For the Love of Books

Summer holidays! How wonderful are they? And how perfect for reading! I’ve managed to sneak in about 15 books during my break and I’ve come across some wonderful stories – particularly from Australian Authors.  

The latest from Charlotte McConaghy, Wild Dark Shore (releasing March 2025) is a mix of family drama and climate fiction, as are her 2 previous books (Migrations, Once There Were Wolves).

Set on a remote island, the Salt family are the caretakers who maintain a research station and a storage facility with seeds of every species of tree that exists. With rising seas and climate change the seeds are more important than ever. One evening a woman washes up on their shore. Atmospheric, mysterious, and full of family drama, it was very hard to put down.  

And far less dramatic, but lots of fun, I’m Not Really Here is the latest YA Fiction from Gary Lonesborough. This one tells the story of gay First Nations teenager Jonah, who has just moved to a new town and school for a fresh beginning following the death of his mother. It’s tough being the new kid and when he develops a bit of a crush on a boy at school, he joins the footy team and tries to get to know him better. There’s all the elements of a great YA novel – new friends, love, accepting oneself, but also challenges – racism, body image, homophobia and grief. I loved it!  

Happy reading! – Sarah 

Author: Sarah Krause @sarahsbookchat