#5Books to read 30/8

Here’s a collection of recs that covers the coming out of an intersex character and the ramifications of being outed. Then, there’s Asking for It, which is about the aftermath of a rape, and… well, this story is going to be distressingly familiar to anyone that reads the news these days. I was introduced to Daniel Jose Older and his work with female, black heroes/main characters this week. And, two Australian novels — well three really: two collections of short stories by Australian female and male authors, AND a historical crime novel, set in South Vietnam.

None of the Above by IW Gregoria: This is a story about Kristin, the popular girl at school, who discovers she’s intersex. Unfortunately, she is then outed to the school and everything you can imagine, probably happens. What makes me hopeful is the review for this book is overwhelmingly positive about how realistic the author portrays everything she goes through.

ShadowShaper and Half-Resurrection Blues are two new books out from Daniel Jose Older featuring female black heroes/main characters. They were both released earlier this year and I have to track them down nooooow!!!

Asking for it by Louise O’Neill: This is about Emily, her rape and the aftermath of her coming forward in our social media, “she asked for it” world. We’ve all read the stories in the news so many times, so this is going to be sadly familiar. You know this story already, I guess. Sighs. Just go read Kirsty-Marie over at Studio Reads who did an amazing review of this book. And then go pick it up.

There’s also Asking for it: The Alarming Rise of Rape Culture and what we can do about it by Kate Harding: Harding is a feminist blogger and with in-depth research writes about how American culture supports rapists rather than victims. While the book is specific to the US, I think it could apply to other countries as well. She’s also done an article for Flavorwire about the 6 of the worst rape culture tropes.

Something Special, Something Rare: Outstanding short stories by Australian Women AND Where there’s smoke: Outstanding short stories by Australian Men: I am curious about these two — what is the point of books filled with stories from female and then male authors? And at the same time, I do want to get my hands on them too.

R&R by Mark Dapin: The more I start doing these rec lists, the more I find myself liking the sound of historical reads, like this one. It’s set in South Vietnam in 1967 and follows an investigation into corpse by corporal Grant and Shorty, an Australian military policeman.

What do you think? Do any of these strike your fancy?