Staff Picks of 2022
When our staff aren't reading stories to children or checking out your favourite books, they're at home with a good book.
Here are the best books that our staff read this year!
| The End of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking) by Katie Mack Recommended by Clancy "My favourite book was The End of Everything by Katie Mack. It’s a thrilling dive into how our universe is likely to ‘end’, based on our current scientific understanding. I liked this title because science communication can often devolve into oversimplification or false equivalency, but this book expertly balanced detail with narrative to keep me engaged." |
| The Space Between the Stars by Indira Naidoo Recommended by Christine "A balm for anyone who has experienced loss and grieving." |
| The Coast by Eleanor Limprecht Recommended by Christine "A well-researched historical fiction exploring life at the Coast Hospital Lazaret (quarantine station) Little Bay NSW and leprosy in Australia." |
| Companion Piece by Ali Smith Recommended by Lizzie "Definitely on my top books of 2022 list!" |
| Bodies of Light by Jennifer Down Recommended by Edie "I can’t stop thinking about ‘Bodies of Light’ by Jennifer Down. I thought I’d give it a go after I saw that it has won this year’s Miles Franklin Award, and I’m glad that I did. It’s a compassionate and believable story about how trauma, neglect and abuse can shape a life. Heavy subject matter, but written with kindness and sensitivity." |
| Mary Ann and Captain Piper : the remarkable true story of the convicts' daughter who became the toast of colonial Sydney by Jessica North Recommended by Eileen "The title says it all - beautifully written, shocking, fascinating, and illuminating - gotta love a good historical biography!" |
| The Testaments by Margaret Atwood Recommended by Alice "Dare I say it was better than the original? In this sequel, you will learn about what happened in Gilead and how it became the dystopia it is. Through the different narrators, you get multiple perspectives on the events, adding to the richness of the story. A must read for fans of Margaret Atwood or fans of dystopian fiction." |
| The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin Recommended by Sally "Thought provoking - it has so changed my way of viewing the challenges of life. I laughed, I cried - it was everything I needed to forget about time for a while. If you've ever asked the question "why me?", then this is the book for you." |
| Mr Carver's Whale by Lyn Hughes Recommended by Laure "1850. The Carvalho brothers (handsome Marcelhino and clever Antonio) are destined to spend their lives hunting whales. But the arrival of an unexpected gift changes both their live. From the Azores to Lisbo, from Newfoundland to Australia, our heroes travel in search of love and fortune." |
| Fire and Blood by George R.R. Martin Recommended by Carlie "I was excited to explore more of the lore after watching the show, but what I discovered was a beautifully told history that stood on its own without the show! This isn't a regular story - there are conflicting accounts and possible truths always competing with each other. Definitely don't read if you want the show to remain a surprise!" |
Exiles by Jane Harper Recommended by Emily "I connected so deeply with the characters, and loved watching them grow throughout the books. Jane's books are so atmospheric and take you to the locations where they're set. I absolutely escaped into this book while I was on holiday - highly recommend." |
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