Don’t Skip Out On Me

Written By Jess Pancholi
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Don’t Skip Out On Me by Willy Vlautin
Reviewed byJess
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Welcome to our first exclusive preview review of the new book by Willy Vlautin due out next year! Faber books kindly sent us a copy to read, and I’m first out of the gate with my thoughts!

Firstly this book was a speedy read, the story kicks in really quickly and kept me hooked til the end. The story of Horace searching for himself, his identity and his place in the world really had me rooting for him to win at everything he tried. Vlautin has also managed to weave some sensitive issues into the story alongside the story of Horace’s outward struggle - mental health in men, race and identity and even adoption and non traditional families. The tone is melancholy but the theme of unconditional love shines through. When I first read it I thought it would be a Western, but it quickly morphs into something a bit more rounded. The ending did get to me a little, so be prepared! I’d also love to try reading this with its musical soundtrack to see if it adds to the experience. If you’re looking for something a little different I highly recommend curling up with this gem. Thanks again Faber & Faber!

Jess Pancholi

I’ve got to start this off by thanking Linda for putting together this amazing group of ladies who I love dearly! Linda was my uni/PhD wife for 8 solid years and books were one of the many things that bound us together - pun intended! I really think our book family is amazing, diverse and we really influence each other to push our reading boundaries (and crack each other up with our banter and jokes haha!) The family extends to you followers too - and we are just getting started!

According to everyone in my family and numerous home movies I was forever reading books.  Spot the Dog and anything Beatrix Potter were my jam. They say your love of reading never dies and I can absolutely say that is true! The books might be more grown up but I’m still there, book in hand (and snacks to boot!) ready to lose myself in a story.I can’t say for sure what my preferred genre of book is - I’ve read everything from biographies to epic modern novels and classic tales too - and of course as a scientist I dabble in a little popular sci lit on the side. I’m always willing to try something wacky and weird, even if I don’t like it in the end but I guess that’s why I’m part of The Candid Book Club, eh?

If you asked me to recommend some books to you, I would say that Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy is my absolute favourite ever; its worth it, I promise!I also love: Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli (shout out if you read this in high school - it’s YA that really sticks with you) Brave New World by Aldous Huxley The Good Immigrant edited by Nikesh Shukla (this is ESSENTIAL reading) Sputnik Sweetheart by Haruki Murakami A Little Life by Hanyayan Agihara, Yes Please by Amy Poehler. And of course- The Tale of Jemima Puddleduck by Beatrix Potter

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