95bFM: Loose Reads

Suri brings us Box Hill by Adam Mars-Jones, the romance novel that you must read this Spring. After taking out the 2019 Fitzcarraldo Editions Novel Prize, this is definitely one to add to your reading list.

Jenna joins us in the studio for a review of Burnt Sugar by Avni Doshi. A novel about a complicated mother-daughter relationship, with references to various real world events that are sure to keep you hooked on this one.

Kiran is talking about Ali Smith's 'Summer', the fourth and final installment in her 'Seasons' series that tracks the big politics of the day in real-time lyrical storytelling. Whakarongo mai nei to hear more!

Suri joins us with a book that has gone straight onto her must-read list. Betty by Tiffany McDaniel narrates the story of a girl who was born in a bathtub in 1954 to a Cherokee father and white mother. A devastatingly beautiful novel that you won't be able to put down.

Jenna brings in a book from our very own Aotearoa. Sprigs by Brannavan Gnanalingam tells the story of many characters throughout their experiences in high school, dealing with trauma, peer pressure and masculinity, she highly recommends this one.

Kiran returns with a review of David Mitchell's new book, Utopia Avenue. Kiran reckons this is one that you'll either love or be slightly suspicious of, telling the story of a fake band making it's way to the top and meeting all your favourite music stars on the way.

Jenna returns with a book from a New Zealand author, Lil O'Brien's Not That I'd Kiss a Girl. A story about coming out in Aotearoa, relationships, friendships, and dinner at Cobb & Co. You'll whiz through this one.

Suri joins us this week to review A Burning by Megha Majumdar, where three stories intertwine into a narrative that touches on capitalism, facism, surveillance, and some big dreams. Suri couldn't recommend this one enough.

Jenna returns with a book she says was the reset she needed. Bae Suah's Untold Day and Night is a sensory experience that takes you by surprise. But the list of Korean novels written by women doesn't stop there: Jenna also reckons we'll love Frances Cha's If I Had Your Face, and Winter in Sokcho by Elisa Shua Dusapin.

Kiran joins us with a thrilling page-turner that you won't be able to put down. Hurricane Season by Fernanda Melchor is sure to have you on the edge of your seat, about femicide in Mexico and how poverty and extreme power imbalances lead to violence everywhere.