95bFM: Loose Reads

We're squeezing One Hundred Lyrics and a Poem into Breakfast this morning, at Kiran's recommendation. After Neil Tennant's 13 studio albums with Pet Shop Boys, you could say he knows a thing or two about lyrics, and this is the book to prove it. Each lyric is contextualised by personal commentary with an insight into the process of writing, and it's brilliant, Kiran reckons.

Oh yep, Jenna's here and she's gone and convinced Tess and Mikey of another brilliant book to read. Captivated by the story of Lily Allen, Jenna churned through her autobiography, My Thoughts Exactly, in just two days. Yikes.

Jenna brings in her top picks for 2018, this year has flown by and there's just not enough time to read all the books let alone re-read your favourites. However, you can buy all your favourites from Time Out, the perfect spot for gifts. Aww, 'cause Christmas, you know.

Kiran reviews Beastie Boys Book this week and Mike can't wait to get his hands on it (actually purchased it off Kiran as soon she she walks into the studio, cash in hand). With rave reviews, whether you are a fan or not, this hardcovered beauty is sure not to disappoint. 

Making fine use of the silly season book buying rush, Jenna's been asking punters their favourites of 2018. First up: Dolly Alderton's Everything I Know About Love. A collection of essays for those who've become jaded with ye olde Lenny Letter crew, but still want to yell "OMG RIIIITE" at a relatable tale of being young, female and alive (just).

Kiran joins Tess to talk one of her favourite bands and the recent memoir written by Wayne Kramer, the guitarist and founder of MC5, The Hard Stuff - Dope, Crime, the MC5, and My Life of Impossibilities. Mikey is gutted to be missing this one, but don't worry, we'll still play his favourite track.

Jenna joins us in studio this morning to talk a novel from the shortlist of the Man Booker prize, Everything Under by Daisy Johnson. The story tells the tale of our protagonist diving deep into their past, and the grim memories that she finds. Because we all love something grim and gritty, right Jenna?! And does this Man Booker prize mean these are the best ever books? Thankfully, Jenna is here to explain it all to Mike and Tess. Phew.

Milkman is the winner of the Man Booker prize and Kiran loved it. A novel with no names or locations, or even proper paragraphs; that's how good it is, and she's even convinced Tess to read it, wow.

Anne Kennedy's The Ice Shelf tells the story of Janice dragging her fridge around windy Wellington, in search of someone to take care of it. Now, that's a story you don't hear very often. This black comedy gets a rave review from Jenna, but, you may need some tissues as well.

Mike loves Kiran's taste in music books so lucky for him Kiran brings in a real gem, Mars By 1980 - The Story of Electronic Music. Covering some of Mike and Kiran's favourite musicians, the book tells the history of electronic music and it's rise to mainstream. Ending with a track by the first 'adult tv show' Mikey ever liked, Dr. Who. Classic.