OUR FICTION BOOK OF THE MONTH

The Diplomat by Chris Womersley

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‘The Diplomat is a tremendously moving tale of regret, atonement and redemption; I can’t remember the last time I read a book that manages this with such aplomb. It is easily the best Australian novel I have read since the wonderful In Moonland by Miles Allinson.’

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OUR CRIME BOOK OF THE MONTH

Stone Town by Margaret Hickey

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‘Hickey takes the genre of rural crime and runs with it: country fairs, a bush telegraph faster than police radio, long- held secrets, and extended drives to brutal crime scenes. Hickey’s work is gloriously free of stereotypes, leading to intriguing characters searching for the truth – or trying to hide it. Settle in with Stone Town, and if you hear a scream in the distance, it’s surely just a Barking Owl, dear reader – don’t you worry at all.’

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OUR NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE MONTH

Telltale: Reading, Writing, Remembering by Carmel Bird

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‘Telltale is the perfect read for anyone who considers themselves a reader, who visits a home and ponders what a bookshelf says about the inhabitant, or who has sniffed an old book, or kept one safe. It’s for anyone who still has vivid memories of what they were reading at pivotal times in their life, and for those who have followed this fine poet of a writer through her previously published works and thoughts. It is a reader’s book in the very literal sense.’

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OUR KIDS BOOK OF THE MONTH

August and Jones by Pip Harry

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‘Pip Harry balances the reality of illness and the joys and travails of being a child with a deft hand. She never overplays the emotional drama of illness and family rifts, but offsets them with the power of friendship, love and strength of character. Harry really portrays the vicissitudes of life with a bighearted sensitivity. August and Jones is perfect for readers ages 9+.’

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OUR YOUNG ADULT BOOK OF THE MONTH

The Comedienne’s Guide to Pride by Hayli Thomson

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‘The Comedienne’s Guide to Pride is about loving yourself unflinchingly and unconditionally. It’s about celebrating all the weird, quirky, ridiculous things that make us who we are, even when it feels like the world is forcing the closet door closed.’

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CHILDREN’S CLASSIC OF THE MONTH

The Complete Brambly Hedge by Jill Barklem

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‘It is such a joy to dive back into the world of Brambly Hedge with my child. And what a world it is, if house prices increased by 26% during lockdown, they would have increased 10-fold on the hedge. The community of mice are delightful, and the adults are patient, industrious and all work together to live the most marvellous lives.’

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CLASSICAL ALBUM OF THE MONTH

Lys: Works for Violin

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‘he music is truly glorious and as someone who is a fan of Richter, Einaudi and Daniel Hope, this albumand its gentle lyricism will offer me some solace right when I need it. As Samuelsen states in her own words: “There’s a larger picture here that [she hopes] will take listeners on a journey into light and the atmosphere it creates as it shifts and changes.”’

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