Welcome to book club. We want to read stories that make us think, that move us, that raise complex questions, that open up important conversations. We want to read books that we can’t wait to talk about with you—virtually (tune in here), on social (join our new Facebook group), and we hope in person someday soon.
What We’re Reading Now
China Room
by Sunjeev Sahota
Why We Chose It
Brilliant. Surprising. Deeply imaginative. China Room weaves together two narratives: In the summer of 1999, a young man leaves England for his uncle’s house in Punjab, where he’s hoping to grit his way through an addiction. But he ends up in a place with more history, the home where his great-grandmother came seventy years earlier as a young woman, wed to an unknown husband. It’s here, decades apart, that Mehar and her great-grandson discover and set about getting what they desire, with dangerous and beautiful consequences. We were transfixed.
Read an excerpt now and pick up a copy from your local bookstore or find more retailers here.
Live Chat
Wednesday, October 27,
9 a.m. PT
Our book club leader, Kiki Koroshetz, will be chatting with Sunjeev Sahota. Submit your own questions for the author in real time.
About the Author
Sunjeev Sahota is the author of Ours Are the Streets and The Year of the Runaways, which was short-listed for the Man Booker Prize and the Dylan Thomas Prize and was awarded a European Union Prize for Literature. In 2013, he was named one of Granta’s twenty Best of Young British Novelists of the decade. He lives in Sheffield, England, with his family.
A Q&A with Sunjeev Sahota
How did the idea for China Room come to you?
It started with a piece of family lore: that a great-grandmother of mine was one of four brides married to four brothers in a single ceremony and none knew which was her husband. It took years to discover how to turn this tantalising premise into a novel.
What are some split-narrative books you love?
The Hearing Trumpet by Leonora Carrington, Rachel Seiffert’s The Dark Room. Does Pale Fire count?
When is the last time you were in Punjab—and what do you most enjoy when you’re there?
I was last there in April 2016 for a wedding. I love being around my gregarious family, bringing my Punjabi back on track, and vanishing into the background.
Who is the first person to read your writing?
My wife.
Your favorite story to teach?
At the moment, Leonora Carrington’s “The Debutante.”
Tell us what a typical Sunday looks like for you.
It’ll start with taking the kids climbing and go on from there.
What are you reading now?
Second Place by Rachel Cusk.
A LOOK BACK AT OUR PREVIOUS PICKS
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INVITE YOUR FRIENDS TO JOIN
Share what you’re reading, tag us @goop and #goopbookclub, send a book to someone to say you’re thinking of them, and tap your crew to connect with us in our new book club Facebook group. Talk soon.
We hope you enjoy the books recommended here. Our goal is to suggest only things we love and think you might, as well. We also like transparency, so, full disclosure: We may collect a share of sales or other compensation if you purchase through the external links on this page.
