Welcome to chapter 21 of the book column. The semester just started, but it’s also the anniversary of a very important event: the death of David Bowie. Though this event sent millions of music fans into mourning, it also prompted a pop-culture literary movement.
David Bowie's son, Duncan Jones, @ManMadeMoon, started a book club in late December 2017 in his father’s honor.
David Bowie, born David Robert Jones, was a popular singer known for his extravagant style. His iconic bright hair and lightning bolt face paint are known around the world, and his popularity spanned multiple decades. Despite this high level of popularity, few knew Bowie was quite the bookworm.
In 2013, he posted a list that he dubbed "Bowie’s Top 100." These 100 literary masterpieces include well-known novels like “1984” by George Orwell, “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote and “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
The club is run entirely from Twitter, so it will be easy for students to get in on the action. Twitter users can share their thoughts on the book using #BowieBookClub.
The books are easy to acquire but may quickly become unavailable as many music fans are quickly becoming book fans too.
Those interested in participating can explore the local Barnes & Noble or look into independent shops in Bloomington to find the titles.
The first book on the list is “Hawksmoor” by Peter Ackroyd. Readers have to finish the book by Feb. 1 to stay on track with the schedule Jones has created.
“Hawksmoor” was published in 1985, during the height of Bowie’s career. The story is a murder mystery. The two main characters are a church planter who needs sacrifices to begin service and a detective. Throughout the story, the detective is searching for the murderer.
The novel borders on occult. It connects to the paranormal while acknowledging enlightenment ideas.
Jones said this novel was an easy start to the list. It is amusing in comparison with some of his father’s intense literary favorites.
The remaining 99 books on the list can be found on David Bowie’s website. Jones has yet to announce next month's book.
Along with posting updates about the #BowieBookClub, Jones has also shared previous news articles about his father’s reading habits. In one shared article, Jones points to a photo of Bowie. In it, Bowie is hunched over a book.
Jones said in a tweet that he remembered seeing his father reading in these kind of positions all across the house. Jones is attempting to follow his father’s legacy by becoming more interested in literature.
Apart from beginning this club, Jones is an active movie producer. In the past, he has directed “Moon” and produced "Source Code." His newest movie, “Mute,” will stream on Netflix later this year.
Students should head to Bowie's website and Jones’ Twitter, @ManMadeMoon, to get in on the book club. Music fans and bookworms alike will find entertainment in celebrating the music legend’s life through his favorite novels.
