Shelf Life

Attica Locke knows Texas although she hasn't lived in the Lone Star State for almost three decades. She also wears many hats: New York Times best-selling author, screenwriter, TV producer for shows like Empire and Little Fires Everywhere, mother, wife, daughter and sister.

I’ve been a huge fan of Attica’s for many years and it all started with a book: Bluebird, Bluebird, the award-winning 2017 thriller that will captivate you from the first line and stay with you after the last one. The characters are beautifully flawed, the settings transport you and evoke every sense, and the twists and turns will leave you stunned and amazed.

The Highway 59 series - which starts with Bluebird, Bluebird and ends (spoiler) with Guide Me Home, gives readers the opportunity to follow Darren Mathews, a Black Texas Ranger, who knows first-hand the power and mystery of East Texas. It’s an incredible series and the perfect antidote to homesickness.

For our chat, Attica and I talked about what the word ‘home’ means to her, why we need to look to the past for inspiration and what books she would want next to hers on a shelf. Great literature frozen in time.

Buy the Highway 59 Series at your favorite local independent bookstore. Here is one of my favorites: https://www.blackpearlbookstore.com/

If you are looking for a stunning debut, look no further than 'Revival Season' by Monica West. This book is truly magical and I'm not the only one who thinks so:

'Spellbinding debut' - The Washington Post

'Invigorating novel' - The New York Times

'Must-ready for May' - Barnes and Noble

‘Revival Season’ is all of those things and more. When you pick up this book and join 15-year-old Miriam Horton on her physical and spiritual journeys, you’ll quickly understand why so many people, including me, love this book.

Miriam and her family pack up every summer and travel through small Southern towns for revival season: the time when Reverend Samuel Horton, Miriam’s father, holds massive healing services for local communities. Whether people need healing for ailments and disease or just want to witness Reverend Horton’s powers, each revival season is one to be remembered.

And the memories aren’t always good ones. When Miriam witnesses a shocking act of violence after a healing session, she calls into question everything that she’s known to be true. Her confusion only grows as she begins to discover her own ability to heal. But this ability and power is denied to women, right?

Throughout the book, Miriam struggles with her special ability, forcing her to decide between her religion, family and power. Should she disobey her father and potentially save others or should she deny her true gifts as a healer and woman?

This book is about faith, feminism, and how our natural abilities can help us build strong, sturdy foundations for the future , even when our belief system is crumbling around us.

I loved ‘Revival Season’ and my chat with Monica so much. We talked about the book’s beautifully complex characters, the relationship between mother and daughter, the violence and anger that occurs throughout the book and what it means to have a special healing power.

Check out the events on Monica's website: https://monicawestwrites.com/

Buy 'Revival Season' at your local independent bookstore. Here is one of my favorites: https://blackpearlbookstore.com/

If I had to pick one word to summarise ‘Permission' by Saskia Vogel, it would be dreamy. In fact, it's the same word that Oprah Magazine used. And who’s going to disagree with Oprah Magazine?

In March 2019, one of my favourite imprints, Dialogue Books, published Saskia's gorgeous debut novel, 'Permission' and it honestly took my breath away. It's a fantastic story that explores so many important and interesting topics: desire, grief, sex, love, dominance and pleasure.

'Permission’ follows Echo, a young actress in Los Angeles, who is devastated after losing her father in a horrible accident. With an emotionally distant mother and no close friends, Echo searches for solace in Orly, a dominatrix who lives across the street. Orly and Echo form the most beautiful relationship but it comes with strings - Orly has a roommate and ‘houseboy’ named Piggy who is very dedicated to Orly and his role in her life.

The chapter’s alternative between Echo and Piggy point-of-view and Saskia does a brilliant job giving the reader all the beautiful details that we need and want to fall for Echo, Orly and Piggy. In fact, the characters are one of my favourite things about ‘Permission.’ The characters and that oh so sexy shower scene between Orly and Echo.

I love love love this book and had the best time chatting with Saskia about her inspiration for ‘Permission’ and her characters, why Los Angeles had to be the setting for the book as well as what we need to do so we can finally erase the stigma around sexual fetishes. I really hope you enjoy this episode.

Buy 'Permission' here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/permission/saskia-vogel/9780349700427

I'm still on Cloud Nine after chatting with THE Nicole Dennis-Benn. This episode was one of the greatest milestones of my life and if you love 'Here Comes the Sun' and 'Patsy' as much as I do, you'll totally understand why. Nicole and her books are beloved by readers and aspiring and established writers around the world. And I love connecting with other readers who feel as passionately about these books as I do.

Both books have received multiple awards, been on thousands of 'best books of 2016 and 2019' lists, and appear across social media literally every single day. It's such a beautiful thing to be a part of.

Whether you started with 'Here Comes the Sun,' which was published in 2016, or 'Patsy,' which was published last June, you will absolutely fall in love with Nicole's beautiful ability to create worlds and characters that stay with you a very long time.

In 'Here Comes the Sun,' we are transported to Montego Bay, Jamaica. The beautiful beaches and blue seas of Jamaica are present in this beautiful novel but it’s the four central characters - Margot, Thandi, Delores and Verdene - who live and work so hard to contribute to their community outside of ‘Paradise’ - that stay with you long after you close the book.

During the day, Margot works at the front desk at the Palm Star Resort and at night, she sleeps with the hotel’s wealthiest guests. In Margot’s selfless effort to shield her 15-year-old sister, Thandi, from this life, she agrees to take on an opportunity for financial independence and freedom but also the chance to finally commit to Verdene, who she’s loved in secret for a long time.

A secret Margot has kept from so many people, including her mother, Delores, who makes it very clear - through her words and actions - that she strongly disapproves of Margot’s choices. The journeys that these four women ultimately take are equal parts heartbreaking and beautiful.

And Nicole’s second book, 'Patsy,' is another beautiful story about family, sacrifices, love and belonging. The book begins in Jamaica where we meet Patsy, who has just received her long-awaited American visa - her ticket and opportunity to leave Jamaica and join her friend, Cicely, who has been writing letters to Patsy from New York. These letters contain promises of a happier life, memories of young love, and glimpses of how they could spend this new life together.

However, Patsy’s yearning for this new life with Cicely means that she will leave her five-year-old daughter, Tru behind. And while this isn’t an easy decision for Patsy, it’s her determination to love who she wants to on her own terms that ultimately helps her board the plane to America. But she arrives in Brooklyn to find that the promises from Cicely were merely words and so Patsy now has to work a variety of jobs to pay for a life she didn’t sign up for.

I loved absolutely everything about this book, particularly the chapters from Tru’s perspective. Across 10+ years, we have the privilege of seeing Tru grow up, build a relationship with her father, Roy, and come to terms with her sexuality and identity. Both Patsy and Tru’s journeys are bittersweet - on the one hand, you want them to reunite but on the other hand, it is so beautiful to see them become the people they were always meant to be.

Both books have a special place in my heart and it was an absolute honour to chat with Nicole about her books, her strong beautiful female characters and the importance of having Patsy’s name on a book cover.

Buy Nicole's books here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/patsy/nicole-dennis-benn/9781786077103

https://www.foyles.co.uk/witem/fiction-poetry/here-comes-the-sun,nicole-dennisbenn-9781786072399

https://www.greenlightbookstore.com/book/9781631492945

https://www.greenlightbookstore.com/book/9781631497896

Three reasons why I'm so excited to have celebrated author, Erin Carlson, back on Shelf Life: she's written another brilliant book, she never tires of talking about Nora Ephron and she makes me laugh until my sides hurt. There are also dozens of other reasons but we'll stick with these three for today.

Last September, my dear friend published her second book, Queen Meryl, and it's no surprise that people, including myself, fell in love with it. I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy so I've been shouting about this book since June 2019. And it's been my absolute pleasure.

For those who tuned in to our first episode in December 2018, you'll know that Erin and I share a mutual love for Nora Ephron. However, it’s Queen Meryl who is the star of today’s episode and I highly recommend that you rush out to the bookstore and buy Erin’s brilliant book. With chapter titles like Meryl Goes Nuclear and Meryl the Immortal, this book will likely have you laughing until your sides hurt.

But like a gripping performance by Meryl herself, there are definitely moments of surprise and mystery in this book. Did you know that Meryl once mooned the director of The River Wild? Talk about being cheeky!

In our short but very delicious chat, Erin and I discuss everything about Meryl Streep - her 1983 commencement address at Vassar - her alma mater - how and why she brings out the best in her male co-stars and our top five Meryl films. Oh, and we managed to save some time to talk about Nora at the end. Just in case you were worried.

To quote the amazing Stanley Tucci, all right everyone, gird your loins and get ready for another episode with the brilliant Erin Carlson.

Buy Queen Meryl here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/queen-meryl/erin-carlson/9780316485272

Buy I'll Have What She's Having here: https://www.strandbooks.com/product/9780316353892?title=ill_have_what_shes_having_how_nora_ephrons_three_iconic_films_saved_the_romantic_comedy

You know those people who add so much joy, wisdom and humour to the world? Well, Michael Arceneaux is one of those people. And for anyone who follows Michael on social media, has read and loved his books or knows him personally, you know why he is so loved.

Michael is such a talented and beautiful observer of life that it’s no surprise at all that his first book, ‘I Can’t Date Jesus’ which was published in July 2018, became an instant New York Times Bestseller.

This essential and important collection of essays - which is equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking - offers readers a front row seat to Michael’s joys, struggles and experiences as a Black queer man growing up in America. His incredible talent at storytelling is stunning as is Michael’s honesty and realness about faith and religion, family and self-discovery.

And I'm so thankful that Michael's second book, 'I Don't Want to Die Poor,' which was published in April, provides a second opportunity for readers to enjoy more of Michael’s wit and wisdom as he explores his personal struggles and frustrations with the financial and emotional price tags that come with following your dreams.

‘I Can’t Date Jesus’ and ‘I Don’t Want to Die Poor’ are literary gold and I can’t recommend them enough. In both books, Michael uses his powerful voice to reveal the truths behind important and relatable topics: relationships, family, sex, dating, politics and career choices.

I loved chatting with Michael about his books, how emotional and financial debt demands so much more from us than a monthly payment and why conversations about race, politics and failed systems will always be timely and important.

I really hope you enjoy our episode!

Buy Michael's books here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/I-Cant-Date-Jesus-by-Michael-Arceneaux-author/9781501178856

https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/I-Dont-Want-to-Die-Poor-by-Michael-Arceneaux-author/9781982129309

My name is Nicole and I'm a very proud member of the 'Rainbow Milk' fan club. Everyone is welcome and there is only one rule: you must love this stunning debut novel with your whole heart, soul and mind.

In this episode, I have the incredible privilege of chatting with Paul Mendez, the author of 'Rainbow Milk.' Published in April by the amazing team at Dialogue Books, this book - an Observer 2020 Top 10 Debut - is one of the most beautiful books ever written and my favourite of 2020.

Oh, and it's just been longlisted for the 2020 Gordon Burn Prize.

If you've read Paul's stunning novel, you'll definitely understand why there are countless glowing reviews, from readers, writers and journalists, and why 'Rainbow Milk' is THE book of the year.

'Rainbow Milk' has two central characters: Norman Alonso and Jesse McCarthy. The first section - set in the Black Country in the 1950s - features Norman and his wife, Claudette, who moved to Britain from Jamaica with the Windrush Generation, excited at the prospect of a new life in Britain. Three years later, now with two young children, Norman and Claudette face unexpected racism and heartbreaking illness while working incredibly hard to build the life they dreamed of and so deserve.

Fast forward to 2001 and the book continues with Jesse who is hoping and searching for answers outside of his repressive family and Jehovah's Witness upbringing. And these answers might just be in London, where Jesse moves in the hope of starting over.

As a young Black queer man in London, Jesse welcomes his new sexual and emotional freedoms, but through exploration and experience, sometimes finds himself at a loss for balance and stability. The unexpected challenges and often heartbreaking surprises that Jesse faces on the road to true connection and love are so beautifully written that you'll ache in places you never knew existed.

This book is everything and an absolute masterpiece written by an extraordinary Black queer author.

I loved chatting with Paul about his own experiences, the importance of honest and raw sex scenes, the book's beautiful characters and why we must always honour the stories of the Windrush Generation.

I really hope you love this episode as much as I do!

Buy Paul's book here: https://www.foyles.co.uk/witem/fiction-poetry/rainbow-milk-an-observer-2020-top-10,paul-mendez-9780349700595

Imagine you are 11-years-old and live in a bookshop with your grandparents. Then one day, Anne Shirley is sitting on a bench on the top floor. If this sounds like a dream come true, then this episode is definitely for you.

I'm super lucky to chat with fellow book lover and super talented author, Anna James. For the past two years, Anna's Pages & Co books have been flying off the shelves. Beloved by readers of all ages, this series (the third one is out later this year)is magical, whimsical and such a treat to read.

In the first book, 'Tilly and the Bookwanderers,' which was published in 2018, we meet 11-year-old Tilly Pages who lives with her grandparents in their bookshop, Pages & Co. On a very special day in the shop, Tilly encounters her favourite book characters and with the help of her grandparents and best friend, Oskar, she learns all about the magic of bookwandering. This new power leads to some fantastic adventures and the important answers that Tilly has been searching for her whole life.

The second book, 'Tilly and the Lost Fairy Tales,' which was published last year, is another must-read. The adventures continue when Tilly and Oskar travel to Paris to spend time with Oskar’s family at Christmas. It’s so exciting to get lost in popular fairy tales, meet new characters and see Oskar learn more about his equally special bookwandering family.

I had so much fun chatting with Anna about our mutual love of books, what inspires Anna’s writing and why storytelling will always be essential and important for readers today and in the future.

Hope you enjoy our episode!

Buy Anna's books here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/pages-and-co-tilly-and-the-bookwanderers/anna-james/9780008229870

https://www.waterstones.com/book/pages-and-co-tilly-and-the-lost-fairy-tales/anna-james/9780008229917

Pre-order 'Tilly and the Map of Stories' here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/tilly-and-the-map-of-stories/anna-james/9780008229948

If you love magical stories as much as I do, then you HAVE to read 'Disappearing Earth' by Julia Phillips.

Published in May 2019, 'Disappearing Earth' was on dozens of must-read lists for 2019. It’s no surprise that ‘Disappearing Earth’ was a National Book Award finalist and is considered a ‘nearly flawless novel’ by the NY Times.

The book, set on Kamchatka, a Siberian peninsula in far East Russia, begins with the abduction of two sisters. Weeks go by and the police are unable to find the young girls and their disappearance is greatly felt by the community on the peninsula, particularly its women. The chapters, titled by month, feature the different women who have direct and indirect connections to the missing sisters. And although these women share a fear and loss, each story is beautifully unique and each character stays with you long after their story is first told.

I absolutely loved ‘Disappearing Earth’ and had the best time talking with Julia about my favourite chapters, what inspires her writing, and learning about her experience as a Fulbright scholar which allowed her to live and study in Kamchatka.

A magical episode that I hope you enjoy!

Buy 'Disappearing Earth' here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/disappearing-earth/julia-phillips/9781471169496

Julia's website: https://www.juliaphillipswrites.com/

What do you get when you combine female empowerment and exciting twists and turns? A delicious novel from author Andrea Bartz! Available from 24 March, it's no surprise that 'The Herd' is on dozens of ‘must read’ and ‘best books of 2020' lists.

It’s clear after only a few pages why Andrea is a master of mystery and surprise. The story follows four characters - Eleanor, Hana, Katie and Mikki - who all play important but different roles at The Herd, a female co-working space in Manhattan. At first glance, The Herd seems to be the perfect community for women in need of mentoring and support, but when Eleanor, The Herd’s founder, goes missing on the eve of a big announcement, it’s up to her friends to find out the truth behind all Eleanor's secrets as well as the ones that the three women have been keeping from each other.

Just like ’The Lost Night,’ Andrea’s latest novel gives us more relatable characters, endings that are thrilling and exciting and showcases how much the past can haunt and cripple us in the present.

I absolutely loved ’The Herd’ and so enjoyed talking with Andrea about what inspired her to write this book, how the wants and needs of women are evolving and the role that co-working spaces like The Herd play in society today.

Andrea's website: https://www.andreabartz.com/