I’ve been in the mood for jotting down lists lately, perhaps it’s the New Year spirit. I’ve set myself high reading goals for 2013 even though I intend to accept less review books and focus my time on writing. But, I hope my reading levels don’t diminish because what I’d really like to achieve this year is tackling some (or a lot!) of books on my To-Be-Read shelf. I can’t remember when the last time I’ve bought a book and have had the luxury of reading it whenever I like- because I’ve had review schedules (wholly self-inflicted I should add).
Not only do I want to get through some of the books on my TBR shelf, there’s a bunch of books by Australian authors that I want to bury my nose in. Hence, my list. I’m already on a roll, I’ve managed to read two of these in the first week of January and I’ve just picked up the third.
These are the top 10 books by Australian authors on my TBR shelf that I want to read ASAP:
Dark Country by Bronwyn Parry
I’ve actually managed to read this one in the past few days. Dark Country was the only book of Parry’s I’d yet to read and is well deserving of a five star rating!
Fetish by Tara Moss
I picked up a copy of this in a secondhand bookstore some time back, I was drawn to the blurb on the back because the protagonist was a psychology student. I’d also heard how much research Moss indulges in to write her novels and I’ve been intrigued to see how they are executed. This is the other book I’ve read in the past week and absolutely loved. I’ll be reading more of this series!
Tempt the Devil by Anna Campbell
As my favourite book list of 2012 revealed, historical fiction/ romance was heavily present on my list. I had the pleasure of participating in one of Anna’s workshops at GenreCon last year and was lucky enough to be given a FREE copy of her book by the author herself. She’s such a delight to listen to, full of energy and passion. Plus she kicked-arse in the plotter vs. pantser debate! I’ve just made a start on this story and can say Campbell’s writing style is captivating.
The Man who saw her Beauty by Michelle Douglas
The author sent me a copy of her novel when I won the Melbourne Reader’s Cup competition hosted by Kat @ Book Thingo. It was such a lovely gesture to receive a copy direct from the author and I’m intrigued to see how the protagonist- a cancer survivor- overcomes her difficulties.
Jillaroo by Rachael Treasure
It’s shameful to think that the very first rural romance novel I ever picked up was by Rachael Treasure and I still haven’t managed to indulge in her backlist. I’ve got a couple sitting on my TBR shelf, but Jillaroo is the one I want to read the most.
Heart of Gold by Fiona Palmer
I fell in love with Palmer’s The Family Farm and The Road Home, so it makes sense that Heart of Gold would make my list of books to read ASAP.
Bella’s Run by Margareta Osborn
I really hoped to get to this one sooner, but it certainly hasn’t been forgotten since I picked up a signed copy at the Mudgee Readers Festival last year. Margareta is so down to earth and approachable, I was chuffed I got to meet her.
Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta
I loved Marchetta’s contemporary YA novels while I was in my teens but I haven’t managed to take the leap into her fantasy fiction. I’ve read endless positive reviews about this series and it’s about time I read it.
The Rook by Daniel O’Malley
Another GenreCon discovery and the only male author to secure a spot on the list. Daniel O’Malley certainly charmed the pants off most of the women in the room during his panel discussions at GenreCon. Lucky for me, a copy of The Rook was in my goodie bag!
Come Back to Me by Sara Foster
This one has been on my TBR shelf for a looong time. I keep saying I should read it and now I’m going to commit to reading it from this list before I’m tempted by any other books on my shelf. Foster is a remarkable mystery storyteller and even though I’ve only read one of her books (Beneath the Shadows) I know I’m going to love this one.
These books will go a long way to racking up numbers for the AWW2013 challenge too which is a bonus!
Wow, that’s an awesome list. I just finished Rachael Treasure’s Fifty Bales of Hay and it was such a funny read. I have seen a lot of these around the traps, but haven’t picked them up. Can’t wait to read your thoughts.
Happy reading!
Oh I’d really love to read that one Katie. I’ve seen it in the bookstores and have been tempted to pick up a copy… but I do have an overflowing TBR shelf as it is!
I didn’t realise Daniel O’Malley was Aussie. Shows how much attention I pay! I really enjoyed that book, The Rook. Thought it was pretty brilliant! I want to read Finnikin of the Rock too. I’ve heard such good things.
Like you, I’m enjoying compiling lists at the moment too.
Great list!
Yep he was born in Canberra. I actually had to double check the author page in his book when I read your comment just in case I made a mistake! I’d never heard of The Rook before GenreCon, but from Daniel’s talks it does sound amazing!
A great list Jayne!
I’d definitely recommend Jillaroo to anyone who is a fan of rural romance. I also really enjoyed Fetish by Tara Moss. Will be looking forward to reading your reviews on both (and the other books on the list of course).
Fetish is one of those books that have just been sitting on my shelf and begging me to read it, I’m so glad I picked it up. Will have my review up next week! Thanks Kathryn
Interesting list of reads Jayne. There are several there that I would like to read too.
I mean Lauren….whoops!
LOL no problems, Marg. Thank you, I can’t wait to get through them
I hope you enjoy Finnikin (& the rest of the series) and I have a copy of Jillaroo, my parents read it and gave it to me last year but I haven’t made time for it yet!
It’s so hard to get to all those books on our shelves when there are so many great books that become available for review. But this year I hope to get through some of them!
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