Paul Mendez, Rainbow Milk: A list of books and music inspiration

By Sevenoaks Bookshop

We're delighted to be partnering with Paul Mendez in celebration of 'Rainbow Milk' coming out in paperback! We had a chat with Paul about all the books he loves, and those that inspired his debut novel. He has come up with a real treat of a list. Having lived in Kent in the early 2000's, Paul specifically heroes three novels that remind him of his time here and how they impacted him as a reader and writer. Plus, he let us in on another nine books that he loves! AND has paired each novel with a song, for extra feels and wonderfulness.

It's so lovely to see Paul talking about his list, and you can watch him here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyQ-S3_VK98&feature=youtu.be

Sevenoaks bookseller Jessie says, 'Rainbow Milk is an unabashed look at sexual self-discovery and acceptance in an age of division, from a loud and proud voice that it's impossible not to be entranced by. Weaving club culture with high culture, Mendez is a bold new voice, an instant modern classic.'

Rainbow Milk: an Observer 2020 Top 10 Debut

Paul Mendez

£8.99 £8.36

The Secret History: From the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Goldfinch

Donna Tartt

£9.99 £9.29

"An absolutely brilliant novel about being a young person away from your family...the first time I'd ever read a sex scene between two people of the same sex, which was quite electrifying for me at the time." Song: Funeral by Arcade Fire

Tell Me How Long the Train's Been Gone

James Baldwin

£9.99 £9.29

"I read it again recently and realised just how much it had inspired 'Rainbow Milk'...it really sank into me and came out in my own book." Song: What's Going On by Marvin Gaye

Against Nature

Joris-Karl Huysmans

£9.99 £9.29

"After I left Tonbridge and was living in London...I was quite a lost soul at the time this really spoke to me. It's a great great book." Song: Power, Corruption and Lies by New Order