Eight books by Canberra authors to curl up with this winter
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There’s nothing like curling up with a good book on a cold day – and with so many amazing books by Canberra authors out there, why wouldn’t you want to support local?
Here are eight books by Canberra authors that are worth reading this winter, from historical fiction to romance with a difference.
She Shapes History by Sita Sargent
You might know about (and even taken) one of the amazing She Shapes History tours in Canberra, but now the founder, tour guide, feminist and self-confessed history nerd Sita Sargent has written a book – and it’s a tribute to the often-overlooked women who helped build Australia’s cities, towns, and communities.
Combining walking tours and captivating stories, She Shapes History: City Walks and Stories About Great Australian Women takes readers on a journey across 30 Australian locations, unveiling the remarkable legacies of women who were central to shaping the country’s history.
From the “underworld queens” of Kings Cross to the pioneering activist who founded Meals on Wheels, the book offers a kaleidoscope of stories as well as the chance to engage with history in a more personal, dynamic way. Think: part history book, part travel guide, and part feminist scrapbook.
When Sleeping Women Wake by Emma Pei Yin
With her writing published in Mekong Review, Being Asian Australian, Aniko Press, Hong Kong Review, Books + Publishing Australia, and HerCanberra, Emma is no stranger to putting her pen to the page – and with the launch of her novel, she’s still focused on amplifying Asian voices within the Australian literary landscape.
When Sleeping Women Wake is a historical fiction novel set in 1940s Hong Kong during the Japanese occupation. Following the journeys of three women – a mother, her daughter, and their maid – it explores the hidden history of Hong Kong and the untold histories of women’s war experience. A tribute to Emma’s Hakka heritage and to those who endured, resisted and loved despite everything (on both sides of the war), it promises to be an unforgettable debut into the world of historical fiction.
The Life Experiment by Jess Kitching
A poignant, life-affirming love story about two people whose lives are turned upside down when they enter an experiment that predicts when they will die – this is the locally written romance book you need to add to your TBR. Perfect for fans of Beth O’Leary, David Nicholls and Matt Haig, The Life Experiment will hit you in the feels and make you question your perceptions of life, love and mortality. Hitting shelves at the end of July, we predict that you’ll soon be seeing its cover all over BookTok as the new romance you need to read.
A Loo of One’s Own: A Mostly True Tale of Australia’s First Female Parliamentarians by Eleri Harris
Eisner award-winning cartoonist, journalist and editor Eleri Harris is currently working in Canberra and has recently published a new book about a very important moment in Australia’s history: when there were no women’s loos in Parliament House. And while it was written and drawn for children, A Loo of One’s Own is worth reading at any age.
Turning this hilarious (and telling) slice of Aussie history into a gorgeous graphic novel, set in 1943 and following Enid Lyons and Dorothy Tangney’s hunt for female bathrooms, it explores serious themes of gender, politics and accessibility. Pick it up for the kids, but read it for yourself.
Death at Booroomba by Alison Booth
This is the eighth book by Canberra-based author Alison Booth, and while it won’t be released until August, it’s one you’ll want to devour this winter. Set in a small town, this deeply evocative historical whodunnit follows Jack O’Rourke – a young man who (two days before being sent to fight in WWI) dives into Sydney Harbour to save a drowning stranger, Samuel Lomond. Four years later, Jack returns home only to discover that Samuel has been brutally murdered – and that he’s been left his rural property, Booroomba. It sounds like it will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you wanting more (like any good thriller).
Irrepressible by Jacklyn Lee
Written by local queer and trans author Jacklyn Lee, this self-published book is worth picking up. A satire of masculinity based on her own time secretly crossdressing when she was still in the closet, Irrepressible follows Tim, Joe, Stan and Bart, who call themselves “The Dregs” and organise “Weekends of Manliness” together, during which they undertake activities such as camping, drinking, gaming, and other “manly” activities. However, all of them, unbeknownst to each other, are harbouring a secret. They are all crossdressers and they are all fearful of being rejected by the other Dregs.
Flip’s Quest to Fit by Courtney Weiss
This is a heart-filled picture book for every kid who’s ever felt different. Written by local mum Courtney Weiss, Flip’s Quest to Fit is all about kindness, courage, and embracing what makes us unique, encouraging kids to stand out rather than fit in. Born from a desire to support children (and the adults who guide them) in having open conversations about bullying, belonging, and self-worth, she’s hoping to encourage kids to be curious but never unkind through Flip the dragon’s adventures.
Economics for Kids (Lessons from Fables & Fairy Tales) by Helen Hoang
It’s a fairy tale we all know and love: a young mermaid trades her beautiful voice to a sea witch in exchange for human legs, hoping to win a prince’s heart. But what if we told you, it’s also a story that can teach children about transactions, trade-offs, and what makes a fair or unfair exchange? That’s what author and economist Helen Hoang is doing with her Canberra-based book series Economics for Kids (Lessons from Fables & Fairy Tales).Weaving together 20 timeless fairy tales with 20 core economic life skills, it’s written for children but designed for anyone to read – so if you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between microeconomics and macroeconomics but have been too nervous to ask, this book is for you.
