Books of the Year

Despite a reply I recently posted on a certain social network, I haven't a clue how many books I've read this year.  This isn't unusual.  Below I've listed 5 that I've really enjoyed.  Right now, I would say they are my top 5, but I've probably forgotten about that dazzling collection of poetry I read last January.  Several of these books were published in 2015 – it is unusual for me to be this up-to-date.  I haven't made a list like this before for this reason, and don't hold your breath waiting for one next year.

A Brief History of Seven Killings: Marlon James 

The days of me keeping up with the Booker Prize are long gone (and were brief anyway).  I went to a shop looking for this on a recommendation and found it along with the other shortlisted books.  It's easy to see why this novel won.  I've always been unsure about historical novels: most seem desperate to shoehorn research into the story, or speculate about what Henry VIII was thinking as Ann Boleyn was executed.  A Brief History of Seven Killings centres on the attempt on Bob Marley's life in 1978, but its relationship with historical fact is loose.  It is a book with an epic scope and linguistic experimentation that is as thrillingly inventive as anything Anthony Burgess wrote.

The Most Dangerous Book: Kevin Birmingham 

You don't have to have read James Joyce's Uylsses to enjoy this account of the novel's publication, censorship and eventual triumph.  Birmingham's book is more accessible (understandably) and is a thrilling and thought-provoking story of art and censorship.  Read this if you are interested in how art triumphs over censorship.  And if you haven't read Uylsses, read that as well. 

Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink: Elvis Costello 

It probably does help to be familiar with the work of Elvis Costello before reading this.  There is no ghostwriter, which shouldn't be a surprise – Costello is noted for his ambition as well as a way with words – but manages to be readable and innovative at the same time.  More than anything it is a moving account of the loss of his father, Ross MacManus, but it is also an incisive commentary on pop music from about 1963 to date.

Three Moments of an Explosion: China Mieville 

China Mieville is quite happy to be categorised as science fiction, which is fair enough, and sometimes seems to get a little tetchy about people who say he transcends the genre.  You don't have to be a Marxist to enjoy this collection of short stories, but a fondness for science fiction (and an interest in environmentalism) would help.

The Blank Screen: Blogging: William Gallaher 

Don't read this if you aren't a writer interested in blogging.  Otherwise, do read it: It's rather good.

I have included links for each one.  If you do want to buy one or more based on my recommendation (it's a possibility I suppose) please try to buy from a shop, rather than a tax-avoiding online retailer.