What we're reading: Wilson & Baldree
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.
Chris Gordon is reading A Year with Wendy Whitley by Ashleigh Wilson
I feel like I spent the entire weekend with Wendy Whitley and her mate Ashleigh Wilson. Reading A Year with Wendy Whitley is like being at an afternoon tea, seated at Wendy’s re-imagined table (read the book to know what I mean here!), with two long-term friends. While following a winding path through Wendy’s life, their conversations are punctuated by birds and visitors to the famous garden below Wendy’s house. The garden is described as a ongoing art piece and a place of creativity and kindness.
My reading was interrupted when I tried to wind a scarf around my head, or re-arrange some flowers in my house so that my home – like Wendy’s – could be filled with blooms and leaves and I could rock a scarf with ease. I read about her fashion, her friendships, her travels, her family, and her grief. Throughout, Wendy is unapologetic and for that reason I love her even more than I did last week.
Dani Solomon is reading Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
I'm always on the lookout for fantasy and sci-fi books with older women protagonists (I'm talking 80+, not an oh-so-old-30-year-old) who, however begrudgingly, answer the call to adventure. The protagonist of Legends and Lattes, Viv, may not be old – her age isn't mentioned – but her knees hurt when she stands up so that's enough for me. Viv may not exactly be a lady – she's an orc barbarian but who's to say a lady shouldn't also be a barbarian? And her post-retirement call to adventure isn't saving a planet or even a person – it's opening a coffee shop in a city that's never heard of coffee.
Despite not quite meeting the list of requirements mentioned above I am thoroughly enjoying Legends and Lattes. It's funny, cosy, violent and bloody – a joy to read! PS. I am open to any and all suggestions for any sci-fi or fantasy books headlining older women!