10 Books I Always Recommend
It’s always a lot of pressure when I’m asked for a book recommendation, but the reward is worth it when they come back and tell me they loved what I had suggested (and what else should they now try…). Having now tested a number of self-curated suggestions for friends of all reading styles, I thought I’d pull together the 10 books that always are a winner. (Though tell me if you disagree!)
‘The Cuckoos Calling’ — Robert Galbraith (UK, Published 2013)
Don’t be put off by the ‘Detective Novel’ genre. It’s better than that — think of it more as crime fiction. The bonus feature that many aren’t aware of — Robert Galbraith is the alter ego of JK Rowling (definitely don’t be put off by this — her adult writing is a world away from Hogwarts). It’s got everything a book like this should; the anti-hero and struggling private investigator Cormoran Strike; a supermodel, a death, some shady characters and plenty of twists and turns. The best part about if you enjoy this book, there are 4 more in the series; all equally as enjoyable.
‘A Little Life’ — Hanya Yanagihara (USA, Published 2015)
Be warned (unless you have already) that this one comes recommended like a giant bottle of gin. Seems fine at the start, but by the end, you’re darkly depressed and may want to vomit. Despite this — EVERYONE who has read this says it’s worth the tortuous plot. Like Stand By Me in need of Prozac, this follows the lives of four male friends in New York. One of them is Jude. Poor Jude.
‘The Cold Cold Ground’ — Adrian McKinty (Northern Ireland, Published 2012)
I promise that I’m not a closet detective novel obsessive. No Agatha Christie in sight on this list. Just books that are really good. In this one, we not only fall a little in love with Sean Duffy, the scruffy detective with a great taste in Nineties music and a penchant for a little “puff” and some vodka, we also have a crime story sent against the Northern Ireland ‘troubles’ of 1981. Against hunger strikes and car bombs, there’s a great story of a serial killer and a young woman’s suicide. Bonus — there are six in the series and they are all as good.
A Man Called Ove — Fredrik Backman (Sweden, Published 2013)
Hands down wins book that everyone just loves. It’s the only time I loved a book so much after reading that I wanted to hug it. Without going into too many details; this book is about Ove. A grumpy man with many dislikes and a strict routine for everything. This is what happens when new neighbours move in, and the heartwarming unfolding of relationships. Definitely an antidote for those enduring ‘A Little Life’, or for those having read ‘Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine’ and wanting to stay on the high.
‘The Girls’ — Emma Cline (USA, Published 2016)
Who doesn’t like a book about a bunch of nasty girls? Loosely inspired by the infamous Manson family and murder of Sharon Tate, the story focuses on young teen Evie Boyd and her absorption into a local cult of teenage girls all devoted to a man called Russell. It’s like Mean Girls with a cultish 60s twist. This one was on all of The Best Of Lists in ’16 for a reason.
‘Boy Swallows Universe’ — Trent Dalton (USA, Published 2018)
I’m actually curious to know who HASN’T yet read this one (non-Australian friends excused). The new great Australian Novel? A young boy, a f**ked up life in Queensland circa 1980s. A story of crime, love, revenge and family. And what IS with the red telephone?
‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ — Liane Moriarty (Australia, Published 2018)
This one is like a delicious bar of chocolate. You know it’s not very good for you, but a little bit of trash is healthy for everyone. Plus what a page-turner. From the author of ‘Big Little Lies’ comes this read which is health retreat gone mad. It could be about nine people finding themselves, or it could be dosed with a bit more. Need a recommendation for a book club that everyone will read — choose this.
‘Too Much Lip’ — Melissa Lucashenko (Australia, Published 2018)
At the start of 2019, I’d never heard of Melissa Lucashenko. By the end of the year she was my new favourite Australian writer. My introduction was Mullumbimby — but Too Much Lip was even more of an awesome book that tells the modern Aboriginal story in a gritty and gripping way. This is a crime, mystery, love and the right amount of Dreamtime.
‘Americanah’ — Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche (Nigeria, Published 2013)
I’m kicking myself that I didn’t read this when it first came out. However, 5 years after the fact and it still remains one of those books that is imprinted on my brain. From Nigeria through to America via undocumented England this is a love story woven through with the added complexities of race.
‘The Mars Room’ — Rachel Kushner (USA, Published 2018)
For all of you needing something to follow up, ‘Boy Swallows Universe’ with — this is my go-to recommendation. While set in the USA, it’s got that similar white trash theme (but with the reality check that it’s even more shit being poor in America than it is in Queensland). Less mafic and perhaps just a touch of warmth, this one gets you in the heart.
