Welcome to The Spinoff Books Confessional, in which we get to know the reading habits of Aotearoa writers, and guests. This week: Ruby Wallace, founder of Enamoured Books, a bookshop dedicated to romance.
The book I wish I’d written
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid – I was completely obsessed with this not only while I was reading it, but for a long time after! Jenkins Reid wrote this novel in the form of a transcript from interviews. I was a bit unsure of that form going into it but quickly found this to be one of my favourite styles: you can so clearly envision the characters and what they would be like in real life. Jenkins Reid outdid herself with the relationship dynamics in this novel too – especially with the love triangle towards the end. She also wrote music for the band when writing the novel! The songs were recorded when the book became a TV series, and even though the band isn’t real, they’ve become a fave.
Everyone should read
Don’t Hold My Head Down by Lucy-Anne Holmes because it’s the true story of Holmes’ discovery in her mid-30s that her sex life wasn’t as fulfilling as she wanted it to be and her subsequent journey of sexual self-discovery. What I love about Holmes is that she’s not telling people to follow what she did, but rather sharing her experiences without shame so readers can take what they want from it. While the book covers some serious topics, Holmes has you laughing all the way through.
The book I want to be buried with
I can’t possibly think of just one book! I would choose to be buried with them all – chuck my bookcase in with me and I will be a happy gal.
The first book I remember reading by myself
Sleepovers by Jacqueline Wilson. This book had a hold over me as a kid – I remember reading it more than once. She ended up coming to New Zealand for an event when I was younger, so my mum took me to get this book signed and let me tell you – my life was made that day!
Fiction or nonfiction
I am a fiction girlie hands down, particularly romantic fiction. I love the escapism of fiction, especially when life is overwhelming. Being able to pick up a romance book and escape to another world is a dream. I will sometimes mix this up with a nonfiction audiobook, but it is still always within the relationships / sexual wellness vibe.
The book that haunts me
I so often think about The Affair by Santa Montefiore. She is such a beautiful writer – I finish her books in day. But the way this particular novel played out will often pop into my head.
The book I never admit I’ve read
Back in the day I used to never admit to the smutty books I was reading, and I used to play down the romance novels I was devouring. If I was ever asked about what I enjoyed reading I would make a joke about silly little romance novels and then turn the conversation away from me immediately. But one day I realised – this is ridiculous. Romance is a stunner of a genre and should never be played down – so now you will catch me talking about all the smutty scenes to anyone who asks.
The book I wish would be adapted for film or TV
Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver. The audiobooks were so well done for this series – so immersive, with subtle background sounds like birds chirping. I have faith a TV series or movie would be incredible!
Greatest New Zealand book
Beach Rivals by Georgie Tilney. It wasn’t until long after I had read this book that I realised Georgie Tilney was a New Zealand author. And it was such a wonderful discovery! Beach Rivals was such an enjoyable book – I read the whole thing in a day!
Best thing about reading
I absolutely love being able to have a quiet moment to myself and away from devices. I am for sure a paperback girlie over Kindle (hence the bookshop!) so I value the time without digital distraction. I find reading to be one of the most cup-filling and refreshing activities!
What I’m reading right now
Wolf.E by Paisley Hope. I had my eye on this for a while because it felt like all the #BookTok girlies were reading it, and the cover is to die for. So, when I was finally able to bring it into New Zealand for Enamoured Books I was sure to keep a copy aside for myself to read!
