Askews Adult Newsletter Summer 2023

Adult Newsletter Summer 2023 BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2023 BLACK HISTORY October is Black History Month, the annual celebration of the history and achievements of black people and of black culture. MONTH This year there is a special emphasis on the role that black women have played in shaping history and inspiring change which is being highlighted under the theme of ‘Saluting Our Sisters’. Looking at ground-breaking black women in all areas from literature to sport, politics to music and saluting their accomplishments and legacy. Please keep an eye out for new Black History Month subject lists which will be available very soon. To learn more about Black History Month including the 2023 resource pack please visit www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk. National Poetry Day National Poetry Day is Thursday 5th October and this year’s theme is Refuge. There will be events going on all over the country to encourage people to read, write and enjoy poetry. Diary Dates 1st August - Booker Prize Longlist 10th August - Wainwright Shortlists 6th September - Baillie Gifford Longlist 27th September - Polari Prize Shortlists

Big Ones! As we’re in the height of Summer and just had the Druids bothering Stonehenge for the solstice it is clearly time to talk about Christmas and take a look at the big, unmissable books coming over the last few months of the year. The biggest fiction book will not doubt again come from ex-quizmaster Richard Osman with another outing of the octogenarian sleuths, the Thursday Murder Club in ‘The Last Devil To Die’ (9780241512449) but there are a few rivals for the crown. Martina Cole is back with her first new book for a few years with ‘Loyalty’ (9781472249456), a gritty crime thriller from the queen of gritty crime thrillers! There’s also a new Cormoran Strike novel, ‘The Running Grave’ (9781408730942) from the mysterious Robert Galbraith who in a certain light looks a lot like JK Rowling. Other fiction behemoths include the returns of Mitch McDeere from ‘The Firm’ in a new John Grisham thriller ‘The Exchange’ (9781399724821) and everyone’s favourite Belgium detective Hercule Poirot in ‘Silent Night’ (9780008380793,) with crime writer Sophie Hannah moonlighting as Agatha Christie. Another old favourite still doing the rounds is Napoleonic hero Major Richard Sharpe who continues his adventures against the French in Bernard Cornwell’s ‘Sharpe’s Command’ (9780008496777). Honourable mentions go out to Sophie Kinsella with a fun new romantic comedy called ‘The Burnout’ (9781787636545) and Gill Sims, who is back with Mummy at the most wonderful time of the year and explaining to us ‘Why Mummy Drinks At Christmas’ (9780008592028). Finally, there is James Patterson who has taken time out of his busy schedule of writing small bits of many books to writing an entire new novel by himself! And its an Alex Cross one as well, ‘Alex Cross Must Die’ (9781529136593). Over in the cutthroat world of non-fiction possibly the two biggest books are from divas of different generations. First up is ‘The Woman In Me’ (9781398522527) by the Princess of Pop, Britney Spears, talking about her rollercoaster ride of fame and no doubt her acting role in the classic ‘Crossroads’ (not the soap….). The other one is by the true legend that is Barbra Streisand with ‘My Name Is Barbra’ (9781529136890), who even in a doorstop thousand-page biography will struggle to put in everything she has accomplished. Other big biographies include the life stories of frequent West End partners-in-crime Michael Ball and Alfie Boe, with ‘Different Aspects’ (9781785120060) and ‘Face The Music’ (9781529910346) respectively and the Peter Pan of Pop, Sir Cliff Richard looking at the songs and artists that made him in ‘A Head Full Of Music’ (9781529907346). We also get a definitive biography of the great rapper 2Pac, ‘Tupac Shakur: The Authorised Biography’ (9781529913651) endorsed by his mum.

Big Ones! ‘Kammy’ (9781035023844) the autobiography of the legendary footballer, pundit and ‘Ninja Warrior’ Chris Kamara headlines the sports books. There are a couple of massive boxing memoirs as well with Amir Khan’s ‘Fight For Your Life’ (9781529907681) about his career and StrawberryGate on ‘I’m A Celebrity’ and the likely very entertaining ‘When Fury Takes Over’ (9781035014057) by Tyson’s dad John Fury which I have a feeling could be slightly embellished… The cookery giants are likely to be as ever the omni-present Jamie Oliver with ‘5 Ingredients: Mediterranean’ (9780241431160) and the Hairy Bikers who do what they do best and go for ‘Ultimate Comfort Food’ (9781399607308). They will no doubt be coming out with a Hairy Dieters book next to make up for the weight gain from this one! The ‘Don’ of gardening, Monty brings out the ultimate guide with the imaginatively titled ‘The Gardening Book’ (9781785947391), whilst the craftiest Dragon in the Den, Sara Davies brings out ‘Craft Your Year’ (9780857505149) which will help you tell your macramé from your cross-stitch. For history connoisseurs the two biggest books come from opposite ends of the spectrum with celebrated classicist Mary Beard’s labour of love about the various debauched figures and egomaniacs who were the ‘Emperor Of Rome’ (9781846683787) and comedian David Mitchell’s history of the monarchy, ‘Unruly’ (9781405953177) which also includes a few debauched figures and egomaniacs, so maybe not that different after all. Final mention goes to what might be the two most enjoyable and funny books coming out. Firstly, the return of Peter Kay to literary circles with ‘TV: Big Adventures on The Small Screen’ (9780008623319) which will be hilarious and massive. Secondly, ‘The Plot’ (9780008623425) by the part-time MP Nadine Dorries about the ‘political assassination’ of Boris Johnson, which could be entertaining for all the wrong reasons and will be everywhere.

Reviews Non-Fiction THE BOYS OF WINTER: 2003, THE RUGBY WORLD CUP AND EVERYTHING AFTER by Lawrence Dallaglio & Owen Slot £22 (Blink, 9781788706568) On Saturday 22nd November, 2003 in Stadium Australia, Sydney, in the final minute of extra time of the World Cup final Matt Dawson passed the ball back to Jonny Wilkinson, who then preceded to drop goal himself and his teammates into English rugby legend. No other English team has won the William Webb Ellis Trophy and with the World Cup later this year in France, Lawrence Dallaglio, No.8 and the only man to play every minute of English triumph of 2003 has written the inside story of that team. He tells how they developed into the dominant team in the world and then how they prepared and planned. Then of course the story of the tournament with its highs and lows, until the final and sporting immortality. The book features interviews with everyone involved including the talismanic captain Martin Johnson, coach Sir Clive Woodward and Wilkinson and goes on to reveal the lives of the squad afterwards and how it affected them, showing it to be a mixed blessing. This really is the complete behind the scenes tale told in an enjoyable fashion by Dallaglio and his co-author Owen Slot. You get a proper glimpse of the characters who drove the team on and the unity they grew that they still all maintain to this day. This is a great read for any sports fan, but a must read for rugby lovers.

Reviews Non-Fiction PAX: WAR AND PEACE IN ROME’S GOLDEN AGE by Tom Holland £30 (Abacus, 9781408706985) ‘Pax Romana’ is Latin for Roman peace and is used to refer to the perceived golden age of Rome and her empire when there was continual expansion and relative peace and prosperity. Holland’s new narrative history, follows on from his previous books ‘Rubicon’ and ‘Dynasty’ which looked at the Republic and Augustus and his direct heirs respectively and covers the period beginning in 69AD with the Year of Four Emperors and ending with the death of Hadrian in 138AD. During this time there was such events as the destruction of Jerusalem, the building of Hadrian’s Wall and the wars and conquest under Trajan that was to see the Roman Empire meet its greatest extent. This was Rome at its zenith. Holland also shows the irony that Rome’s peace was in fact bought with war and violence and maintained by the threat of the Legions. Like his other histories on Rome or on the Persian Empire, this is an excellent and enjoyable read, feeling almost more like a novel than a history. Comprehensive in scope but also focused on the minutiae of the lives of everyday citizens this is popular history at its best.

Reviews Non-Fiction BEHIND THE SHOULDER PADS: STORIES I ONLY TELL MY FRIENDS by Joan Collins £22 (Seven Dials, 9781399609968) Dame Joan Collins is back with another delightful memoir of Hollywood glamour and celebrity soirees. Following on from her often cutting and very entertaining ‘My Unapologetic Diaries’, this book is more a collection of stories than a ‘normal’ biography and features tales from Joan’s early days as a starlet in Hollywood’s Golden Age through to her time as superbitch Alexis Carrington on US mega-soap ‘Dynasty’. There are of course stories from sparkling parties in Los Angeles and European high society featuring royalty and stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Warren Beatty. These are sometimes indiscreet, occasionally revealing but always great fun. Alongside the light-hearted moments though, are other more sombre and thoughtful accounts of Joan’s time with her bestselling novelist sister, Jackie as she died and her subsequent grief and the rollercoaster that has often been her love life over the years before finding happiness with her husband Percy. It’s hard not to like Joan after reading this and to not thoroughly enjoy her company for the three hundred odd pages of this book.

Reviews Fiction THE BEASTS OF PARIS by Stef Penney £20 (Quercus, 9781529421552) The year is 1870 and Paris is being encircled by the Prussians as the war between the French and the North German Confederation rages. With this as a backdrop we meet Anne, a damaged former patient of a women’s asylum looking for a new life; Lawrence, a Canadian photographer who has escaped his puritanical past and is coming to terms with his sexuality; and Ellis, an American surgeon who yearns to be a poet and struggles with PTSD. The book follows their stories as their lives intertwine with each other and with the animals of the Paris Menagerie as the war takes its toll with siege and starvation. Relationships intensify and fear and panic set in as the fates of everyone and the beasts in the zoo hang in the balance. Stef Penney only produces a new book once every five years or so, but they are always worth the wait, ever since her debut ‘The Tenderness Of Wolves’. ‘Beasts’ is on a par with that great novel, a story of struggle and survival and the human heart, in the face of a world on fire. Beautifully written it slowly draws you in until you are thoroughly invested. One of the books of the year.

Reviews Fiction THE KNIGHTS OF ATLANTIS by Andy McDermott £21.99 (Headline, 9781035400836) After years of adventures, including saving the world, the married couple of renowned archaeologist Nina Wilde and ex-SAS soldier Eddie Chase are looking forward to a quiet life. Their only fear now is the worry of all parents –what is their daughter Macy going to do with the rest of her life! The best laid plans though often go awry and before they know it, they are dragged back into action after the murderous theft of possibly dangerous relics, apparently by angels or something resembling them. So begins another of their continent -spanning adventures, from the south of France to the deserts of central Asia as they come into conflicts with soldiers of fortune and yet another secret society. To add to the mix it seems that Macy might have a career after all but it is with the Knight Of Atlantis who are a mysterious secret order…The Wilde & Chase adventures, began in 2009 with ‘The Hunt For Atlantis’ and is safe to say are still going strong and with the thrills not dropping off seventeen books in. The latest book is a breathless romp around the world in pursuit of ancient mysteries and fighting the bad guys, exactly what any fan of McDermott’s would expect but these are also well-written which is something that can’t be said for every novel in this genre. If you want a fun, fast-paced action thriller you could do a lot worse that give this a try.

Reviews Fiction LIGHTBRINGER by Pierce Brown £20 (Hodder & Stoughton, 9781473646803) I need to be honest straight from the off about reviewing this book that I am an avid fan of all the previous books in the ‘Red Rising’ universe to such an extent that I have read them multiple times. For me this is one of the best science fiction series of all time and so one I was a little apprehensive just in case it did not live up to the previous five books. I needn’t have worried, Pierce Brown has again delivered in spades, this is another fantastic epic volume of space opera and adventure. Following on from the crushing defeats on Mercury that occurred in ‘Dark Age’, Darrow, the Reaper and leader of the Rising is stranded and searching for a way home to return to his loved ones and protect Mars from the return of Gold domination under the bloodthirsty Lysander. Darrow must travel home and reunite with old friends and create new alliances in the hope of fighting off the threat to the Rising and saving the Republic. It’s difficult to tell you more without giving away spoilers but I can safely say this is a cracking new instalment, focusing more on Darrow’s point of view than the previous couple of books and all the better for it. There are twists and turns aplenty that keep you gripped and you really get the feel that events are building towards the series conclusion in the next book ‘Red God’, but don’t let that put you off ‘Lightbringer’, it is a stunning instalment all by itself. If you haven’t read the ‘Red Rising’ series I recommend you start them now, you won’t be disappointed.

Ones To Watch Non-Fiction EVERYTHING IS EVERYTHING by Clive Myrie - £22 (Hodder & Stoughton, 9781399714983) Clive Myrie, popular BBC newsreader and presenter of ‘Mastermind’ always dreamed of being a journalist from his time delivering the news via his paper round as a lad in Bolton. Myrie’s story is one of rising through the ranks of the BBC, reporting from all over the world including warzones such as Iraq and Ukraine but is also about his family. Growing up with parents from the Windrush generation, he reflects on how this cultural heritage and being black has helped forge his world view. Sure to be a revealing, emotive memoir. THE ABUSE OF POWER by Theresa May - £25 (Headline, 9781035409884) During her time at the pinnacle of Government, Theresa May faced a series of issues and scandals in which abuses of power had led to tragedy and greatly damaged faith in politicians and institutions. The likes of Grenfell and Hillsborough showed how power was not used in the interests of the many but in the protection of the few. In Prime Minister May’s first book, she looks closely at many injustices, some of which she was directly involved in and argues for a return to using power for the greater good and a change to modern politics in general. Possibly the most interesting book of the year. THE SLOW COOK BOOK - £20 (Dorling Kindersley, 9780241636299) There is nothing better than coming home to the lovely smell of a delicious meal out of a slow cooker ready to eat. This where the new DK book ‘The Slow Cook Book’ comes in, with 200 mouth watering recipes including curries, risottos, tagines and pot roasts. The best part about the book is that it also gives you the same slow cooker recipe in an oven or hob method as well, so even if you don’t have slow cooker you can enjoy the tasty food. Perfect for people short on time or on a budget. BE A BIRDER by Hamza Yassin - £16.99 (Gaia, 9781856755092) Birdwatching can be a joyful, relaxing experience, getting out and communing with nature but it can also be frustrating as you might not know what you are doing or looking at. Never fear! Wildlife cameraman and dancer extraordinaire ‘Ranger’ Hamza Yassin, who has been a twitcher all his life has written a guide to getting you started. Hamza gives you tips on how to tell a sparrow from a starling whilst also telling some birding adventure stories. A great book for fans of our feathered friends.

Ones To Watch Non-Fiction PRU AND ME by Timothy West - £22 (Michael Joseph, 9780241629550) One of the TV delights of recent years has been ‘Great Canal Journeys’ which showcased the beautiful marriage between the actors Prunella Scales and Timothy West as they travelled the canals of Britain. Timothy has now written story of their lives including their 60 years together, both their family life and their successful careers on stage and screen with the likes of ‘Fawlty Towers’ and ‘Brass’. He also tells of Prunella’s struggle with Alzheimer’s and effect on their lives. A true love story. ELON MUSK by Walter Isaacson - £28 (Simon & Schuster, 9781398527492) Elon Musk is the richest man in the world, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla and now the owner of Twitter, for all that though how much do we really know about him. That he was badly bullied as a child in South Africa, that his father was an adventuring fantasist or that these parts of his life would both spur him on and show his volatility. Isaacson, renowned for his Steve Jobs biography, was given close access to Musk and his family and friends and so can give a warts and all profile of the business magnate and man-child rolled into one. HUNTING THE FALCON: HENRY VIII, ANNE BOELYN AND THE MARRIAGE THAT SHOOK EUROPE by Julia Fox & John Guy - £30 (Bloomsbury, 9781526631527) The marriage of Henry VIII and Anne Boelyn is one of the most important in history due to the events that followed. Married historians Guy and Fox cast a fresh eye over this tumultuous period highlighting how their relationship was tied to international politics. They look at new sources and consider Anne’s early life spent in the courts of France, as well as the life of the King and how their two strands intertwined. A comprehensive new look at a marriage that changed the face of Europe and whose repercussions are still being felt today. SCATTERSHOT: LIFE, MUSIC, ELTON & ME by Bernie Taupin - £25 (Monoray, 9781800960756) Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics to ‘Tiny Dancer’, ‘Candle In The Wind’ and ‘Rocket Man’ amongst countless others as Elton John’s musical partner of over 50 years. Now he tells his story, from his childhood in the East Midlands to meeting Elton and the crazy road they both travelled through the rock landscape of the 1970’s and 80’s. We learn about the drugs, the famous faces like John Lennon and Frank Sinatra and we hear about the music. All told with honesty from Taupin’s warm and witty viewpoint, this is a must for any music fan.

Ones To Watch Fiction THE FIGURINE by Victoria Hislop - £25 (Headline, 9781472263933) Victoria Hislop continues her passion for Greece and for Britain returning the Parthenon Marbles in ‘The Figurine’. Helena is the granddaughter of a hard-hearted general, part of a ruthless dictatorship, who discovers amongst his belongings, after his death valuable antiquities. She wonders what the human cost of such treasures was and sets about looking into how her grandfather acquired his hoard whilst joining an archaeological dig on an Aegean island. What is the price such historical riches? Read the book and find out! THE TRAP by Catherine Ryan Howard - £14.99 (Bantam, 9781787636606) How do you hunt a killer? A woman is picked up on an isolated road in the middle of the night by a random stranger driving past. She knows the dangers for young women in such situations and she doesn’t know if the driver who picked her up is a man or a monster but she willing to find out. And do it again, and again until she finds the man who took her sister. A nightmarish scenario based on true events, turned into a dark, gripping thriller full of twists. THE LAST TRUE TEMPLAR by Boyd & Beth Morrison - £20 (Head Of Zeus, 9781801108683) The year is 1351 and the English knight Gerard Fox and his lover, Willa are recovering in Italy after a hazardous journey when they interrupt an ambush near Florence and rescue Luciana, the attack’s intended victim. Soon Luciana embroils them in her family’s legacy and its dangerous consequences that point to discovering the legendary lost treasure of the Knights Templar. This is the second book in a new historical series featuring action, intrigue and adventure galore, a rollicking read! THE GIRL IN THE EAGLE’S TALONS by Karin Smirnoff - £22 (MacLehose Press, 9781529427042) Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist return for the seventh book in the series, now under the stewardship of noir writer Karin Smirnoff. Salander travels to the north of Sweden to protect her niece whose mother has gone missing amongst a criminal rush to exploit natural resources. Blomkvist is also there as his life falls apart, ncluding worrying rumours about the man his estranged daughter is going to marry. Soon events stumble into violence and Salander must come to the rescue for both Blomkvist and her niece.

Ones To Watch Fiction SECRETS OF THE VILLA AMORE by Carol Kirkwood - £16.99 (HarperCollins, 9780008550929) BBC Weather reporter Carol Kirkwood continues her successful transition into bestselling author with her third book. Like her previous two this is set in the Mediterranean this time on Italy’s Amalfi coast. Two families gather for a glitzy wedding, not realising how many secrets the guests are all hiding, from the groom to the bridesmaid to the mother of the bride. Will the secrets come out? Will the wedding go ahead? Will they have nice weather? Only Carol can tell you! THE ARMOUR OF LIGHT by KEN FOLLETT - £25 (Macmillan, 9781447278832) Ken Follett returns to the world of his bestselling ‘Pillars Of The Earth’ with the fifth book in his Kingsbridge series. Set in 1792 with revolution in the air and the rise of Napoleon in the background the Industrial Revolution has come to Kingsbridge. As the workers in the cloth mills struggle with the changes of modernization, there is also the threat of oppression from the government and even war on the horizon. Epic in scale like the previous volumes this is a true master storyteller at work. WEIRDO by Sara Pascoe - £14.99 (Faber, 9780571374526) The debut novel from comedian and actor Sara Pascoe looks like it is very funny and a bit different. Sophie’s world is turned upside down when Chris re-enters both the pub and her life just as she has got over him. Now hoping for a second chance all she must do is keep her paranoia and pathological lying suppressed and stop her inner monologue from speaking out and act like a normal(ish) person. Oh yes, she also needs to keep the graphic pornographic visualisations to a minimum if she’s to stand a chance at getting her Ex back. STARTER VILLAIN by John Scalzi - £18.99 (Tor, 9781529082951) Inheriting a business from an elusive, mysterious uncle always had the possibility to be a mixed blessing especially when it turns out that he is a supervillain. The real estate is cool with state-of-the-art lairs in undersea volcanos and there is plenty of help from henchman as you get your head around the latest world domination plot. But downsides include the rivals who want you dead and the talking computer-savvy cats who act as middle management! That’s a bit of a curve ball! The latest in sci-fi fun from the fiendish mind of John Scalzi.