It's been a busy few months. For many, the heat either made concentrating impossible, while others found that reading was the only activity they could do without melting into a human puddle. I've certainly read more than I've blogged about, so here's a round up of a few books that I haven't already mentioned this year.
'Vagabond' by Tim Curry
An interesting read that manages to strike a balance between covering the thing Curry is best known for (Dr Frank-N-Furter in 'The Rocky Horror Show' and 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show') and his other career highlights (from Stephen King horror 'It' to Monty Python musical 'Spamalot'). It's always disappointing to read a biography where the the author clearly hates having to write about the one thing the punters are most interested in (looking at you, Ade Edmondson). Learned more than I expected, which has turned out very useful in a number of quizzes.
Paperback released in September 2026 by Cornerstone.
'Middle-Aged Women Get Sh*t Done' by Lucy Porter
I love Lucy Porter, but finished this book thinking 'Tell me something I don't know'. I was amused at times, but left feeling a bit hollow and disappointed by the sense of inevitability that this is the way things are and that they're unlikely to change.
First published in August 2026 by Wildfire.
'The Castle' by Jon Ronson
I hadn't read anything by Jon Ronson in a while, but always found his books interesting. This was no exception. Initially inspired by his son's encounter with the creator of the eponymous building, this book explores masculinity in America. Along the way, Ronson encounters different men trying to build a role in the modern world, from confusing steel fortune heirs to unqualified wannabe heroes to men navigating a culture where social media has replaced heavy industry. 'The Castle' does what all of Ronson's best books do; pulls on the fraying edges of contemporary life, drawing out disparate threads then weaving them into a meaningful picture that gives a new, quiet but considered perspective on the topic in hand.
Hardback released in August 2026 by Penguin.
'All About My Mother' by Rachel Stirling
Who doesn't admire the mighty Diana Rigg? This biography by her daughter focusses on their unique relationship while documenting a life of kick-ass roles and independent thinking. The love and admiration Stirling has for someone who was clearly a challenge to live with at times is venerable, and the final chapters covering Rigg's cancer and final weeks are heart-wrenching. A glimpse into how strange, difficult and beautiful human beings can be.
Hardback published in September 2026 by John Murray Press.
'Behind the Seams' by Esme Young
I was disappointed by this book. It was mildly interesting, but Young clearly didn't want to give away the insider information that I was hoping for. The book focuses on her early life, time as co-founder of fashion brand Swanky Modes, and her work as a lecturer at Central Saint Martins. It was neither fish nor fowl; Not technical enough to make it interesting to designers or business entrepreneurs, nor gossipy enough to engage with people who want to know more about the work Young has done with film stars, singers and other celebrities.
Based on the paperback published in 2023 by Bonnier Books.
Now, what next...?
