Books to take you places this summer
Libraries the world over are a treasure trove of information, where you can transport yourself to other universes and experiences by simply turning a page. Our Adelaide City Libraries team share some works that stood out this year and should make it onto any summer reading list.
Non-Essential Work
Poetry by Omar Sakr
Recommended by Nick
As I read Omar Sakr’s Non-Essential Work, I was struck by the ability of poets to encapsulate emotions, lives and times through rhythm and language. An award-winning poet and writer born in Western Sydney to Lebanese and Turkish Muslim migrants, Sakr writes poetry that connects with people, producing context that can make us laugh, reflect, analyse and feel. This was something special that I took from this book.
Young Hag
Graphic Novel by Isabel Greenberg
Recommended by Luke
I loved this book and have been recommending it to everyone this year. An original and fun take on the King Arthur and Camelot legends from a feminist perspective, featuring giant cats, lady knights, goblins and witches. It’s a quirky and endearing reimagining that everyone should read.
You might like
Re-Sisters
Biography by Cosey Fanni Tutti
Recommended by Dave
Re-Sisters is a great historical essay about three women and the triumphs and challenges they faced in their lives. The focus is on these often-misunderstood figures: Delia Derbyshire (a groundbreaking electronic sound pioneer who created the original Dr Who theme music) and Margery Kempe (a 15th-century religious visionary) whose life story is held to be the earliest recorded autobiography of a woman, and the author herself.
Blood
Aboriginal Culture by Tony Birch
Recommended by Rose
This First Nations classic is part adventure, part coming of age and part thriller, set against the backdrop of growing up in Melbourne and Adelaide. Despite the characters’ circumstances being peripherally plagued by violence and poverty, this book is filled with heartwarming moments and remarkable characters that show how love and kindness can blossom when it feels like nothing goes your way. I was totally enamoured and read it in a day.
We Are Okay
Young Adult Fiction by Nina LaCour
Recommended by Mikayla
I can’t stop thinking about this young adult novel, We Are Okay by Nina LaCour. Our narrator, Marin, is alone at her college while all the other students have gone home to their families for winter break. This young adult novel is a commentary on solitude, slowing down, friendship, and honesty. It is beautifully poetic, and the cover art adds to the story. Winner, 2018 Michael L. Printz Award.
Stay informed, daily
Mr Einstein’s Secretary
Thrillers & Suspense by Matthew Reilly
Recommended by Amanda
Set between 1919 and the 1940s, Mr Einstein’s Secretary was such an interesting read and quite different to Reilly’s usual action-packed pace. Told from many perspectives, this is one you need to read again to really grasp its brilliance. Reilly said he took 5 years to write this one, with so much research into the history.
The Whalebone Theatre
Historical Fiction by Joanna Quinn
Recommended by Malia
A beautifully written magical work of historical fiction set around World War II and centring on the need and impetus to create art, a focus that always resonates with me. I read this in about two sittings, it was so unputdownable!
Roll the dice this summer
In our chill (and air-conditioned) libraries, you’ll find board games that can be played for free, so take a mindfulness break with chess or Scrabble, or challenge a friend to a quick game of Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza or UNO. Battle it out in King of Tokyo, where you can play as a giant monster or alien to destroy Tokyo! The Adelaide City Libraries are full of unexpected surprises.
Virtually amazing
Can’t make it into one of our libraries, but still want to see what resources we have to offer? We have you covered with our Virtual Library – an array of digital platforms for all ages where you can read eBooks and magazines, listen to audiobooks, research with academic articles, stream music, watch movies, and learn languages. It’s all free with your library card, so you can take the library with you whenever and wherever you go.
Adelaide City Libraries
City Library
3rd Floor Rundle Place (enter off Francis Street)
Hutt Street Library
235 Hutt Street
North Adelaide Library
176 Tynte Street
Find out more via Instagram.
This article was produced in collaboration with Adelaide City Libraries.
