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BGS SECONDARY LIBRARIES
INTRO DUCTION BGS Libraries presents Staff Reads, a guide to your summer reading.
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We share our thoughts on a diverse range of books: epic reads, noir crime, books written by First Nations People, contemporary fiction, ISO Cooking, true story, books adapted to screen, environmental writing, one-sit reads, eBooks & audiobooks, national and international prize-winning authors there is something for everyone. So sit back, put your feet up and treat yourself to a holiday read.
TIM & TIGON TIM COPE
What makes a friend? Read this remarkable journey of a man and his dog as they travel from the rugged expanses of Mongolia to the breathtaking landmarks of Hungary. The hardship, discovery and endurance in this epic adventure is breathtaking. Tim and Tigon’s story reinforces the profound friendship that can be had between man and animal. Just half-way through and I am already dreaming of what my once in a lifetime journey might be. Available at your BGS Library Photo taken from Pan Macmillan AU.
Can the secret to a happier and healthier life be found ‌ in the gut? In this award-winning bestseller, Dr Giulia Enders invites her readers on a guided tour of the mysterious workings of the gut, from nutrient absorption and allergies, to depression and Alzheimer's. Enders' intelligence and whimsical prose is beautifully paired with her sister's laugh out loud illustrations, making for a delightful and revelatory read. Available on SORA & at your BGS Library
GUT GIULIA ENDERS
Photo taken from Scribe Publications.
If you’re a fan of Australian authors and crime fiction... then look no further. Journalist Martin Scarsden is as desolate and broken as the isolated rural town he is sent to write about in the aftermath of a mass shooting by the town’s priest. That is, until secrets start to emerge that challenge the eye-witnessed version of events. Evocative and enthralling, this debut novel is crime writing at its best. Available at your BGS Library
SCRUBLANDS CHRIS HAMMER
Photo taken from Allen and Unwin.
Anita Heiss is a writer, poet and author of nonfiction and historical novels that have gained many literary awards. She was a finalist in both the 2012 Human Rights Awards and the 2013 Australian of the Year Awards. Her love for writing is influence by her travels, the important people she has encountered in her life and her Indigenous heritage. She is a lifetime ambassador of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and a proud member of the Wiradjuri Nation in central NSW. Photos are taken from Booktopia and anitaheiss.com
Available on SORA & at your BGS Library
Stan Grant is a Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi man and one of Australia's most respected and awarded journalists. He is also the bestselling author of three books, Australia Day (2019), Talking to My Country (2016) and Tears of Strangers (2004). In each critically acclaimed book, Stan persists in his very personal meditation on what it means to be Australian, what it means to be Indigenous, and what racism really means in this country. Witness Stan’s mastery of yet another art form when you tune in for the BGS screening of The Australian Dream, as part of Reconciliation Week.
Available on SORA & at your BGS Library Photos are taken from Booktopia and The Guardian
Claire G. Coleman is a south coast Noongar woman from Western Australia and an award-winning writer. Her debut novel Terra Nullius, a story about dispossession and colonisation in the present day, was shortlisted for the Stella Prize (2018). The recently released, The Old Lie, challenges current understanding of acceptance and reconciliation by tackling issues of racism and inequality during a time of intergalactic war. Passionate about having Indigenous voices heard, Claire’s books hold a mirror to the darker elements of the Australian story.
Available at your BGS Library Photos are taken from Booktopia and clairegcoleman.com
Normal People is about Marianne and Connell, two teenagers whose intersected lives begin at a high school in Ireland. In school, Marianne is fiercely intelligent though friendless, whilst Connell is a popular athlete. On the other hand, Marianne is wealthy and Connell’s mother cleans her family’s mansion. They form an intense relationship in their final year before they are both accepted to Trinity College where their statuses reverse, Marianne gains popularity and Connell becomes an outsider. The story is an emotional rollercoaster that will take you back to your teenage years. Available on SORA & at your BGS Library, and you can watch the series adaption on Stan.
Photo taken from Penguin Random House.
J.M. Coetzee's 1999 Booker Prize winning novel, Disgrace, resonates in 2020 with the recent trial of Harvey Weinstein and the #MeToo movement. Coetzee's protagonist, David Lurie, is bored by the proceedings that ensue when an allegation of sexual misconduct is made against him by one of his university students. Lurie's refusal to defend himself or apologize for any wrongdoing leads to a quiet dismissal and retreat to his daughter's homestead. In the backcountry of post-apartheid South Africa, Lurie is forced to confront his own disgrace when he experiences what it is to be powerless.
Available at your BGS Library and you can watch the film adaption on ClickView.
Photo taken from abc.net.au
Everyone has a secret… What would you do if told something which changed the way you looked at your life? Family man Adam Price has his perfect world shattered when his wife’s secret is revealed by a stranger. As he searches for the truth, a conspiracy is revealed which risks the lives of others and threatens to darken his own world further. A gripping and fast-paced novel by one of the world’s most popular crime writers. Available at your BGS Library and you can watch the series adaption on Netflix.
Photo taken from Booktopia.
Shortlisted for the 2020 Miles Franklin Literary Award Reading The White Girl is an eye opener for anyone who does not know much about Aboriginal history. The depth of knowledge shared in Tony Birch’s novel has given me an understanding of what happened a long time ago in this country, of what our First Nations People experienced and what has led to the fight for equality up to this day. Sissy and Odette’s journey was so heart-warming, I adored their love and fighting spirit. Available at your BGS Library
Photo taken from Booktopia.
Winner of the 2020 Miles Franklin Literary Award I thought that Tara June Winch's long awaited second novel would be the perfect audiobook for my daily commute, I thought wrong. The Yield is not a book for multitasked listening, it demands your full attention and it deserves it. Winch's lyrical prose is the unifying thread that weaves together her Wiradjuri language with three distinct narrative voices; a dying elder, his estranged granddaughter returning home, and a missionary. The Yield draws on Indigenous Language to reconnect and heal from colonial Australia's legacy of intergenerational trauma and environmental destruction. The end result is a rich tapestry of country, family and culture. Available on SORA & at your BGS Library
Photo taken from penguin.com.au.
Shortlisted for the 2020 Miles Franklin Literary Award What happened to Anna‌? Troubled teen Anna disappears one day but this event is not voiced until three days later by her mother, Hannah. Why? As time moves on the reader is taken on a complex journey as the lives of the remaining family unfold in a series of stilted conversations, captured moments and altered timelines. Peggy Frew’s Islands is a story of a family in crisis, the breakdown of relationships, and loss. A complex and nuanced novel which transverses time and perspective, this is a highly recommended read for those who enjoy their fiction absorbing, sensitive and beautifully descriptive. Available on SORA & at your BGS Library
Photo taken from Allen and Unwin.
Reading this book will give you a better understanding how fire should be managed in our country. How important it is to learn from our First Nations People as they were the first guardians of this land. This book teaches us how we view fire, and how fire management should be practiced in different parts of the country to prevent toxic and damaging bush fires in the future. This is a must read to all government agencies and politicians, to help better manage our land and keep Indigenous traditions and ideals alive, as they are needed now more than ever. Available on SORA & at your BGS Library
Photo taken from Booktopia.
No man is an island, just as no tree is a forest. According to Peter Wohlleben, forester turned conservationist and author of the surprise hit The Hidden Life of Trees, the similarities between man and tree do not end there. Wohlleben likens the complex root systems of trees with our own neural network and asks us to see trees for what they really are - social beings that experience pain, form memories and communicate in a sophisticated silent language. I too was skeptical, but then I remembered the derision for scientists of the nineteenth century who asked whether animals might be more than mere machines. If nothing else, The Hidden Life of Trees will reawaken your childhood curiosity for the natural world. Available on SORA Photo taken from Booktopia.
Set in 19th century pioneering America, James and Sadie are attempting to eke out a living from apple growing in aptly named Black Swamp. Their struggles ultimately end in a tragedy when their son Robert, a gentle and sensitive soul, heads west to escape. His drifter lifestyle leads to a chance encounter with eccentric Cornish plant collector, William Lobb, and so begins a career as tree agent and protector of the giant sequoia. However, his past can’t remain hidden forever and Robert must soon confront what he was most desperately running from. Meticulously researched and rich in detail, this original and evocative book will take you on an unforgettable journey. Perfect for those ‘curling up with a good book’ moments on a cold winter’s day. Available on SORA & at your BGS Library
Photo taken from Booktopia.
EAT MORE VEGAN LUKE HINES
I am not vegan or vegetarian, but I love this book and you will too. With over 100 plantbased options for you to enjoy this time around in lockdown, even the most committed of carnivores will be convinced that food does not have to include meat to be tasty. Luke Hines is a trainer and best-selling author who shares his passion for clean eating and healthy cooking in Eat More Vegan. Available on SORA
Photo taken from Booktopia.
FLOUR WATER SALT YEAST KEN FORKISH
There is certainly some magic at work when it comes to breadmaking. How is it that four humble ingredients can transform into an artisan dream of rustic boules, chewy pane fresca, crusty baguettes and Neapolitan-styled pizza bases? Portland baker, Ken Forkish, demystifies the craft of breadmaking in Flour Water Salt Yeast, providing a complete education for novices and serious home bakers alike. Flour Water Salt Yeast will ensnare you in a floured frenzy as you find yourself obsessively crafting the perfect sourdough. Available on SORA
Photo taken from Booktopia.
4 INGREDIENTS GLUTEN FREE LACTOSE FREE KIM MCCOSKER
For those dietary challenged, non-cooks among us‌ this is the series for you. Part 1 of the Wellness Trilogy books written by Kim McCosker, 4 Ingredients Gluten Free Lactose Free is a collection of easy-to-prepare meals for those struggling with food allergies and intolerances. Using commonly purchased ingredients and simple instruction, even the most reluctant cook can put together a menu enjoyed by family members and discerning guests. A particular favourite is the Lamb Cutlets Kilpatrick (p. 98) with a compote of roasted vegetables. Light yet filling, and oh-so-tasty, you’ll have everyone coming back for more! Available on SORA
Photo taken from Booktopia.
THE BOY WHO STEALS HOUSES C.G. DREWS The Boy Who Steals Houses is a heart-wrenching story of Sammy and Avery, whose greatest desire is to have a house to live in. Their journey is hard; it starts with a mother who left them, an abusive father, an aunt who does not care, and a society that does not understand Avery’s condition. All of this leads Sammy to steal houses. Nevertheless, with all the life struggles the brothers experience, this story highlights the value of compassion though the eyes of Moxie, a girl who steals Sam’s heart. This is a CBCA Young Adult Book of the Year nominee that you can read with your son. Available at your BGS Library Photo taken from Hatchett Australia.
Upon reading A Lonely Girl Is A Dangerous Thing, I was reminded of Roxane Gay’s discerning observation that “when a girl is unlikeable, a girl is a problem.” Jenna Lin is the lonely girl in Jessie Tu’s intimate and confronting debut novel that explores identity against a backdrop of systemic racism and misogyny. Once a child prodigy, Jenna’s self-absorption and insensitivity make her unlikable, whilst her feelings of inadequacy and insecurity result in dangerous self-sabotage. It is this unflinching and entirely human portrayal that makes for such a compelling character study. Tu’s bold and unapologetic storytelling will draw you in and stay with you well after the last page. Available on SORA & at your BGS Library
A LONELY GIRL IS A DANGEROUS THING JESSIE TU
Photo taken from Allen and Unwin.
Photo taken from Allena and Unwin..
There should be a law against four am‌ and so began my love affair with the wit and wisdom of Corinne Chapman, baker extraordinaire and part-time investigative sleuth. Little did I know that I had missed six previous adventures with Corinne such is the ease in which the reader is caught up and captivated by this engaging, uncomplicated and amusing novel. Set in inner city Melbourne against the backdrop of Corinne’s popular bakery, Earthly Delights, the arrival of a disorientated British Afghanistan veteran looking for his stolen dog is just one extra thing Corinne must add to her crazy and slightly unconventional life. With relatable characters and just the right dash of intrigue and mystery, it is hard to not be delighted by this book! Available on SORA & at your BGS Library
THE SPOTTED DOG KERRY GREENWOOD
Winter is over and spring is here! Spring brings hope, brings new beginnings and brings a fresh start. To usher in the turn of the season, I have chosen the book Clear the Clutter, Find Happiness. What a good read for spring! I would like to create a positive atmosphere in our home by decluttering what I feel is not necessary anymore in our lives. I am looking forward to reading this over the holidays, and to start with baby steps of letting go of stuff that we have accumulated over the years. With a clear end in mind, I will do the mantra‌. declutter, organize, clean and relax! Available on SORA
Photo taken from unclutter.com
The reason I am looking forward to reading Spring is not because Ali Smith penned How To Be Both, one of my favourite works of literary fiction. It is not because of Smith’s sagacious political and social commentary, nor her dazzling prose and playful manipulation of narrative form. The reason is not her wonderfully absurd characters and their delightful eccentricities. It is not even that I inhaled the first two stand-alone novels in this seasonal quartet. No – the reason I am looking forward to reading Spring is that when Ali Smith writes a season, it permeates the page and envelops the reader. After a long winter, I’m ready to immerse myself in this change of season. Available on SORA
Photo taken from penguin.com.au
Two families – two centuries – one house. Successful journalist Willa Knox has spent a lifetime being responsible and caring for her family. So why are they now destitute, uprooted, and living in an inherited house which is crumbling around them? An encounter with the local historian leads her on a journey of discovery to original owner Thatcher Greenwood, a passionate Darwinist and teacher at odds with the societal and conventional thought of 1870s America. Through alternating chapters, this rich and rewarding novel tells the stories of two kindred spirits navigating futures of which their pasts have illequipped them for whilst exploring the human capacity for resiliency and compassion in times of great upheaval. A wonderful Spring read for those who enjoy historical fiction and new beginnings.
Available on SORA Photo taken from Booktopia.
Just Mercy is a memoir of Bryan Stevenson’s journey in bringing justice for people of colour, who are poor, unfairly condemned and mistreated by the law. His incredible path started when his grandfather was murdered in his community, no one helped the family to bring justice because of their race and status in life. From that moment in time, Bryan found his calling and that is why he became an activist lawyer and found himself defending Walter McMillan, a death row inmate who was convicted of killing a teenage white girl. Both Bryan and Walter’s story in the book demonstrates how the justice system can be corrupted, manipulated and one sided because the ‘white’ and privileged community says so. This book will make you angry, upset, frustrated, but above all … hopeful, because there are people out there that care a lot, like Bryan Stevenson. Available on SORA Photo taken from Booktopia.
Backing up his success of The Underground Railroad with a second Pulitzer Prize for The Nickel Boys, Colson Whitehead brings to life another dark chapter of American history. This time, Whitehead tells the haunting story of two boys of different beginnings, who nevertheless find themselves at the same end Nickel Academy. Based on a real-life juvenile reformatory of the Jim Crow-era, Nickel Academy is an institution of corruption and depravity. The brutal beatings and ominous disappearances of the boys are remarkably understated when compared to the varied dealings of the school with the local townsfolk. From the shopkeepers selling spoiled wares to the school, to the housewives whose homes are repaired by the boys at no cost. This subtle juxtaposition serves as a timely reminder; those not oppressed by racism are so often its beneficiaries.
Available at your BGS Library
Photo taken from abc.net.au
I’d never really considered Japanese noir as reading material before picking up this book. Translated from Japanese and told in first person, this short story is precise and compact and gripping from the start. Nishimura is a highly skilled pickpocket, a drifter with few connections and no responsibilities. The random appearance of a neglected and abused young boy into his life offers hope for change until the past catches up with him and he no longer has control over the future. The end is left ambiguous – decided on the flick of a bloodied coin – but there is a poignancy about this novel which reaches out and grips the reader despite the darkness it contains. Highly recommended as a shorter read with a difference! Available at your BGS Library
Photo taken from Booktopia.
I love poems, who doesn’t? I’ve heard that poems are windows to the soul, and I find myself agreeing wholeheartedly after immersing myself in Paul Kelly’s audiobook, Love is Strong as Death. Personally curated by Kelly, this book will take you on a literature journey around the world and from past to present. I believe that the wide range of the collection speaks to Kelly’s love of poetry, which inspired him on his music journey. You will find poems written by Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson, Thomas Hardy, and so on. A book for listening to on a rainy afternoon to uplift your spirits. You will be inspired and fall in love with poetry, as Paul Kelly reads aloud with unforgettable passion. Available on SORA & at your BGS Library
Photo taken from Booktopia.
Eli Bell is the mouthy and idealistic protagonist of Trent Dalton’s wildly successful debut novel, Boy Swallows Universe. With a heroin addicted mother, absent father, drug dealing step-father, mute brother and ex-con babysitter, Eli’s lot in life is hard to swallow. What else is there to do then, but take on the universe? With a gritty determination to bag himself a better life, Eli is hurled head-first on an unlikely hero’s journey of avenging a murder, infiltrating a prison, making it big in journalism, oh and winning the heart of the girl of his dreams. Set in Australia’s suburban fringes, this fast-paced coming of age story is as hilarious as it emotionally fraught. Boy Swallows Universe will have you wishing Dalton’s recently released second novel, All Our Shimmering Skies, was a sequel – it’s not, but Dalton promises his readers that he isn’t done with the Bells’. Available on SORA & at your BGS Library
Photo taken from Booktopia.
At 720 pages, this epic book is a challenge but so worthy of the commitment it demands. Viewed by many as a contemporary classic, the story of Jude and his college friends – Willem, JB and Malcolm - is dark and harrowing yet full of love, optimism and kindness in all its forms. However, of the four, it is soon apparent that Jude’s outward success belies the inner torment of a troubled and broken man and it is his devastating story which lies at the core of this book. This intelligently written novel unflinchingly addresses many taboo topics with a rawness rarely found in mainstream fiction but, despite this, there is a beauty to the story which lingers long after the final page is turned. Highly recommended. Available at your BGS Library
Photo taken from Pan Macmillan AU.
STAFF READS Reviewed by :
Ruth Silva Lêna Hume-Twining Katrina Holgye
eBook design and creation by Ruth Silva Edited by Lêna Hume-Twining