Happy’s Best New Books (27th September – 3rd October)
Updated weekly by the fine folk at Happy Mag, these are the best new books that this week has to offer from Australia and around the world!
AViVA – self/less
The multi-disciplinary artist AViVA is a tirelessly creative soul, penning a debut novel in between international tours and racking up streams of her music by the billion. self/less is a powerful YA novel, which traces the story of Teddy, who survives in the dystopia of Metropolis. Her attempt to break free leads her to discover a vast underworld population that’s struggling to preserve its own humanity. A superb, character-driven thriller for younger readers.
9.0
BUY HERE
AViVA
SELF/LESS
Ruth Ozeki – The Book of Form and Emptiness
A stunning return from Booker Prize-shortlisted Ruth Ozeki further cements her status as one of modern literature’s most original storytellers. Engulfed by the noise of household objects (yes, they can talk) in the wake of his father’s death, Benny Oh seeks refuge in the library, where he encounters intriguing new characters, both in the human and object world. An entrancing, contemplative story about the power of listening and compassion.
9.6
BUY HERE
RUTH OZEKI
THE BOOK OF FORM AND EMPTINESS
Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse – Kalyakoorl, ngalak warangka (Forever, we sing)
Now, for something new in this weekly list: sheet music! But of a decidedly rare kind. Kalyakoorl, ngalak warangka (Forever, we sing) is a unique celebration of Noongar language, of which there are currently less than 400 fluent speakers. Compiled from the albums of singer-songwriter and Noongar woman Gina Williams AM and world-renowned guitarist and educator Guy Ghouse. A precious resource for spreading this language and culture throughout communities.
9.3
BUY HERE
GINA WILLIAMS AND GUY GHOUSE
KALYAKOORL, NGALAK WARANGKA (FOREVER, WE SING)
Sarah Holland-Batt – Fishing for Lightning
At worst, poetry comes off as pretentious, or just plain bad. But at best, it can be utterly transcendent. In Fishing for Lightning, the acclaimed poet and critic Sarah Holland-Batt lifts the lid on the techniques, history, and myriad genres of poetry that spans from ancient history to today. For those wishing to get more enjoyment from poetry, this collection of essays is essential.
9.3
BUY HERE
SARAH HOLLAND-BATT
FISHING FOR LIGHTNING
Caroline Graham and Kylie Stevenson – Larrimah
This book has a subtitle that’ll stop you in your tracks: “A missing man, an eyeless croc, and a town of 11 people who mostly hate each other”. But before you recoil in horror, yes: you should read this book. Situated in Kadaitja Country, this outback town that is slowly falling off the map is the unlikely setting for a mystery: a man gone missing and a possible murderer amidst the tiny population. ‘One of a kind’ is an understatement.
9.4
BUY HERE
CAROLINE GRAHAM AND KYLIE STEVENSON
LARRIMAH
Meredith Schofield – Around Australia at 80ks
If this book doesn’t get your mouth watering at the prospect of an end to lockdown, nothing will. Travelling the length of breadth of Australia with her husband and Kelpie-cross in a vintage kombi, photographer and writer Meredith Schofield documented the journey in Around Australia at 80ks. Filled with jaw-dropping images of the continent from all angles, you’ll be planning your own trip in no time.
9.0
BUY HERE
