NOVEMBER Book of the Month

Public Access Afterworld

When I saw that Jane Schoenbrun was releasing a novel, I was beyond excited. I was blown away by their films I Saw The TV Glow and Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma and I couldn’t wait to see what they could accomplish with a different medium. They often focus their work around media, especially physical media, as a gateway into higher consciousness or another realm. As with a lot of Jane Schoenbrun’s work, the media (in this case broadcast television) acts as a lens through which to view and critique the world we live in and to expose its true and often horrifying nature.

Public Access Afterworld is surreal, weird, creative and altogether compelling. It’s the kind of book you read and then need a week or two to contemplate as you digest it. If you like mind-bending sci-fi, layered speculative narratives and nuanced queer and trans characters, I thoroughly recommend.  

NOVEMBER ILF Book of the Month

Nunngoorie

In this extraordinary memoir, Nunngoorie (Gary Knapp) – healer, Elder, one of the stolen generation – tells of the childhood events that impacted him in the way a hurricane rips through a town, and of his long journey to finding his culture, people and Country. Nunngoorie’s early years with his family were filled with love and care. But around age 6, he and his sister, while walking home from school, were lured away by the ‘authorities’ and taken to Roelands Mission.

The pain of this separation from his family, and the subsequent years of abhorrent mental, physical and sexual abuse, made a lifelong impact on this man – yet as he recounts his experiences and emotions around them, the rage is tempered by the sense of the wonder and peace he later gained while nurturing his skills as a traditional healer. In sharing his very personal journey, Nunngoorie also offers an insight into Indigenous culture, thought and spirituality, but always with respect for the ancient traditions and secrets of his people.

– SYLVIA –

 

Mr Badger returns in this beautiful picture book, with Mr Badger very excited about organising a brilliant party to celebrate the 175 birthday of the swanky Boubles Grand Hotel. He’s planning a very grown-up affair, and with every detail and consideration scrutinized, Mr Badager has left nothing to chance – until a little person decides they’d like to attend…

It is so joyous to return to such a beloved character who exudes a sense of calm and preparedness but somehow always seems to fall into hilarious situations. Filled with mirth and mayhem, Leigh Hobbs’s latest offering is nothing short of delectably delicious. 

 

Having had the very good fortune some weeks ago of tasting some of Danielle’s fab recipes – made by Danielle herself, no less! – there could be no other choice for our November Cookbook of the Month than Danielle’s latest, Made Simple. In this new work, the lovely Danielle, so passionate about food and flavour, turns her exceptional culinary skills to creating easy, delicious and accessible recipes at home – and with her chef’s background, that means they’re full of flavour, too.

Recipes include Grilled Swordfish Steaks with Cherry Tomato, Olive & Caper Salsa; Eggplant Involtini with Ricotta, Tomato & Rosemary Breadcrumbs; Prawn and Risoni Puttanesca; Tamarind & Curry Butter Baked Snapper; and Pork, Apple & Sage Sausage Rolls. Simple yet simply fabulous. 

– SYLVIA –

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