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Searching for your next good read? Luckily we have one of the best in the book biz to guide us when it comes to that very subject – Michelle Wheatley of Reader’s Companion, a destination bookshop in Armidale, NSW. Make sure you pay Michelle a visit and add these literary gems to your bedside table pronto.

 

      Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Stories of pioneering women in traditional male areas, in the years before second-wave feminism started, are growing in popularity. Enter Lessons in Chemistry, a revenge comedy set in the 50s and 60s about research chemist Elizabeth Zott. The story explores her difficult life as a single mother and feminist during a period when misogyny was dished out in abundance by men – and even some women. Elizabeth takes on a role as a tv cooking show host, but is determined to do it her way – as a scientist. She presents Supper at Six as a motivational and educational program for housewives across the country. Despite being forced into a traditional mould, she remains calm throughout and is absolutely determined to be her genuine self. Along the way she finds her soulmate in rower and Nobel Prize winning scientist Calvin Hobbs, and plots revenge against those who made her life difficult over the years. To top it off there’s a quirky pet dog, called Six-Thirty, who provides us with unexpected insights into the behaviour of humans who cross his path. This feel good, big-hearted comedy invites us to take a peek at life for women in the recent past. Sometimes, when you read a really fabulous book, it’s difficult to find and settle in with a new read. I think that would be the case after Lessons in Chemistry – but then I started The Perfect Golden Circle. I felt so lucky, two special stories in a row.

 Cold enough for Snow by Jessica Au

A mother and her adult daughter visit Japan. The plot appears to be simple. While on holiday, they look at art, they eat food, they see the sights and they go home. However, the narrative is also full of memories of the daughter’s own childhood, her adult relationships and stories of the mother’s life. It’s the story of a daughter wanting to connect with her mother. This book has a sense of calm about the writing and the storytelling is peaceful, focusing on fine details. It is a novella filled with observations and tiny mysteries, beautiful and unique. It’s no wonder Jessica Au won the inaugural Novel Prize, an international prize awarded for innovative and imaginative style.

      Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld 

A bit of fun here – a lot of fun actually. Curtis Sittenfeld has written six novels including Prep, American Wife and Rodham. Her characters are reimagined people and their reimagined lives from our real world – such a popular genre at the moment. Romantic Comedy is the story of Sally Milz who is a comedy writer for a late night variety satire show, think Saturday Night Live. Sally has sworn off love and romance until (of course) a heartthrob pop star guest on the show turns her assumptions upside down. Romantic comedy follows. But there’s so much more, including an examination of the hypocrisy in the world of TV, stardom and the differences between the treatment of men and women. If you’re looking for a funny, holiday read then this is the one for you.

    Limberlost by Robbie Arnott

I love this book. And I love my job, but I wished I could have just stayed at home to read it to the end in one long sitting. Author Robbie Arnott beautifully describes the Tasmanian countryside and the life of a young teenage boy, Ned. Ned’s brothers are away at war, his father and sister have worries that adults have, and he just wants to please the people in his life. One summer, Ned collects rabbit pelts in order to save for a small boat that will enable him to get out onto the river in front of his family’s apple orchard, and sail to the river mouth. Ned’s story unfolds over the decades and we see how the decisions he made that summer affect his life. As he ages, he vividly recalls that hot summer of his youth, his experiences on the water and the natural world that surrounded him. This story is full of kindness, blood ties and love.

Reader’s Companion – WORDS AND SOUND | 124 Beardy Street | Armidale NSW 2350 | (02) 6771 2544 | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Monday to Friday 10.00am–5.00pm (closed for lunch 12.15pm–1.00pm) | Saturday 9.00am–1.00pm

Michelle Wheatley

Michelle Wheatley has created a destination bookshop in Armidale NSW. Reader's Companion boasts an eclectic mix of books, music, turntables, gifts cards and stationery.