Here at Cityline.ca, we love talking about books and what we’re reading and loving right now. In our weekly feature, Friday Reads, we give you a behind-the-scenes look at what Cityline guest experts and staff members are reading, as well as sharing the current picks of some of our viewers. This week, we’re taking a peek at the bookshelves of Suzanne Ellis, Amber-Rose Sandu, and one of our viewers!
Suzanne Ellis, Cityline.ca‘s managing editor, is reading Grace: A Memoir by Grace Coddington (Random House Canada). Grace Coddington, the creative director of Vogue, became a cult hero after the world saw her in acclaimed documentary The September Issue. Now, she’s written her biography about her years as a model and of course working with Anna Wintour and co. on the world’s foremost fashion magazine. “I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this autobiography,” Suzanne enthuses. “Like so many, I fell in love with Grace watching The September Issue, and I’m bowled over by how talented she is. Not to mention funny, and tough!”
Amber-Rose Sandu, Cityline‘s assistant floor director and prizing coordinator, is reading The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (Harper Collins). This classic fantasy tale precedes Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy and tells the story of Bilbo Baggins, who’s enlisted by the wizard Gandalf to steal treasure from the evil dragon Smaug. “I wanted to finally read this, before the movie comes out,” Amber-Rose says. “It’s really good so far.”
Cityline.ca viewer Olga C. shared her current book of choice, In One Person by John Irving (Knopf Canada). John Irving’s latest explores the theme of sexual identity through its lead character, novelist William Francis Dean. Dean’s relationships with both men and women have largely failed, and he finds himself unable to conform to societal categories. The novel also examines the AIDS epidemic, and how attitudes toward sex and sexuality have changed over the past 50 years. Says Olga: “Typical Irving: I’m sucked in from sentence one.”
What are you reading this Friday? Tell us in the comments what books are currently residing on your bedside table, and we might include your pick in next week’s Friday Reads!