9 Books For Holiday Reading, Inspired by Byron Writers Festival

LOLA IN THE MIRROR – TRENT DALTON

Unpredictable, magical, moving

After the critically acclaimed Boy Swallows Universe and All Our Shimmering Skies, Trent Dalton continues his exquisite writing prowess with Lola In The Mirror. The book follows the story of a girl who’s been on the run with her mother for sixteen years. They live homeless inside their van by the Brisbane River. But the girl has a dream and vision for a different future. A dream which requires her to look in the mirror.

“Lola in the Mirror is a bold, big-hearted, hopeful, humorous, dark, reflective, truthful, superbly written novel that confirms Dalton’s place in… Australian literature. He is not a rising star but a star full stop.’ The Australian”

EXILES – JANE HARPER

Immersive, undulating, beautifully observed

If you’ve read (or watched) The Dry, you’ll know that Jane Harper is a master of writing a captivating. Exiles is no different. Here, at a busy festival site in the Barossa Valley, a baby lies alone in her pram, her mother vanishing into the crowds. A year on, the investigator (Aaron Falk) from that mystery finds himself back in the area, this time for his godson’s christening. But as Falk soaks up his time in the Valley, dark questions linger and long-ago truths begin to emerge.

“An outstanding crime novel, rich in mystery and atmosphere and full of heart. Utterly immersive, captivating and beautifully written; I lost myself completely within its pages and was bereft when it ended. Jane Harper is a rare jewel of an author and Exiles deserves to be huge. It blew me away. It’s my book of the year so far.” C.L. Taylor

DOWNSTREAM – ANNIKA JOHANSSON

Compassionate, humorous, delightful

Set after the 2022 floods that rocked northern NSW, Downstream is the story of happily-married empty nesters Rob and Sal, who now find themselves homeless. With no rentals available, their previous solid and stable life gets turned around. They find themselves reluctantly having to share a flat with strangers – a slightly older hippy couple, who couldn’t be more different! The unit has one bathroom and very thing walls… but surely they can stick it out for six months? As each awkward, yet entertaining week rolls into the next, we see that life has bigger plans for them as buried dreams, hidden secrets and feisty debates begin to emerge.

“[Downstream] is a wonderful warm read while also sharing hte ongoing reality of the trauma and devastation countless people in the region experienced, and continue to experience.” Weekend Australian

DEVIL’S KITCHEN – CANDICE FOX

Breathless, action-packed, thrill-ride

She’s written ten internationally bestselling crime novels and won three prestigious Ned Kelly Awards. For those amongst us who love a crime tale (or even if it’s not your usual flavour), Candice Fox’s latest book, Devil’s Kitchen, is a must. The firefighters of New York’s Engine 99 have been saving lives for years… and they’ve also become the most successful heist crew on the East Crew, having stollen millions from their insider knowledge. And then their newest member, Andy Nearland, steps in. An undercover operative, who may have just walked into her most dangerous job of all.

“This crime novel has a red hot narrative that keeps its heat to the very end… Fox never loses sight of the possibility of redemption. Devil’s Kitchen is sobering, real and unforgettable.” Sydney Morning Herald

EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING – NADINE J. COHEN

Beautiful, brutal, tender

Nadine J. Cohen’s literary debut Everyone and Everything is about friendship, grief and the deep, frustrating bond between sisters. Yael’s life has fallen apart. She struggles with loss, grief and hitting rock bottom, forcing her to open herself up to her sister. Throughout the pages of this beautifully gentle yet poignant read, we discover a story of finding hope, falling again, learning what it means to fall in love with life. It’s funny and tender, it is deep and warm, it is one that will give you all the feelings.

“This brilliant book doesn’t shy away from the rough stuff, exploring the complexity and brutality of life, all the while maintaining a grip on to the occasional simple joy and beauty of it all. I was cackling away at Nadine’s unique perspectives one minute, and sobbing the next. A magnificent debut!” Myf Warhurst

KARKALLA AT HOME – MINDY WOODS

Experience the incredible wealth of First Nations foods in Mindy Woods’ Karkalla at Home. The please-use-me cookbook is split into two parts. Part one explores over 40 of the continent’s most readily available native ingredients (including macadamia, citruses, berries, plums, myrtles and seeds) and tips for stockings your native kitchen. Part two offers more than 110 easy and inspiring recipes – from breakfasts to weeknight mains to entertaining centrepieces. And don’t just take our word for it:

“Vibrant, bold and delicious.” Margot Robbie

GOOD MOURNING – SALLY DOUGLAS & IMOGEN CARN

We know for some, a ‘holiday’ away can be a time used for reflecting and working through areas in which you’re struggling. Grief being one such area. Good Mourning is a support-group-in-a-book that aims to help you navigate grief and loss with warmth, humour, raw honesty and the affirmation that you are not alone. Along with expert advice from clinical psychologist Tamara Cavenett and warm words and insights from hundreds of others who’ve experienced grief, Good Mourning is a powerful tool, offering practical tips on coping with isolation and loneliness, navigating grief at work, managing milestones and so much more.

“An indispensable and honest book about grief. If you are struggling with loss, or supporting someone who is grieving, you will find not only practical tools and comforting stories within these pages, but the kind of love and hope you need to light your way along this journey.” Claire Bidwell Smith, author of Anxiety: The Missing Stage of Grief

THE MEN WHO KILLED THE NEWS – ERIC BEECHER 

Eric Beecher knows the news business from bottom to top. He’s been a journalist, NewsCorp and Fairfax editor and media proprietor, with the rare distinction of having both worked for and been sued (unsuccessfully) by the Murdochs. In The Men Who Killed The News, Beecher lifts the lid on the abuse of power by media moguls – from William Randolph Hearst to Elon Musk – and on his own unique experience of working for the Murdochs. It reveals the distorted role of the media moguls of the past two centuries: their techniques, strategies, behind-closed-doors machinations, and indulgent lifestyles. It explains how they have exploited the shield of the freedom of the press to undermine journalism – and truth.

RAISING READERS: HOW TO NURTURE A CHILD’S LOVE OF BOOKS – MEGAN DALEY 

One for our parents, parents-to-be, grandparents, educators and caregivers! In Raising Readers, Megan Daley unpacks 15 years of experience into this personal, accessible and practical guide to supporting a child’s literacy journey. It’s enhanced with up-to-date research, first-hand accounts from well-known Australian children’s authors, suggested reading lists and more. Raising Readers serves as an invaluable resource whether your kids refuse to read, or whether they’re the type that can’t get enough of it!

“This is not a book. It’s a magic key which will unlock a love of stories and reading within your child.” Rebecca Sparrow, author of Find Your Tribe