November brought another book by two of my favourite authors, Shankari Chandran and her incredible novel Son of the Sun God, and Heather Webber’s magical realism novel In the Middle of Hickory Lane. I also loved Yvonne Weldon’s heartbreaking Sixty-Seven Days.

74 of 90 – Come Together by Isaiah Firebrace, illustrated by Jaelyn Biumaiwai
Happy Launch Day to Come Together: Things Every Aussie Kid Should Know about the First Peoples! This is a wonderful book for kids, and adults too! Written by Yorta Yorta and Gunditjmara musician Isaiah Firebrace, inspired by his petition to the Australian Government calling for Aboriginal history to be taught in every classroom, it was illustrated by Mununjali and Fijian artist Jaelyn Biumaiwai, who also illustrated the gorgeous book Heroes, Rebels and Innovators: Inspiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People from History by Karen Wyld.
Isaiah writes about people and events, culture, language, food, Elders, the Dreamtime, caring for Country and so much more, with simple, hopeful and gentle explanations that will help all Aussie kid learn about the truth of this country’s history, the beauty of all that First Nations people have to share, and how powerful it will be when we finally recognise and value the oldest continuing civilisation on earth. As we work towards Voice, Treaty and Truth, this is an engaging book that every home should have. [And in October 2024, a sequel, Come Together Again: A Celebration of First Nations Music, Song and Dance will be released.]

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75 of 90 – Signal Moon by Kate Quinn
I loved the fascinating short story Signal Moon by Kate Quinn. It moves between 1943, where Lily Baines is working in Yorkshire to intercept enemy naval communications to send to Bletchley Park to be decrypted, and 2023, where American officer Matt Jackson is being attacked somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean. No one believes Lily is talking to a man from the future, but somehow she knows it’s true, and she has to figure out a way to prevent his death… It’s not a time slip story, as they both remain in their eras, so they have to work out a way to stay in contact. Sad, moving, hopeful and sweet, it’s a lovely short read.

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76 of 90 – The Middle of Hickory Lane by Heather Webber
In the Middle of Hickory Lane by Heather Webber is such a beautiful, magical, hope-full book, I absolutely loved every word. There is darkness and loss and terrible secrets, but there is family and friendship and redemption too. I wanted to live in this small Southern American town, and drink tea and eat cookies with Emme, Cora Bee and Glory. To wander through their garden and sit by the gazing pool. To laugh and cry, and lose then find myself with them. And the audiobook and its two southern narrators just add to the charm and enchantment – Hallie Ricardo and Stephanie Willis have brought many of Heather’s books to life, as she often weaves together two story povs. I’m desperate to read all of Heather’s books – but I also want to save them, because the anticipation of having some still to dive in to and discover is a wonderful feeling too. But I imagine I’ll give in soon and start South of the Buttonwood Tree or The Lights of Sugarberry Cove! Have you read any of them?

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77 of 90 – Sixty-Seven Days by Yvonne Weldon
Yvonne Weldon’s debut novel Sixty-Seven Days is beautiful yet heartbreaking, full of powerful stories, inspiring mentors, faith, courage and hope – and anguish, grief and sorrow too. Sweet Wiradjuri uni student Evie dances between the immense and transformative love she shares with apprentice James, and the harsh and unflinching hate she feels for the predator who has caused her so much pain. There’s the joy of Evie’s connection to Country and culture, to her family and her ancestors, and the ache that James and his family live with through not knowing their history and roots because of the horror of the Stolen Generations.
It’s a brilliant, touching and tender book, beautifully written and incredibly moving, and the audiobook is narrated so wonderfully by my favourite narrator Tamala Shelton.
As well as being an amazing writer, Yvonne is also a councillor for the City of Sydney (my local council) – the first Aboriginal councillor in the City’s 180-year history. She’s been an activist for thirty years, working tirelessly for Aboriginal rights, for domestic violence victims and on other justice issues, and was announced as a Member of the Order of Australia this year for significant service to the Indigenous community of New South Wales.

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78 of 90 – Song of the Sun God by Shankari Chandran
One of my favourite books this year was Shankari Chandran’s Chai Time At Cinnamon Gardens. Another one of my favourites is her earlier book, Song of the Sun God, which has just been published in Australia. Spanning several generations and moving between Sri Lanka, England and present-day Sydney, it’s a beautiful, heartbreaking, compelling and important book, gorgeously written and artfully structured. At its heart is the extended family of Nala and Rajan, a young couple in then-Ceylon, who learn to love each other amidst the pain and fear of a bloody civil war. There is brutality and horror, and some scenes are definitely not for the faint-hearted, but there is also love and friendship, hope and faith, the incredible bonds formed between those who love each other even more dearly than family, and those who sacrifice love and safety for a cause they can’t walk away from. There is humour, warmth and tenderness to balance the agony of war and betrayal, and fascinating threads of religion, philosophy and history – as well as a secret that threatens to tear everything apart. Some of the characters and situations were inspired by Shankari’s own family history, and listening to her stories at the book launch was really moving – she’s such a passionate, wise and inspiring speaker. Heartbreaking, hope-filled, devastating and truly moving, this is a beautiful, brilliant book, and the audiobook is awesome too. (Plus, it’s being turned into a tv series, which will be amazing!)