Fancy a good book this weekend? Stories of unforgettable songs, indefatigable women who’ve made a their way in comedy, the sophistication of the Swedes, idealism in the face of a bleak future and a powerful story of survival all await you. Here are this weekend’s finest.
The Nickel Boys, Songs, Made in Sweden, The Prettiest Horse in the Glue Factory and No Apologies are on this weekend’s list of literary wonders.
Made in Sweden: 25 Ideas that Created a Country by Elisabeth Åsbrink
From afar, Sweden appears like an oasis of liberal sophistication in a world of turmoil. Åsbrink, however, dispels the glib mythology, revealing a culture which is far more complex than it seems. Visit Scribe for more. 
No Apologies: Women in Comedy Claiming their Space, Finding their Voices & Telling their Stories by Joanne Brookfield
Journalist and comedian of two decades standing, Joanne Brookfield has elicited the tales of Australia’s leading female comics. Encompassing the breadth of the human experience, the book celebrates the power of women and their myriad voices. Via Echo. 
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
In Whitehead’s gripping follow up to The Underground Railroad, Elwood Curtis finds himself in the horrific confines of the Nickel Academy. His only solace: the words of Dr Martin Luther King. For more, visit Hachette. 
The Prettiest Horse in the Glue Factory by Corey White
How do you rebuild yourself after a childhood marked with trauma? White’s memoir of survival is harrowing, but infused with a dark humour that is the trademark of one of the country’s most vital comedic talents. More at Penguin. 
Songs by Don Walker
Few have encapsulated the Australian psyche in song form like Don Walker. This volume comes complete with autobiographical anecdotes that slot in alongside the lyrics to his most enduring songs. More details are available at Black Inc. 
