WA Authors Share Their Summer Reading Picks: From Crime to Classics
Summer in Western Australia provides the perfect opportunity to immerse oneself in a good book, whether basking in the sun on a pristine beach or relaxing in the shade of a backyard. Local authors have revealed their personal reading choices for the holiday season, offering a diverse range of literary recommendations that span genres, eras, and styles.
Literary Fiction and Modern Classics
Andrea Thompson selects Flesh by David Szalay, describing the Booker Prize-winning novel as deceptively simple yet profoundly engaging. She notes its exploration of contemporary malaise through a lens of ordinary detachment, making it essential reading for those seeking to understand modern complexities.
Natasha Lester enjoys The Favourites by Layne Fargo, a creative reimagining of Wuthering Heights set in the competitive world of ice-dancing during the late 1990s and 2000s. Lester praises the novel's ability to maintain the essence of the classic while delivering unpredictable twists and passionate character dynamics.
Jock Serong delves into Jack Cox's Dodge Rose, a high modernist work set in 1980s Sydney that challenges readers with its complex prose and intricate plot. Serong appreciates the novel's brilliance and humour, despite its demanding narrative style.
Diverse Genres and Personal Favourites
Mark Greenwood's summer reading list includes multiple titles, such as The CIA Book Club by Charlie English, which explores the liberating power of literature, and The Creative Act: A Way Of Being by Rick Rubin, offering insights into creativity through its accessible chapter structure.
Fiona Wilkes plans to revisit sun-drenched settings through works by Eve Babitz and Joan Didion, while also tackling Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina for her book club. She anticipates both satisfaction and intimidation from this classic endeavour.
Kate Larsen highlights Moonlight And Dust by Jasmin McGaughey, the first young adult novel published by a Torres Strait Islander author. Larsen commends its magical realism and sensitive portrayal of Islander culture, making it a heartfelt read for all ages.
Local and International Perspectives
Ken Spillman recommends Joan London's The Golden Age, an understated masterpiece set in 1954 Perth that captures post-war life and the mysteries of first love. He also praises R.F. Kuang's Yellowface, a satirical novel examining publishing industry dynamics and social media fame.
Rebecca Higgie focuses on children's literature during the school holidays, enjoying Dav Pilkey's Cat Kid Comic Club and other playful titles. She looks forward to diving into works by WA authors like Emily Paull and Yirga Gelaw Woldeyes when time permits.
Dave Warner immerses himself in classic American crime fiction, particularly Lionel White's The Snatchers, which he praises for its tense narrative and realistic portrayal of criminal motivations. He plans to explore more local crime novels by Fremantle Press authors.
Historical Fiction and Poetic Explorations
Bernice Barry steps outside her usual historical fiction preferences with Lyn Yeowart's The Hollow Girl, a gripping crime novel set in the 1960s and 1970s. Barry finds the fast-paced, twisty narrative unexpectedly captivating.
Renee Pettitt-Schipp recently finished Min Jin Lee's Pachinko, appreciating its nuanced portrayal of Korean experiences in Japan and its exploration of common humanity. She also engages with poetry through Padraig O Tuama's curated works and Elfie Shiosaki's powerful collection Homecoming.
Thrillers and Non-Fiction Insights
Georgia Tree was thoroughly impressed by Louise Wolhuter's Shadows Of Winter Robins, a thriller set against the Western Australian landscape that won the WA Premier's Award for Fiction. Tree describes it as an intimidatingly good read with visceral descriptions and a compelling twist.
Madelaine Dickie finds creative inspiration in Norman Mailer's The Spooky Art, Thoughts On Writing, which offers practical advice and encourages artistic risk-taking despite the author's notable ego.
Kate McCaffrey reads Dr Mark Freestone's Making A Psychopath for both personal interest and professional insight, valuing its thoughtful examination of psychopathic trait development without sensationalism.
Biographies and Future Visions
Jay Martin delves into Helen Trinca's Looking For Elizabeth: The Life Of Elizabeth Harrower, a biography that reveals the Australian novelist's struggles with self-doubt and her fascinating literary circle. Martin was inspired to explore Harrower's back catalogue after reading this compelling account.
David Price contemplates Ian McEwan's What We Can Know, a novel set in a future where digital records expose intimate lives to public scrutiny. Price reflects on the ethical questions raised about privacy and online legacies in an era of climate change.
Audiobooks and Indigenous Narratives
Maria Papas enjoys audiobooks through library apps like Libby, listening to titles such as Barbara Kingsolver's Demon Copperhead and Clementine Ford's I Don't. She values these works for their reflections on societal structures and human experiences.
Sarah Drummond praises Tasma Walton's I Am Nannertgarrook, a historical fiction novel based on the author's Boonwurrung ancestor. Drummond highlights its stunning depictions of country and sea, as well as its powerful reclamation of Indigenous voice and resilience.
Satire and Collaborative Works
Jon Doust balances humorous reads like The Chaser Annual with more serious works such as We Are Not Numbers, a collection of stories from Gazan youth. He also warns readers about the frightening yet quotable Goliath's Curse by Luke Kemp.
Lekkie Hopkins recommends The Mushroom Tapes: Conversations On A Triple Murder Trial by Helen Garner, Chloe Hooper, and Sarah Krasnostein. Hopkins finds this collaborative non-fiction work politically sassy, insightful, and riveting in its exploration of true crime and creative process.
These diverse recommendations from WA authors showcase the richness of contemporary and classic literature, providing ample inspiration for summer reading lists across the state and beyond.
