The AJPT Controversial Books Only Club Starts Now!

Open to all - paid or unpaid subscribers. As long as you have an interest in oddball books that are not on other book club lists and want to read them along with Jane, you're in!

Does it look like I'm excitedly hosting an event where we are discussing a book? David Belisle takes the best pictures.

OK, this is exciting!

I have never been part of a book club in my whole life. I don't even get how they work, which is why I'm enlisting Corynne to help make sure I do it at least semi-correctly or, more importantly, in a way that works for all of you.

I first had this REVOLUTIONARY NEW INSPIRED IDEA NO ONE HAS EVER THOUGHT OF BEFORE TO START A BOOK CLUB because of James Frey’s now-newish book. I’d written something about him saving my life (true) and I was standing up for his then-not-published-yet book, Next to Heaven. Which led to going to his book launch and getting TWO copies of the book there FREE (nice!).

And then a bunch of readers jumped into the comments, saying they wanted to discuss the book, including James himself. So, for those of you who signed up for that and have read Next To Heaven, I'll be announcing the date for that as soon as I text James and get an answer about a good time. (Any of you who didn't sign up can feel free to join when I announce it also. It’ll be fun.)

Alrighty!

“I don't expect these to be an escape or a happy diversion, or a breath of any kind of air.”

So to establish the criteria for the books that we all will read together: They can be fiction or non, can be old or new, but have to be controversial or inappropriate or banned or otherwise possibly not included in more “appropriate” book clubs. For me personally, the more strange and esoteric the better. I have also read non-fiction exclusively for decades (James’s book being a rare aberration), but I'm ready to branch out and for this club I want to pick books we are all excited about reading and talking about. So let’s choose together.

One warning I have for you beforehand is that I don't expect these books to be an escape or a happy diversion, or a breath of any kind of air.

Here we go with three that we have heard (in some cases, a lot) about and want to read and would love to read along with you. So if I'm doing this right at all (Corynne?), you can also suggest other options, and we can settle on one that we are all into. And go from there.

Take it away, Corynne!

---

Thanks, Jane!

Without further ado [Leave the adoing to me, as always! -Jane], are our selections for August’s Controversial Books Only Club book.

Take a look below, and then tell us which one we should pick by liking/hearting the comment from me that contains the book of your choice. The book with the most likes wins! Ok that was a little more ado.

Here they are for real!

How To Lose Your Mother by Molly Jong Fast

From the publisher: She grew up yearning for a connection with her dreamy, glamorous, just out of reach mother, who always seemed to be heading somewhere that wasn’t with Molly.

Why we chose it: We love Molly and would read this whether or not it was controversial. Some have noted that because her mom (writer Erica Jong) is living with dementia, the subject is “messy.” But writing your version of the truth will always piss someone off, and we live for that.

All the White Friends I Couldn’t Keep by Andre Henry

From the publisher: Henry explores how the historical divides between Black people and non-Black people are expressed through our most mundane interactions, and why this struggle won’t be resolved through civil discourse, diversity hires, interracial relationships, or education.

Why we chose it: Jane heard about this from Feminista whose recommendations she always ends up loving. Now this book isn’t “controversial” as much as it is pushing against the status quo — which can often be seen as upsetting to those who are holding the power and don’t want to be questioned. In this case, calling for a move towards Black liberation that doesn’t ask white people for permission is both radical and obvious. Jane couldn’t help herself and already started to read it, but we can’t wait to catch up.

The Salt Path by Raynor Winn

From the publisher: Just days after Raynor Winn learns that Moth, her husband of thirty-two years, is terminally ill, their house and farm are taken away, along with their livelihood. With nothing left and little time, they make the brave and impulsive decision to walk the 630 miles of the sea-swept South West Coast Path, from Somerset to Dorset, through Devon and Cornwall. Carrying only the essentials for survival on their backs, they live wild in the ancient, weathered landscape of cliffs, sea, and sky.

Why we chose it: You might know this, but this book came out in 2018 as a memoir and then a movie starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs was released this year in England. But in July, The Observer broke the story that details in the book had been fabricated, including even the author’s names. (Raynor and Moth Winn are, apparently, Sally and Tim Walker. And they allegedly were never homeless.) We didn't read this when it came out, but now we kind of want to because of the drama.

Ok, there they are!

So heart away below with your favorite choice or suggest your own option. When we announce the choice for the book, we will share all the details about when our first virtual Book Club meeting will take place. (It will be at Jane’s house!)

Can’t wait!