Book Recommendations from our Staff
- Allen & Unwin
- Aug 5
- 3 min read
Check out some book recommendations from our incredibly well-read staff!
Looking for your next great read? We’ve got you! Our book-loving team have shared some of their top book recommendations to help you find the one. Check out a few of their faves and you might just discover your new book obsession!
One Hundred Years of Betty
by Debra Oswald
Peri said: "One Hundred Years of Betty is one of those perfect books that you don’t want to end. I fell absolutely in love with Betty, her friendships and family – her life fully lived and filled to the brim with mistakes and love and grit and adventure.
If you haven’t met Betty yet, take this as a sign. You won’t regret it!"
Song of a Blackbird
by Maria van Lieshout
Andrew said: "A stunning and immensely powerful YA graphic novel about the Nazi resistance in Amsterdam during WWII. Set within dual timelines it’s also a deeply universal story of love, hope, heroism and the power of art. And the artwork is gorgeous, really arresting illustrations overlapped with historical photos of wartime Amsterdam. Hard recommend."
Love on the Air
by Ash London
Eleanor said: "Love on the Air is a laugh-out-loud romance and an absolute TRIP to read. I never would have thought I’d find a main female character who parties hard and goes on shopping sprees relatable, but I was with Alex all the way as she picked herself up from heartbreak and dived into a new gig and forbidden love interest. A light and fun read which nevertheless tackles the serious issue of workplace sexism, this is the stand-out romance of 2025 for me."
My Cousins, My World
by Sharara Attai and Michelle Pereira
Sam said: "My Cousins, My World is one of my favourite picture books of the year. The beautiful text by Sharara Attai and glorious illustrations by Michelle Pereira get me every time, and as someone who comes from a big family with lots of cousins, I get a bit teary every time I read the ending – that cousins are our ‘first friends, our best friends and our forever friends’. I’m planning to get copies for all of my cousins (and their kids!) this Christmas 😊"
This Dream Will Devour Us
by Emma Clancey
Deb said: "This story is so addictive! From the beautiful and decadent world to the unique magic system, I devoured this thrilling fantasy in a day! If you love The Inheritance Games or Caraval, you’ll love This Dream Will Devour Us."
A Beautiful Family
by Jennifer Trevelyan
Sarah said: "A brilliantly plotted coming of age mystery this is a book you'll be bereft to put down. If you like books with characters you fall in love with, books with an expertly crafted mystery or just if you've ever been ten years old - this is the book for you."
Better Days
by Claire Zorn
Anabel said: "Better Days is so delightfully nostalgic and relatable! It will have you thinking about the road you never took and will give you all the feels."
Bombshell
by Darrow Farr
Molly said: "I loved this book! Séverine is an extremely compelling narrator, not only charming her captors but the reader too. I’ve never rooted so hard for someone NOT to escape their kidnappers, as they form heart-warming relationships while exercising youthful radicalism. It makes for extremely fun reading. I think the cover makes the book appear more literary than it is; it’s a very accessible writing style that keeps you engaged. The author entirely stuck the landing, what was an explosive and out-there narrative resolved itself in a very grounded, mature way. Huge page-turner!"
The Lost Saint
by Rachael Craw
Isabelle said: "I was completely and utterly HOOKED from the very first page. The chemistry between our two main characters is positively electric, and their mission to return Ana back to her own timeline by attempting to locate the mystical 'Saint' had me on the edge of my seat. Perfect for anyone dying for something with the same vibes as Divine Rivals and Powerless!"
Your Friend and Mine
by Jessica Dettmann
Eleanor said: "I loved Your Friend and Mine. Margot is sent to London on a special mission by her best friend Tess who, in a surprising twist, passed away 20 years prior. It’s funny, warm, emotional, quirky and we become invested in Margot's adventure- and her chance to reflect on her busy life in Sydney. An excellent read!"
All of these books are available right now at your favourite local bookstore!
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