Six books by Canberra authors you need to read
Posted on
There’s something about reading a book by a local author.
It’s an escape from reality and a connection to home, a celebration of literature and local arts. And trust us when we say there are plenty of gripping and compelling stories out there by Canberra authors.
From horror to poetry and a how-to guide, here are six books from local authors you need to read.
WAKE by Shelley Burr
Bursting into the book scene with a bang, Canberra author Shelley Burr’s scorching debut novel WAKE made its way onto the bestseller lists not long after coming out. Perfect for fans of outback noir, WAKE is set in outback New South Wales in the town of Nannine, 19 years after the disappearance of young Evie McCreery. Haunting (and lauded by fellow local superstar of suspense Chris Hammer), it’ll stay with you long after you’ve finished it.
Ariadne, I Love You by J. Ashley-Smith
One for horror lovers, J. Ashley-Smith explores the fraught relationship between artist and muse and the thin line between love and obsession in his latest book Adriadne, I Love You. A tale of haunted passion, the story follows Jude, who is dragged out of the dismal loop of booze and sadness baths and the boundless, insatiable loneliness, to scrub up and fly to Australia for a last, desperate comeback tour. Hardly worth getting out of bed for—and he wouldn’t, if it weren’t for Coreen.
But Coreen is dead. And, worse than that, she’s married. What follows is a descent into madness.
Not Very Quiet: The anthology edited by Moya Pacey & Sandra Renew
Showcasing poetry that has given voice to the social conscience of the community, challenges posed to the social construction of gender and the complexities and possibilities of the human condition, Not Very Quiet: The anthology is a culmination of five years work. Selected from online poetry journal Not Very Quiet, it touches on topics like the #MeToo Movement, same-sex marriage, the devastating bush fires and the global pandemic.
To Dream of White & Gold by R.K Hart
A debut novel that combines coming-of-age with romantic fantasy, To Dream of White & Gold is a blend of mythology, magic and history that you won’t be able to put down. Because all the dreamers are dead—all, but one. Promised answers, Lyda d’Cathan’s journey comes at a cost but as she follows in her mother’s footsteps and heads to the mysterious Illarum to live as an outcast with the other gifted. And she soon discovers what will she give to become the last dreamer.
No Country Woman: A Memoir of Not Belonging by Zoya Patel
She’s the Founding Editor of independent feminist journal, Feminartsy and has written for a number of publications, including the Australian Financial Review, SBS Voices, Guardian Australia, The Canberra Times, Right Now, Junkee, Women’s Agenda, and more—Zoya Patel’s debut novel can’t be missed.
The story of never knowing where you belong, No Country Woman: A Memoir of Not Belonging explores the truth of living in a multicultural society with a monocultural focus, never feeling represented in the media, not being connected to the culture of your forebears, not having the respect of your peers. Deeply personal and insightful, it’s a razor-sharp book you won’t be able to put down.
The Joyful Start-Up Guide by Serina Bird
Serina Bird is one of those impressive Canberra multi-hyphenates—author, business owner, former public servant, entreprenuer and Frugalista. And now, her latest book, The Joyful Start-Up Guide is encouraging others to think of themselves as multi-hyphenates too, by launching their own start-ups.
The essential how-to guide to what to do (and what to avoid) to ensure your new (or growing) business is not only prosperous and sustainable, but also highly rewarding, Serina shares the handy tips she wished she knew herself.
