Dear Readers,

Wishing you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year!

2011 has been a year of change for me. I’ve been writing lots of non-fiction (as you’ve probably noticed), and have also made progress on my third novel.

2012 promises to be eventful – I’ll be turning 40 in June. Watch this space…

Tara Hanks

PS Here’s a few of my favourite books, movies and music released this year. The future may be uncertain, but great art never dies.  

Best of 2011 

Fiction

Breathtaking thriller, with neo-gothic style, in-depth characterisation and cutting-edge narrative.

Astonishing, visionary – a road trip across America in 1968 with an enigmatic heroine, and many unforgettable characters.

Riveting journey into the mind of a holy warrior, and one of the most famous women who ever lived – Joan of Arc.

Non-Fiction

Original and insightful look at the private world of Marilyn Monroe.

Roxy Freeman’s enchanting memoir of a nomadic childhood.

Music

Lush, orchestral pop from Sweden’s Lykke Li.

Dreamy ballad from Lizzie Grant aka Lana Del Rey.

Movies

A radical retelling of Wuthering Heights is long overdue, and Andrea Arnold’s work here is surely worthy of Emily Brontё’s uncompromising vision.

And goodbye to…