So many books, so little time …
If you’re in search of some great reading suggestions or simply curious, check out these titles that the library staff have loved.
If you find something that catches your interest, just click on the image to access our catalogue and reserve your copy.
Feel free to let us know in the comments what titles you’ve enjoyed this year.
A refreshingly novel YA fantasy, filled with curses out of fairytales, with horror twists. The perfect amount of horror, humour and adventure. It’s really been a while since I read anything with such a unique setting. (Nina)
This is a hilarious, poignant story about Keiko, a young Japanese woman who loves working in a convenience store. It is laugh out loud funny and captures something of daily life in Japan. It’s a quick read and highly enjoyable. (Fiona)
I loved this book about Zuhour, a young Omani woman who is missing her life back home. She is studying in the United Kingdom, making friends and trying to understand her place in the world. Memories from childhood unfurl in a beautiful book about love and loss and the culture she has left behind. (Fiona)
Two stories unfurl in this disquieting novel about relationships and the roles we play within them. We are drawn into the life of the unnamed main character who is an accomplished actress. The writing captures moments of emotional intensity and leaves us guessing about the motivation of its characters. (Fiona)
Real Americans is a multi-layered novel about geography as destiny, race, starting over, mixed-race individuals, identity and belonging. Ambition, legacy and relationships and the failure to communicate properly. (Bianca)
First published in 1952, this is an incredible novel about the interior life of a married woman in her forties, whose discontentment with the domestic and married life is uncovered as she furtively starts keeping a diary. This novel was ahead of its time, I’m glad it’s reaching new readers with a recent translation from Italian by Ann Goldstein. Those who loved Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan novels will appreciate The Forbidden Notebook. (Bianca)
This is the perfect YA Romantasy book. It is the second book in the popular BookTok trilogy and was definitely my favourite of the series. It’s high stakes, forbidden love, and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance that had me hooked from start to finish. (Chloe)
This debut novel follows a young artist’s life in the music industry. The story is nostalgic and relatable, with themes of fame, identity, and desire throughout. I loved how genuine and raw this book felt, making it one of my tops reads this year so far. (Chloe)
This is a richly layered, Rome-inspired coming of age fantasy epic. It has a unique but approachable magic system, complex characters, and a plot that steadily builds momentum until it’s impossible to put down. Fans of the Red Rising series by Pierce Brown or the Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss will find familiar elements. However, rest assured, Islington’s work stands confidently on its own building intrigue, constantly surprising readers, and delivering an engrossing and unforgettable read. (Alec)
I devoured this book. Tenderly and sometimes hilariously exploring the serious themes of mental illness and grief, it made me laugh and cry out loud. Having grown up in Australia, with a sister, a love of the ocean and with my own relationship with grief and loss, I found it incredibly relatable and beautifully written. For a debut novel, it is quite remarkable. Get the tissues ready! (Claire)
I really enjoyed this coming-of-age novel that explores the life of a young New Zealand girl who discovers long distance running as an escape from her tumultuous childhood. Her vulnerability and need to prove herself leads her on a self-destructive pathway, pushing beyond her own limits and shattering her dreams. This is a powerful book of resilience, overcoming adversity, and friendship that proves life isn’t just about what you do in life, but how you do it. Written with such honesty and vulnerability, it’s hard to believe it isn’t autobiographical. I loved it! (Claire)
An Eye on the Hebrides is a delightful escape around the largest archipelago off the coast of Scotland. It’s filled with beautiful illustrations bringing to life the wild, windswept coasts and serene lochs, with delicate detail and evocative colours. It really made me want to travel to that part of the world. (Annabelle)
Sabina Hahn’s illustrations drew me in immediately. Her watercolour artwork captures the essence of childhood wonder, with vibrant depictions that evolve as the story progresses. Noah emphasizes that it is “not a children’s book”, but an ideal read for families, educators, and anyone seeking a gentle yet profound exploration of childhood and the lessons it offers, and I couldn’t agree more. (Annabelle)
This was a deeply moving and eye-opening story that follows a young woman – first as a nursing student, then through the chaos of the Vietnam War, and then into the turbulence of coming back home. It is an epic story about a distressing period in history. (Mary)
Matia is a multi-generation story of Greek-Australian women as they struggle with family expectations and superstitions. Surprisingly easy to read and nicely structured, despite jumping between four main characters and multiple time periods. The local setting of some chapters adds interest but is not a big feature. (Cassandra)
Norton’s sixth novel is the first one of his I have read. This story centres on an old Irish-American woman recounting her life story to her carer. The premise sounds uninspiring but the telling of Frankie’s story is quite engaging, especially the queer history that runs parallel to her life, and the art scene of 1960s New York provides a colourful backdrop. I suspect a movie might be on the cards.. (Cassandra)
This is number two in the four-part Elements series but, like the others, can be read as a stand-alone. Quite a short but concisely written novel about a young gay footballer in Ireland who finds himself in legal trouble. Beautifully written by the author of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. (Cassandra)
This novel has a fast-paced plot that is part psychological thriller, an ode to nature and a cautionary tale about the effects of climate change. Set on Shearwater Island near Antarctica, it tells the story of the Salt family who are the caretakers of a remote climate research station and seed bank on the island. When a mysterious woman is washed ashore in a raging storm, they nurse Rowan back to health. Dark secrets and hidden motives come to surface. The characters are all clearly drawn as we get to know each member of the family as well as Rowan and the ties they develop. This is a riveting read by an author at the height of her powers. (Deb)
This is a combination of biography and memoir from the best-selling author of The Book Thief. It tells of the Zuzak family’s adoption of three very wild rescue dogs and the ensuing mayhem they cause. It’s laugh out loud funny and highly entertaining as you wonder about the patience needed to tame these incorrigible animals not to mention the endless expense! I listened to the Audiobook narrated by Markus which adds authenticity to the story as well as extra emotional impact. I loved listening to his tales of adventure and the challenges he and his wife faced, living with the antics of Reuben, Archer and Frosty.The story is ultimately about love and the need for connection between the family members, especially his kids Kitty and Noah with their three crazy dogs and the joy they bring despite the challenges. There’s comedy, tragedy, chaos and carnage along with incredible tenderness, warmth and affection. (Deb)
“There is no such thing as a woman who doesn’t work. There is only a woman who isn’t paid for her work.” (Part 2, Chapter 3 )
This book exposes general gender bias in data and design across various fields. It details eye-opening insights into how the world is built for men, affecting women’s safety, health, and opportunities. Several examples in the book highlight the ways that men have tried to improve outcomes for women in a way that ironically, never involved seeking women’s input. The author’s central thesis is that the gender data gap – the lack of data about women and their lives – results in a world designed for men to the disadvantage of women. This book offers explanation for some of the unconscious biases that underlie why women often fail to achieve their potential. A must read for everyone! (Asha)
I started following Jaysea on TikTok because of her funny and thoughtful skits of characters in Hell, manning The Hellp Desk dealing with difficult people. That background in character development and world building made me so excited when I learnt Jaysea was writing a book about them. At the beginning of the story, the main character Lily dies, and we follow her to the afterlife, which turned out to be very different from the simple Heaven and Hell she had been taught in Sunday School. Here she deals with her religious trauma and makes a place for herself, with new friends and family. The author highly recommended the audiobook, she really loved the voice actors for Lily and Belle. (Roslyn)
