A novel of connection, loss and healing. Set in rural Australia, this book by Jumaana Abdu is an honest and thought-provoking narrative about the power of language, community care and multicultural identity. Grieve, love and laugh with Aliyah and her friends and family as she reconnects with her faith and finds community in a new home.

This book will break and heal you all at once. Dylin Hardcastle is a poetic genius whos words reach you in depths you didn't know possible. An honest story of the realities of growing up queer in the 1970s, these characters and stories will live within you long after the last word on the page.

Beautifully as heartbreaking as it is uplifting. This novel by John Boyne  the life of Cyril Avery, a gay man navigating identity and love in conservative, Catholic Ireland. From his childhood realisation that he’s in love with his best friend, Cyril’s journey is marked by secrecy, shame, wit, and hope. Boyne crafts a powerful, tender story that lingers long after the final page.

Amy Thunig’s book Tell Me Again is heartbreaking, inspiring and filled with so much love. This memoir shares Amy journey through childhood and adolescence with parents who struggled with addiction, poverty and incarceration. Given the traumatic events of her past, Amy’s love for her family and generous spirit is truly inspirational. There is a lot to learn from Amy.

From the ashes, the phoenix rises and the same can be said for Rosie Waterland. Turning a colourful life and a love of writing into a career, Rosie bravely shares her story of being “The anti-cool girl”. After trying so hard for years to be “cool” she comes full circle to realise that “anti-cool” is exactly who she is and who she wants to be.

A powerful love letter to nature and indigenous teachings and knowledge of land, this book explores the relationship between western notions of science and indigenous worldviews. Robin Wall Kimmerer reminds us that plants and animals are some of our oldest teachers, she inspires us to reconnect with nature and to learn from the myriad of gifts it can provide.

This powerful book is a selection of 1,118 letters, Gillian Anderson curated of sexual fantasies from women and genderqueer people. An inspiring read that is redefining women’s sexuality. Find liberation amongst the stories shared by those all over the globe, reducing shame and judgement about our most deepest and intimate fantasies and desires.

A fierce activist for feminist concerns and making voices heard, Jessica highlights the true ick that women are facing daily in their surrounds and makes the reader reflect on theirs and others behaviours and ways of moving through life.

The Loud Way Home is a beautiful, composed expression of the experiences and journeys of LGBTQIA+ victim survivors of sexual violence. It is powerful, poignant, and full of heart.

Possibly the sweetest book you will read this year. A tale of finding connection in the places and times you often least expect it. An exploration of the quirks we have, the acceptance we seek and the many versions of ourselves that unfold over our life’s journey.

By now we have probably all heard about the life changing words "Let Them" and seen the tattoos. But have you thought about the other part of the equation "Let Me"? An insightful read about gaining back your power and deciding where you put your energy. An exploration of relationships, friendships and most importantly - self-love! What will you do with your one precious life?

A powerful and shocking feminist rage novel you won’t be able to put down! Nightbitch is a comical and thrilling story of an artistic feminine woman finding her place as a new mother. Unique and outrageous, Rachel Yoder comments on women’s roles in society and the demands of motherhood and the emotional and domestic unpaid labour. An absolutely must read that will never stop thinking about (and telling everyone about!)

Harry, whilst being a strong and fierce competitor has a soft marshmallow side. Breaking down gendered norms and stereotypes, he is not afraid to stick his head out and speak up. An inspiring read and great addition to his motivational speech given after the Paris Olympics.

This book is validating, approachable and understanding. It’s an incredibly valuable resource for anyone struggling with the effects of long-term trauma. The author has a thorough and compassionate approach to healing, expanding on much needed hope and relief. Filled with digestible explanations and practical tools, this is a must for understanding and healing CPTSD. The book contains an extensive bibliography for further reading.

Both a parenting book and an impassioned call for change to raise boys to be empathic, self-aware, perceptive of injustice and inequality in all communities. It contains very practical guidelines, tips, conversation starters and a sex talks cheat sheet, making it a valuable resource for parents but also for teachers, counsellors and anyone who works with young people.

Dr Buque says that this book is the one she wishes that she had for her own intergenerational healing. With a compassionate and accessible tone, the book is a blend of clear science, relatable stories and most fundamentally, solutions and a way of moving through intergenerational trauma. The book contains practical exercises, reflective prompts and links to further free resources on the authors website.

This is a fast-paced, easy to read queer coming of age YA story. With a relatable protagonist and themes of control vs chaos, this heartfelt story skilfully balances humour with emotional growth and character development. Particularly enjoyed the Italian Australian family connections with all the accompanying expectations and embracing the unexpected.

A clear and relatable critique of hidden inequities in a married with kids and a good income home. Rodsky suggests that most relationships still operate under outdated and inequitable systems where women are expected to "take care of it all”. This expectation is deeply ingrained in cultural norms and can lead to burnout, resentment, and conflict. While not everyone will relate to the cards system, it is a practical solution to the division of labour and one that can be taken metaphorically while still making the invisible work women do, visible and then divisible.

A powerful, validating insightful book that frames emotional intensity as a strength and offers practical strategies for embracing and managing this emotional superpower. Provides a compassionate and empowering perspective for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by their emotional experiences and sensitivity, guiding them toward self-acceptance, emotional regulation, and personal growth.