Breakfast Bookchat
Recent fiction releases for adult, young adult and middle school readers
The 10 most popular titles borrowed by readers at Mt Alvernia College
Recommended podcasts for listeners of all ages
2017 Read Harder Challenge
Download the PDF of reading tasks and explore the links for book suggestions
Helen's #greatreads for adults
New Boy is a modern retelling of Othello set in a suburban schoolyard by the best selling author of Girl with a Pearl Earing.
Anything is Possible is a novel in stories by Pulitzer award winning author, Elizabeth Strout who also wrote My Name is Lucy Barton, another great favourite of our staff members. This is a literary read that won’t disappoint. Goodreads Review
The Good People by Hannah Kent is “a literary novel with the pace and tension of a thriller [that] takes us on a frightening journey towards an unspeakable tragedy” (Paula Hawkins, bestselling author of The Girl on the Train) Goodreads Review
Eleanor Oliphant is Comletely Fine is a debut novel about an outsider and profound loneliness, but it has a joyous message and an hilarious main character. It will be one of the best books you will read. Goodreads Review
In Our Souls at Night, two long time neighbours make the surprising proposal that they begin sleeping together, without sex, just to talk in the dark and provide the sleep-easing comfort of physical company. Goodreads Review
A crime novel by Melina Marchetta, Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil is a gripping read for all fans of this much love author.
When Kate Grenville’s mother died she left behind many fragments of memoir. This was her starting point for One Life – a moving memoir of her mother’s life.
Helen Garner’s This House of Grief, is an account of the life and times, crime and trials of Robert Farquharson, the man who murdered his three sons by driving them into a dam.
An unsettling read by a master storyteller. Goodreads Review
Gratitude by Oliver Sacks is a deeply moving testimony and celebration of how to embrace life.
Marg's #greatreads for Adults
A compelling, intense read about a woman’s desperate attempts to fall pregnant and the subsequent agonies of loss. Set in Nigeria during the political chaos of the 1980’s, this is a story about grief, family, male pride and a woman’s place in that society. Highly recommended. Goodreads Review
Jane Harper’s debut novel, The Dry (Aaron Falk #1), is a page-turner, a thrilling whodunit and award winning crime fiction. Two murders, twenty years apart, need to be solved in a farming community crippled by drought, lies and secrets. Sequel Force of Nature (Aaron Falk #2) due 26/9/17. Goodreads Review
In Ghost Empire, Richard Fidler takes his history obsessed 14 year old son to Istanbul as a coming of age adventure to explore the city’s earlier incarnation as Constantinople. A very easily accessed account of the topic and a highly recommended and rewarding read, especially for history buffs. Goodreads Review
The Handmaid’s Tale is Margaret Atwood’s speculative fiction look at life in the dystopia of Gilead. Published in 1985, it is chillingly retains great power today. Read the book, see the TV series.
Memoir writing of the highest order, Reckoning: a Memoir tells Magna Szubanski’s story and that of her father, a deadly World War 2 assassin. Goodreads Review
Unmaksed is an inspiring memoir that gives the reader some insight into the drive, inner-strength and the support that has motivated Turia’s torturous road recovery after barely surviving being burnt during a desert race. Read it and recommend it to your students.
The Scandal is set in a small town whose champion ice hockey team is set to usher in a bright new future. A brutal act jeopardises this. Someone must tell the truth that no one wants to hear.
Looking for something to read after The Handmaid’s Tale. Read The Power by Naomi Alderman.
A powerful story of two families and follows the lives of six siblings over 50 years.
In Working Class Boy, Jimmy Barnes tells the story of a brutal and traumatic childhood. A harrowing read.
Podcasts for Readers
Leigh Sales and Annabel Crabb chat about books, television, movies and culture. Podcast notes link to whatever has been mentioned.
In depth conversations with Australian and international authors about themselves and the ‘story behind their stories’. Visit the website for more reading and book club suggestions.
A digest of the week’s best interviews about books and writing across RN.
Spend an hour in someone else’s life as Richard Fidler digs deep. Many authors have been interviewed and novels examined.
The podcast that takes you inside the literary world.
Twenty-five outstanding podcasts for readers
Words in your ear : 10 best book podcasts
Other podcasts we love
© 2021 Mt Alvernia College. All rights reserved