Better Reading

1 month ago | betterreading.com.au | Claire van Ryn

Saskia Honeyman would look back on her mother’s death and see that it had the cadence of an exquisitely orchestrated sonata. The indomitable Kiki, as everyone called her, even her three adult children, had a stroke on the first Tuesday of December, as she sat beneath a boab tree with a cluster of women she affectionately called the Yawuru girls.

1 month ago | betterreading.com.au | Luke Pearson

What’s the book about? Hilda and Twig would never let a bit of rain get in the way of an adventure, but it’s different when your forest exploration is interrupted by a BIG storm. Sheltering in a mysterious mound in the earth, Twig quickly realises that trouble is afoot, and that his best blue-haired friend is in danger.

2 months ago | betterreading.com.au | Nicci French

The journey into darkness began with the move, although for Nancy North moving felt more like an ending. The wreckage of the past lay behind her and she couldn’t see into the futureor imagine what it would be. ‘We’ll come back,’ she said determinedly, wrapping glasses in newspaper to keep them safe, placing them into the large box at her feet. Felix smiled across at her. ‘Of course,’ he said. ‘And soon.’‘Soon,’ he echoed, but Nancy knew he was just humouring her.

Jan 13, 2025 | betterreading.com.au | a Master |Ange Crawford

Astrid is about to start her last year at high school. And her first. When her dad loses his job, Astrid’s homeschooling comes to an end. Until now, she has lived within the confines of a tightly controlled, contracted world where there’s no room for anything … except following her father’s rules and pretending that everything is normal. As Astrid, and her mum, tentatively expand their world, they struggle to break free of their ingrained wariness and self-doubt.

Dec 8, 2024 | betterreading.com.au | Melina Marchetta

What’s the book about? A little star reflects on the different ways families celebrate being together in this beautifully illustrated bedtime story that captures the magic of Christmas. As the sun goes down on Christmas Eve, a little star rises up and watches over the celebrations below. One family hangs a wreath on their door, another plays on the beach, another gives a present to someone who needs it more. The little star shines brighter as they share in the joy and magic of this special night.