January 2020 has been a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kind of month – we can’t believe it’s already time for our monthly staff favourites review round-up!
This time of year is traditionally one of the quieter ones in book publishing, which means that we had plenty of time to get stuck into those books that have been sitting on our nightstands for far too long (but you will find one or two new releases and advance copies in the mix).
Scroll down to see all of the best books we read in January 2020!
Mark Harding – Brand and Content Manager
The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay
Why I loved it: I bought this book to read on a long flight, and tore through half of it before I even made it on the plane. The premise is simple and sinister: Four strangers approach an isolated cabin by a lake and demand that the family inside let them in, so they can help save the world. The tension ratchets up page after page, and I found myself unable to stop once I’d started.
Buy it here
Olivia Fricot – Senior Content Producer
Uncanny Valley by Anna Wiener
Why I loved it: At 25, Anna Wiener left her poorly-paid job in the New York publishing scene and moved to San Francisco to work for a tech start-up. In this memoir, she documents her time spent in the bright bubble of Silicon Valley (or, as tech people apparently call it, “the ecosystem”) and eloquently punctures it, revealing a world where innovation is fueled by passion, but also immense power, wealth and egotism. The quiet confidence of Anna’s wit amplifies the astonishing reality of life in the Valley, making this a truly eye-opening and entertaining read.
Buy it here
Jo Lewin – Head of Trade Books
Death in Her Hands by Otessa Moshfegh
Why I loved it: The unreliable narrator has become a beloved trope in the mystery genre in recent years, but Ottessa Moshfegh (Eileen, My Year of Rest and Relaxation) takes this to new lengths in her latest offering. Our protagonist, Vesta Gul, is elderly and recently widowed. When she finds a mysterious note in the woods near her home, she begins a quixotic search for a killer, and a victim, that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. A fascinating read and one that will leave you scratching your head.
Buy it here
Renae Adolfson – Trade Books Coordinator
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
Why I loved it: This well-crafted narrative was almost impossible to put down! Kiley Reid explores the modern complexities associated with race and privilege, from the perspective of two very different women. Emira, a young African American woman, struggles to find her purpose after graduating, whilst continuing to find value in babysitting the daughter of an upper-middle class white woman struggling to navigate motherhood and validate her own identity. Whilst providing insight into matters of race, this novel skilfully explores the intricacies of friendship, young love and motherhood through the surprising connections between characters.
Buy it here
Ben Hunter – Fiction Category Manager
We Were Never Friends by Margaret Bearman
Why I loved it: An addictive look into worlds of privilege, neglect and creation, We Were Never Friends centres on Lotti, daughter to the celebrated Australian painter George Coates, whose artistic pursuits often trump the needs of his wife and children. When Lotti’s waifish and unstable classmate Kyla enters her Canberra home, their lives and George’s career is changed forever. A sharp little novel of girlhood, friendship, making art and leaving legacies.
Buy it here
Sarah McDuling – Kids & YA Category Manager
The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black
Why I loved it: This highly anticipated conclusion to Holly Black’s Folk of the Air trilogy was pretty much pitch perfect and gave me everything I wanted. This is faerie fantasy the way it’s supposed to be – terrifying, violent and dark as hell! Holly Black plunges readers into a world of curses and prophecies, betrayal and horror (and even a dash of faerie cannibalism – you know, for fun!). Jude is such a ruthless, iron-willed protagonist – I loved the way her story panned out over this series. All of the applause!!
Buy it here
Joel Naoum – Non-Fiction Category Manager
The Secret Commonwealth by Philip Pullman
Why I loved it: I’m a few months late to this one, but I’ve loved Philip Pullman since I first read Northern Lights. This book feels both like a worthy continuation of His Dark Materials, but also a more mature, grown-up look at Lyra’s world than La Belle Sauvage. In many ways, this is a supernatural spy thriller – one part political intrigue, one part character study. Although I had my misgivings about some of the plot developments, ultimately I could not put this book down and stayed up into the wee hours to finish it. I only wish that the next book was already available!
Buy it here
Shanulisa Prasad – Lifestyle Books Category Manager
Would Like to Meet by Rachel Winters
Why I loved it: A witty, fun take on the rom-com genre, full of humour and (best of all) a not 100% predictable, but still very satisfying ending. A perfect holiday read!
Buy it here
Rob O’Hearn – Academic & Professional Books Category Manager
The Man in the Red Coat by Julian Barnes
Why I loved it: Booker-Prize-winner Julian Barnes’ diverting new non-fiction work is a rumination on the French Belle Epoque, touring through the colour and camp of high society. Watch rich eccentrics flaunt their intellectual credentials, air-kissing Oscar Wilde, Marcel Proust, Sarah Bernhardt and more. The French despise the British and the feeling seems mutual, hypocrisy abounds and the bon mot is compulsory. Barnes is clearly in his element and his droll humour is irrepressible. This book is a bitchy swirl of celebrity, conspicuous consumption, duels, art and insults, and it is a very addictive, extremely rich bit of fun!
Buy it here
Ashleigh Berry – Campaigns Coordinator
The Dilemma by B.A. Paris
Why I loved it: Set mostly across a 24-hour period, this is a heartbreaking exploration of how much you can sacrifice your own happiness for those you love. Each chapter alternates between the perspectives of Adam & Livia, both of whom are struggling with devastating news in the lead up to Livia’s 40th birthday (a joyous occasion years in the making) and rocky relationships with their children, Marnie & Josh. Slow-paced with intent, this is a beautiful novel that will sweep you into its anguish.
Buy it here
Scott Whitmont – Business Development & Relationship Manager
Lady in Waiting by Anne Glenconner
Why I loved it: “Extraordinary” is undoubtedly the apt word to describe the unique life led by Lady Glenconner, a Lady in Waiting and close confidante of Princess Margaret for over 30 years. Tired of the scurrilous gossip that has been spread since the Princess’ death, she has written this memoir to ‘set the record straight’ and give insight into Margaret’s true character – her loyalties, her compassion, her demons and her excesses. What results is three books in one: a welcome contribution to royal biography, a touching portrait of resilience and strength and a trustworthy and compelling exposé of a life most of us would only dream of leading.
Buy it here
There’s only a few hours left to vote for your Favourite Australian Book of 2019 – cast your vote now!
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