There’s no better escape than reading a great book.
The past decade has released some exceptional books for discerning readers. Whether it’s an evocative novel, an eye-opening biography or a masterful self-help guide.
There’s no doubt that there’s a lot to choose from so we’re counting down the best books that hit the shelves between 2010 and now, offering you a chance to either reminisce or consider buying.
And if you have a book that should be on this list, let us know on social media! (find links at bottom of page)
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Room
by Emma Donoghue
The year 2010 started with a great book titled Room by Emma Donoghue. It challenges grammar, written in the innocent first-person perspective of a five-year-old child who is locked in a room with his mother. It’s an emotional journey, a crime story that unfolds with unsettling ease. Worth adding to the library if you haven’t already!
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The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*ck
by Mark Manson
Still today, this is the book that took the mental health world by storm in 2016, offering a counterintuitive approach to living life without too much care. The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*ck by Mark Manson blends serious academic research with a light-hearted and tongue-in-cheek discussion about what life really is about: caring about the important things, and only that.
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Cleanness
by Garth Greenwell
The literature world has been pleasantly taken by surprise with Cleanness by Garth Greenwell. It follows the story of a man in the landlocked city of Sofia, Bulgaria, as he unravels his complicated world of transience, sexuality and foreignness. Its unique prose builds on the complication, affording a distinctive glimpse into what makes us human.
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Big Little Lies
by Liane Moriarty
What started as a wonderful book has later exploded into a world-renowned TV show of that same title. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty unravels death, that being a parent, following Pirriwee Public’s annual school Trivia Night. It’s morbidly fascinating and darkly humourous, picking apart the complexities of small-town living and simply how big little lies can become.
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The Tattooist Of Auschwitz
by Heather Morris
Even the bare simple facts of Auschwitz-Birkenau are enough to darken anyone’s soul. Based on a true story, The Tattooist Of Auschwitz follows Lale Sokolov in his perilous journey through the abyss that is the human psyche. It may not be the most succinctly written novel (Heather Morris is predominately a screenwriter), but some stories just need to be told. And heard.
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Dark Emu
by Bruce Pascoe
Dark Emu uncovers the agricultural history of Australia’s indigenous ancestors and, in doing so, subtly questions the reluctance of properly unearthing this past for modern-day Australia. This book by Bruce Pascoe has courted some controversy, with many shunning the research, and one simply needs to ask why. Why are we so uncomfortable with the past?
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The Girl Who Could Move Sh*t With Her Mind
by Jackson Ford
Imagine Matilda getting found out by the FBI and sequentially ordered to help them on top-secret missions. Oh, and up the ante on sarcasm. That’s the best way to describe The Girl Who Could Move Sh*t With Her Mind – the true definition of action story reading. It’s punchy, brutal and well-plotted. And definitely not for literary snobs!
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Home Fire
by Kamila Shamsie
Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie has received a trove of decorations, including winning the Women’s Prize For Fiction Award 2018. And for good reason too! Home Fire revels in transience, relativeness and political persuasions. It follows Isma’s dwindling American dream, as she is tasked with the cruellest of decisions involving family, fate and dangerous ideologies.
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Born A Crime
by Trevor Noah
Trevor Noah began his life as a crime, being born coloured, a blend between the black and white prejudices that made up apartheid. But being the comedian he is, Born A Crime details his harsh life story lightened with the unique humour that brought him to fame. A truly marvellous coming of age story.
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Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine
by Gail Honeyman
The title of Gail Honeyman’s story has two contrasting meanings: For Eleanor Oliphant, she is completely fine. But as you read along, you’ll realise she is definitely not. Her jagged life story unravels with each page, beginning with an acquaintanceship that means more than they think. It’s remarkably captivating.
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The Fault In Our Stars
by John Green
The Fault In Our Stars by John Green is a heart wrenching story of love and death. It captivated the world, with the equally brilliant film adaptation by the same name. Hazel has an inoperable tumour, a dark dent on her life; but her story begins when she meets Augustus, a love that will last a lifetime. Keep tissues nearby, but also expect a few smiles and laughs.
