Whether it’s a haunting memoir, game-changing nonfiction, or gripping thriller, the anticipation of what lies ahead of you as you turn a fresh page is unparalleled.
As 2024 unfolds, we’re in for an exhilarating literary journey. Here are the standout new releases of the year so far.
‘All You Need is Love’ is an absolute gem of a book, offering a captivating journey through the final years of The Beatles. Penned by former Apple Corp COO Peter Brown and Steven Gaines, this remarkable work unveils previously undisclosed interviews with the band’s key players – Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, and the incomparable Yoko Ono.
Locked away for four decades, these candid conversations provide a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of one of music’s most iconic groups. Filled with honest, intimate, and at times contradictory testimonies that paint a vivid portrait of the Beatles’ final chapter. ‘All You Need is Love’ is not just a book – it’s a heartfelt tribute to the enduring legacy of the world’s greatest band.
Salman Rushdie, the acclaimed author, shares his intense brush with mortality three decades after the notorious fatwa.
Just as he geared up to talk about writer safety, a masked assailant charged at him with a knife. In his upcoming book ‘Knife,’ Rushdie gutsily walks us through the terrifying ordeal and his journey back to health, buoyed by his wife, doctors, and fans worldwide.
Amidst it all, he reflects on love, resilience, and the healing magic of storytelling.
‘Show You the World in My Eyes’ dives into the history of Depeche Mode, capturing their iconic journey through the lens of renowned photographer and film maker Anton Corbijn.
Celebrating Corbijn’s pivotal role in shaping the band’s cooler than cool aesthetic, this stunning books features over 150 photos from Corbijn’s vast archives, including candid moments and electrifying live shots, the book offers a rare glimpse into the band’s evolution.
With insights from the band themselves, it’s a testament to Corbijn’s genius and his profound impact on Depeche Mode’s enduring legacy.
‘The Beach Boys by The Beach Boys’ is more than a biography; it’s a journey from a garage band to global icons. With contributions from band members and collaborators like Eric Clapton and Bob Dylan, the book shares personal stories and reveals the band’s creative process.
Through intimate insights and iconic images, it captures the essence of their Southern California roots. Reflecting on their accidental success, Mike Love and Al Jardine share heartfelt anecdotes, while Carl Wilson acknowledges the depth within their seemingly carefree tunes. This book isn’t just about music; it’s about friendship, humour, and the joy of creating together.
It’s a celebration of The Beach Boys’ legacy and their enduring impact on generations of fans worldwide.
March ushers in mindfulness, and this release is a straightforward exploration of self-discovery and progress. Tammi Miller, is a dedicated certified counselor with a keen focus on health literacy.
In Paperback Therapy, she not only imparts insights but also reveals practical techniques anchoring her own mental health journey. In this mindful March, Tammi’s wisdom charts a course to resilience, encouraging readers to forge a direct connection with themselves.
Jole Gion’s memoir delves into the genesis of the first decade of the cult American rock band, The Brian Jonestown Massacre. Reigning anarchic in ’90s San Francisco, defied grunge norms with psychedelic gems like “Their Satanic Majesties Second Request.”
Gion’s account, brimming with humour, unveils the hazards and pleasures of life on the road, taking readers behind the scenes of the iconic rock doc DIG. As the band’s ‘spirit animal’ percussionist, Gion captures the innocence and wonder amidst chaos.
Nashville boasts stars, lovers, writers, and dreamers, but also harbours lunatics, grifters, dip wads, and moochers. Gerry House, host of the top-rated radio show “Gerry House & The Foundation” for over 25 years, fits into both worlds.
In his book, “Country Music Broke My Brain,” he shares untold stories and conversations with icons like Johnny Cash and Brad Paisley, offering exclusive celebrity insights, humour, and broadcasting wisdom for country music fans and those seeking a good laugh.
Dive into a gripping narrative set in an alternate 1922 America, where jazz, speakeasies, and modernity dominate the scene. In this version of reality, the ancient city of Cahokia stands as an industrial hub along the Mississippi, a melting pot of diverse races. Two detectives stumble upon a murder mystery on a snowy rooftop, setting off a week of intense revelations.
Against the backdrop of gunfire and wailing clarinets, the city’s secrets unfold, teetering on the brink of either destruction or rebirth. Renowned author Francis Spufford delivers a compelling and richly textured tale, capturing the essence of a tumultuous era.
After two decades, a definitive biography unveils the true Stanley Kubrick. Drawing on his personal archive, private papers, and fresh interviews, “Stanley Kubrick: An Odyssey” delves deeper than ever before. This immersive journey explores not only the iconic films like “2001,” “The Shining,” and “A Clockwork Orange,” but also unmade projects like “Napoleon” and “A.I.”
Prepare to have your understanding of the enigmatic director challenged, as the book separates myth from reality. This is your chance to step inside the mind of a cinematic genius and witness the creation of some of the 20th century’s most impactful works of art.
Tony King, a confidante to music legends from the Beatles to Elton John, spills the details of his remarkable life for the first time in “The Tastemaker.” Having kickstarted his career at Decca Records in 1958 at just sixteen, King’s journey includes friendships with Elton John, rekindling John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s relationship, mediating Jagger and Richards’ quarrels, and spending time with Freddie Mercury in his final days.
From his Eastbourne childhood to witnessing the AIDS crisis, King’s life unfolds against the backdrop of social, technological, and cultural transformations. “The Tastemaker” is a profound and warm portrait of a music legend navigating an unpredictable world.
Dive into the ’80s music scene with “Trevor Horn: Sonic Architect of the ’80s,” a gem of a memoir that tells the story of the man who played a key role in shaping the era’s sound. Known as ‘the man who invented the ’80s,’ Trevor Horn reflects on his journey through twenty-three significant songs, from the ones that inspired him to those that defined his career.
Take a behind-the-scenes look at the studio, witnessing the creation of hits like ‘Video Killed the Radio Star’ and ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’. This memoir offers a candid glimpse into the producer’s world and the realities of the music business, providing a no-frills account of Horn’s adventures in modern recording.
‘She’s a Badass’ by Katherine Yeske Taylor explores the fascinating world of female rock musicians and their journey with feminism. Through intimate interviews with twenty influential women, including legends like Ann Wilson and rising stars like Orianthi, Taylor unveils the challenges, triumphs, and humour that define their careers.
From navigating stereotypes to pushing for equality, these women, ranging from Suzi Quatro to Amanda Palmer, share their unique stories. It’s a laid-back backstage pass to the lives of these trailblazers, proving that being a badass, whether through activism or just being yourself, is undeniably cool.
In the idyllic setting of Cornwall’s rugged coast, five old friends embark on a glamping retreat. Max and Annie Kingsley, seeking a dry run for their new venture, invite university pals and their families for a relaxing weekend. However, tranquility shatters when tensions between the children escalate, unveiling explosive secrets.
As a sudden storm isolates them, one member vanishes, triggering a gripping narrative that oscillates between a police investigation, a hospital room, and the catastrophic weekend. “The Search Party” is a propulsive destination thriller, exploring the fragile bonds of friendship and the lengths parents will go to protect their children.
Truman Capote’s final novel, left tantalizingly incomplete, is a scathing exposé of New York’s high society, causing seismic shocks in both public discourse and Capote’s inner circle. Dubbed by The New York Times Book Review as having “prose that makes the heart sing and the narrative fly,” the narrative follows P. B. Jones, a writer catapulted from a Missouri orphanage to the lavish realms of Manhattan’s elite.
Juxtaposing the meager confines of a YMCA cell with opulent venues, Jones navigates dysfunctional dinner parties, hobnobs with literary icons like Sartre, and encounters iconic figures such as Jackie Kennedy. Answered Prayers, marked by irreverence and wit, unveils Capote’s unfiltered satire of wealth and influence.
