AVID PICKS: JUNE/JULY

The weather’s cooling down, but the book releases are hotting up! Here are our highlights of what’s coming out in june and July!

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day boy, trent jamieson (June 24)

Sure, Trent works at Avid Reader, but we only employ the best writers, and we know he’s has been working unbelievably hard on this book and we know it’s going to be amazing. A touching, disconcerting and immaculately crafted take on the vampire myth and what it means to be a man. Don’t forget to book your ticket to Trent’s launch before it sells out! Also, you can listen to Trent’s Spotify playlist of what he was listening to while he wrote the book!

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eating my grandmother: A grief cycle, krissy kneen (JUNE 24)

Our staff members are too talented and must be stopped. Not content with a critically lauded novel (The Adventures of Holly White and the Incredible Sex Machine) published just a few months ago, Krissy Kneen returns with a Thomas Shapcott Award-winning poetry collection, dealing with the passing of her grandmother. This powerful work offers a kaleidoscope of fitful dreams, tender memories and heart-struck musings that shine new light on our own mortality.

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the english spy, daniel silva (july 1)

The master of the intelligent, globe-trotting spy thriller is back with what promises to be another page-turning ripper read with links to real historical events. Art restorer (and ever-reluctant spy) Gabriel Allon is back, investigating the mysterious bombing of a member of the British Royal Family.

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the festival of insignificance, milan kundera (June 24)

The new novella from Literary Immortal Milan Kundera is already attracting strong reviews, and this hardback will be the perfect read for his sly, surreal humour.

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the pleasure of reading, antonia fraser (June 24)

In this delightful collection forty acclaimed writers explain what first made them interested in literature, what inspired them to read and what makes them continue to do so. First published in 1992 in hardback only, original contributors include Margaret Atwood, J. G. Ballard, Melvyn Bragg, A. S. Byatt, Catherine Cookson, Carol Ann Duffy, Germaine Greer, Alan Hollinghurst, Doris Lessing, Candia McWilliam, Edna O’Brien, Ruth Rendell, Tom Stoppard, Sue Townsend and Jeanette Winterson. The new edition will include essays from five new writers.

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relativity, antonia hayes (June 24)

To say this book has buzz is the understatement of the year. Former Sydney-sider Antonia Hayes was the subject of an international bidding war and her debut novel about science, love, unbreakable bonds and unspeakable acts has already attracted such fans as Christos Tsiolkas, Alice Pung, Graeme Simsion and S.J. Watson. We know Antonia as a former book publicist, bookseller and co-director of the National Young Writers Festival, and we couldn’t be more excited to share her book with you very soon!

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the seven good years, etgar keret (june 24)

Both Sarah and Chris have read and adored this collection of biographical essays by Isreali short fiction superstar Etgar Keret. Focusing on the period of seven years between his son’s birth and father’s death, The Seven Good Years is a funny, poignant and remarkable collection that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

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Last day in the dynamite factory, annah faulkner (july 1)

We adored The Beloved, the multi-award-winning debut novel by this marvellous Sunshine Coast-based author, and we can’t wait to be able to sell Annah Faulkner‘s new book about secrets, identity and the imagined nature of having it all. Look for this one on next year’s award lists.

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garden birds of australia, peter slater & sally elmer (July 1)

Among the Avid family is more than one twitcher, and we’re very excited about this new field guide investigating the ever-popular subject of birds in our backyards. It features identification spreads coveirng all the major species and families that occur in gardens across Australia- including iconic, rare and introduced species, as well as guides to the best plants types to attract birds to your garden.

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SICK IN THE HEAD, judd apatow (JULY 1)

Definitely one for the comedy nerds, or indeed anyone fascinated with the creative process, Sick in the Head contains in-depth and candid conversations with such entertainment luminaries as Mel Brooks, Jerry Seinfeld, Jon Stewart, Roseanne, Harold Ramis, Louis C.K., Chris Rock, and Lena Dunham.

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skin deep, gary kemble (july 1)

One of the first titles to be released by the exciting new Oz Press Echo Publishing, Skin Deep is a thrilling, layered, genre-bending novel by former Brisbane boy and friend of Avid Gary Kemble. Conspiracies, visions and federal elections: what more could you want!

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aurora, kim stanley robinson (july 14)

Trent has been squealing with excitement ever since this book was announced. Stanley Robinson has won every SF/Fantasy Award going, and Aurora is a work by an author at the height of his powers. A must for fans of speculative fiction.

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GO SET A WATCHMAN, harper lee (july 14)

Not much needs to be said about Go Set a Watchman, the prequel to To Kill a Mockingbird and one of the most anticipated books of the year. Don’t forget to preorder your copy from us and get a whopping $12 off the price!

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THE DUST THAT FALLS FROM DREAMS,
louis de bernieres (july 15)

A new novel from one of our great storytellers is always cause for celebration. Set during The Great War, Louis de Bernières’ magnificent and moving novel follows the lives of an unforgettable cast of characters as they strike out to seek what happiness can be built from the ruins of the old world.

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