The Best of 2017

2018 is just around the corner and we think it's the perfect time to look back at our favourite books of the year!

1. See What I Have Done - Sarah Schmidt

Sarah Schmidt’s reimagining of the Lizzie Borden murders is a gripping psychological examination of the events surrounding the infamous crime. Told from multiple – often conflicting – perspectives, Schmidt has created a world that feels utterly lived in, from the claustrophobic heat to the taste of spoiled mutton. It is a book that is as much about family dynamics as it is about the grisly murders. – Brigid, Australian Publishing

2. Down the Hume - Peter Polites

Down the Hume hits you hard and never lets up. - Thomas, Marketing

3. The Museum of Broken Relationships - Olinka Vistica & Drazen Grubisic

Despite this being a book on broken relationships -  the concept behind it is really quite beautiful. It creates an air of melancholy but it’s utterly addictive. You will read this in one sitting. – Jemma, Publicity

4. Larchfield by Polly Clark

Polly Clark’s writing has a lyrical, almost ethereal beauty, and the descriptions of the Scottish landscape are so vivid that you can almost feel the wind whistling through your hair. There is beauty to be found in a place though, as WH Auden is brought to life through the eyes of Dora, Larchfield’s modern-day poet. – Amy, Sales

5. Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body - Roxane Gay

Reading Hunger felt like a punch to the gut. The sheer raw intimacy of the novel and Roxane Gay’s incredible candor about her own body, and her reflection on the way we talk about our relationship with our bodies really got to me. I won’t lie, I cried in public A LOT reading this book, and often refer to it when I am reflecting on my own experiences with food and my body. – Hayley, Sales

6. Stars Across the Ocean - Kimberley Freeman

Full of warmth and so much love, Stars Across the Ocean made me want to call my mum immediately after closing the covers. Sometimes cross-generational/-continental sagas can become difficult to follow, but Kimberley Freeman manages the jumps between decades and countries incredibly well, and weaves the stories of three incredible women (and Jack!!) into the most beautiful narrative tapestry. I can't wait to read this again. – Stacey, Australian Publishing

7. Zoom - Sha'an d'Anthes

For any space-loving kids who aren’t lucky enough to have a parent who works at the observatory (hi, Dad!), Zoom is what you need. Gorgeous illustrations, super-cute animals and true space facts, this book encourages kids to dream, invent and explore! – Sophie M, Australian Publishing

8. Tin Man - Sarah Winman

Because it was pure love! - Dan, Sales

9. I Am, I Am, I Am - Maggie O'Farrell

I am a big fan of Maggie O’Farrell’s writing but this book is on another level altogether. As this is Maggie’s memoir you get to peak behind the scenes of this usually very private writer, mother - survivor.  You will cry, laugh and be in complete wonderment and awe of her resilience, tenacity and sheer honesty. – Christine, Marketing

10. No Way! Okay, Fine - Brodie Lancaster

Brodie writes with a rare warmth and hilarity about funny topics and sad topics and awkward topics and while different subject matter calls for slightly different approaches, her voice is still present and for me that makes her writing really enjoyable. This book is broken up into sections and while it's by no means a standard memoir, Brodie does talk about different stages of her life, along with chapters on pop culture and feminism, and I found part of myself in every chapter. She’s like the sister I never had! – Tonile, Product & Digital Marketing

11. Wimmera - Mark Brandi

Years from now we will look at Wimmera as a classic of Australian crime. An enthralling, troubling, evocative and quiet masterpiece from the brilliantly talented Mark Brandi that will stay with you long after you’ve put it down. – Andrew C, Sales

12. Caraval - Stephanie Garber

The only YA read this year that kept me guessing at every twist and turn. You’ll be begging for the next one! - Sarah, Digital Marketing

13. Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow - Jessica Townsend

I'm gifting Nevermoor to my cousin to read to her three children.  This is a book that can be enjoyed by everyone not just the kids and my cousin reads chapters from novels to all her children every night before bed. This will be their new bedtime book!  Something they will all enjoy. - Penny, Product

More picks from our photo-shy bookworms:

14. The Commando: The Life and Death of Cameron Baird, VC, MG - Ben Mckelvey

The Commando does what years of reporting on the war in Afghanistan did not; it gave me a full and comprehensive understanding of over a decade of fighting, from the regiment that took part in the fiercest of battles. My admiration for Cam and the men he fought with has increased ten-fold. – Louise S, Managing Director

15. The Child Finder - Rene Denfeld

Extraordinarily beautiful, The Child Finder takes place in a deserted snowy forest as a damaged woman searches for a lost child.  Weaving a tale of darkness and hope, fairy tale and grim reality, which is haunting, raw and wonderful, and I urge you to read it. – Nicky, Sales

16. Invictus - Ryan Graudin

Set in the 24th century and following a time traveller whose mother fell secretly pregnant to a Gladiator on a mission who then disappears under mysterious circumstances 7 years later, this impressive read has it all in spades: action, rollicking adventure and angst. It’s a classic in the making YA with crossover appeal that fans of The Hunger Games will devour. 5 stars from me! – Linda, Sales