From books about mysterious seamstresses and sisterly love to a timely wellness culture exposé, here are the best books we read in April 2021!
Olivia Fricot – Senior Content Producer
The Wolf and the Woodsman by Ava Reid
Why I loved it: Drawing on Hungarian history and Jewish folklore, Ava Reid’s fantasy novel, The Wolf and the Woodsman, is a rich and beautifully told story of prejudice, love and betrayal set in a world where pagan girls are sacrificial fodder for a wicked king. When Evike is kidnapped from her village by the King’s Holy Order of the Woodsmen and taken into the monster-infested forests beyond it, she braces herself for death. Instead, Evike finds herself the unlikely accomplice of the disgraced prince, Gaspar Barany, who is on a mission to stop his cruel and fanatical brother from seizing the throne and bringing hell down upon the nation. Balancing romance and political intrigue so deftly, Reid’s debut is a wonder of a novel that I tore my way through — this is bound to be your next fantasy obsession.
Buy it here
Nick Wasiliev – Social Media Specialist
The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku
Why I loved it: I finally got round to checking out this beautiful memoir. There are many stories about the Holocaust, filled with desperation and human beings at their lowest. However, that is not the case for this beautiful story written by centenarian Eddie Jaku. What is most refreshing is that Eddie’s personal retelling of his incredible life reinforces a valuable lesson that we struggle to remember sometimes: that life is an incredible, precious gift that should be spent making others lives better. A highly recommended book that will lift you up in the darkest of times!
Buy it here
Jo Lewin – Head of Trade Product
When Things Are Alive They Hum by Hannah Bent
Why I loved it: Ultimo Press is a brand new independent publisher that has been creating a whole load of buzz in the book industry this year. I was delighted to have the opportunity to read the manuscript for their very first fiction offering: Hannah Bent’s When Things Are Alive They Hum. This novel paints a tender picture of sisterly love against the adversity of losing a mother, the struggles of living with an intellectual disability in conservative Hong Kong, caring for a family member with chronic illness and ultimately learning to accept their untimely loss. But this book also takes you to places you would least expect. Written from the dual perspectives of two sisters, we not only examine love, grief and sisterhood as the blurb suggests. We also delve into the dark underbelly of modern China and we question what ethical lines we would cross to protect the ones we love.
Buy it here
Shanulisa Prasad – Lifestyle Category Manager
Eliza Vanda’s Button Box by Emily Rodda
Why I loved it: I was utterly charmed by this story of 11 year old Milly Dynes, whose world is transformed by a mysterious magical seamstress who rents one of her family’s cabins. Every detail of this book is perfectly formed and I hope that Eliza Vanda pops up again so Milly can have more adventures (and I can read about them!).
Buy it here
Cassandra Sharpe – Assistant Category Manager for Non-Fiction
Fake Medicine by Dr Brad McKay
Why I loved it: Dr Brad McKay delves into the murky world of medical misinformation in this logical and very readable book. If you’ve ever thought about whether your vitamins are working, wellness warriors on Instagram, and the validity of more alternative methods, this is a fascinating read. I really enjoyed the chapter on wellness influencers, examining the dark side of social media stars, sponsorships and offering advice without qualification. McKay weaves together personal examples of his own forays into this world, and provides scientific and logical reasoning behind the treatments he’s debunking. Even staple home remedies we just rely on without much further thought. After reading the first 60 pages in one sitting, I can heartily recommend (unless you’re squeamish, some of the medical examples are quite descriptive).
Buy it here
Amy Evans – Assistant Category Manager for Lifestyle
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Why I loved it: The Midnight Library is everything you’d expect from the wonderful mind of Matt Haig, it is honest and thought provoking and full of beautifully posed questions about life, regrets and the choices you make. Nora Seed lives a life she doesn’t recognise, full of ‘what ifs’ and ‘if onlys’, until one night she finds herself in a library where every book on the shelves is a variation of her life where she took a different path and one by one she gets to see where she went wrong. As a massive fan of Haig’s non-fiction work, I was pleased to find this story had the same ‘optimism born from hopelessness’ narrative he does best. Overall, this is an endearingly real story of what it means to not just live, but be an active participant in life.
Buy it here
Robert O’Hearn – Academic & Professional Category Manager
Some Memories Never Die by Jeff Lang
Why I loved it: Jeff Lang is Australia’s most gifted slide guitarist, and his book is part memoir, part lyric collection, full of brilliant road stories and great, great music; blues, jazz, world, and rock. His music is diverse, surprising and heartfelt. Anyone who knows Jeff will know his wonderful humour and warmth, and will not be disappointed by the many entertaining anecdotes and insightful observations here. Lang writes effortlessly and passionately of the music that inspires him, the mysteries of songwriting, and the larrikin camaraderie of jobbing musicians. Some Memories Never Die is perfect for fans and vital for those who love Australian live music
Buy it here
Ashleigh Berry – Campaigns Coordinator
The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
Why I loved it: As a fan of The Silent Patient, I had very high expectations for this year’s The Maidens. Luckily it did not disappoint! Just like his debut, this is an ‘unputdownable’ psychological thriller that is completely enthralling. Michaelides has created an intricate, intelligent web woven with red herrings and twists galore. Plus, you’ll find some cameos from familiar characters! I highly recommend this to fans of a thriller, and I cannot wait to see what Michaelides writes next.
Buy it here
Scott Whitmont – Business Development and Relationship Manager
A Stranger in the House by Shari Lapena
Why I loved it: Karen Krupp and her accountant husband Tom lead a happy, if somewhat staid suburban life until he arrives home to find Karen’s handbag and phone on the counter with the door unlocked. What could possibly have caused her to leave in such haste? Karen wakes up in hospital with no memory of driving into a pole at high speed in an insalubrious part of town she would never frequent. Soon, a body is discovered in an abandoned restaurant close to Karen’s accident. Surely she could not be connected? As the couple’s previously secure life gradually collapses, the police are increasingly suspicious of Karen’s past and potential guilt. Added to the mix is the stalker-like behaviour and questionable loyalties of Karen’s best friend and neighbour, Brigid. For sheer ‘grippability’, Lapena provides a more-than-satisfying thriller with twists galore – guaranteed to furnish readers with a gratifying weekend’s distraction.
Buy it here
Karen Robinson – Territory Relationship Manager
This Has Been Absolutely Lovely by Jessica Dettman
Why I loved it: I loved Dettman’s first book so I had to read this one and it didn’t disappoint. Annie is right in the middle of an increasingly common confluence of events – she’s just buried her elderly father, the kids have left home, she has a long-forgotten dream to chase but she’s about to become a grandmother and of course she’d want to babysit them! With all her children and ex-husband staying under the same roof following the funeral, old and new secrets are exposed. Dettman doesn’t go for cheap drama but honestly expresses what I think many women feel (I know I do!). How does Annie be there for those she loves but also for herself for the first time in 35 years? This book is like sitting down with a friend you can be completely honest with – heartwarming, touching and emotional with a few belly laughs for good measure.
Buy it here
Tell us about the best book you read in April 2021 in the comments!
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