10 Titles Chosen by Our Librarians
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
Aimee's Pick
"It was a nice, easy read. You learn about the main character's story and her family and friends through the letters they write to each other."
A heartwarming and humorous novel told through letters, The Correspondent introduces readers to the unforgettable Sybil Van Antwerp. Through her exchanges with family and friends, a rich life story unfolds as she confronts old regrets, mends fractured relationships and embraces new possibilities.
Dreadnought by April Daniels
Maeve's pick
"I absolutely loved this book. It's about a trans teen who gains superpowers and suddenly finds herself navigating family drama, friendships, identity and the responsibilities of being a superhero. I loved seeing a trans protagonist's experiences and thoughts placed at the heart of the story."
Part superhero adventure, part coming-of-age story, Dreadnought follows Danny Tozer as she inherits extraordinary powers and the chance to finally live as her true self. Balancing action, friendship, family challenges and self-discovery, this thoughtful and engaging novel explores identity, belonging and finding the courage to embrace who you are.
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Adele's pick
"I re-read this in anticipation of the adaptation and really enjoyed the grumpy-sunshine pairing."
When PhD student Olive Smith finds herself pretending to date renowned professor Adam Carlsen, what begins as a fake relationship soon becomes far more complicated. Set in the world of academia, The Love Hypothesis combines humour, romance and sharp wit as Olive discovers that love can defy even the most carefully tested theories.
Mother Waters by Lisa Nan Joo
Andrea's pick
"A customer told me this was the best book she's ever read. I'm very curious to see what all the fuss is about and to discover why she loved it so much."
On the anniversary of her wedding, marine biologist Charlie leaves her marriage behind and returns to the work she loves. Drawn to a deep-sea expedition funded by the son of a billionaire, she hopes to uncover the truth about her father's death at sea. Blending family secrets, personal reinvention and ocean exploration, Mother Waters is a compelling story of loss, discovery and what lies beneath the surface.
The Good Wife of Bath by Karen Brooks
Mel's pick
"I've been reading this on my phone while walking on the treadmill at the gym, so it's taking me a while to get through. Maybe I just need to use the treadmill more!"
Inspired by Chaucer's The Wife of Bath, this witty historical novel gives a classic literary character the chance to tell her own story. Married off at a young age in medieval England, Eleanor refuses to accept the limitations placed on women and fights to build a life on her own terms. Filled with humour, resilience and adventure, The Good Wife of Bath is a bold reimagining of a centuries-old tale.
The Unlikely Doctor by Dr Timoti Te Moke
Josh's pick
"An inspiring autobiography about resilience, determination and the belief that it's never too late to change your life. As someone of Māori descent, I found Dr Te Moke's story and his advocacy for justice, equality and Māori rights particularly meaningful."
The Unlikely Doctor tells the extraordinary true story of Dr Timoti Te Moke, whose journey took him from a childhood marked by abuse, gang life and imprisonment to becoming a qualified doctor at the age of 56. Honest and deeply inspiring, this memoir explores perseverance, second chances and the determination to overcome adversity while advocating for Māori communities and social justice.
Fierceland by Omar Musa
Sunshine's pick
"A captivating story about Malaysia, power, colonialism, family, childhood memories and truth. Beautifully written and narrated."
Winner of the Miles Franklin Literary Award, Fierceland is an expansive family saga set between Malaysia and Australia. When two siblings return home following their father's death, they uncover difficult truths about wealth, power and the cost of progress, while grappling with questions of belonging, family and forgiveness.
Grief Is the Thing with Feathers by Max Porter
Jo's pick
"It's a blend of literary fiction, poetry, magical realism and unbearable sadness. If you want to die inside a million times, give it a read."
In the aftermath of a devastating loss, a grieving father and his two sons are visited by Crow, a strange and unforgettable presence who refuses to leave until they no longer need him. Funny, heartbreaking and deeply original, Grief Is the Thing with Feathers explores grief in a way that is both inventive and profoundly human.
Wunderland by Jennifer Cody Epstein
Blossom's pick
"A totally gripping novel set in Nazi Germany, where two best friends are torn apart by betrayal. Spanning three generations, it explores the corrosive power of propaganda and the tension between national loyalty and personal friendship."
When a cache of letters reveals long-buried secrets, Ava Fisher is drawn into her mother's past and a friendship shattered by the rise of the Nazi regime. Moving between wartime Berlin and 1989, Wunderland is a compelling historical novel about friendship, betrayal, identity and the enduring legacy of history.
James by Percival Everett
Aimee's pick
"I'm currently listening to this on Hoopla and it's very well narrated. If you enjoyed Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, you'll appreciate seeing the story from Jim's point of view."
A powerful reimagining of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, James tells the story from the perspective of Jim, an enslaved man determined to secure freedom for himself and his family. As Jim and Huck travel down the Mississippi River, fleeing danger and uncertainty, their journey becomes one of survival, friendship and self-discovery. Both gripping and thought-provoking, James offers a fresh perspective on a classic tale while exploring themes of freedom, identity and resilience.
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