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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.'

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

A Brief History of Seven Killings: WINNER OF THE MAN BOOKER PRIZE 2015
Marlon James
£9.99 £9.29Song: Purple Rain by Prince

In Search of Lost Time: The Way by Swann's
Marcel Proust
£9.99 £9.29Song: Unknown Pleasures by Joy Division

Girl, Woman, Other: WINNER OF THE BOOKER PRIZE 2019
Bernardine Evaristo
£8.99 £8.36Song: Lemonade by Beyoncé