NON-FICTION Growing Up African in Australia | Edited by Maxine Beneba Clarke | $29.99 | Black Inc | Emma’s Pick The power of the anthology to gather and highlight the hidden stories of marginalised groups is fully realised here. The dazzling diversity of African regional identity — from South Africa to the Sudan — is explored by the book’s many contributors including Faustina Agolley, Carly Findlay and Khalid Warsame. Growing Up African in Australia is urgent storytelling for our times.
City of Trees | Sophie Cunningham | $24.99 | Text Publishing | Deserae’s Pick
Dr Space Junk vs The Universe | Alice Gorman | $29.99 | NewSouth | Lucy’s Pick
The Colonial Fantasy | Sarah Maddison | $34.99 | Allen & Unwin | Emma C’s Pick
Cunningham shows her mastery of nuance and arresting detail in this collection as she focuses on questions of life and death in the context of global warming. Reminiscent of Rebecca Solnit’s luscious and political environmental writing, she artfully interweaves memoir and travel writing. The essays consider vast geographical and emotional terrain, from forests, Icelandic glaciers, and cityscapes, to her personal experiences of death.
Dr Space Junk wildly and inventively reforms the notion that archaeology is solely to do with ancient history as she explores the history of space age innovation and examines the long-lasting fascination we’ve had with space through the discarded debris we’ve left behind. A fascinating read for the average space junkie, as she reveals that space is not as empty (physically or culturally) as we may think.
Maddison – celebrated author, academic and director of Get Up! – calls for a radical restructure of the relationship between black and white Australia in The Colonial Fantasy. Maddison makes a convincing case for constitutionally recognised clan-based treaties; treaties aimed to ensure that First Nations people reclaim genuine sovereignty. This book is a groundbreaking analysis of Indigenous affairs. Crucial reading for all Australians!
Serving the Servant: Remembering Kurt Cobain | Danny Goldberg| $32.99 | Hachette | Alisha’s Pick Kurt Cobain was the frontman of Nirvana, the unashamedly angsty, tormented, gritty punk rock band of the ‘90s that became both a musical and cultural icon for an entire generation. Danny Goldberg was Nirvana’s manager from 1990 to 1994, at the height of their fame, and this book is a powerful reflection on Cobain’s music and life. From his marriage to Courtney Love to his struggles with addiction, Cobain’s life is treated in this book with praise, respect, and honest scrutiny. Well worth the read.
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Walking: One Step At A Time | Erling Kagge | $24.99 | Penguin | Virginia’s Pick A practised walker, Kaage has walked to both the North and South Poles and the summit of Everest. This book is not a guide or instruction manual, but a collection of observations and ideas gleaned from his experiences. It is a lyrical essay on walking, journeying and distance, speed and exploration. “The thing is, the world remains unexplored because the world is changing all the time but also because there’s always a new way to see everything”. Like his book on silence, Walking is a quiet inspiration.
The Little Girl on the Ice Floe: A Memoir | Adelaide Bon | $35.00 | Hachette | Lucy H’s Pick
StressLess: Proven Methods to Reduce Stress, Manage Anxiety and Lift Your Mood | Matthew Johnstone | $29.99 | Pan Macmillan | Virginia’s Pick
A harrowing account of Bon’s sexual assault at age nine and a courageous exploration of the aftermath of trauma which presents us with the often unseen details of being a survivor. When Bon has the opportunity
In StressLess, Matthew Johnstone and clinical psychologist Dr. Michael Player and use their own experiences to help recognise stress and share their techniques to manage symptoms. This practical guide teaches recognition of damaging
to confront the man who abused her, she offers a glaring insight into the woefully unprepared legal system which lets down so many abuse victims. Whilst this book is difficult to read and utterly heartbreaking, it is a powerfully important testimony that needs to be read.
thought patterns, how to change stressful actions, and relaxation methods. Relax using breathing, stretching, meditation and mindfulness. Illustrated, easy to follow and based on the latest medical science, this is a toolkit for healthier living.
