Prudish Nation: Paul Dalgarno

In “Prudish Nation,” author Paul Dalgarno explores Australia’s hidden prudishness beneath its laid-back facade. Through interviews with authors and thinkers, Dalgarno uncovers the country’s history of censorship and its impact on unconventional relationships. He questions the progress of tolerance, the future outlook, and the influence of LGBTQIA+ terms. The book also tackles transitioning, queerness, and the perspectives of therapists and psychologists. “Prudish Nation” is a compelling, witty, and thought-provoking journey, illuminating the intricacies of Australia’s national character. Through its entertaining anecdotes, insightful analysis, and humorous musings, this book acts as a bedside lamp, shining a brighter light on our true selves and the ever-evolving nature of our society.

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PRUDISH NATION 

PAUL DALGARNO

Eagles: Dark Desert Highway: Mike Wall

Dive into the captivating story of ‘the American Beatles’ – The Eagles, the best-selling band in American history. From their soaring success to their dark descents, their journey blurred the lines between Hollywood highs and subterranean LA lows.

The Eagles embodied the American dream, achieving global fame and living lavish lives that seemed almost supernatural. But beneath the surface, their story took a nightmarish turn. Betrayal, arrogance, and discarded relationships littered their path as they navigated the music scene of 1970s LA, a time when sex, drugs, and music reigned supreme.

Now, esteemed music biographer Mick Wall offers an unrivaled insight into the band’s meteoric rise and the hedonistic days that defined the 70s music scene. The Eagles outsold even legendary acts like Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of American music.

Get ready for an electrifying journey as Wall reveals the untold secrets and captures the essence of The Eagles, a story that has shaped musical history.

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EAGLES: DARK DESERT HIGHWAY

MICK WALL

The Signatory: Stuart Black

Stuart Black’s latest novel, The Signatory, is a gripping thriller that exposes the high-stakes world of corporate crime. Following the sale of his start-up business, protagonist Sam Pride finds himself on the run with his wife after his CFO is taken hostage and murdered by a ruthless criminal demanding a mysterious document. Black weaves a complex and intricate plot that takes readers from Sydney to Chicago and back again, following the trail of millions of missing dollars and a web of calculated corruption. Drawing from his experience as the CEO of multiple ad agencies, Black illuminates the sinister ways in which power and greed can corrupt the corporate world. The Signatory is a pulse-pounding page-turner that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

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THE SIGNATORY 

STUART BLACK

Honey, Baby, Mine: Laura Dern & Diane Ladd

Laura Dern and Diane Ladd’s ‘Honey, Baby, Mine’ is a soul-stirring masterpiece of unfiltered mother-daughter wisdom. With unabashed authenticity and honesty, Dern and Ladd engage in a no-holds-barred dialogue that captivates readers, delving into topics such as love, sex, marriage, divorce, art, ambition, and legacy. As Diane faces a life-threatening illness, Laura becomes her unwavering companion, and their conversations break down societal norms and familial barriers. Raw, vulnerable, and deeply personal, their candid exchanges, poignant reflections, and cherished mementos adorn the pages of this powerful book. A celebration of unfiltered communication and the beauty of leaving nothing unsaid, ‘Honey, Baby, Mine’ is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her daughter.

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HONEY, BABY, MINE 

LAURA DERN & DIANE LADD

Gigorou: Sasha Kutabah Sarago

In Gigorou, Sasha Kutabah Sarago boldly delves into the intricate web of beauty, femininity and identity. Through her experiences as a beauty assistant, model and magazine editor, she exposes the beauty industry’s narrow standards and how they’re informed by the patriarchal, sexist, racist and ageist structures that pervade our society. Sasha offers a refreshing perspective, one that’s grounded in Aboriginal culture and the wisdom of her matriarchs. She invites us to examine our conditioning and to reclaim our power and sovereignty. Sasha’s unique background as a Wadjanbarra Yidinji, Jirrbal and African-American woman adds depth and nuance to this important conversation. Gigorou is an essential read for anyone interested in exploring the multifaceted nature of beauty.

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GIGOROU 

SASHA KUTABAH SARAGO

Crying in H Mart: Michelle Zauner

Freshly released in paperback, Michelle Zauner of Japanese Breakfast band fame wrote this powerfully honest and captivating memoir in 2021 as a way to reconnect with her heritage, which she lost sight of growing up as one of the few Asian American kids at her school in Eugene, Oregon.  In this beautiful story of family, food, grief, and perseverance, Zauner shares what it took to regain a sense of herself, and her identity, whilst navigating through the pain of her mother’s diagnosis of terminal cancer and eventual passing.

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CRYING IN H MART 

MICHELLE ZAUNER

Touring and Mental Health: The Music Industry Guide – Tamsin Embleton

Looking to survive the physical and psychological tolls of touring? Look no further than Touring and Mental Health, the comprehensive manual for musicians and industry professionals. Authored by top health and performance experts, this timely guide covers everything from addiction to crisis management to post-tour recovery. And with personal insights from musical heavyweights like Nile Rodgers, Katie Melua, and Will Young, Touring and Mental Health is a must-read for anyone hitting the road. Whether you’re looking for cutting-edge research or practical strategies, this book has got you covered. So pick it up, pass it around the tour bus, and stay healthy on the road.

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TOURING AND MENTAL HEALTH: THE MUSIC INDUSTRY MANUAL 

TAMSIN EMBLETON

The Art of the Straight Line – Lou Reed

In The Art of the Straight Line, edited by his wife Laurie Anderson, Lou Reed’s worlds of Tai Chi, music, and meditation converge in a compelling and expansive collection. Reed, a multifaceted artist who co-founded the legendary rock band the Velvet Underground and collaborated with icons such as Andy Warhol and Metallica, also had a passion for martial arts. He studied Tai Chi under the tutelage of Chen Tai Chi pioneer Master Ren GuangYi, and this book gathers a wealth of his writings on the practice. Alongside essays, observations, and conversations with fellow artists and Tai Chi practitioners, Reed’s unpublished musings illuminate the technique, practice, and purpose of martial arts, as well as the broader themes of meditation and existence.

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THE ART OF THE STRAIGHT LINE

LOU REED

Leon Russell – Bill Janovitz

Leon Russell was a legendary musician who influenced countless artists, including Elton John, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Willie Nelson, Tom Petty, and the world of music as a whole. His career was a roadmap of music history, intersecting with rock royalty like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. He struggled with substance abuse, depression, and stage fright, but still founded Shelter Records and filled stadiums on solo tours. Acclaimed author Bill Janovitz of Buffalo Tom fame shines the spotlight on this important music maker of the twentieth century with this definitive biography of the legendary musician, composer, and performer.

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LEON RUSSELL

BILL JANOVITZ

Hannah McElhinney – Rainbow History Class

Rainbow History Class illuminates the once-forgotten LGBTQ+ stories that have long been obscured by the dominant culture. Hannah McElhinney, the writer and creator behind this indispensable compendium of queer and trans history, seeks not only to educate but to inspire and to build bridges. In these pages, readers will find a treasure trove of secret codes and gender-bending icons, as well as the remarkable stories of those who have fought for LGBTQ+ rights throughout history. Rainbow History Class serves as a powerful celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and a compelling invitation for those who have newly joined its ranks. McElhinney’s work is a vital reminder that we must never forget the past if we hope to create a more just and equitable future.

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HANNAH MCELHINNEY

RAINBOW HISTORY CLASS

Martin Popoff – Pink Floyd and The Dark side of the Moon: 50 Years

Get ready to dive deep into Pink Floyd’s iconic album on its 50th anniversary. In this slipcased edition, veteran rock critic Martin Popoff explores every aspect of The Dark Side of the Moon, from its recording sessions and personnel to each track’s themes and instrumentation. Along the way, Popoff examines the band’s trajectory and impact, delving into everything from their unique writing techniques to their unforgettable album art. With stunning photos and rare memorabilia, Pink Floyd and The Dark Side of the Moon is the ultimate tribute to one of the greatest albums of all time.

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MARTIN POPOFF

PINK FLOYD and THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON: 50 YEARS

Jessica Johns – Bad Cree

A young Cree woman embarks on a perilous journey to confront the legacy of violence that haunts her family and community. Through vivid dreams and waking nightmares, Mackenzie must unravel the mystery of her sister’s death and confront the possibility that the answer has been inside her all along. But at what cost? Only a “Bad Cree” would put her family in harm’s way, but Mackenzie is determined to unlock the secrets of her past.

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JESSICA JOHNS

BAD CREE

Alice Farham – Passing the Baton: Conducting in the 21st Century

Written by leading conductor Alice Farnham, the book delves into the ways in which factors such as gender, culture, and socio-economic status shape a conductor’s language, career, confidence, and even their physical presence. With a focus on female conductors, the book offers insight into the realities of the profession and the qualities necessary for success, while also serving as a thoughtful reflection on leadership. This is not a technical guide to conducting, but rather a captivating exploration of the art and its role in today’s world for music lovers and professionals alike.

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ALICE FARNHAM

THE MAKING OF A MODERN CONDUCTOR

Rick Rubin – The Creative Act

Rick Rubin an American record producer, is considered one of the most successful and influential producers of all time. With his debut book, The Creative Act, Rubin illuminates the path of the artist as a journey that anyone can embark on, distilling the wisdom he has gained from his lifetime of work into a captivating reading experience that brings the power to create moments – and lifetimes – of exhilaration and transcendence closer to everyone.

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RICK RUBIN

THE CREATIVE ACT

Ronald Brownstein – Rock Me On The Water

Rock Me On The Water – 1974 – The Year Los Angeles Transformed Movies, Music, Television and Politics (now in paperback) is a standout snapshot of cultural history from Atlantic Senior Editor Ronald Brownstein – “one of America’s best political journalists” ( The Economist) tells the story of LA’s creative peak. Through film, music, and television studios around Sunset Boulevard, Brownstein shines a clear and electrifying light on the explosion of popular culture through the lens of a younger generation intent on change.

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RONALD BROWNSTEIN

ROCK ME ON THE WATER

Deepti Kapoor – Age of Vice

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DEEPTI KAPOOR

AGE OF VICE

Nick Hornby – Dickens & Prince

From the bestselling author of Just Like You, High Fidelity, and Fever Pitch, a warm, and engaging short book about art, creativity, and the unlikely similarities between Victorian novelist Charles Dickens and the iconic pop star Prince. Hornby is first and foremost a fan, in many ways, this reads like a love letter, albeit, a factual one, that examines the artist’s seemingly endless professional productivity. Humorous and haunting, Hornby shines a light on the creative process, and how it takes a combination of discipline, and soul to produce great art.

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NICK HORNBY

DICKENS & PRINCE

Kate Scott – Compulsion

Compulsion captures the wild, hedonistic spirit of the 2000s electroclash scene and the philosophical questions that arose from it. The book, set in 2004, follows 24-year-old nihilist Lucy as she navigates the interplay between her obsession with drugs, sex, music, and books, and the turmoil caused by her pursuit of oblivion. Drawing from the author’s personal experiences in the music industry, Compulsion is about the complex journey of embracing one’s obsessions. It follows Lucy’s work as an editor for a struggling music mag, her relationships with musicians on the rise (Interpol, The Presets, Tiga) and childhood idols (Wire, The Strangers, The Bronski Beat), and the reality of dealing with a stalker.

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KATE SCOTT

COMPULSION

Nats What I Reckon – Life: What Nat To Do

Musician, YouTuber, comedian, and author, Nat, best known for Nat’s What I Reckon, counts Dave Grohl, Carl Cox, and Yael Stone among his many fans. Sharing his hard-earned wisdom, Nat discusses gaps in the education system, the power of talking, and the importance of having good friends, and good partners that have your back. With humour, compassion, and a great deal of Nats What I Reckon flavour that we have come to know him for, Nat has written a great all-inclusive read, regardless of age, and gender,  Life: Nat What To Do is a book for everyone.

 

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NATS WHAT I RECKON

LIFE: NAT WHAT TO DO