2021 Prime Ministers Literary Awards Shortlist

Many Australians have turned to books now more than ever to enrich their lives and escape the challenges of restrictions, lockdowns and border closures. While many of us may not be able to physically travel far, Australia’s storytellers and historians continue to take us on journeys to the past, present and future.

The Prime Minister’s Literary Awards recognise and celebrate the cream of Australian writing and the 2021 shortlist offers a selection of thoughtful, inspiring and entertaining books to help us through challenging times. The nominated books follow quite different and engaging paths, often tackling current issues, especially environmental crisis and challenges of modern families and social lives. The styles range from mastery of traditional form towards ‘magical realist’ and experimental.

The Awards, which began in 2008, recognise and celebrate the exceptional literary talents of established and emerging Australian writers. They highlight the important role the arts have in connecting us to Australian society and culture. Why not reserve one, or more, now and see if you can pick the winner(s) before they are announced in December.

Witchy Reads for Halloween

There are only 2 weeks left until Halloween or All Hallow’s Eve on 31 October. To get you in the mood why not check out some of our adult fiction and young adult fiction titles featuring witches of all kinds. They include magical realism, historical fantasy, paranormal romance, urban fantasy and more in these witchy tales!

Mental Health Month 2021

October is Mental Health Month and the City of Parramatta Libraries have created a page of resources, tips, events and contacts to help support the mental health of you and your loved ones. Why not take a look at our lists of books for all ages and reserve/borrow one today, a sample of some of the titles from the list are shown below. We even have a special downloadable booklet filled with colouring pages for the beginner and the more advanced and mental health tip posters to print at home.

All About Books Winter 2021

Welcome to the Winter 2021 edition of All About Books. Once again there is a wonderful range of fiction and non fiction books being published for adults and teens from best selling and debut authors. The always popular Staff Picks make an appearance and news of our upcoming author talks are on page 43. Many of the titles are available as ebooks while those that aren’t can be added to your to be borrowed pile when we re-open. Happy Reading!

Staff Picks What We Read in May

Wow! May certainly was a great month for reading.

In fact, our lunch room has been abuzz with all the book talk. Each one of us eager to share with the other what amazing book we have been reading. The upside of all our book discussions is we then get to share with you our fellow readers just what books have caught our attention this month.

It is our hopes you will then share with your book buddies, enabling every one of your book loving friends to have an endless supply of good books to get lost in over the coming colder months.

So, what have we been reading over the last month? We have listed them below for you to browse and find your next great read!

Recommended Reading

Sistersong by Lucy Holland (Fiction) – I absolutely adored this book! The perfect mix of British folklore and fantasy. Beautifully written, and at times heartbreaking, Lucy Holland manages to weave a brilliant story web that keeps you ensnared until the very last word has been read! (Jody)

The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni (Book 1) – Young adult fantasy at its best! (Jody)

Life’s Too Short (Friend Zone, 3) by Abby Jimenez – Amazing! Definitely my favourite book in the series. (Kate)

The Disappearance of Stephanie Mailer by Joel Dicker

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

The Solstice Countdown by Lisa Shearin – The 7th book in the urban fantasy SPI Files series featuring seer Makenna Fraser and her goblin dark mage partner Rake Danescu protecting the world from evil – great continuation of the series.

Heartsick, three stories about love and loss, and what happens in between by Jessie Stephens

The Fix, how to overcome the invisible barriers that are holding women back at work by Michelle P. King

The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave