Your ultimate list: 51 best books to read in 2024
Your ultimate reading list is here! Our curated selection of the best books to read, from classics to new releases, and with personal reviews.
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If, like me, your New Year’s resolution was to read more this year then you’ve come to the right place.
I used to read a lot. I was one of those kids who always had their nose in a book but then, you know, adulthood happened and when does one find the time to read when you have to deal with *gestures broadly at everything*.
But as all book lovers know, there’s simply no better feeling than being deeply invested in a good book.
So after many years of saying such things as “I wish I read more” and “I just don’t have time to read”, I decided this year was finally the year I made time to read. And I don’t mean to brag (I do) but I’ve already read three books this year. THREE. I don’t think I read three books in the entirety of last year.
RELATED: Top-rated eBook readers
But where does one even begin? What is the best book to read? There are so many books out there. I get it, it can feel overwhelming. That’s why I turned to my team who I discovered all happen to be low-key prolific readers and asked them to share their favourite books, the ones they couldn’t put down or recommend over and over again. I also spoke to Keryn Donnelly, a book, TV and film critic, for her book recommendations and advice for getting back into reading after a long slump.
Our top picks? The author that all your friends are reading, Lisa Jewell’s newly released psychological thriller None Of This Is True. Not only is she and all her books all over #booktok, our shopping writer Marina Tatas said, “This is one of the fastest books I’ve ever read – I smashed it out in 24 hours because I seriously could not put it down.”
Another wildly popular favourite is theA Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas, which millions on #booktok are obsessed ith. Yes, it has some (many) spicy scenes, but the enthralling fantasy book series will get you out of your reading slump in no time.
Keep scrolling for our curated list of the best books to read, from classics to new releases, spanning all genres and periods, plus our personal reviews.
HOW WE CHOOSE THE BOOKS
To help you find the best book for your reading preferences, we asked Keryn Donnelly, a book, TV and film critic, who shares weekly recommendations via her Substack newsletter Things I’ve Been Obsessed With This Week, and on her Instagram and TikTok, for her books recommendations and advice. Our team of bookworms also share their favourite books that have stayed with them for long after they’ve read them.
Skip to genre
- Best modern and contemporary
- Best classics
- Best fantasy and sci-fi
- Best crime and mystery
- Best historical
- Best romance
- Best biography and memoir
- Best self-help
- Best nonfiction
In this article
- What are the best ways to start being a reader?
- How do I get back into reading after a reading slump?
- How do I choose a book I will actually like?
- What are the most popular book genres right now?
BEST MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman, $20.35 at Booktopia
Read and Reviewed by Melody Teh, news.com.au checkout Deputy Editor
With over 2.5 million copies sold, a Reese’s Book Club pick, and soon to be a major motion picture,Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is the perfect choice to get you out of a reading slump. The titular character Eleanor Oliphant does not fit in. She lives a simple, routine and lonely life (wears the same clothes everyday, eats the same meals everyday, buys two bottles of vodka every weekend), but one act of kindness will change everything. I absolutely inhaled this book when I read it in two sittings on a weekend getaway a few years ago. It’s full of heart and warmth, and will make you want to be kinder to everyone after reading it.
Normal People by Sally Rooney, $12 (down from $19.99) at Amazon
Read and Reviewed by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
When it comes to contemporary novels, Sally Rooney surely has to be up there with some of the best there is. While admittedly her characters are flawed and friends of mine find this frustrating, I think this is where Rooney shines. InNormal People, Rooney so accurately and beautifully depicts two young people as they fall in love as well as how this love can change and grow over time.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt, $24.99 at Dymocks
Read and Reviewed by Keryn Donnelly, Book Critic
The Secret History has one of the best opening lines I’ve ever read. It follows a group of eccentric students at an elite New England college, who under the guidance of a classics professor, learn how to see the world differently to the rest of the student body. But soon they begin to slip into a dangerous world where one of them ends up dead. The Secret History is a murder mystery with characters you’ll keep thinking about long after you’ve read the last page.
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano, $26.95 (down from $32.99) at Booktopia
Read and Reviewed by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
A friend recommended this book to me and I must admit, it did take me a little while to get into it. But once I did, I absolutely devoured it. My friend called it a ‘love letter to sisters, families and libraries’ and she couldn’t be more right. If you love Little Women then this book is definitely for you. Like Little Women, it follows the story of four sisters over many decades. As someone with two sisters, it was scarily relatable at times and I laughed so much at their familiar antics. Fair warning, it’s definitely not lighthearted the whole time and I may have shed a tear or two. Overall, it was a slow read but so enjoyable.
Dreaming in French by Vanessa McCausland, $26.95 at Booktopia
Read and Reviewed by Susannah Hardy, Parenting Shopping Writer
This beautifully written story is set on the French island, Ile de Re, where central character Saskia Wyle once spent a summer aged 19. At the time, she befriended Simone, a French heiress who now, over 20 years later, has left Saskia half of her magnificent home on the island. The other half went to their friend Felix Allard, now a reclusive movie star. Saskia travels back to the island with her family, anxiously revisiting the magical place – and past tragedy – that she’d not thought of for years. A dual storyline alternates from past to present as secrets and memories come to life and Saskia reckons with her past, looks to the future and works out what’s most precious to her. I seriously could not put this book down. A compelling story with glorious writing that indulges your senses and keeps you captivated until the final page.
We Need To Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver, $15.37 (down from $19.95) at Amazon
Read and Reviewed by Melody Teh, news.com.au checkout Deputy Editor
Eva Khatchadourian never wanted to be a mother. Now she is known as the mother of Kevin, her son who brutally murdered seven of his high school classmates, a beloved teacher and a cafeteria worker before his 16th birthday. Told through a series of letters Eva writes to her estranged husband, as she reckons with her alarming dislike of her own child and a deep ambivalence about motherhood, We Need To Talk About Kevin is a harrowing but gripping read that has stayed with me 15 years after I first read it. It’s not an easy read but a book that I feel must be read by everyone.
Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, $13.50 (down from $22.99) at Booktopia
Read and Reviewed by Keryn Donnelly, Book Critic
Delia Owens’ debut novel follows Kya Clarke aka ‘The Marsh Girl’, a young girl who raises herself in the North Carolina marshes after her family abandons her. With the help of a local boy, she learns how to read and write, and starts documenting the unique wildlife in the marshes. As she grows older, she attracts the attention of a local man and is later accused of his murder. I didn’t expect to love Where The Crawdads Sing as much as I did. But about a third of the way in, I became deeply invested in Kya’s journey and I needed to know that things were going to work out for her. It’s a beautifully written coming-of-age story with a brilliant twist.
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett, $18.50 (down from $32.99) at Booktopia
Read and Reviewed by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
I clearly have a type because this book like Hello Beautiful and Little Women also follows the story of a family with three sisters. However, this one is told through the eyes of the mother. Subtly set during the Covid lockdown in which her three adult children are home on the family farm, Lara tells her three daughters the story of when she fell in love with Peter Duke, a now famous actor. Flipping between the present day and the past, Patchett masterfully leads the reader on a journey not simply about young romantic love but about married love, familial love and how the choices we make, no matter how small, can have big consequences.
The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley, $20.35 (down from $22.99) at Booktopia
Read and Reviewed by Keryn Donnelly, Book Critic
I was immediately drawn into the world Miranda Cowley created in The Paper Palace. The characters are complex and the plot is so rich, you’re never quite sure what’s going to happen next. It’s an epic love story, a coming-of-age story, and a tale that explores the impact of childhood trauma and the power secrets hold over us. If you loved Where The Crawdads Singand A Little Life, you need to pick up The Paper Palace immediately.
I Have Some Questions For You by Rebecca Makkai, $32.99 at Dymocks
Read and Reviewed by Keryn Donnelly, Book Critic
I was gripped from the very first page of I Have Some Questions For You – a unique murder mystery which is told from the second person perspective. The book follows 40-something Bodie Kane, a successful film professor and podcaster, who returns to her old New Hampshire boarding school to teach a short course on podcasting. While there, she finds herself drawn towards the 1995 murder of her former roommate, Thalia Keith. Soon, she must ask herself whether the right man was put behind bars and if she held the key to the case all along.
BEST CLASSICS
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, $9 (down from $14.99) at Amazon
Read and Reviewed by Melody Teh, news.com.au checkout Deputy Editor
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice must be on any best books list. It’s a classic for a reason and like many, Pride and Prejudice was my gateway Austen novel (although Emma is now my favourite if I had to rank them). The story of the vivacious and headstrong Elizabeth Bennett and proud and haughty Mr Darcy overcoming their surprise, surprise pride and prejudices to fall in love has to be up there as one of the greatest love stories ever told in literature. But it’s also so much more than that – it’s a funny, witty novel with a vividly drawn cast of characters (Mr Collins, anyone?) and packed full of a sharp social observations that still ring true today. Once you’ve read Pride and Prejudice, make sure you watch the BBC miniseries with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, the universally acknowledged superior adaptation of the book.
1984 by George Orwell, $10.99 (down from $12.99) at Amazon
Read and Reviewed by Lauren Chaplin, Consumer Technology Reporter
If your high school English class didn’t ruin this one for you, I highly recommend sticking it on your reading list. The dystopian, cautionary tale was written by Orwell in 1949, and remains eerily relevant 75 years on. Inspired by the rise to power of dictators Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin, the novel explores the monstrous consequences of totalitarianism, government surveillance and repressive regimes, as every thought and movement of the book’s citizens are monitored by Big Brother. Not recommended for those with a severe fear of rats.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, $17.99 at Dymocks
Read and Reviewed by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
I think it might’ve been my eighth or ninth birthday when my grandparents gifted me a set that included Little Women, A Little Princess and A Secret Garden. While I loved all three, Little Women was definitely my favourite and one I consider a must-read. I even re-read it a couple of years ago when Greta Gerwig’s adaptation came out and I loved it just as much as a young adult as I did a child. Following the story of four sisters on the verge of adulthood, the novel is set in Massachusetts in the 1860s during the American Civil War and tackles themes of childhood, love, family and societal expectations. Whether you’re buying it for yourself or for a child, this is a read you won’t regret.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, $13.85 (down from $17.99) at Amazon
Read and Reviewed by Melody Teh, news.com.au checkout Deputy Editor
Set during the Roaring Twenties, The Great Gatsby follows the uber wealthy and mysterious Jay Gatsby, his legendary lavish parties and his infatuation with Daisy Buchanan that ultimately turns tragic. It’s a beautifully crafted indictment of post-war America’s obsession with money and status. There’s a quote that has stayed with me since I read this book that perfectly sums up the book: “They were careless people, Tom and Daisy – they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made.”
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, $20.35 (down from $22.99) at Booktopia
Read and Reviewed by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
Like most people, I read and studied this book at school but, unlike a few others read during that time, this one has stayed with me. Told through the eyes of Scout, a young girl, the story is set in the American South and covers heavy topics including racism, discrimination and class issues. Plus, the story also introduces us to Atticus Finch, arguably the most moral character ever written in literature.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, $9 (down from $14.99) at Amazon
Read and Reviewed by Stephanie Yip, eCommerce Travel Writer
This is one of the few novels I’ve re-read over the years and I still never tire of it. It follows the story of Jane Eyre who is taken in by her cruel aunt. She eventually breaks free and becomes a governess at Thornfield Hall where she meets Mr Rochester whom she eventually falls in love with. As a period drama it has it all: romance, drama, a strong female protagonist, and a brooding romantic interest.
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, $24.99 at Dymocks
Read and Reviewed by Melody Teh, news.com.au checkout Deputy Editor
Considered by many as one of the greatest American novels, Gone with the Wind is a sweeping epic that has it all – a selfish and spoiled heroine that despite everything you can’t help but root for, a dashing and charismatic lover, and action and drama set against the historical backdrop of the American Civil War and Reconstruction. It’s a tale of hope, loss, love, survival, courage, passion and much more. I read this American classic in a day, finishing the almost 1000 page book in the early hours of the morning, and I’ve since re-read it many times over the years. There’s no doubt it’s problematic in many aspects, it was a novel firmly of its time (1939) but there is no other book that I’ve been so completely immersed in every time I read it.
BEST FANTASY AND SCI-FI
Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J. R. R. Tolkien, $31.96 (down from $45) at Amazon
Read and Reviewed by Melody Teh, news.com.au checkout Deputy Editor
I came of age during the cultural phenomenon that was Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings film trilogy (I will and always be an Aragorn girly) so, of course, at the time I ran out and got myself a copy of the Lord of the Rings book trilogy. With over 150 million copies sold, it’s one of the best-selling books ever written and considered the greatest fantasy books of all time. Following everyone’s favourite hobbit Frodo and his band of friends as they embark on the dangerous quest to destroy the One Ring, the books are 100 per cent worth reading even if you’ve watched the movies (or watched it several times as may be the case). Tolkien, often called the “father of fantasy”, has created what may be the most incredible and original imaginary world ever to have existed.”
The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien, $16.75 (down from $17.99) at Booktopia
Read and Reviewed by Lauren Chaplin, Consumer Technology Reporter
I first read The Hobbit when I was 10 years old, and it’s still my favourite book almost 22 years later. Tolkien’s storytelling and world-building abilities are second to none, making this an incredible read whether you’re new to the fantasy genre or a long-time fan.
The epic adventure follows reluctant hero, Bilbo Baggins, as he’s thrust out of his cosy life and into a quest involving a dangerous goal and a powerful and ominous ring. Like The Lord of the Rings, there’s also themes of deep friendship and hope against all odds that are poignant, beautiful and stay with you long after you’ve put it down.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, $12 (down from $19.99) at Amazon
Read and Reviewed by Madison Geros, Partnerships Manager
I would not classify myself as a reader. I barely read any books as I hadn’t been able to find a book I liked or could commit to. However, at the end of 2023 I entered the TikTok gateway of #booktok and made it my mission to find a book series I could get into and would make me want to read every night. I, like many ACOTAR readers, found this series through #booktok and let me tell you I thought there was no way this series could live up to the hype but boy was I wrong. The A Court of Thorns and Roses series has brought me out of a hardcore reading slump, I am OBSESSED. These books are so well written and the author makes you feel like you’re living in the action. I now want to read every night and weekends. I definitely recommend this series if you’re looking for a new fantasy read or you need to get out of a slump like me!
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, $20.35 at Booktopia
Read and Reviewed by Stephanie Yip, eCommerce Travel Writer
Gabriel Garcia Marquez is a master of magical realism and One Hundred Years of Solitude is one of his finest displays in this genre. In it he weaves an epic story that chronicles the lives of the Buendia family over 100 years. Drawing from historical events, it reads like poetry as he weaves in moments of fantasy that are almost plausible. The pace moves quite quickly as you meet a wide variety of characters, but all are very well developed and their stories well told.
Tales From The Cafe by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, $12 (down from $19.99) at Amazon
Read and Reviewed by Harriet Amurao, Shopping Writer
As someone with a very short attention-span, reading is not my strong suit. However, Tales from the Cafe is a book that I could not put down – and that says a lot. The book is about a small, hidden cafe that offers customers a chance to travel back in time on the condition that they follow the rules. It follows four short individual stories that tackle topics of love, loss, regret and more. While it is an easy read, it’s also equal parts heartwarming and heart-wrenching – so be prepared to cry your eyes out like I did. Note: This is the sequel to the first book,Before the Coffees Gets Cold, however it was still understandable and enjoyable so I don’t think reading the series in order is very necessary.
The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde, $20.35 (down from $22.99) at Booktopia
Read and Reviewed by Stephanie Yip, eCommerce Travel Writer
Whether you love classics, fan fiction or are a bit of a grammar nerd, you’re bound to appreciate this fantasy novel. It’s the first in a series of four about Thursday Next, a literary detective who is out to capture criminals that are jumping through famous novels, causing havoc and generally threatening to change their plots. For a debut novel it’s incredibly well-written, witty, and imaginative.
The Martian by Andy Weir, $18.39 (down from $22.99) at QBD Books
Read and Reviewed by Lauren Chaplin, Consumer Technology Reporter
I’m no hardcore sci-fi fan, but the best thing about The Martian is you don’t have to be. Clever, thrilling and surprisingly funny, Andy Weir’s debut novel asks what would happen if an astronaut were presumed dead and accidentally left on Mars. More importantly, he also does his best to actually answer the question. Not only did he research related material so the plot would be as realistic as possible, he also used his background in computer science to write a program that calculated things like speed, trajectory and time required to get back and forth to the planet. Impressive science aside though, this is a book that can be enjoyed by just about anyone, and is also a fantastic introduction to the science fiction genre.
Under The Whispering Door by TJ Klune, $17.70 (down from $22.99) at Amazon
Read and Reviewed by Lauren Chaplin, Consumer Technology Reporter
I’m a big fan of TJ Klune’s work, but Under The Whispering Door definitely takes the cake. Told with charm, compassion and humour, it’s the story of a terrible man called Wallace who, after a visit from the Reaper, comes to suspect he might actually be dead. As arrogant in death as he is in life, he finds himself stuck in limbo in a peculiar tea shop as he refuses to accept his fate – until he’s given seven days to cross over and sets about cramming as much life into his afterlife as he can.
Contest by Matthew Reilly, $16.93 (down from $17.99) at Amazon
Read and Reviewed by Lauren Chaplin, Consumer Technology Reporter
Contest was my first ever sci-fi novel and it’s still one of my favourite reads to this day. It follows doctor Stephen Swain as he finds himself forced to participate in an ancient alien contest. Set amid the towering bookcases of the New York State Library, Swain and his daughter Holly must choose to run, hide or fight, as all manner of vicious creatures attempt to kill them in a quest to become the contest’s sole victor. In true Matthew Reilly style, the story is a fast-paced, rollercoaster ride that will appeal even to those who swear they don’t like to read. It also has one of my favourite opening chapters of all time, kicking off the ultimate tournament with a downpour of blood.
BEST CRIME AND MYSTERY
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell, $18.46 (down $22.99) at Amazon
Read and Reviewed by Marina Tatas, Shopping Writer
I’m a big fan of Lisa Jewell for her amazing and super thought out character development – you can tell she really takes the time to create these longwinded stories that really work to draw you in. I read The Family Upstairs about a year ago, and I still think about the story to this day. The story itself is so incredible – it swaps between the past and present and tells the remarkable story of what happened in a house where three different families once lived. This is a complete rollercoaster of twists and turns, so strap in. I also highly recommend the sequel The Family Remains.
None Of This Is True by Lisa Jewell, $16 (down from $32.99) at Amazon
Read and Reviewed by Marina Tatas, Shopping Writer
Another Lisa Jewell favourite is the newly released None Of This Is True. This is one of the fastest books I’ve ever read – I smashed it out in 24 hours because I seriously could not put it down. This is a psychological thriller about a woman who finds herself the subject of her own popular true crime podcast. How you may ask? Well it all starts by meeting someone in a bathroom. That’s right, the characters and storyline are so twisted, they really draw you in and keep you on the edge with each and every page you read.
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, $20.35 (down from $22.99) at Booktopia
Read and Reviewed by Stephanie Yip, eCommerce Travel Writer
This gripping murder mystery starts off strong and doesn’t let go of you until the very end. It’s split into two sections – the first is from the perspective of Nick whose wife Amy disappears on their fifth anniversary. At first he seems innocent but as the story progresses you begin to wonder if he murdered her. Then, just when you think you’ve solved it, the story ends. And then Amy’s story begins. It’s fast-paced, rife with cliffhangers and has a plot twist you won’t see coming.
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson, $26.25 at Booktopia
Read and Reviewed by Lauren Chaplin, Consumer Technology Reporter
If I could choose one book to read again for the first time, it would be Stieg Larsson’s The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Having read a ton of thriller/mystery novels over the years, I’ve developed a bad habit of guessing the major ‘twists’ that leave other people raving – but this one truly left me scratching my head. It tells the story of investigative journalist, Mikael Blomkvist, and troubled-yet-brilliant computer hacker, Lisbeth Salander, as they team up to search for a woman who has been missing for 40 years. It’s an intricate and disturbing read, so would-be readers should be forewarned that the book includes sexual assault, torture and graphic crime. If you can stomach it though, it’s easily one of the best thriller/crime novels around.
BEST HISTORICAL
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, $12 (down from $22.99) at Amazon
Read and Reviewed by Marina Tatas, Shopping Writer
This jaw-dropping and gut-wrenching novel tells the story of an old Hollywood star Evelyn Hugo who gives a final interview on her life to an unknown journalist – and you guessed it, she had seven husbands. Her story is so captivating and makes you feel all sorts of emotions – plus who doesn’t love a great twist at the end to really push you over the edge.
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid, $20.35 (down from $22.99) at Booktopia
Read and Reviewed by Marina Tatas, Shopping Writer
After you read this book, it’s hard to imagine that Daisy Jones & The Six were never a real band in the 1970s. This novel takes you through the trials and tribulations of a rock band retelling their journey to success and ultimately what made them fall apart. It covers rock n roll, love, sex, drugs, you name it – it really captures your soul and is a book that’s really hard to put down.
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, $20.35 (down from $22.99) at Amazon
Read and Reviewed by Melody Teh, news.com.au checkout Deputy Editor
A New York Times bestseller, Pachinko is an epic, sprawling family saga that follows four generations of a Korean family through eight decades, starting from a tiny island fishing village in Korea to a life of survival after immigrating to Japan. The sheer scope of this tale is staggering to behold and although there’s a big cast of characters, some whom you don’t meet for that long, they are so complex and richly drawn you are deeply invested in them and their journeys. With themes of love, family, identity, sacrifice, loyalty and survival, I learnt so much about Korean history through this book, particularly the racism and discrimination faced by Koreans, particularly Korean women, living in Japan during the annexation.
BEST ROMANCE
Book Lovers by Emily Henry, $22.99 at Dymocks
Read and Reviewed by Melody Teh, news.com.au checkout Deputy Editor
Emily Henry is, without a doubt, the queen of rom-coms right now. All her books are a delight to read and feature swoonworthy romances but the one I’d recommend for newbies – and the one that got me into Emily Henry – is Book Lovers. Following Nora Stephens, a cutthroat literary agent who is a self-proclaimed ‘Evil Villainess’ of the rom-com genre, holidaying in a small town aptly named Sunshine Falls, where she runs into her professional rival Charlie Lastra. None of what happens next is surprising but Henry has a way of writing romance that is fun and compulsively readable. It’s the perfect book for when you’re seeking out a light, easy beach read that will make you believe in love again, just like the formerly ice cold Nora. Plus, if you’re into rom-coms then you’ll love the meta commentary running throughout the book.
It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover, $12 (down from $22.99) at Target
Read and Reviewed by Marina Tatas, Shopping Writer
If you’re yet to read It Ends With Us, then you must be living under a rock. The ultimate romance novel and what brought Colleen Hoover all the fame she has today, this book takes us through the life of Lily as she realises that sometimes the ones who love you the most, will unfortunately hurt you the most. This is a really captivating story, so much so that it’s about to be made into a movie starring none other than Blake Lively. Read it before it hits the big screen!
Duck a l’Orange for Breakfast by Karina May, $28.50 (down from $34.99) at Booktopia
Read and Reviewed by Susannah Hardy, Parenting Shopping Writer
This book has been sitting on my TBR pile since its release in 2023, so I finally took it on my beach holiday – and devoured it in a couple of days. Central character, Maxine Mayberry is suddenly single after walking in on her boyfriend in bed with another woman. To top it off, she’s been diagnosed with a brain tumour. However life picks up when her Tinder path crosses with the very cute-sounding Johnny. They never meet up but the pair decide to cook their way through her ex-boyfriend’s snooty family French cookbook she was once gifted. We follow Max’s journey through brain surgery, flirty online banter and a trip to Paris, as she works out what she wants in life – and what she doesn’t. Hilarious, sweet, and absolutely delightful, this is a perfect summer holiday read. In fact, I couldn’t wait for my afternoon couch relaxation time just so I could hop back into it. I tried to drag it out to make it last longer but the words (and giggles) bounced along the page so easily, it was impossible not to power through to its very satisfying end.
Mad About You by Mhairi McFarlane, $17.70 (down from $22.99) at Amazon
Read and Reviewed by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
One of my favourite rom-coms I’ve read lately, this story follows Harriet who moves into a sharehouse, with the very charming Cal Clarke, after breaking up with her boyfriend. It turns out that Cal isn’t quite the stranger she thought he was when she moved in and of course, drama follows. Unlike other rom-coms, this one does delve into some heavier topics like coercive control and emotional abuse so just a fair warning before you begin.
Emma of 83rd Street by Audrey Bellezza, $26.95 (down from $32.99) at Booktopia
Read and Reviewed by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
If, like me, you are a huge Jane Austen fan then do not skip past this book. It has everything you know and love about the classic story but shifted to modern-day New York. Emma Woodhouse and George Knightly have been neighbours on the Upper East Side all their lives and despite being childhood friends, they love nothing more than riling each other up. The story follows these two as they come to realise that perhaps love has been there all along. Like the original, it’s funny and witty and of course includes the iconic line, “If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more.” Swoon!
In a New York Minute by Kate Spencer, $26.99 at Dymocks
Read and Reviewed by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
Franny has just been laid off from her job and as she battles the subway home with her box of belongings, of course, her dress happens to get caught in the door and rip. Hayes Montgomery III, her knight in shining armour, (of course!) is there to give her his jacket and save the day. However, someone takes a snap of the pair, posts it online with the #SubwayQTs and (of course!) they go viral. The story then continues to follow the couple who can’t seem to stop running into each other. This book is fun and lighthearted and seriously saved me from my reading slump towards the end of last year. If you love a meet-cute and an opposites attract trope, this is for you.
Loving Lizzie March by Susannah Hardy, $30.95 (down from $32.99) at Booktopia
Read and Reviewed by Claudia Coy, eCommerce Social Media Producer
I stumbled upon this book by accident - I was heading on a camping trip where I knew there’d be no phone reception and needed something to keep me entertained for four days. Full transparency, it was the bright pink cover that caught my attention but it was the hilarious protagonist that kept me engaged. Lizzie is probably the most loveable/frustrating character I’ve ever met - possibly because she’s so relatable. Loving Lizzie March is the familiar story of a young woman who can’t help but make questionable life choices over and over again (including her habit for always choosing the wrong guy) and the book follows her journey as she tries to get her life in order (again, very relatable). It’s fun, it’s quirky and it’s one of those books that you can’t quite put down.
BEST BIOGRAPHY AND MEMOIR
Becoming by Michelle Obama, $22.95 (down from $26.99) at Booktopia
Read and Reviewed by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
When it comes to books, I’m not a massive memoir or biography fan and tend to stick pretty closely to fiction but when this one by Michelle Obama came out I knew it would be worth breaking my rule. And I’m so glad I did. Becoming details Michelle’s life from her upbringing on the south side of Chicago to Harvard Law School, her career as a lawyer where she met Barack and of course, Barack’s career as a politician and eventually President of the United States. This inside look behind the scenes of one of the most famous women on the planet was not only incredibly inspiring and moving but also joyful, funny and heartwarming.
Lucky Man: A Memoir by Michael J Fox, $23.75 (down from $24.99) at Booktopia
Read and Reviewed by Stephanie Yip, eCommerce Travel Writer
If you grew up in the 90s you’ll be familiar with Michael J Fox. Made famous for his role as Alex P. Keaten in Family Ties and as Marty McFly in Back To The Future, he was diagnosed early in life with Parkinson’s disease and has been battling it ever since. Lucky Man is the story of his diagnosis and is written with grace, hope and humour. I highly recommend it to anyone who has followed his journey.
Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton, $14.95 (dow from $22.99) at Booktopia
Read and Reviewed by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
It’s hard to meet any book-loving 20 or 30-something female who hasn’t read Dolly Alderton’s best-selling memoir. Alderton details her childhood, teenage years and twenties as she recounts lessons of love and friendship. Heartbreakingly sad at times while laugh out loud funny at others, this book is one you’ll come back to time and again. Ultimately, her female friendships are at the core of this book and will make you want to call up your own friends immediately after finishing. I actually listened to the audio version of this book as it is read by Alderton herself. I’m not normally an audiobook fan but there was something about Alderton telling her own story that really resonated with me. Plus, I’m a sucker for an English accent.
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner, $19.99 at Dymocks
Read and Reviewed by Tahnee-Jae Lopez Vito, Shopping Writer
It only took me 11 pages in before I found myself in tears, which is pretty apt given the book title. Crying in H Mart is a memoir (and New York Times bestseller) by Michelle Zauner about her experiences growing up mixed-race, and how she navigated her own identity after losing her mother to cancer. I loved how Michelle used food to talk about her relationships with food, family and the connection with her Korean roots. Honestly, it was weirdly comforting to read her struggles with belonging and the fear of death. The book was so heartwarming and funny but also really heartbreaking at the same time.
Tell Her She’s Dreamin’ by Simone Amelia Jordan, $20.95 (down from $34.99) at Booktopia
Read and Reviewed by Kara Byers, Partnerships Editor
“I wasn’t meant to be a spectator in the game; I was a damn participant.”
This is an incredible memoir about Simone’s extraordinary journey from growing up in Sydney’s Summer Hill, to her exceptional career here and in America. Simone created Australia’s first hip hop magazine in her 20s then moved to New York, fulfilling her dream of working at the legendary The Source, only to end up quitting her dream to come back home. It’s so deeply personal and authentic, it’s hard not to be inspired by her story and impossible not to be moved.
Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell, $17.70 (down from $22.99) at Amazon
Read and Reviewed by Kara Byers, Partnerships Editor
“The average millionaire is only the average dishwasher dressed in a new suit.”
Everyone should read this book. It’s so well written – of course, it’s George Orwell – and it changed the way I think. It’s a really interesting insight into living on the street, working in kitchens and how we sort people into different categories depending on where they’re from, or how their life is going at any one time, sometimes without even realising it and how that can rob us of experiencing a richer life.
BEST SELF HELP
Untamed by Glennon Doyle, $28.50 (down from $35) at Booktopia
Read and Reviewed by Melody Teh, news.com.au checkout Deputy Editor
Both a memoir and a ‘self-help’ book, I read Glennon Doyle’s Untamed at a time of great change in my life. I was feeling utterly at sea both personally and professionally and this book may have just changed my life. I can’t tell you how many sentences I underlined and pages I bookmarked to return to again.
Written in the funny, relatable and soulful way that Doyle is known for, Doyle tells you the deeply personal story of how she found her true love later in life, Abby. She chronicles her childhood, her upbringing, her divorce, the blending of her family, while baring all her flaws and vulnerabilities with unflinching honesty. Throughout the narrative of her life, she shares advice and gems of wisdom about how to break through the cage of expectations the world places on you and how to tap into her truest, wildest self – the one who is untamed. It does sound a bit “woo-woo” and sometimes it is (and I’m generally not one for that), plus Doyle is coming from a privileged place, but it is still a powerful manual on how to find your true self – and how to stop pleasing, and start fully living, something which I believe so many of us can benefit from.
Maybe You Should Talk To Someone by Lori Gottlieb, $26.95 (down from $32.99) at Booktopia
Read and Reviewed by Lauren Chaplin, Consumer Technology Reporter
You would never usually find me loitering around the self-help section, but I read this memoir on a recommendation more than a year ago and I’m yet to stop thinking about it.
Following her own personal crisis, psychotherapist Lori Gottlieb decides to see a therapist of her own, giving us a raw and unexpectedly funny glimpse into the practice. We also hear the real-life stories of Gottlieb’s own patients, including a self-absorbed producer with a painful past, a woman who can’t stop hooking up with the wrong men, and a young newlywed who’s been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Each story is expertly interwoven with Gottlieb’s own in an emotional and entertaining exploration of our inner lives. It made me laugh, it made me cry and it reminded me that, no matter how different we may seem, we’re all just humans doing the best we can.
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin, $49.99 at Dymocks
Read and Reviewed by Kara Byers, Partnerships Editor
“Average is nothing to aspire to. The goal is not to fit in.”
After having my little mind blown by the fact this white hippy is the man responsible for some of Beastie Boys’ and Jay Z’s best material, I had to read his book. And I loved it. It’s as cool and down to earth as he is. It’s all about how creativity isn’t just for artists; it’s in all of us. To unlock it, you just need to make a habit of being creative. And by doing that, you can untap boundless potential within yourself. It’s deep, it’s profound, but it’s also really readable.
BEST NONFICTION
Three Women by Lisa Taddeo, $22.99 at Dymocks
Read and Reviewed by Hannah Paine, news.com.au checkout Editor
I read this book several years ago now (and even got to interview the author – warning, there’s spoilers) but it always pops into my head whenever anyone asks for book recommendations.
It’s like nothing I’ve ever read before, with author Lisa Taddeo granted incredibly personal access to the love lives of three different, real life US women. There’s lonely housewife Lina whose husband refuses to kiss her on the lips, restaurateur Sloane who sleeps with others at her husband’s request and Maggie, who allegedly had a sexual relationship with her English teacher while she was just a teenager. It’s nonfiction but written like a pacy thriller novel and I love how it sheds light on the things we often keep most private: Our relationships and how they really make us feel. Three Women gives you a pervy (in the best way possible) look behind the curtain at love, sex and our innermost desires all while being a cracking good read.
Wifedom by Anna Funder, $22.50 (down from $36.99) at Booktopia
Read and Reviewed by Susannah Hardy, Parenting Shopping Writer
Anna Funder has an amazing way of writing nonfiction, which makes this novel on George Orwell’s little-known wife, Eileen O’Shaughnessy, just so compelling. Funder weaves her personal situation into her journey through Orwell’s past, piecing together the parts of history that never made it to the published memoirs. Through meticulous and lengthy research, Funder discovers letters from Eileen to her best friend and slowly fills in the gaps to work out why this incredible woman might have been left out of the story. And while delving behind the scenes of this literary marriage, she also gives a nod to the many other women in the world who have gone unrecognised.
I don’t read a lot of nonfiction, but Funder is such a true story teller, I couldn’t tear my eyes away from this novel. If you’re a fan of Orwell, as is Funder, it will make you want to re-read his work and question his past. If not, you’ll still find Wifedom a fascinating story that relates to our present day and much as it does to time gone by. I’ve loved all of Funder’s books, and this one did not disappoint.
WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS TO START BEING A READER?
Keryn advises the best way to building a reading habit is to start small.
“I suggest reading for ten minutes each night before you turn out the lights and then slowly increase the amount of time you spend reading over a few months,” she says.
Can’t decide what to read? Keryn’s top tip is to let others do the hard work for you.
“Follow well-known book clubs on Instagram like Reese’s Book Club and Oprah’s Book Club to discover the latest cult reads. You can also follow local book influencers like Read My Blurb, Secret Book Stuff, and me for more personalised recommendations.”
HOW DO I GET BACK INTO READING AFTER A READING SLUMP?
We’ve all been there. If you haven’t picked up a book in months or years, it can seem almost insurmountable to start reading again. If you’re stuck in a reading slump, Keryn recommends picking up what she calls a ‘dirty little thriller’.
“A fast-paced, plot-driven thriller or mystery that will hook you in from the first page and have you racing towards the final chapter,” she advises. “Some of the books that have gotten me out of a reading slump in the past include Verity by Colleen Hoover, The Guest List by Lucy Foley and The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides.”
She adds: “Once you feel like you’re back in your reading groove then you can tackle more character-driven, meatier books.”
HOW DO I CHOOSE A BOOK I WILL ACTUALLY LIKE?
New to reading or wanting to expand your horizons? Keryn recommends “looking at what other media you consume and picking up books that align with what you’re already interested in”.
She says: “For example, if you’re always the first in your group chat to listen to the latest true crime podcast everyone is talking about, why not try a true crime book? If you love watching rom-coms, try anything by Emily Henry or Beth O’Leary. And if you were a big fan of Fleabag, try a ‘sad girl novel’ like My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh or Green Dot by Madeleine Gray.”
WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR BOOK GENRES TO READ RIGHT NOW?
“Thrillers and mysteries are always popular but over the last couple of years there’s been a real boom in thrillers and mysteries written by Australian women like Jane Harper, Sally Hepworth and Sarah Bailey,” Keryn says.
“There’s also been a resurgence in the rom-com genre thanks to #booktok. Some of #booktok’s favourite authors include Colleen Hoover, Taylor Jenkins Reid, Ali Hazelwood and Ana Huang.”
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