Your Aussie Author book recommendations

[Cade]

Portable Curiosities by Julie Koh
Australia Day - Melanie Cheng
The Flesheaters - David Ireland
Death in Brunswick - Boyd Oxlade
Charlotte Wood - any books
Wake in Fright - Kenneth Cook

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Cade wrote: "Portable Curiosities by Julie Koh
Australia Day - Melanie Cheng
The Flesheaters - David Ireland
Death in Brunswick - Boyd Oxlade
Charlotte Wood - any books
Wake in Fright - Kenneth Cook"

Portable Curiosities by Julie Koh
Australia Day by Melanie Cheng
The Flesheaters by David Ireland
Death in Brunswick by Boyd Oxlade
Charlotte Wood
Wake In Fright by Kenneth Cook

Thanks Cade :)

[Oso-panda]

Hi Australian readers, my apologies if this questions has been asked before - can you all recommend some nonfiction by Australian authors? I'm American, so very little Australian literature makes its way to our shores. I loved Stasiland, by Anna Funder, and I recently finished This House of Grief by Helen Garner, both of which were very good. I love nonfiction which tells a story and is well written; I dislike things in the Malcolm Gladwell vein (not sure he if he is also popular in Australia, but it is basically pop sociology that thinks it is profound but actually is not). Thanks!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

If you click on our Bookshelf (top right hand corner of any page) all books there are by Australian authors and the shelves are set out so scroll through and you'll see the non fiction titles dotted throughout the whole shelves :) Good luck and happy reading!

[Cade]

Oso-panda wrote: "Hi Australian readers, my apologies if this questions has been asked before - can you all recommend some nonfiction by Australian authors? I'm American, so very little Australian literature makes i..."

Try Dying: A Memoir by Cory Taylor

[Cade]

Cade wrote: "Oso-panda wrote: "Hi Australian readers, my apologies if this questions has been asked before - can you all recommend some nonfiction by Australian authors? I'm American, so very little Australian ..."

Or Steve Cannane's Fair Game

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Cade wrote: "Oso-panda wrote: "Hi Australian readers, my apologies if this questions has been asked before - can you all recommend some nonfiction by Australian authors? I'm American, so very little Australian ..."

Cade wrote: "Cade wrote: "Oso-panda wrote: "Hi Australian readers, my apologies if this questions has been asked before - can you all recommend some nonfiction by Australian authors? I'm American, so very littl..."

Dying: A Memoir by Cory Taylor

Fair Game: The Incredible Untold Story of Scientology in Australia by Steve Cannane

[PattyMacDotComma]

A few I've read recently:
Island Home a memoir by Tim Winton

Mark Colvin's wonderful, unique memoir Light and Shadow: Memoirs of a Spy's Son

Saroo Brierly's story known both as A Long Way Home and Lion

Am I Black Enough For You? by Aboriginal author Anita Heiss.

[Oso-panda]

These are all really great recommendations! Thanks a lot!! I'm really looking forward to the one about Scientology; I had no idea there even was an Australian history with it!

[PattyMacDotComma]

Oso-panda wrote: "These are all really great recommendations! Thanks a lot!! I'm really looking forward to the one about Scientology; I had no idea there even was an Australian history with it!"

Oh, yes - you must remember that "our Nicole" (Kidman) was married to "then" Australia's favourite son-in-law Tom Cruise. They had that acrimonious split and we no longer consider ourselves related to him. But, Scientology does still have a presence here.

[Kerri]

I just finished The Drover's Wife a play by Leah Purcell. The Drover's Wife It doesn't fit challenges as it is only 60 pages but oh how much thought provoking creativity goes into those few pages. Possibly one of the best Australian books I've ever read. Do yourself a favour and read it or even better see the play if it's on because i know I will be going if and when I can.

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Kerri wrote: "I just finished The Drover's Wife a play by Leah Purcell. The Drover's Wife It doesn't fit challenges as it is only 60 pages but oh how much thought provoking creativity goes into t..."

Sounds great Kerri and I just went to check it out on Amazon but very expensive at Au$19 for a kindle copy and $31 for paperback, especially for such a small book :O
I will add it to my wish list and keep an eye out for a second hand copy ;)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Good grief! That's ridiculous for a 60 page book Jools! Did you check your library?

[Carolyn]

Oso-panda wrote: "Hi Australian readers, my apologies if this questions has been asked before - can you all recommend some nonfiction by Australian authors? I'm American, so very little Australian literature makes i..."

Not sure what genres you like to read so here are a couple of random titles by Aussie authors I've enjoyed:

Kinglake-350 by Adrian Hyland, a very well written account of the disastrous 2009 Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria
The Fall by Amy Dale - true crime about a man accused of murdering his wife by pushing her off a balcony
Eugenia by Mark Tedeschi - historical true crime about a woman living as a man in the 1920s accused of murdering 'his' wife

[Kerri]

☼♄Jülie  wrote: "Kerri wrote: "I just finished The Drover's Wife a play by Leah Purcell. The Drover's Wife It doesn't fit challenges as it is only 60 pages but oh how much thought provoking creativi..."

It is a play, hence the cost. Highly recommended for the new HSC syllabus by the ETA so there will probably be 'lost' ones in a couple of years in the second hand book shops.

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Kerri wrote: "☼♄Jülie  wrote: "Kerri wrote: "I just finished The Drover's Wife a play by Leah Purcell. The Drover's Wife It doesn't fit challenges as it is only 60 pages but oh how much thought ..."

I understand Kerri but still a bit over budget for me, I will still keep it in mind though thanks :)

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Brenda wrote: "Good grief! That's ridiculous for a 60 page book Jools! Did you check your library?"

I haven't Brenda but might have a look next time I'm looking in the library :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

You could do it online, therefore if they don't have it, they can try to source it for you :)

[Jess]

Brenda wrote: "You could do it online, therefore if they don't have it, they can try to source it for you :)"
Brenda I didn't know where to post the question I have so I am posting it here.....
Jane Harper was born in the UK but lives in Melbourne, is she an Australian author? I am so confused and none of my family can answer the question!

[Sharon]

Carolyn wrote: "Eugenia by Mark Tedeschi - historical true crime about a woman living as a man in the 1920s accused of murdering 'his' wife
."

Gosh, what a tale

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Jess wrote: "Brenda wrote: "You could do it online, therefore if they don't have it, they can try to source it for you :)"
Brenda I didn't know where to post the question I have so I am posting it here.....
Jan..."

Yes Jess she is definitely an Aussie author. Any author who was born here and now resides O/S is Aussie - any author born O/S and now resides here is also Aussie :)

[Jess]

Brenda wrote: "Jess wrote: "Brenda wrote: "You could do it online, therefore if they don't have it, they can try to source it for you :)"
Brenda I didn't know where to post the question I have so I am posting it ..."

Thank you so much. You have now made my life so much easier!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

LOL! Happy about that Jess :) Happy reading!

[Chyina]

Haven't had the chance to go through all the recommendations so unsure if this author is on it, but here she is anyway, lol.

Kylie Chan

She's the author of the best-selling Dark Heavens fantasy series and the Dragon Empire sci-fi series.

[Emma]

The Golden Age by Joan London is set in Perth in the 50s. A great book on the polio epidemic. Also, read Eucalyptus by Murray Bail last year. A very surprising and spiritual novel.

[Deb]

I have to admit I am a bit loose in my definition of "Aussie Author". Living in Australia, yup, born and raised in Australia, yup.

Living overseas.... Well, If they are writing about Australia and still consider themselves one.... yep. After all, I lived overseas for a decade without ever considering myself anything but Australian, so who am I to think badly of others ;)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Emma wrote: "The Golden Age by Joan London is set in Perth in the 50s. A great book on the polio epidemic. Also, read Eucalyptus by Murray Bail last year. A very surprising and spiritual novel."

The Golden Age by Joan London was a great read Emma. I haven't read Eucalyptus by Murray Bail though :)

[Tim]

Not to be cliched, but I just finished the new Tim Winton novel The Shepherd's Hut (via Audible). It's incredible. The performance of the reader for the audio version is out of this world.



A few other Aussie books I love that might be less well known...

Fantasy



The Crucible series by Sara Douglas: phenominal fantasy/historical speculative fiction set during the years of the black plague in England. Well worth it.



The Quickening series by Fiona McIntosh: again, wonderful high fantasy with a contempory feel to it.



The Alex Caine Trilogy by Alax Baxter: if you haven't read any of Baxter's work this is an amazing place to start. Fast-paced, violent, sexy and full of magical lore. Wonderful dark fantasy (if a bit 'blokey' for some).

Aussie Fiction



A really interesting take on the Kelly myth, as told by Ned's sister Kate. Well worth a read if you like the following book...



What can I say. My favourite book of all time. Winner of the Booker Prize. One of Australia's greatest ever authors. If you haven't read it, pick up a copy now (and no, I am not Peter Carey's lit agent :).

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Tim wrote: "Not to be cliched, but I just finished the new Tim Winton novel The Shepherd's Hut (via Audible). It's incredible. The performance of the reader for the audio version is out of this world...."

I've been wondering about this book Tim - I love his work... might see if I can get it from the library :)

[Charles]

I thought The Hangman by Jack Heath was really good. I had no idea he was an Aussie author!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Charles wrote: "I thought The Hangman by Jack Heath was really good. I had no idea he was an Aussie author!"

Hangman by Jack Heath

I have this one on my wish list Charles :)

[Tim]

Brenda wrote: "Tim wrote: "Not to be cliched, but I just finished the new Tim Winton novel The Shepherd's Hut (via Audible). It's incredible. The performance of the reader for the audio version is out of this wor..."

100% do it, Brenda. A character study at its finest and soooo Oz. My wife is reading now and is hooked.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Thanks Tim :) Good to hear you're so positive..

[V.K.]

Hi All!
Its a wet, cold, wintery South Australian day and I am in need of a good "Can't put it down" recommendation....
What was the last book you had that you read in one sitting??
Thanks!

[Charles]

Looking forward to reading the new Trent Dalton book too

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Can you give us a link to that book please Charles?

[Ryan]

V.K. wrote: "Hi All!
Its a wet, cold, wintery South Australian day and I am in need of a good "Can't put it down" recommendation....
What was the last book you had that you read in one sitting??
Thanks!"

The only books I'm able to read in one sitting are my daughter's picture books. But for the past couple of months we have been reading the Harry Potter series (though the illustrated version) so picture books may be a thing of the past until my baby is bigger.

However, the three most recent Aussie books I've read have all been very good (four stars) and two of them are only about 250 pages:

The Harp in the South
Crucifixion Creek
The Marmalade Files

[Charles]

Brenda wrote: "Can you give us a link to that book please Charles?"

https://www.harpercollins.com.au/9781...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Charles wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Can you give us a link to that book please Charles?"

https://www.harpercollins.com.au/9781..."

Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton

Thanks Charles :)

[Deb]

Help! I need a book recommendation from someone else doing the popsugar challenge..... Kerri - are you in it this year?

Or Kathryn?

[Kathryn]

Deborah wrote: "Help! I need a book recommendation from someone else doing the popsugar challenge..... Kerri - are you in it this year?

Or Kathryn?"

Deborah wrote: "Help! I need a book recommendation from someone else doing the popsugar challenge..... Kerri - are you in it this year?

Or Kathryn?"

OK, Deborah, I'm not sure if you just want Aussies, or books already on your TBR list, so I'll give you several Aussies here and PM you some international ones!

For an Aussie author already on your TBR, I would recommend Maralinga by Judy Nunn.

For an Aussie author whose book isn't on your TBR, you might like The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion (although this is one people mostly either loved or hated) or The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman.

Hope at least one of these is good!

[Kathryn]

Deborah wrote: "Help! I need a book recommendation from someone else doing the popsugar challenge..... Kerri - are you in it this year?

Or Kathryn?"

Oh - and I enjoyed A Hundred Small Lessons by Ashley Hay earlier this year - it is set in Brisbane, and I loved that aspect. The story did get a little strange in parts, and I gave it 4.5 rather than 5★, so definitely still a good book, I thought.

[Jane]

Deborah wrote: "Help! I need a book recommendation from someone else doing the popsugar challenge..... Kerri - are you in it this year?

Hi Deborah - I'm doing the Pop Sugar challenge this year too and I just chose a book from someone's "Read" list that they had given 5 stars to (and therefore would presumably recommend). I actually chose All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr which coincidentally I chose from Kathryn's 'Read' list! I gave it 4 stars but did enjoy it.

[Kathryn]

Jane wrote: "Deborah wrote: "Help! I need a book recommendation from someone else doing the popsugar challenge..... Kerri - are you in it this year?

Hi Deborah - I'm doing the Pop Sugar challenge this year to..."

That was definitely a good read, Jane! Glad you enjoyed it - especially since you chose it based on my rating! There was so much hype about it that I was sceptical at first, but it was great!

[Lily]

Hi all!

I am definitely recommending the new Aussie Autgor book...
The Jade Lily by Kirsty Manning

This is a fantastic, intense just all round amazing book that takes place in present day (2016) as well as WW2 Shanghai that begins in Vienna on the night of Kristallnacht.

Just seriously read it.

[Brooke - One Woman's Brief Book Reviews]

Hi all! These are my most recently read Aussie Authors (last 10) that I have really enjoyed so far this year (forgive me if I accidentally include a non Aussie Author - I've done this quickly haha)

The Shape of Us by Lisa Ireland

The Escape Room by Megan Goldin

The Book Ninja by Ali Berg and Michelle Kalus

A Month of Sundays by Liz Byrski

The Ruin by Dervla McTiernan

The Paris Seamstress by Natasha Lester

Those Other Women by Nicola Moriarty

The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart by Holly Ringland

Before I Let You Go by Kelly Rimmer

Terra Nullius by Claire G. Coleman

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Brooke, letting you know how to link your books:

Click on "add book/author" in the comment box and follow the prompts :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Brooke - One Woman's Brief Book Reviews wrote: "Hi all! These are my most recently read Aussie Authors (last 10) that I have really enjoyed so far this year (forgive me if I accidentally include a non Aussie Author - I've done this quickly haha)..."

Some excellent reads there!

[Brooke - One Woman's Brief Book Reviews]

Brenda wrote: "Brooke, letting you know how to link your books:

Click on "add book/author" in the comment box and follow the prompts :)"

Oh thank you Brenda, I did think I was missing something everyone else seemed to be able to do haha

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Haha! You're welcome - it's much easier than what you did ;)