It’s hard to believe, but we’re fast approaching the second anniversary of David Bowie’s death. In these past two years, the world has certainly not forgotten the impact and legacy of the late musician, least of all his son, who has taken it upon himself to start a book club based upon his father’s favourite literary works.
Back in 2013, a David Bowie exhibition was opened at the Art Gallery of Ontario, which included a selection of 300 books from the singer’s personal collection. With his collection reportedly nearing 70,000, Bowie was described by curator Geoffrey Marsh as “a voracious reader” who wad rumoured to read up to as much as “a book a day”. Now, fans have the chance to get in on this action.
Now, as Pitchfork reports, Bowie’s son, Duncan Jones, has taken to Twitter to announce the creation of the “David Bowie Book Club”.
“My dad was a beast of a reader,” Jones Tweeted. “I’ve been feeling a building sense of duty to go on the same literary marathon in tribute to dad.”
My dad was a beast of a reader. One of his true loves was Peter Ackroyd’s sojourns into the history of Britain & its cities. I’ve been feeling a building sense of duty to go on the same literary marathon in tribute to dad. Time allowing…#Read-ItBig’nsTheBrain
— Duncan Jones (@ManMadeMoon) December 27, 2017
Alright gang! Anyone who wants to join along, we are reading Peter Ackroyd’s “Hawksmoor,” as an amuse cerveau before we get into the heavy stuff. You have until Feb 1. ❤️
— Duncan Jones (@ManMadeMoon) December 27, 2017
Based on Bowie’s ‘Top 100 Must Read Books’ list, readers will be able to enjoy classics from the likes of Anthony Burgess, Vladimir Nabokov, Jack Kerouac, and George Orwell, in addition to a number of great non-fiction works about music and film.
The first book up for participants is Hawksmoor by Peter Aykroyd, described by Duncan Jones as one of Bowie’s “true loves”.
For those who wish to take part, you’ve got until February 1st to procure a copy and read it, but be sure to follow the rules and not just look up a synopsis on Wikipedia before the deadline. We’re not yet sure if there will be discussion questions to follow, but considering Bowie enjoyed discussing the things he loved, we wouldn’t be surprised.