Staff Reviews

Travels with Tracy by Andrew Pettifer

Available in print

Where do you want to go? What do you want to see? Who do you want to meet? These were the questions that were on Andrew Pettifer and his wife Tracy's minds when creating a bucket list for their midlife gap year one warm, summer evening, a glass of wine in hand, a notes app open in the other.

With successful careers behind them, supportive families and a lifetime of hard work up their sleeves, Andrew and Tracy decided to pack up their lives and embark on a richly diverse two-year journey across four continents, and every state in Australia.

From exploring the outback in an RV to five-star hotels and open-top sports cars, their journey unfolds with a variety of experiences most can only imagine. Brimming with unforgettable adventures and encounters with remarkable people, Andrew takes readers from the Shibuya crossing and earthquakes in Tokyo to the Louvre and the Olympics in Paris, then all the way to the Amazonian rainforest and the breathtaking Galápagos Islands.

Full tilt by Colin Bond with John Smailes

Available in print

Bathurst winner, Australian Touring Car Champion, and the only man to have won on both sides of racing's most iconic rivalry – Ford versus Holden – this is the high-octane story of motor-racing legend Colin Bond.

From his rallying crowns to his extraordinary Bathurst victory and his Touring Car Championship triumph, to the hugely controversial 1–2 Bathurst win with Allan Moffat in '77, Bond's career spanned the most thrilling decades of Australian motorsport. At the heart of it all was the fierce tribal battle between Ford and Holden – a rivalry Bond knew better than anyone.

Dying to meet you by Angjolie Mei

Available in print

Growing up with a hardworking undertaker father known as the Coffin King, death was the family business for Angjolie Mei but that didn't make it any easier to understand, or grief any easier to feel. When her father died unexpectedly, leaving debts but no end of life instructions, Mei found herself taking up his funeral director business, not only to provide for her family, but to help others see death as an opportunity for dignity and celebration.

'A funeral', she writes, 'is life's graduation ceremony', and we should honour it and plan for it accordingly.

Striving to shift cultural perspectives on death and grief as well as to address common questions too often shrouded in mystery and taboo, Mei shares her craft's most important lessons with wit and grace, from the process of embalming to helping children understand a loved one's passing, taking care to include customs from diverse religious and cultural traditions.

Being Carlos Alcaraz by Mark Hodgkinson

Available in print

Based on new interviews with those closest to him - including coaches, friends, old teachers and other villagers - Being Carlos Alcaraz offers fresh insights into a tennis phenomenon. From a modest apartment above a kebab shop in the village of El Palmar to glory on the sport's biggest stages, this captivating book traces Alcaraz's emergence and contrasts his story against the Big Three of Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer.

Grit. Joy. Swagger. Belief. The dark moments between the smiles. The tears. The broken racquets. The tension of wanting to be a normal young man while aspiring to tennis greatness. Being Carlos Alcaraz delves into the emotional and cultural forces that have shaped a modern icon - one destined to redefine tennis for years to come.

Ride on by Michelle Payne with Angus Fontaine

Available in print

The Melbourne Cup: the most prestigious horse race in Australia and never won by a female jockey—until 2015. When Michelle Payne swept past the post, she made history and galloped straight into our hearts. Yet what came next for Michelle was an even wilder ride: a whirlwind of international celebrity that drove her to breaking point, a second catastrophic race fall and a gruelling road to recovery.

Ten years later, Ride On reveals how Michelle found the courage, resilience and determination to keep fighting and triumphing in the face of extraordinary adversity and pain, the perspective that allowed her to dig deeper and reach further than she'd ever thought possible and the wisdom that can help anyone searching for hope and the power to overcome.

Future Boy by Michael J. Fox with Nelle Fortenberry

Available in print

In early 1985, Michael J. Fox was one of the biggest stars on television. His world was about to get even bigger, but only if he could survive the kind of double duty unheard of in Hollywood. Fox's days were already dedicated to rehearsing and taping the hit sitcom Family Ties, but then the chance of a lifetime came his way. Soon, he committed his nights to a new time-travel adventure film being directed by Robert Zemeckis and produced by Steven Spielberg--Back to the Future. Sitcom during the day, movie at night--day after day, for months.

Fox's nightly commute from a soundstage at Paramount to the back lot at Universal Studios, from one dream job to another, would become his own space-time continuum. It was in this time portal that Alex P. Keaton handed the baton to Marty McFly while Michael J. Fox tried to catch a few minutes of sleep. Alex's bravado, Marty's flair, and Fox's comedic virtuosity all swirled together to create something truly special.

All aboard! Explore the world of trains by Vicki Pipe

Available in print 

From trains that climb up mountains, through tunnels, across bridges and deep underground - take an exhilarating ride through the world of trains. Discover singing tracks, speedy bullet trains, powerful tunnel borers, super steam engines and so much more to delight young train fans.

Unfold multiple pages to reveal busy stations, cross-sections and lots of details and facts to pore over. A 'can you spot?' page at the back of the book encourages readers to go back through the book to find out even more. All aboard!

Blast off! Look inside spectacular spacecraft by Ben Elcomb

Available in print

From early rockets to distant space probes, learn what it takes to blast off from Earth and even live in space. With incredible cross-sections of 20 real-world spacecraft, discover what happens to them during take-off, what life is like inside the International Space Station, and what future missions to the Moon could look like.

Throughout Blast Off!, kids will be able to pore over large pages complete with detailed cross-sections and cutaways. Magnificent spacecraft and rockets are shown up close and in detail, including satellites, space stations, and space telescopes, with fun facts and details to spot. Each cross-section reveals the inner workings of a wide variety of spacecraft – perfect for inquisitive kids who love some space-themed fun!

Spacecraft shown as cross-sections include: the International Space Station, the Ariane 6 rocket, the Skylab Space Station, the Lunar Gateway, the Rosetta probe, Cassini-Huygens, Venus Express, Herschel Space Laboratory, The James Webb Space Telescope, and more.

An epic history of failure by Natalie Younger

Available in print

No one takes pride in it, but it is funny to see others fail. Take an educational and entertaining tour through history, visiting some of humankind's silliest decisions and the lessons we've learned (or not) from them.

From the sinking of the HMS Titanic, to the many, MANY missteps of Christopher Columbus, to the wonky construction of the Tower of Pisa, readers will discover some of the epic fails that have changed our world or simply left us wondering "what were they thinking?!"

Everybody gets things wrong sometimes and this book demonstrates how we can often learn something from failure―or as Thomas Edison put it: “I’ve not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

Each tale is accompanied by wacky illustrations from Ella Kasperowicz, ideal for engaging reluctant readers.

This is the third title in Neon Squid's Wacky Histories series, following A Stinky History of Toilets and A Sick History of Medicine, and is perfect for curious kids with a fondness for the darker side of history.

Western Balkans by Lonely Planet

Available in print

Lonely Planet's local travel experts reveal all you need to know to plan the trip of a lifetime in this latest edition of our guide to the Western Balkans.

Discover the Western Balkans' most popular experiences and best kept secrets from hiking the snowcapped peaks and traditional mountain villages of Albania's Accursed Mountains; to gazing at glorious sea views from the resplendent city walls of Dubrovnik; and tasting the homespun cooking of North Macedonia, from paprika-tinged sausages to stuffed peppers.

Covers Albania, Bosnia & Hercegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Slovenia.

France by Lonely Planet

Available in print

Discover France's most popular experiences and best kept secrets from cycling through one of the world's most famous vineyards along La Voie des Vignes; to drinking with the ghosts of Simone de Beauvoir and Ernest Hemingway on place de la Contrescarpe in Paris' Latin Quarter; and marvelling at spellbinding fountain displays and equestrian shows at Unesco-listed Château de Versailles.

Alignment: a Montessori approach to reimagining work-life balance by Katie Keller Wood

Available in print

You know you make a difference. Your talent and expertise come together in your work to make an important contribution to the world. But your dedication shouldn’t mean sacrificing all the other parts of yourself. Inspired by principles from Montessori classrooms, educator and researcher Dr. Katie Keller Wood offers an alternative approach to thinking about your work and life―one that embraces you as a whole person rather than splitting you in two.

Drawing on decades of experience teaching Montessori students and adults, Keller Wood rejects the concept of work-life balance in favour of a more holistic alliance between you and your work. Your life is not a balancing act but a constantly evolving mosaic, and when the pieces are all aligned, thriving follows. There can be space enough for all the things that matter.

With real-world examples, exercises, and activities, this transformative, research-informed book will help you catch the first signs of misalignment and then show you how to move through a realignment process, so that you can find joy and value in all parts of your life, including your meaningful work. 

The orphan’s promise by Lindsey Hutchinson

Available in large print 

Orphaned at a young age, Rose Hamilton can barely remember a mother’s warmth or a father’s protection. Instead, she has endured the cold, loveless rule of her embittered Aunt Win, a woman who seems to take pleasure in making Rose’s life as difficult as possible. The only comfort Rose has ever known comes from the loyal household staff—Jackson, the butler, Mary, the cook, and Katy, the housemaid—who have become the family she never had. But as her twenty first birthday draws near, Aunt Win is determined to see Rose married off—to any man who will have her.

Rose, spirited and independent, refuses to be bartered away like chattel and makes a promise to herself – she will only ever marry for love. As Rose fights to take control of her own future, she stumbles upon a long-buried secret—a revelation so shocking it threatens to unravel everything she has ever believed about her past, her family, and even herself. And when a connection sparks with a man her aunt vehemently opposes, another promise takes root within Rose – to wait, no matter the cost, for the hand her heart truly desires. 

The silent house by H. M. Lynn

Available in large print

Moving to the countryside with Patrick was supposed to be my fresh start. But from the moment we arrived, something felt… off. The locals are strange, and I feel like I’m being watched. The constantly moving shadows outside our window can’t just be from the trees, can they? And when someone breaks into our home, I can’t shake the feeling someone’s out to get me. 

 The more isolated I feel, the more the cracks begin to show. Am I being driven to the edge, or am I losing my mind? This beautiful house was meant to be my haven, but now it feels like a prison. And the real danger? It might be closer than I ever imagined…

An Italian wedding adventure by Leonie Mack

Available in large print

When the destination wedding agency Sophie works for merges with an adventure travel company to create unique ceremonies for outdoor enthusiasts, Sophie is horrified to discover her gruff ex-boyfriend Andreas works there. Even worse: he’s been assigned as her guide for a scouting trip to Italy, in search of the perfect location for a summit-top wedding.

Thrown together to make another couple’s romantic dreams come true, all Sophie can think about are the dreams she once had for them. But when the truth of what actually happened eight long years ago finally emerges, will Sophie risk imagining a happily-ever-after and opening her heart to Andreas again…?

Return of the spider by James Patterson

Available in print, large print, eBook and eAudiobook

Alex Cross thought serial killer Gary Soneji was dead and buried. But when a hidden cabin reveals a stash of gruesome trophies and diaries, Cross realises the Spider's evil influence has spread wider than he ever thought possible.

The chilling truth soon becomes clear- Cross imprisoned the wrong man. As he studies the clues, Cross becomes enmeshed in a web of evil designed to ensnare him all along. Now he must retrace the steps of a long-ago investigation and face...the Return of the Spider.

The funeral crashers by Joanna Nell

Available in print, large print, CD and eAudiobook

Retired academic Martin Pottinger's romantic aspirations for the delectable head of his former university's archaeology department, Professor Mary Blake, seem about to be realised. If only he could devise a plan to manage the demands of his eccentric elderly mother, Edwina.

Recently bereaved Grace Cavendish spends her days helping out at All Souls Church, making it her mission to drown out the Reverend Rod's tone-deaf hymn-singing and give each funeral recipient a hearty send-off. Yet the peace she craves remains elusive despite the comforts offered by psychic medium Rhondda, and her eight-year-old son Hudson.

When Martin and Grace meet and bond at an All Souls service, they unwittingly set off a chain of events with far-reaching consequences. They become funeral crashers. But who could have predicted that crashing funerals might have such life-changing and life-affirming outcomes...?

The rag princess by Rosie Goodwin

Available in large print

Coventry, 1904. When orphan Annie finds herself liberated from the workhouse and taken to a smart home, she thinks her fortunes might finally be turning around. While grateful to the Lilburn family, she soon realises they have problems of their own.

Grieving the loss of her daughter, Maggie Lilburn adopted two children from the workhouse: a newborn baby, who she thought would be the answer to her family’s woes, and Annie. But Annie soon discovers that, rather than wanting to make her a part of the family along with the baby, Maggie plans to treat her as little more than a slave.

Meanwhile, the mystery surrounding Annie’s birth is something that plagues her. Abandoned on the workhouse steps shortly after her birth, she desperately wants to know who her parents were. Will she ever find out where she came from – and where she belongs?

The spitfire girl by Ellie Curzon

Available in large print

Sally has always been happiest flying her stunt plane, thrilling audiences across the world, with her oldest friend and dearest love Freddy. Until the war tears everything apart.

When she is approached by the Air Ministry, Sally jumps at the chance to be part of a classified project. Seeing the new, improved Spitfire plane, her jaw drops. She’s been chosen to run test flights and get it battle-ready. This could turn the tide of the war. But she can’t tell a soul, not even Freddy.

Her heart breaks as the secret weighs on their relationship. Then disaster strikes. Freddy has been lost over Nazi-occupied France. And he was in the top-secret Spitfire…

Sally must risk everything to stop the plane from falling into enemy hands and rescue her beloved Freddy. Will she find him and bring him safely home, or will they be parted forever?

Something to look forward to by Fannie Flagg

Available in large print

Fannie Flagg once said that what the world needs now is a good laugh. And that is what she gives us in these warm-hearted, always surprising stories about people who are finding clever ways to deal with the curveballs life sometimes throws at us.

We meet Velma in Kansas, a loving great-grandmother, struggles to bridge generational gaps with her family. We cheer for Helen, in Ithaca, New York, who takes an audacious course of action when her husband leaves her for a younger woman. In Bent Fork, Wyoming; in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; in Tucson, Arizona; and in towns and cities all across America, people figure out inventive ways to overcome obstacles to happiness. And in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Special Agent Frawley is studying the mysteries of being human from an original perspective.

With her imagination, humour, and great understanding of the human heart, Fannie Flagg holds a mirror up to the foibles, ingenuity, and imagination of people, inspiring us to laugh at the sometimes eccentric, sometimes brilliant ways people cope with, and ultimately prevail over, the challenges of modern life.

Circus Oz: from the pram to the world stage by Jesse Jensen-Kohl

Available in print

Dive into the history of one of Australia’s most iconic performing arts institutions in this lavishly illustrated story, featuring exclusive interviews and stunning original Circus Oz artwork.  

With its roots in both the New Wave theatre movement and in the traditional circus form, Circus Oz has, since its first shows in 1978, played a foundational role in the development of contemporary circus in Australia and internationally. Despite being one of the most culturally and innovatively significant circus companies of all time, Circus Oz is the subject of far too little analysis and exploration.  

From the origins of Circus Oz in the 1970s, through to the company’s current success, Circus Oz details political, social, innovative, design, and aesthetic changes across the history of the company, and looks forward to what the future might bring for circus in Australia.  

Aboriginal peoples and terrestrial invertebrates in Australia : historical and cultural relationships by Philip A. Clarke

Available in print

Aboriginal peoples have deep connections with Australia’s terrestrial invertebrates, going back millennia. This book focuses on these historical and cultural relationships, describing the role of insects and other arthropods as totemic ancestors and spirit beings. It also explores Aboriginal nomenclature, foraging techniques and the use of land-based arthropods and molluscs as food, medicine and for making artefacts.

Through the lens of ethnoentomology, Philip Clarke examines the cultural significance of invertebrates, highlighting their role in shaping Aboriginal identities and their interactions with the unique Australian environment, blending scientific and Indigenous sources. By taking a historical perspective, Aboriginal Peoples and Terrestrial Invertebrates in Australia examines the gaps between the knowledge systems of Indigenous peoples and Western science, to encourage further collaboration and acknowledgment in the future.

This is a companion work to the author’s successful book Aboriginal Peoples and Birds in Australia.

This is vital information: everything you're too embarrassed to ask your doctor by Dr Karan Rajan

Available in print

The new book from Dr Karan Rajan, the internet’s favourite general surgeon and bestselling author.

Whether it’s your mental health, an unfortunate rash, or a weird mole where the sun doesn’t shine, there are certain subjects that are simply off-limits in polite company.

The fact is though, everyone has weird thoughts from time to time, a rash is often just a rash, and a mole is normally nothing to worry about. But occasionally these bodily malfunctions can indicate something more alarming, so we shouldn’t delay talking about them with a medical professional just so we don’t have to have an awkward conversation.

In This is Vital Information, Dr Karan dives into the weird and wonderful world of medical taboos and empowers readers with the information they need to live longer and happier lives. Along the way, he explains why we all need to start talking openly with our friends, family and – most importantly – our doctors.

Now, open up and say ‘ah’…

On gaslighting by Kate Abramson

Available in print

Gaslighting' is suddenly in everyone's vocabulary. It's written about, talked about, tweeted about, even sung about. It's become shorthand for being manipulated by someone who insists that up is down, hot is cold, dark is light someone who isn't just lying about such things, but trying to drive you crazy. The term has its origins in a 1944 film in which a husband does exactly that to his wife, his crazy-making efforts symbolised by the rise and fall of the gaslights in their home. In this timely and provocative book, Kate Abramson examines gaslighting from a philosophical perspective, investigating it as a distinctive moral phenomenon.

Gaslighting, Abramson writes, is best understood as a form of interpersonal interaction, a particular way of fundamentally undermining someone. The gaslighter, Abramson argues, aims to make his target experience herself as incapable of reasoning, perceiving, or reacting in ways that would allow her to form appropriate beliefs, perceptions, or emotions in the first place. He seeks not only to induce in her this unmoored sense of herself but also to make it a reality. Using examples and analysis, Abramson gives an account of gaslighting and its immorality and argues that such a discussion can help us understand other aspects of social life from racism and sexism to the structure of interpersonal trust.

Body weight strength training anatomy by Bret Contrersas. 2nd edition.

Available in print

Going far beyond pull-ups, push-ups, and squats, Bodyweight Strength Training Anatomy includes 177 innovative exercises that target every muscle in the body. With full-color anatomical illustrations, step-by-step instructions, and training advice, it is the authoritative resource for sculpting your physique without weights, machines, or expensive equipment. 

Presented in full color with anatomical illustrations of both the exercises and variations, this premier resource will help you ramp up your training. Each exercise includes step-by-step instructions demonstrating proper technique, while the illustrations depict the muscles in action and point out which ones are being engaged.

The author details how to create a customized program for building a stronger, more toned physique. The book also explains the benefits of doing a particular exercise, important safety guidelines, and ways to make an exercise either easier or more challenging.

Super stimulated by Nicklas Brendborg

Available in print 

Modern society is plagued by health epidemics: obesity, record levels of loneliness, increasing mental health problems and various forms of addiction. From the outside, all these issues might seem unrelated. But a single phenomenon actually ties them all together: superstimuli.

Superstimuli are exaggerated, unnatural versions of things we have evolved to want and need such as food, sex and social recognition. This hard-wired evolutionary response is why we binge on fake ultra-processed food, lust after airbrushed people online, and struggle to stop scrolling on social media, even when it makes us feel bad.

Our lack of control isn’t because we are weak. It’s because powerful companies spend billions creating superstimuli that manipulate our biology for profit, leaving us unhealthy and unhappy as a consequence.

Super Stimulated shows us how we can resist this hijacking of our natural instincts, recognise superstimulus traps, and take control of our bad habits to live longer, healthier lives.

It takes a village and other essential truths for new mothers by Peanut

Available in print

It takes a village to raise a child. Welcome to ours.

From trying to conceive to the unpredictable journey of pregnancy, giving birth, and everything that come after, becoming a mum can be daunting and isolating. But it doesn’t have to be.

It Takes a Village is the honest, heart-opening companion every mother deserves. Drawing on the deeply personal stories of women from the Peanut community – the global network connecting millions of women while they navigate fertility, pregnancy and motherhood – this book brings to life everything they wished they’d known about the real, raw and beautiful realities of new motherhood.

Alongside these stories, trusted experts – from psychologist and gynaecologists to doulas and midwives – offer compassionate, practical insights to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re seeking reassurance, knowledge, or simply the comfort of knowing someone gets it, this book is here to support you.

Everything’s good by Toni Chapman

Available in print

In Everything’s’ Good, Toni Chapman shares a treasure trove of brand-new recipes (and some viral favourites) with tips and tricks to set you up for success. Toni’s dishes are soulful and cozy. Several recipes have been passed down from her family, like The Perfect Pollo Guisado (Puerto Rican chicken stew); some are inspired by the Southern staples she grew up eating, such as Honey Butter Corn Bread; and others are Toni’s take on classics, like Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas with Salsa Verde.

For Toni, food is a source of joy and solace. Everything’s Good is a reminder that no matter what life throws your way, you can find comfort in preparing and sharing a delicious meal.

A kitchen in Italy by Mimi Thorisson

Available in print

Mimi Thorisson first captured readers with A Kitchen in France, which displayed her family’s idyllic lifestyle in the French countryside and its delectable cuisine. Now that she has found a true home in northern Italy, Mimi shares the sumptuous meals she cooks and eats in her Italian kitchen. The 100 recipes in A Kitchen in Italy are Mimi’s beloved, family-approved favourites – the staple dishes perfected over the years, that she returns to again and again.

With recipes designed for real life but indulgent in flavour, this book will allow you to tuck into a rustic countryside dish on a weeknight or build a special occasion menu to delight your friends. Featuring 150 stunning photographs shot by Mimi’s husband, Oddur Thorisson, A Kitchen in Italy brings Mimi’s Italian secrets to your dinner table.