In the mood for something new? In this blog post, we are highlighting some of our favourite new books at the library.
These include books about the experience of being an immigrant in Australia, growing up in rural Victoria and also a fictional story about Cole’s Book Arcade, once the biggest bookshop in Melbourne. All of these books are available to borrow from the library now.
A childhood in the Australian bush by  Kerry Breen
This is an autobiography of Kerry Breen, whose parents moved to rural Victoria before he was born. Through the course of his life, Kerry experienced life in the isolated Victorian bush. This was a time before many of these small towns had electricity or access to the luxuries we have today. His father was a teacher at the local school. This meant that Kerry saw the role of teachers in rural towns during the 1940s and 1950s. These teachers were often the only teachers at these schools, which meant they were also responsible for running it. This book gives insight into a life that are rarer nowadays, such as the lives of teachers and their families in rural Victoria. It also recognises the experiences of people who have lived in isolated communities.
The Lost Book of Magic by Amelia Mellor.
The lost book of magic by Amelia Mellor.
This is the third book in the trilogy, The Grandest Bookshop in the World. This series is about Pearl and Vally Cole who live in Cole’s Book Arcade in 1893 Melbourne. Their father, Edward William Cole, is the owner of the bookshop. Interestingly enough, this book shop is based on a real book shop of the same name that was in Melbourne during the 1890s. However this is still a fictional magical realism novel, which means while it is based on facts, this is still a magical tale. This book follows the adventures of Pearl and Vally, who embark on a quest to save their father’s bookshop from closing down.
Dirt poor Islanders by Winnie Dunn.
Dirt poor Islanders by Winnie Dunn.
This autobiographical fiction novel talks about the life experiences of Meadow Reed, a woman whose family came from Tonga in the Pacific islands. Winnie Dunn, the author, navigates the experience of growing up between two cultures and the importance of understanding yourself. This book is also a depiction of the wider Tongan-Australian community and their experience of living in Australia. Winnie Dunn is a writer from Mount Druitt, Western Sydney. She has a Bachelor Arts from Western Sydney University and her articles, essays, poems and short stories have appeared in Griffith Review, The Guardian and Southerly, amongst others. In 2022, Winnie was the recipient of a literature grant from the Australian Government through Creative Australia.
What to expect when you’re immigrating by Nash.
Using powerful illustrations, this book is a clever portrait of moving to Australia. It talks about the many challenges one has to face when moving to Australia. This book is a helpful companion for those immigrating, but, as Nash points out, this book is also for those who want to empathise or understand a little bit of what its like to move to Australia. Nash’s creative talents shine through in the honest and eye-opening illustrations throughout the book. Nash, (full name is Nash Weerasekera) was born in Sri Lanka and is an author, painter and illustrator.
Has any of these new books stood for you? Visit us today and borrow what could be your new favourite book.