for your most literary friend, or better yet, a good poolside read for yourself, we have you covered.

Leonardo Da Vinci by Walter Isaacson

Renowned for his biographies of Steve Jobs and Einstein, Walter Isaacson’s latest work explores the largely unexamined life of Jobs’ hero, Leonardo Da Vinci. Based on thousands of pages from Da Vinci’s prodigious, but notoriously impenetrable and largely untapped notebooks, as well as new discoveries about his life and work, Isaacson brilliantly draws connections between Da Vinci’s groundbreaking art and scientific discoveries, and discusses how an understanding of this unparalleled mind can improve our own lives.

Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan

The fifth work of fiction from Pulitzer-Prize winning author Jennifer Egan is a true literary treat for history buffs and crime aficionados alike. The novel begins in 1930’s Brooklyn, and follows the story of Anna Kerrigan whose father becomes embroiled with an unsavory gangster to pay for her younger sister’s medical treatment. Even after her father suddenly disappears, Anna finds it difficult to escape father’s dealings, which follow her to Brooklyn Navy Yard during World War II where she is embarking on a groundbreaking journey of her own. The novel deftly explores family, love, and the complexities of American life during this turbulent era.

The Vanity Diaries by Tina Brown

Legendary editor Tina Brown opens up her diaries, giving readers a rare glimpse into her time as the editor of Vanity Fair during the high gloss, fast paced eighties. Brown, whose previous books include The Diana Chronicles, details fascinating and hilarious encounters with celebrities, royals and socialites alongside confessions and reflections on her fascinating personal life, status anxiety, and fears of inadequacy.   

Sour Heart by Jenny Zhang

This collection of short stories is the first book from Jenny Zhang, and has established her as an exciting and important creative voice. The seven stories are told from the perspective of Chinese American girls, who reflect on the experiences of their parents and grandparents, who fled to America to escape Mao’s Cultural Revolution in the sixties. In doing so, Zhang’s compelling stories traverse continents and generations to reflect on the migrant experience and the universal themes of ageing, adolescence and the relationships between children, their parents and grandparents. 

The Upstairs Room by Kate Murray-Browne

Kate-Murray Browne’s debut novel promises to be an addictive beach read. Eleanor, Richard and their two young daughters have bought their dream home, a Victorian Townhouse in East London. But soon after they move in they learn that all is not what it seems, and Eleanor soon becomes convinced that the strange happenings can be traced back to the houses mysterious original inhabitants.