If you've ever had the privilege of meeting Jordan Turner, you'll know he's not someone you forget. There's a kind of enthusiasm about him that reveals itself almost instantly – most recognisable in the form of a book or film recommendation you suddenly feel compelled to read or watch. It makes sense, really. As co-owner of Bondi's beloved bookstore and cafe, Gertrude and Alice, good stories are quite literally part of his life. Whether reading, watching or writing, it's all in his daily rhyme. And as a creative mind, Turner extends beyond the literary and cinematic worlds, with his feet firmly planted in fashion and arts, too.
With a thesaurus of knowledge and recommendations in the arts world, we knew asking him his favourite book would be, in his words "the worst question you could ask". And yet, he lands on a title many will recognise: A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. Not just a favourite, but something closer to a personal artefact, as he shares that he owns a signed first edition.
Below, we speak with Jordan Turner on finding his favourite reading spot at the Art Gallery of NSW members lounge to discussing Enid Blyton’s The Magic Faraway Tree, as one of his favourite novels growing up.
The last book I read …
I just finished David Leavitt’s The Page Turner. If I had any connections with the film industry, I would love to put this book in the hands of Luca Guadagnino or Pablo Larrain. I think both these directors have a slow-cinema appeal and perfect cinematography that would suit this short but interesting novel of young queer desire. If you loved Call Me By Your Name, add this to your list.
On my bedside table: I am currently reading …
I have a few books on my bedside table: Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart, On The Savage Side by Tiffany McDaniel, and Quicksilver by Callie Hart. Currently reading the latter.
My favourite book of all time …
The worst question you could ever ask me. But I can never ever go past Hanya Yanagihara’s A Little Life. It was the first book I read with a queer storyline, which, alone, opened my world. However, I always come back to how incredible it is that an author can create a story that pushes us beyond what we think we’re emotionally capable of feeling (and then some). It’s a gift.
The literary character I most identify with is …
I don’t think I’ve identified with a character before. There are many I wish I were like, but I don’t think I’ve found myself in any of them. In any regard, I like to read things that are different to me.
The book that changed my life is …
Growing up with a mother who founded and owned a bookstore, there were always books around me. I think it’s often the case that when you’re a kid, you gravitate towards things that you don’t know about, so I never really understood why people love reading. It wasn’t until I read Lauren Conrad’s L.A. Candy that I realised people actually read books for enjoyment. That book changed my life because I haven’t stopped reading since. It only takes one book!
The best book I ever received is…
My Mum gifted me a first edition of A Little Life, which I had signed by Hanya Yanagihara on her first visit to Australia.
The book I would give as a gift is …
It would, of course, be tailored to the recipient, so I couldn’t tell you. However, I will say that it will always be a book that I’ve read and would think the recipient would enjoy. It would also come with a card explaining why I think they will love this book. I’m a sentimental person, and I really appreciate it when someone has thought about my likes and dislikes when it comes to a novel.
Growing up, the best book on my bookshelf was …
Enid Blyton’s The Magic Faraway Tree. I had this edition that was almost the size of a coffee table book. It was blue and was filled with full-page illustrations that paired with the story. I thought it was the coolest book ever, and it was probably the seed that sprouted my love for sci-fi and fantasy.
My favourite living author is …
Hanya Yanagihara is a living God to me. I have loved every single one of her books with all of my being. If there is anyone who isn’t on my side, I always recommend listening to her Sydney Writers’ Festival 2016 closing address, in which she speaks about an author's duty to tell a story as it is intended to be told. It gives some insight into her storytelling.
A book everyone should read at least once is…
Betty by Tiffany McDaniel. It’s a beautifully written story about a young girl who grows up in a very unique family. I loved seeing our harsh world through her innocent eyes. I feel like not many people know about this book, so it’s a personal duty to put it into as many hands as possible. It’s in my top three favourite books of all time.
My favourite reading spot is...
Either at home or in the members' lounge at the Gallery of New South Wales (I’m there every weekend to do exactly this).
