Happy new year readers!

“It wasn’t until I started reading and found books they wouldn’t let us read in school that I discovered you could be insane and happy and have a good life without being like everybody else.”

– John Waters

John Waters by Susan Segal

If you happen to be a bit of a bookworm, like myself, you are always on the look out for the next good read.

So, I thought I’d share with you some interesting books that I discovered during the past year.

Role Models by John Waters

A rollicking read! John Waters – film director, screenwriter, actor, stand-up comedian, journalist, visual artist, and art collector – is also a fan. In Role Models, Waters profiles and ponders upon a host of his most beloved sub and pop culture idols, in his own particular way.

Man Enough to be a Woman by Jayne County

Take a wild and crazy ride through the life of performer Jayne (aka Wayne) County, through her own eyes. Jayne is definitely a character, entertainly revealing the difficulties of her early days to eventually rubbing shoulders with celebrities around the globe in a quest for fame, fortune, and fun times.

Francis Bacon – In Camera: Photography, Film, and the Practice of Painting by Martin Harrison

This is an exceptional publication. Insight into an artists practice is such a treat, and this book does especially well in conveying process pictorially and through written word. If you are an admirer of Bacon, as I am, it is a must add to your collection.

My Call to the Ring: A Memoir of a Girl Who Yearns to Box by Deirdre Gogarty with Darrelyn Saloom

Deirdre Gogarty tells of her childhood struggles, then how she had to overcome many obstacles as an adult, in order to become not only Ireland’s first female professional boxer but the Women’s Featherweight World Champion. I’m a fight fan and loved her story, though anyone will be able to relate to the effort required to reach a goal.

Bad Boy: My Life On and Off the Canvas by Eric Fischl

I’d not previously been super keen of Fischl’s paintings but had this autobiography recommended to me. Its content was a pleasant surprise, and I particularly appreciated the artists candid discussion of insecurities about his work and career. Not having prior knowledge about Fischl’s private life I found his book engrossing.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain

Quiet is quite the compelling read. In a nutshell it examines how introversion is underrated by society at large, and contemplates the value of introversion in a range of contexts and situations.

Hockney: Printmaker by Richard Lloyd

David Hockney is one of my all time favourite artists. So, needless to say, as soon as this book focussing on his prints came to my attention it was a must have. The catalogue is a fascinating overview of Hockney’s intensely dedicated investigation of numerous printmaking techniques.

Rona Green, Mr Correct (Hank), 2014, hand coloured linocut, 56 x 48 cm, edition 23

Do you have a good read suggestion? Please share by leaving a comment.

Wishing you all the very best for a fun and rewarding 2015!