What we're reading: Laing & Skinner
Each week we bring you a sample of the books we’re reading, the films we’re watching, the television shows we’re hooked on, or the music we’re loving.
Tracy Hwang is reading The Lonely City by Olivia Laing
I’m currently making a rare foray into nonfiction with The Lonely City by Olivia Laing. It’s an extremely well researched, introspective and empathetic look at loneliness and its intersection with art and the artists who we might not see, or think to see, behind the work. With its focus on 1970s and 80s New York, Laing also dives deep into the AIDS epidemic and its particularly devastating effect on the queer art community.
As someone who is quite introverted and values their alone time, I’m finding this one very fascinating, relatable and hard-hitting. Laing handles a topic that bears so much stigma in our society with such compassion.
Chris Gordon is reading I'd Rather Not by Robert Skinnner
I had one of the nights the other night where you go to bed early yearning for a ten hour sleep. I started the process of fulfilling the ultimate middle age dream so well; clean sheets, curtains drawn, warm herbal tea and a quiet home. I’d planned on reading just a short story or two from Robert Skinner’s collection titled I’d Rather Not as I sipped my tea. He is a funny bloke and a compelling writer. I read the first two stories quickly, and from that point onwards, my plans fell apart.
Friends, I read the entire collection of autobiographical short stories – or perhaps they could even be considered musings – cover to cover that night. I was still awake at midnight. And when my eyes were closed I dreamt of deserts and camels, car engines and swags. I dreamt of starting my own literary journal. For the love of god, I dreamt of driving to Adelaide. Skinner’s topics of ponder stayed with me throughout my pitiful rest. It was not a good night’s sleep.
So here is my advice. Read Robert Skinner’s book. It is very good. It will make you laugh. (It will make you consider saving money.) The book is best started on a lazy day, in the morning. You’ll be ready to regale evening guests with delightful tales from the Skinner trenches by dinner. I know this because once you start reading I’d Rather Not, you will not put it down until you have finished.
