I only managed to read four books in April, but I loved them all. Three were by awesome Australian authors, and the fourth was by a US favourite.

19 of 80 – Not Meeting Mr Right by Anita Heiss
Congratulations to Anita Heiss on her relaunched rom-com Not Meeting Mr Right – last night’s Brisbane celebration looked like so much fun! I’d started reading the original, which came out in 2007, but switched to the new version, and there are some wonderful updates, rewrites and commentary on today’s politics and social issues, with lots of humour, some terrible (but funny) dating stories, and an emphasis on strong women and the importance of their friendships. Anita is one of my favourite authors – her historical novels Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray and Barbed Wire and Cherry Blossoms are some of my favourite books – and it amazes me how well she writes in so many different genres, from non-fiction to kids and YA, award-winning historical fiction and contemporary romance. She’s been referred to as “the Koori Bradshaw of Chick Lit”, and this book, which won the Deadly Award for Most Outstanding Contribution to Literature in 2007, was ground-breaking at the time. As book club host and podcaster Lauren Appo said when she interviewed Anita last night, this book was the first time she’d seen herself reflected on the page, and the importance of that cannot be overstated. Anita’s five contemporary romances, including this and sister-story Avoiding Mr Right, as well as the wonderful Paris Dreaming, Manhattan Dreaming and Tiddas, are fun, sassy, light-hearted reads.

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20 of 80 – The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams
So much I wanted to say about The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams, but I’m in deadline hell and behind on book posting, so I’ll just say that I loved it so much, and everyone should read it! (And obviously a lot of people thought I should read it, cos although I bought the book when it came out, I also received two copies as gifts, from lovely friends who know my book-loving heart, then ended up buying the audiobook too, since that’s all I’ve been managing to “read” of late.)
About love and loss, family and friendship, war and wonder, resilience and resistance – and the meaning of words, and who gets to define them – The Dictionary of Lost Words is smart, funny, poignant, heartbreaking, life-affirming, thought-provoking, fierce, feminist and utterly compelling. I wish I’d read it sooner, but at least I can start Pip’s new book tomorrow, in time for seeing her speak at the Sydney Writers Festival…

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21 of 80 – Being Jimmy Baxter by Fiona Lloyd
I loved the funny, tender, sweet and moving Being Jimmy Baxter by Fiona Lloyd. This middle grade debut novel is a wise and compelling coming-of-age novel about surviving the odds, family challenges and unlikely friendships. It will be out July 4, so add it to your TBR-list. And in the meantime, there’s a wonderful interview with Fiona on the Girl and Duck podcast.  

“A moving story told with moments of absolute delight.” 
Morris Gleitzman, author of Once

“Oh, this book had me in its clutches from start to finish. It is a superbly-crafted story full of wonder and heartache and raw, real people. Jimmy burrowed his way into my heart and has stayed there ever since.“
Pamela Jones. Middle Grade Mavens Podcast

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22 of 80 – The Study of Poisons by Maria V Snyder
Maria V Snyder’s Study Series is one of my all-time favourites. It began with the enchanting Poison Study, about a kick ass young woman sentenced to death, but given a reprieve of sorts if she’ll be the Commander’s food taster, pretty much the most dangerous job in the land. It explores the politics and intrigue of Ixia, a country where having magic means death, and her relationship with Valek, the aloof assassin training her in the science of poisons, the soldiers she works with and becomes friends with, and her own coming of age and magical journey. Magic Study and Fire Study continued Yelena’s adventures, then there were three wonderfully interwoven Glass Series books, set within the same world, then another three Study books. And now, thanks to fan demand, Maria has revisited the beginning of this brilliant series with The Study of Poisons, retelling the first book from Valek’s point of view. It works brilliantly, giving lots more insight into the story and characters we love, and it made me want to re-read the whole series. I listened to the audiobook, and while the narrator took a while to grow on me, lots of people adored him. I’m so glad that Maria wrote this book, it’s such a wonderful world to spend time in, and I’m excited to know there are more coming!