Favourite Listens This Week

By Kathryn Alley, Cameron Phillips, and Nathasya

We are taking a step back and simply talking about our favourite reads this week. It’s been a while since we’ve had the chance to enjoy what we want as individuals without constraint, so here are our picks for your pleasure.

Cameron’s Pick: Superior Saturday

Written by Garth Nix

Narrated by Allan Corduner

I have a soft spot for many of the books I read as a kid, especially science fiction and fantasy, and I often go back to them as an adult to see whether they evoke the same reaction as they did back then. The Keys to the Kingdom series by Garth Nix is one of those series. It follows a twelve-year-old boy, Arthur Penhaligon, who is sent to the otherworldly House to put together the fragments of a lost will, which has chosen him as the next Architect. 

This series is quite brilliant in that whilst it does borrow from the tropes of the genre, I thought there were so many interesting and unique ideas that were brought forward in the series. The main antagonists, the Trustees, all have wonderful personalities. Aptly named after the days of the week – a niche nod to biblical myths – they wield a wide range of artefacts with which they channel their power. My favourite of these was always Mister Monday’s clock hand. The first five books are written a little more for children in terms of the prose and themes, but Superior Saturday is where the stakes are elevated. Saturday is invading the lower portions of Sunday’s realm, and Arthur’s real world is close to breaking point, too. Arthur’s journey in the series is well-paced, and it all comes to a head in the last two books.

Kathryn’s Pick: My Lady Jane

Co-written by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton and Jodi Meadows

Narrated by Katherine Kellgren

While I love and appreciate every genre of literature, it’s always fun to return to one of my favourites – historical fantasy. From romantic tropes like enemies to lovers to unexpected alliances through a found family, this listen is the perfect whimsical story to pull you out of a summer slump. 

My Lady Jane is a historical fantasy novel co-written by Hand, Ashton and Meadows. The story reimagines the life of Lady Jane Grey, the Nine Days Queen, with a twist. Set in a fantastical version of 16th-century England, it combines history with a generous dose of humour and magic. I love how My Lady Jane takes so many liberties with history and crafts a charming, inspiring narrative with a foundation in agency, empowerment and cleverness. 

The audiobook, narrated by Kellgren, brings the witty and playful narrative to life. Kellgren’s dynamic performance captures the essence of the characters and the book’s comedic tone, making it an engaging and entertaining listen. With its blend of historical figures, magical elements, and a touch of romance, My Lady Jane offers a refreshing reimagining of a tragic historical figure into a resilient, spirited heroine. 

This listen is ideal for anyone who loves to ponder the what-ifs of the past, and I highly recommend this memorable, thought-provoking tale.

Nathasya’s Pick: Glossy: Ambition, Beauty, and the Inside Story of Emily Weiss’s Glossier

Written by Marisa Meltzer

Narrated by Cassandra Medcalf

Listening to non-fiction audiobooks is a fantastic way to delve into complex subjects and captivating stories. One of my recent favourites is Glossy: Ambition, Beauty, and the Inside Story of Emily Weiss’s Glossier by Marisa Meltzer. This book offers a deep dive into the meteoric rise of Glossier, the innovative beauty brand that has revolutionised the industry.

As someone who has followed Glossier from its beginning, Glossy provided an enriching behind-the-scenes look at the brand that took the world by storm. Emily Weiss, the visionary founder, transformed her blog, Into The Gloss, into a billion-dollar beauty empire that emphasises simplicity and customer engagement. Meltzer’s narrative captures Weiss’s relentless ambition and the challenges she faced in a competitive market dominated by legacy brands.

The book explores the brand’s unique approach to marketing, product development and community building. It reveals how Weiss’s keen understanding of social media and direct-to-consumer strategies helped Glossier cultivate a loyal customer base and a distinct identity in the crowded beauty space. Glossy also doesn’t shy away from the struggles and controversies, offering a balanced view of Glossier’s journey.

For fans of the brand like me, Meltzer’s insightful storytelling in Glossy not only celebrates Glossier’s successes but also provides a nuanced understanding of its impact on the beauty industry. The audiobook format brings this compelling story to life, making it an engaging listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, beauty and modern business dynamics.