4th Estate Live @4thEstateLive @liv_mar #4thEstateLive

No review today, but rather I wanted to take some time to write about a fantastic event I was lucky enough to be invited to earlier this week.  4th Estate LIVE was an exclusive showcase of some very exciting 2020 publications.

Chaired by journalist Sarah Shaffi, we heard from 4 authors with forthcoming publications.  Read on to find out more –

Marina Kemp’s debut novel Nightingale is published Feb 2020 set in rural France, this is a story of secrets and lies as Marguerite arrives as the newcomer in a small village where she is welcomed with suspicion.  Caring for Jerome, once one of the most powerful men in the village.  Described as engrossing, mysterious, tender and disquieting by Edmund Gordan.  This is one book I’m keen to read.

Raven Smith – quoted as one of the funniest people on Instagram, is a writer, journalist and freelance creative director.  He spoke entertainingly of his forthcoming debut Trivial Pursuits.  The title is billed as, ‘a smart and irreverent take on modern life’ and Smith described it as discussing serious issues without a serious answer.  It sounded like a fun read tackling issues ranging from Global Warming, Being Tall and Dick Pics!  Definitely on my wish list!

Kate Elizabeth Russell spoke about My Dark Vanessa her debut out in March 2020.  This book has been creating a stir on social media and is a hugely anticipated read for me.  I was delighted to get my hands on a proof and expect to be reading this book very soon.  For those who don’t know ( where have you been?),  ‘Vanessa was 15 when she first had sex with her English Teacher, she is now thirty two and the teacher has just been accused of sexual abuse by another former student of his.’  Exploring teen girl sexuality, love, consent, rape… this book has had rave reviews and I cannot wait to read it!

Bella Mackie gave an incredible talk about her non fiction book Jog On Journal and the accompaniment to Jog On.  Speaking frankly about her own experiences of mental illness and the benefits running has had on this,  Mackie was an engaging and entertaining speaker and took the time to chat and sign proofs during the evening and personalise her signing – for me encouraging me to get past week 8 of the Couch 2 5K following 2 previous attempts of quitting at week 8.  I am determined to do this!

This evening was interesting and fun and I thank 4th Estate Books for hosting such a terrific event.  As well as hearing these great authors speak and picking up some superb books it was a great opportunity to meet a number of fellow book lovers in the form of bloggers and influencers as well as the lovely staff at 4th Estate Books.

Pictured below are the books I picked up – I’m thinking I will start with My Dark Vanessa and the Demi Moore Autobiograpy (it is non fiction November after all).

Any standing our for you?