Australian Authors – Earth and Skye

Red Phoenix by Kylie Chan

It’s been a long time since I read this. And now I’m remembering why Dark Heavens is one of my all time favourite series. I think that come the new year (since my TBR starts again at the turn of the year) this will be the first series I sink my teeth into. There is just an amazing style, writing and storyline to this story. It is intense, fast-paced and filled with a great sense of humour. Which, since Chan is an Australian author, it’s the kind of humour that I love and recognise.

Among the Pigeons by John L. Read

I bought this when I was doing fieldwork out on a reserve a bit over a month ago. I have heard of the author before from fellow ecologists. But mostly, I wanted to buy it because the topic of this is incredibly topical and important to my heart. It’s also, I’m pretty sure a must read for all Australians. After all, it is especially important that we understand and appreciate our cat problem and the damage that it does to us.

A Guide to Native Bees of Australia by Terry Houston

This book has been insanely helpful to my understanding and knowledge of native Australian bees. A lot of what I’ve witnessed in the field was supported and further expanded by this book. Yet, it was also filled with approachable language that even people who don’t pursue a PhD would be able to understand. Not something I often find in my science books.

Born to Run by Cathy Freeman

I remember watching the Sydney 2000 Olympics as a kid. Remember watching Cathy Freeman light the torch, remember when she won her golds. Although I didn’t understand what the “big fuss” was, I did feel that same national pride as everyone else. What I had never realised was that she wrote a biography seven years later. I only discovered this because I happened to be looking for a book written by a female athlete. And I’m really glad that I did…

Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta

This book is amazing! Ground shakingly, life-changingly amazing. Which shouldn’t surprise me. Since I felt that way about the movie when I first saw it as a teenager. After all, it’s about a young Australian girl who is just trying to find where she belongs in the world. Trying to fit in amongst racism and parental expectations. Trying to understand the past and find a way towards a new future. All things that we struggle with ourselves, just with different pressures.

The High Lord by Trudi Canavan

I really didn’t love how this story ended. Alright, luckily there is a trilogy to follow on. But seriously… the way that ended?!?! It was a freaking frustrating ending to a trilogy. Although I still loved it. And couldn’t put it down. And had a huge smile on my face even as I was screaming on the inside. Alright, I was also cheering on the inside, because after all, the good guys won and Sonea actually did get a bit of a happily ever after. Just not the one that I wanted for her…

What I Like About Me by Jenna Guillaume

I got this book in a book box from YA Chronicles. I had no idea what to expect. I’d never read anything from Jenna Guillaume. And I’m only just getting into contemporary young adult stories. But I absolutely loved it! This story is a bit like the movie Dumplin’ (I haven’t read the book yet), but with a more Australian and satirical spin. Which of course is why I loved it so much…. A sassy Australian novel about coming of age and loving yourself for who you are. Or at least finding a way to like yourself…

Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence by Doris Pilkington

I watched the movie Rabbit-Proof Fence years and years and years ago. But I only recently found out that it was actually a book. Written by the daughter of Molly, the girl who made all of the strong decisions in their journey. Which of course meant that I had to buy the book straight away. And sink my teeth and brain into this amazing journey. Something that made me uncomfortable to read about, but not as bad as I thought it would make me feel.

Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe

I’ve been meaning to get to this book for ages. Good intentions and all that. And once I picked this up… wow! It completely changed my outlook on Indigenous Australians and their culture – pre Europeans. Alright, I already had a lot of respect and fascination for these peoples, but after reading all of the different aspects of their daily lives and existences… just, wow.

Stepping Back by Sara Mackenzie

The telling of parallel storylines is something that has been growing on me more and more as I’ve expanded my reading knowledge and obsessions. So finding one that involved time travel, the Australian landscape and a woman willing to find herself a new life worked brilliantly for my latest literary fascination.