Check out all the great post Christmas reading our Canberra Centre team have been doing!
If you’re looking for a great read, look no further.
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult:
As soon as I opened Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult I was immediately drawn in by the story. Every chapter is seen from one of the 3 main characters’ perspective; the black labour & delivery nurse being accused by a white supremacist of murdering his newborn infant and the determined lawyer defending her. In each chapter it will challenge you to see their point of view.
Jodi Picoult is an author who spends a lot of time researching and also tries to gain an understanding of the complex social issues she is writing about. You can sense this each time you read the perspective of Ruth the nurse, and Turk the white supremacist – both ideologies that I have never experienced.
I lost a lot of sleep as I couldn’t stop at the end of each chapter, I had to know what happened next. Jodi creates interesting, likable characters and presents a gripping courtroom drama. This book challenged me to consider racism in a different light.
If you like reading authors such as Christos Tsiolkas give Jodi Picoult a go!
-Courtney, Store Manager
Uprooted by Naomi Novik:
I picked up this book because on the cover it had ‘Enchanting in every sense’ – Robin Hobb. As Robin Hobb is my favourite author I knew I had to read anything she said was good. Uprooted by Naomi Novik has all the key things I look for in a fantasy book; magic, an evil forest and a strong female character. I finished it in two days.
I really enjoyed Novik’s take on the classic fairy tale and the way she morphed the usual fairy tale villains and heroes. The characters are always a bit unexpected, and the storyline was always keeping me guessing. This was not a perfect book as it had some questionable romantic aspects and was not as polished as most fantasy epics are, however it was still a really good read.
You would enjoy this book if you like Polish fairy tales, reading about forests or books by Isobelle Carmody. I would also recommend the Temeraire series by Naomi Novik for a completely new take on dragons.
-Sarah, Store 2IC
The Crucible (“el crucible”) by Arthur Miller:
Aside from its literary themes, the reason why The Crucible is actually a good play is because it’s interesting and well-written. The story is intriguing and really absorbing, the pacing keeps it fresh and the details are clear. But most importantly, it’s filled with great events that will evoke strong responses from you. For an author writing about populist exploitation, its fitting that he’s really good at manipulating you into feeling particular ways about certain characters – whether it’s hatred or pity. An absolute banger; 100% would recommend.
Written in the 1953, when being angry at Communists was all the rage (pun intended), it draws neat parallels between the Salem Witch hunts and the MacCarthyist fervour, both of which thrived on fear and demagoguery. But really, it’s a scathing indictment about how people are terrible at being tolerant – whether it’s to women or communists – because the concept of “listening to your feelings” has gone too far, with rationality and evidence-based reasoning becoming optional extras that get discarded with no mercy.
If you liked this book, you would also (probably) enjoy John Patrick Stanley or Tennessee Williams
– Andrew
Humans of New York and Humans of New York: Stories by Brandon Stanton:
The Humans of New York books are a real treat. Heartfelt, thought-provoking, and often humorous; they’re the perfect balm for social apathy. Our world is an incredibly diverse place. Brandon Stanton has captured the essence of that diversity with humility and grace.
Reading these books is an immersive experience. Take the time to get to know your fellow man as they share their experiences and perspectives.
You won’t regret it.
-Jerzy
Home by Harlan Coben:
The newest installment of the addictive Myron Bolitar series has you hanging on the edge of your seat, gripping each page with white knuckles from chapter one. Coben‘s signature style of snappy, fast paced dialogue does not disappoint in Home, the most sharp tongued and witty Myron Bolitar story yet. Coben‘s mastering of the hook and twist leaves readers constantly guessing and I found myself at times gasping out loud throughout the book. The ending was what had me, it was the perfect closure to the tale, all loose ends tied but with enough ambiguity that you almost hated Coben for ending it. The Myron Bolitar series are for anyone who enjoys a good crime thriller and appreciates the importance of light and shade. Coben‘s witty banter is the perfect aid to his skin crawling dark themes. If you’re looking for a new gripping series check out the first Myron Bolitar book Deal Breaker. If like me, you’re an old Coben tragic get your hands on Home.
-Meg
The Little Book of Calm by Paul Wilson:
“When you rest, you are a king surveying your estate. Look at the woodland, the peacocks on the lawn. Be the king of your own calm kingdom”
At first I found this book a little difficult to swallow, but it quickly assimilated itself into my life and now I cant live without it! This is a perfect book for all those in need of a little calm in their life.
-Micah
