10+ books from Canberra authors to read this summer
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Have a book lover on your Christmas list this year? Having trouble finding the perfect book for them? We’re here to help.
We’ve curated a list of 13 Canberran authors for you – and from poetry to fantasy, children’s literature, and more, there’s something for everyone!
Lucy Campbell: Lowbridge
For those who are fascinated by missing person cases, this story follows Katherine Ashworth who moves to Lowbridge after the death of her daughter and joins the local historical society.
However, this town holds a dark secret – two disappearances of young girls. It takes an outsider, Katherine, to uncover the truth of what happened to those missing girls. You’ll have to read it for yourself to see what happens…
Abra Pressler: Love and Other Scores
What happens with an international tennis star collides with a bartender during a sweltering Melbourne summer?
Abra Pressler’s sweet debut novel will have you rooting for Noah and Gabriel long after the final serve.
The perfect gift for Melbournites, tennis lovers, romance lovers and honestly, anyone.
Alison Booth: Bellevue
Set in New South Wales in 1972, this novel follows the character Clare Barclay who inherits Bellevue, a historic property in the Blue Mountains town of Numbulla.
However, Bellevue is not as idyllic as it sounds -from rezoning protests to a mysterious person who is trying to run Clare out of town, Bellevue tells a story of cross-generational bonds, as well as how individuals grow and struggle to accept the losses that they have sustained.
We recommend it for those who want to learn more about Australian history, and how to overcome grief and loss.
Hayley Price: The Vermilion Ribbon
This LGBTIQA+ story follows the character Corelle, as her life transforms from being a garment maker’s daughter to a murderer overnight. great for anyone who wants more sapphic love stories or wants to read more books with morally grey characters, pick it up for the violence but stay for the romance between the main character and her female love interest.
Trigger warning: Violence/Death/Sexual Assault/Mental Health
Lochana Radaliyagoda: Feel The Flame
This is 17-year-old Lochana’s first book, and it tells the tale of a young princess Lana as she goes out into the world to seek the strong female representation that she couldn’t find in her stories at her castle. Meeting some incredible women along the way (think: Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousafzai), Lochana said that her goal for this book was:
“For one person, one child that I don’t know, to read the book and for it to change their mindset”.
Keep an eye out – Feel The Flame is out now.
Penelope Layland: Beloved
Set in the 18th century, Beloved is a poetry novel, that was shortlisted for the 2023 ACT Notable Book Awards. Written in the voice of the main character, Dorothy Wordsworth, it tells the story of her relationship with her long-lost brother. Told from her diary entries and letters, as well as her family and friends’ recollections, it is a beautiful story about familial love and growth.
R.K. Hart: To Dream of White and Gold
The first book in the Death Dreamer Legacy series, this fantasy book follows Lyda – a young woman who has inherited a gift that may put her in danger. She needs to travel further than she ever has before, to a land that is harsh and dangerous to control this new gift. For those who love a fantasy novel, (and for any fan of Throne of Glass) give this one a try!
Samantha Tidy: Our Bush Capital
This beautifully illustrated children’s book showcase the wonder of Canberra.From morning balloon adventures, to Floriade, multicultural festivals, and more, fall in love with this place we call home all over again. A great gift for kids who want to learn a little more about Canberra, it also makes the perfect little souvenir for anyone who has travelled to Canberra.
Sonya Heaney: The Landowner’s Secret
Set in New South Wales in 1885, is a story about a young woman called Alice who is on the run from thugs and bushrangers. She finds shelter with a wealthy landowner, which causes scandal…but there is also love brewing between the pair. However, both are keeping secrets, secrets that may ruin this new love and their lives. For any lover of historical romance who wants to get their blood pumping, and heart racing, look no further.
Sam Vincent: My Father and Other Animals
A biographic, non-fiction story about Sam Vincent’s life journey from inner-city life to farm living, this is a book filled with self-discovery, humour, love, and belonging. Exploring what family means to him and his bond with his father, this is perfect for those who want a good-heartened read, about a young man struggling and eventually succeeding to run a farm.
Karen Viggers: The Orchardist’s Daughter
Set in southeastern Tasmania, this story is about sixteen-year-old Mikaela – an isolated young woman . That is until an event shatters her life, suddenly seeing her running a small business with her brother. However, the life she is living is not what it seems, and her brother is hiding secrets from her. This book is all about inner strength, spirit, and Mikaela’s journey of self-discovery.
Tom Greenwell, Chris Bonnor: Waiting for Gonski: How Australia failed its schools
This nonfiction book written by two teachers – Tom Greenwell and Chris Bonnor – looks at the Gonski Review and why it is not working. Studying the educational gap between social classes, and the failings of the government, this truth-telling novel offers other solutions to help the Australian education system for the better. Great for those who are interested in the Australian education sector, have school aged children or just want to be educated on what the Gonski review is, this book is for you.
Longlisted for Australian Political Book of the Year Award 2022.
Deirdre Macken: Growing Grapes Might be Fun
This memoir follows a couple who leave the city for the countryside and decide to buy a sheep paddock to turn it into a vineyard. An honest story of what it takes to establish a vineyard, and all the steep learning curves they had to overcome, this is a hilarious memoir, that is about the connection to the land, and farming life.
Peter Papathanasiou: The Pit
Set in the West Australian outback, this is for those who love a good mystery to uncover! The story follows Special Constable Sparrow who is investigating a cold case in a barren mining region in Western Australia. This story is a must-have for crime lovers who want to uncover a mystery with the character.
Feature image by Kinga Howard on Unsplash
