The long and short of lists for Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray in 2021
It’s always exciting to appear on a ‘list’ – short, long, professional, industry-based, most popular, most read etc etc. But, as I’ve said before, all lists are subjective. My list of ‘best books’ for example, could / would, more than likely be different to the list created by every single person reading this blog post right now. Why? Because we all read differently, we experience storytelling through different lenses, just as each author writes through their own individual lens to tell a story.
Of course, we can agree on books that have moved us, that we have enjoyed, and that we tell have been researched thoroughly. Authenticity to me also makes a book ‘the best’ it can be.
All that is relevant of course, but to me, when someone has my book on their list, I understand and appreciate it is often because it speaks to their own experience of the work, and it is that individual reading of the work that matters to me.
You see, I write for readers. I write because I want people thinking about the themes and characters I unpack in my novels. I write because I want readers to be challenged, moved, transported to different places and times. To experience different lives to their own.
And I want my readers to feel changed in some way, and to be motivated to make change if that’s what the story calls for.
So, with all that in mind, I want to acknowledge those who have read my latest novel Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray (River of Dreams), published by Simon & Schuster this year. I want to thank those who have reviewed it on their blogs, on Goodreads, Amazon and Audible. I want to thank those people who have shared their own reading of the book on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and specifically today, I want to thank those who have added my novel to their lists this year…
Shortlisted for HNSA ARA Historical Novel Society Award – to be honest, this was one of the most exciting moments in my decades long writing and publishing career. Humbled to be in such esteem company as Jock Serong and Gail Jones. Just AMAZING!
Longlisted for Indies Book Award 2022
Australian Book Review (ABR) Best books of 2021
Highly Commended Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards
Audible Best Books of 2021
The AU Review Best Books of 2021
Canberra Times Best Books of 2021
And finally, thank you to Jason Steger for including Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray in his 12 books that made their mark in 2021.
I hope everyone is taking some time out to read over the summer, with many of us forced to stay home due to COVID, it’s the perfect time to chill out with a good book.
What are you currently reading that you recommend to your own family and friends?
