There are few better places to read a good book than outdoors on holiday. Free from a multitude of daily distractions, natural light improves mood and concentration and the warmth of the sun adds to the relaxation. Indeed, the right read can offer escape and indulgence that can often be hard to find. Alongside a comfy towel, bottle of Banana Boat and an optional bevvy in hand, here’s some top tomes picked by ANZA’s own book club to accompany you on a sunbed over the coming months.
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
Genre: Crime, family life, cosy
Overview: In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet up once a week to investigate unsolved murders. But when a brutal killing takes place on their very doorstep, The Thursday Murder Club find themselves embroiled in their first live case.
My take: Richard’s books are a nice read between the more ‘heavy’ books. I love the characters, light humour, and seriousness of getting older and living life.
Feel-good factor: When I finished this, I immediately looked for the second book in the series. It’s definitely feel-good and funny at times.
Perfect for: Those looking for a fun book and fans of murder mysteries. Note that a film is being made of the first book in the series and it has an awesome cast!
Alida Gouws
All My Mothers by Joanne Glen
Genre: Fiction
Overview: London, 1980s. Eva Martínez-Green has a privileged life but she is deeply unhappy. The only child of an emotionally absent mother and a physically absent father, Eva has grown up in a cold, unloving house. However, she’s convinced all is not as it seems. Why are there no baby pictures of her? And why do her parents avoid all questions about her early years?
My take: Set in the UK and Spain, this book has a well-developed sense of place and culture, and explores how relationships within families and between friends can constantly evolve.
Feel-good factor: It’s easy and enjoyable. I felt happy but thoughtful while reading it.
Perfect for: A relatively easy read but something enjoyable beyond formulaic.
Anon
Love Marriage by V V Ganeshanathan
Genre: Fiction, Intergenerational
Overview: The daughter of Sri Lankan immigrants who left their collapsing country and married in America, Yalini finds herself caught between the traditions of her ancestors and the lure of her own modern world. But when she is summoned to Toronto to help care for her dying uncle, she is forced to see that violence is not a relic of her Sri Lankan past, but part of her Western present.
My take: This is set in relatively current time, so I learned about Sri Lankan culture, and modern history and politics, from the perspective of this young woman and previous generations of her family.
Feel-good factor: As it’s written mainly from the perspective of a young woman today, it kept my interest even though I’m not a fan of classic historical novels.
Perfect for: Those interested in culture.
Anon
Where the River Ends by Charles Martin
Genre: Fiction
Overview: A couple embark on a wilderness canoe trip to fulfil the wife’s dying wish. It deals with themes of love, loss, and redemption.
My take: Where The River Ends is written from the perspective of the husband and explores his journey as an artist alongside his experiences with cancer, addiction, and personal growth.
Feel-good factor: This made me feel humbled. It left me feeling very lucky to have, and have had, some very close and trusted friends and family throughout my life to share the good times, and support me through the not-so-good.
Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories about relationships. The book delves into the complex bonds between characters, particularly the husband and wife.
Kerry Low
Circe by Madeline Miller
Genre: Fantasy Fiction/Greek Mythology
Overview: Set during the Greek Heroic Age, this is an adaptation of various Greek myths, most notably the Odyssey, as told from the perspective of the witch, Circe. The novel explores Circe’s origin story and her encounters with mythological figures such as Hermes, the Minotaur, Jason, Medea, and ultimately her romance with Odysseus and his son, Telemachus.
My take: The language is delicious and storytelling sublime!
Feel-good factor: I felt entertained reading this (something that would not usually be my first choice).
Perfect for: Readers searching for escapism, adventure and wonder whilst on holiday.
Jolene Cornford
Sisters Under the Rising Sun by Heather Morris
Genre: Historical Fiction
Overview: In the midst of World War II, II, as Singapore falls to the Japanese, two sisters find themselves on a ship carrying a a terrified cargo of people. Eventually, Nesta and Norah reach the beaches of a remote island, only to be captured by the Japanese and held in one of their notorious POW camps. Sisters in arms, Norah and Nesta fight side-by-side every day.
My take: This is very well written and researched. It was interesting learning more about the wartime history of Singapore, the occupation of Indonesia, and the involvement of Australian nurses in the war.
Feel-good factor: It makes you feel very grateful not to have lived in those times, and brings out huge admiration for women who cope in adversity.
Perfect for: Lovers of historical fiction.
Anon
OPEN by Andre Agassi
Genre: Autobiography
Overview: American former world No. 1 tennis player Andre Agassi writes about his inner conflicts and a life balanced between destruction and perfectionism. It’s the story of one man who hated tennis, and then became one of the world’s best players.
My take: Both gripping and touching, it will captivate you even if you know nothing about the game. I have read it three or four times already!
Feel-good factor: This book is a reminder that we all go through battles in life, highs and lows, good and bad, but we deal with it. Mostly, I liked the insights into what he was going through behind the media circus, whether it was drugs or losing his hair and wearing a wig.
Perfect for: Anyone and everyone from teenage years upwards, and especially those interested in overcoming fears and striving forwards.
Rich Foltin
The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Historical intrigue
Overview: This novel follows Esme, whose father works on compiling the dictionary. Esme becomes fascinated by language and she starts collecting words excluded, lost by editors, or heard on the streets.
My take: This story is seamlessly woven in with historical events, providing a heightened sense of understanding of what motivated the behaviour and actions of all the characters over time.
Feel-good factor: It reminded me to be appreciative of the opportunities I have as a female today, thanks to those who came before me.
Perfect for: If you’re curious about the hidden stories behind words, appreciate historical context, and believe in the power of everyday language, this book is your cosy nook.
Megan Scott
What Dachshunds Want: In Their Own Words, Woofs and Wags by Jane Eastoe
Genre: Factual
Overview: My Oma in Melbourne just bought me this book. The lovely thing about it is that it’s written as if a dachshund is talking to you and telling you how to own them, love them and treat them right. Jane Eastoe also explains the awesome history of this dog.
My take: I’ll have my own dachshund when we move back to my home, Australia. Whoo!
Feel-good factor: This is a very special book because it will tell you something new in every sentence.
Perfect for: Fans of dogs!
Nina, age 10
How to Kill Your Family by Bella Mackie
Genre: Dark comedy
Overview: When Grace Bernard discovers her absentee millionaire father has rejected her dying mother’s pleas for help, she vows revenge, and sets about to kill every member of his family. Grace makes a start – one by one – and the result is as gruesome as it is entertaining.
My take: Who hasn’t wanted to bump off at least some of their family?! Even though the protaganist in this story is a mass murderer, you’re rooting for her because she feels very human.
Feel-good factor: It made me relieved that I genuinely like my family!
Perfect for: People who enjoy black humour (think Dexter, Baby Reindeer vibes).
Lizzi Seear
Finding Me by Viola Davis
Genre: Memoir
Overview: Meet Viola, a girl who ran from her past until she made a life-changing decision to stop running forever. This story takes you from a crumbling apartment in Central Falls, Rhode Island, to the stage in New York City, and beyond. Viola reveals the path she took to finding her purpose and her voice.
My take: If you think you’ve ever had a tough moment in life, read this story and then think again. It’s an inspirational, brutally honest, and truly inspiring tale of someone achieving success, not to mention just barely surviving.
Feel-good factor: It made me feel shocked, sad and inspired that as humans we can live so closely together, yet at the same time have experiences that are worlds apart.
Perfect for: Someone looking for inspiration to overcome adversity.
Corinne Smith
The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
Genre: Historical fiction
Overview: Kate Quinn connects historical events and fictional characters in an intriguing story set during World War II, centered around the lives of three women codebreakers. Osla, Mab, and Beth are based in different functions within Bletchley Park, but all work together to crack the German Enigma code.
My take: This has great storytelling and attention to detail following the exploration of friendship, loyalty and intelligence of women and men, working together to achieve a world-changing outcome.
Feel-good factor: It kept me on the edge of my seat. The codebreaking scenes are both exciting and educational.
Perfect for: Those who love the intrigue of code-breaking, friendship and mystery.
Mary Boldiston
