Best title as, after all, it’s all in the name…
Rob: So I haven’t picked a novel but instead a storybook. But who is it for? Aimed at frustrated parents struggling with their children, this humour book has a title that in just five small words, expresses the sheer frustration felt by many. And if you haven’t heard it already, Google for Samuel L Jackson reading this as an audiobook…
Kate: If it were not for the title, I would not have picked up this book but I’m so glad I did – it’s a fantastic read, a sinister yet quirky story about a man who adopts a penguins and finds himself mixed up with local mobsters with a taste of the odd at their funerals. If you can, do pick up a copy!
If we are allowed a combination of title and cover art, I’d choose Gould’s Book of Fish- a novel in 12 fish, by Richard Flanagan. I bought it solely as a result of seeing it in a bookshop, and thinking I’ve got to read it.
The blurb, taken from Weekend Australian, mentions that the author’s voice is coloured by Rabelais, Smollett, Sterne, Melville, Hemingway and Dostoevsky, and having now finished it I wouldn’t disagree, at least as far as the 1 of those I’ve read anything of- Laurence Sterne. It’s a tour de force, and beautiful too as an object. As long as you don’t mind not being reminded at all of Jane Austen, and enjoy murder, mayhem, righteous wrath and existential enquiry you’ll be fine with it.
That’s a fantastic title and concept for a book; thanks for the tip! – Kate