Secret Book Swap | Currie | No.5 | May 2025

Books We Swapped:

Carrie Soto Is Back – Taylor Jenkins Reid. In this powerful novel about the cost of greatness, a legendary athlete attempts a comeback when the world considers her past her prime. Carrie Soto is fierce, and her determination to reclaim her record in the face of adversity offers a compelling exploration of ambition, identity, and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of excellence.(The StoryGraph)

Making Waves – Lorna Seilstad. Set in 1895, this historical romance follows Marguerite Westing as she discovers love and independence during a summer at Lake Manawa, challenging societal expectations. With a spirited heroine and a delightful setting, Seilstad crafts a charming tale of self-discovery and the courage to chart one's own course.
P.S. I Love You – Cecelia Ahern. After the death of her husband, Holly discovers a series of letters he left behind, guiding her through grief and helping her find new purpose in life. Ahern's debut novel is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory to heal and inspire.
Shadow in the Dark – Bradley Scott. A memoir detailing Scott's journey from a troubled childhood through adversity to redemption, highlighting resilience and the human spirit's capacity to overcome. Through candid storytelling, Scott offers insight into the challenges of personal transformation and the strength found in perseverance.
The Man I Think I Know – Mike Gayle. A heartwarming tale of an unexpected friendship between two men facing personal challenges, emphasizing the power of connection and second chances. Gayle's narrative is both touching and humorous, offering a thoughtful look at redemption and the bonds that can change our lives.
The Midnight Library – Matt Haig. Nora Seed finds herself in a library between life and death, exploring alternate versions of her life and contemplating the choices that led her there. Haig's novel is a philosophical and emotional journey that examines the regrets and possibilities that define our existence.
Ted Bundy: Conversations with a Killer – Stephen G. Michaud & Hugh Aynesworth. Drawn from extensive interviews, this book offers chilling insights into the mind of serial killer Ted Bundy, revealing his manipulative nature and crimes. Michaud and Aynesworth present a disturbing yet compelling portrait of one of America's most notorious criminals.
Great Expectations – Charles Dickens. An exploration of the life and works of Charles Dickens, delving into his contributions to literature and his portrayal of Victorian society. This classic novel follows the growth and personal development of an orphan named Pip, offering a rich tapestry of characters and social commentary.
Eye for an Eye – M.J. Arlidge. A gripping thriller where a vigilante exposes the identities of protected criminals, leading to a tense investigation and moral dilemmas about justice. Arlidge crafts a fast-paced narrative that challenges readers to consider the complexities of retribution and the law.
All the Places I've Ever Lived – David Gaffney. A surreal novel set in 1970s England, following a teenager's bizarre experiences in a town overshadowed by a nuclear plant, blending dark humor and social commentary. Gaffney's work is a haunting exploration of memory, identity, and the peculiarities of small-town life.
Someone's Survival Guide – Philip Alderson. A compilation of inspiring stories and practical advice from individuals who have faced significant challenges, offering guidance and hope to readers. Alderson's collection serves as a testament to human resilience and the power of shared experiences in overcoming adversity.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo – Taylor Jenkins Reid. An aging Hollywood icon recounts her glamorous and scandalous life to a young journalist, revealing secrets about her seven marriages and true love. Reid's novel is a captivating tale of fame, ambition, and the complexities of love and identity.

Guest Author - Naydene Jardine

TW: Mention of sexual abuse

Writing a book was never on Naydene’s' to-do’ list. In her words, she did not have a story to tell.

This all changed in 2023, when Naydene discovered an ex-partner had been sharing intimate images of her online for 14 years, without her knowledge or permission.

Whilst the perpetrator was charged, throughout the investigation and trial, Naydene realised how broken the judiciary is and, in her own words, how the police continue to fail victims of crime.

The case against the perpetrator was found ‘Not Proven’. Following this ruling, Naydene has discovered Cybercrime had stated a vital piece of evidence no longer existed but in fact, that the evidence was and still is in existence.

Cybercrime got it wrong, and a sex offender walked free.

Naydene does not want anyone else to endure what she has. She wants to help change the judiciary and help other crime survivors.

She has much to do, from education to challenging laws and beyond. It is all one step at a time, and writing this book is step one to raise awareness and hopefully starting to make change happen.

We are so grateful to Naydene for joining us on the evening and sharing her writing with us. A challenging story, beautifully told.

Banned Book Reading

Untitled (A Poem for Ross and Felix), By Rosie Jo Hunter

This month I wanted to share a poem that speaks directly to the theme of erasure which is so key to the conversations we’ve been having around book banning . “Untitled (A poem for Ross and Felix)” by Rosie J Hunter explores the first step in erasing a people: erasing their history.

I first saw Rosie perform this at a Loud Poets Showcase event earlier this year, then caught their sell out solo show at the Traverse Theatre in April and was blown away by poetry and performance. Recently a recording from the Loud Poets event was added to youtube and it was the poem I shared with our group this week. It was one that had stuck with me since seeing it performed live and with it relating specifically to a piece of art which in the Smithsonian which is one of the organisations targeted by anti-DEI acts from the Trump administration, to me it helped show the impact of these stories, be them through books or visual art, being removed.

I spoke with RJ about our group and this section in our evenings. They thought it was really great we were having these conversations and really pleased to hear their poem would be part of it. They hoped to join us in person to hear your reactions but instead I’ll be sure to pass on the reactions from our groups.

You can watch Rosie perform their poem below. They introduce the story ahead of their poem and in that you’ll see how this links to the current book bans and dei erasure in the US including their instructions to the Smithsonian, as RJ says themselves, “The first way to erase a group is to erase their history.”

You can follow Rosie Jo Hunter on Instagram here

Join us at future secret book swaps:

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