Each week we bring you a sample of the books we’re reading, the films and TV shows we’re watching, and the music we’re listening to.

Roland Bisshop is reading Elmet by Fiona Mozley

I can’t help feeling that it may be somewhat redundant for a lowly bookseller to review a novel which has already been shortlisted for the Man Booker prize, but here it is. Fiona Mozley’s Elmet was actually longlisted for the aforementioned prize before publication, which is remarkable in itself, and more so given that this is her debut novel.

Having never heard of the book, it was Ted Hughes’s quote in the preface which first captured my imagination: ‘Elmet was the last independent Celtic kingdom in England and originally stretched out over the vale of York… But even into the seventeenth century this narrow cleft and its side-gunnels, under the glaciated moors, were still a ‘badlands’, a sanctuary for refugees from the law.‘

Narrated by pubescent Daniel, the story follows him and elder sister Cathy, herself on the cusp of adulthood, along with their father who has made for them a peaceful and self-sufficient life in Elmet. Their peace is however held to ransom by the local avaricious land-baron and his predatory sons as their father’s chequered past returns to haunt them.

Equally savage and tender, visceral and ethereal. Loved it.

Chris Gordon is Coming To My Senses by Alice Waters

I’ve just finished reading this excellent memoir from Alice Waters. An American chef, restaurateur and activist, I often think of her as the American counterpart to our own loved and admired Stephanie Alexander. In Coming To My Senses, she shares the events that led her to the opening of her famed restaurant. Located in Berkeley, California, Chez Panisse is known for its organic, locally grown ingredients and widely considered one of the best restaurants in the world.

Waters herself is noted as one of the most influential global figures in food from the past 50 years, and was one of the founders of the Slow Food movement. Her memoir records her journey through Europe in her youth, and introduces us to the circle of charismatic friends and family whose views on design, politics, film and food would influence the culture of Chez Panisse. It’s an important story because it illustrates that change is always possible when a person remains generous and open, and steadfast in their beliefs.

The tone of the memoir is warm and friendly, and reading it may inspire you to create simple salads, or decorate your home with old French bowls and vases of local flowers. Coming To My Senses is perfect Spring reading, and was a complete joy to read from start to finish.

Lian Hingee is reading Untidy Towns by Kate O'Donnell

I first heard about Kate O’Donnell’s debut novel way back in December last year at the Centre for Youth Literature’s YA Showcase where it was described as Nick Earls meets The Gilmore Girls – and I thought to myself: 'Well, I’m sold.’

The novel’s protagonist is 17-year-old Adelaide Longley, an academic overachiever who left the small town of Emyvale in a blaze of glory to attend high school at a private boarding school in the city. With less than a year to go before graduating Adelaide is overwhelmed with anxiety about The Future and drops out of school to return home to the familiarity and comfort of her hometown. But as much as Adelaide would like to just take a bit of a breather from real life, the problem with being directionless is that you never get anywhere.

Untidy Towns is a story about growing up, being brave, first love, family, and learning when to let go so that you can fly.