Readers Recommend

Lord of the Rings – J R R Tolkien 

After reading the Hobbit as a child and being absolutely transfixed by the idea of elves and wizards and dwarves going on adventures it took a long time for me to read The Lord of the Rings. The magic was back! It quickly became my favourite book and a yearly read. I also credit it with giving me a direction for a career and getting my life back on track after a year of indecision.

Mel

The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret Atwood 

It was awful and enthralling. I wanted to rage at all of the characters as I willed Offred to escape. In many respects I can’t believe that the book is still as relevant today as it was when it was published. I’m glad I read it as it pushed me to learn more about and speak on social issues and injustices.

Mary

The Lost Symbol – Dan Brown

An interesting premise and an exciting read. It really makes you think twice about the rituals and symbols we use.

David

My Dark Vanessa - Kate Elizabeth Russell

An incredibly well written yet disturbing novel about a teenager and the relationship with her teacher. It explores complex issues such as trust, love, power, consent and society's attitudes towards abuse so skilfully and intelligently, this book stayed with me long after I read it.

Catherine

Underland - Robert Macfarlane

I thought it was an immersive and meditative treatment of what lies below the surface of our day to day world, told  through a series of crazy-brave explorations undertaken by the author accompanied by various characters who seem to prefer life underground.  Perspective changing and sometimes intensely, scarily, claustrophobic, it made me feel like I was there with him, experiencing the whole  range of sensations .

Peter

The Eagle of the Ninth - Rosemary Sutcliff

The Eagle of the Ninth is chock full of adventure, daring escapades, and thrilling escapes. But the greatness of the novel lies in the beautiful relationships, even including a wolf, and how the characters express love and honour and loyalty in a society which has seen great social change.

Rebecca

Allegra in Three Parts - Suzanne Daniel

Two entirely different grandmothers, one slightly detached father and the 11 year girl in the middle. Allegra is a loveable character finding her way within her beloved family and 70’s Australia.

This delightful read touches on feminist activism and family relationships.

A nostalgic big hug in Covid-19 times.

Ruby

Plant Tribe - living happily ever after with plants - Igor Josifovic

I dont' have pets but now I have plants! This book helped kick start my indoor plant collection, which is quickly becoming an obsession. If I am going to be at home more often I want to enjoy the space!

Stella

The Cactus - Sarah Haywood

An enjoyable read with an eccentric herione, it reminded me of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, which I have also read recently. Both great novels!

Margo

Such A Fun Age - Kiley Reid

A fast paced, character driven novel that explores big issues in a humourous, nuanced way. The characters really got into my head and I found myself giving the book to my daughter and sister because I really needed to talk to people about it .

Fiona

Station Eleven - Emily St. John Mandel

I've been reading my way through feminist post-apocalyptic literature! 

Helen

Too Much Lip - Melissa Lucashenko

Donald

488 Rules for Life: The Thankless Art of Being Correct - Kitty Flanagan

For a full Kitty Flanagan immersive experience I strongly recommend the audiobook.  Kitty speaks directly to you with full disclosure about her rules and even some extra information and explanations not found in the print version.  Not just rules these pearls of wisdom are relevant to today’s Covid-19 world – although the book was written before the pandemic surfaced.  Kitty never lectures us, but she does point out what we were probably thinking anyway!  Seriously funny. 

The book of Hidden Wonders - Polly Crosby

Pure magic, the world is at times a terrible place especially now...so much trouble in the world. This novel took me away from it all while reading. Thoroughly enjoyable. 

Anon