Once again, it’s time to reflect on the year that was, and we’ve brought together 30 esteemed writers from a wide range of disciplines, including wildlife ecology and mathematics, as well as literature and politics, to share their top book recommendations of 2024.
Despite their subjective nature, the most esteemed book lists rely heavily on individual experiences and recollections. Despite our affection for uncovering which books authors left unfinished,
This yr, the Books & Concepts group set ourselves the exhausting (however enjoyable) job of choosing our personal finest books too.
Suzy Freeman-Greene’s most celebrated e-book, “Suzy And The Case For The Existence Of God”, edited by Brigitta Olubas and Susan Wyndham (NewSouth), chronicles four years of correspondence between two intellectually fearless writers, unfolding as a gripping narrative that rivals a masterfully crafted novel. Samantha Harvey’s.
James Ley’s choice from NY Overview Books was a novel by dissident Russian author Vladimir Sorokin. A surreal fusion of sci-fi and historical intrigue, replete with gruesome excesses and biting send-ups of classic Russian literature’s revered icons. The Art of Memory
In her remarkable e-book, And, Jo Case’s most accomplished work is (Picador) – an electrifying, evocatively lyrical, and dispassionately fragmented divorce novel that stands out as the standout in 2024’s literary landscape: a masterful demonstration of balancing detached precision with fiery emotion. Honourable readers are alerted to and brought up short by Fiona McFarlane’s ingenious, imaginative spin on true crime.
We’re eager to hear about your favorite books from 2024 – please share your recommendations in your response at the end of this message.
Dennis Altman
Students of Jock Serong’s Fourth Property often explore various approaches, informed by the whimsical world of Enid Blyton’s Magic Faraway Tree and the cultural nuances of Melbourne’s iconic suburb, Fitzroy. Irrespective of this, Serong has conjured a whimsical realm, where his prose shines with an effortless lyricism that is equally captivating and lucid. At the heart of the narrative lies the enigmatic history of a timber stack, whose origins date back to the Caucasus region, bridging a 70-year gap between past and present through an intricate blend of realism and fantasy.
Robyn Arianrhod
I’ve developed a fondness for several recent books, including Dava Sobel’s and my personal pick, Jim Baggott’s and John L.’s. What a fascinating topic, but the title needs some work. This comprehensive historical account of quantum theory presents a thorough explanation of the enigmatic “Bell inequality” – which empowered experimenters to verify Einstein’s notion of entanglement as reality – and offers a fascinating insight into the personal, political, and philosophical reactions of key players to their unconventional quantum findings.
Michelle Arrow
Lauren Samuelsson’s engaging and informative history of the Australian Women’s Weekly’s food pages, published by Monash University Publishing, sheds light on their profound impact on how Australians cooked, ate, and entertained throughout the 20th century. The narrative also offers insights into the societal norms surrounding gender roles, as cooking was traditionally a woman’s domain, balancing drudgery with creative expression. From the kitchen bench, Australia’s past is viewed in hindsight, rather than the driver’s seat of the household car. You think my mom might appreciate a gift from you this holiday season?
Jumana Bayeh
By Sara Haddad, published by the University of Queensland Press, this concise e-book is a novella crafted for a single, immersive reading experience. As the conflict in Gaza unfolds with unprecedented ferocity, I felt compelled to share the untold narrative of the Palestinian people, whose struggles and resilience have been tragically overlooked in mainstream discourse.
The narrative centres on Nabila Yasmeen, a Palestinian woman living in Australia after being forced into exile from her homeland in 1948. In a journey spanning decades and continents, the enigmatic Sunbird navigates the complexities of time, leaping from Palestine in 1948 to Australia in 2023, as it grapples with Nabila’s enduring struggle for belonging and her irrepressible longing to find her way back home.
Hugh Breakey
Jonathan Haidt’s The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion (Allen Lane) makes two key claims that have far-reaching implications for how we think about morality, politics, and human nature. While often portrayed as alright, research suggests that Gen Z kids actually face a significantly higher risk of significant psychological wellbeing concerns, with statistics indicating nearly double the likelihood of such issues compared to previous generations. The widespread proliferation of smartphones has become a substantial catalyst for anxiety in many individuals. Problems arise not just from what happens on smartphones, but also from what doesn’t happen? Children crave unstructured playtime, physical daringness, and deep connections with a few trusted companions. Haidt advocates for a ban on social media for minors under 16, yet also stresses that parents should recognize that social media is just one contributing factor to teenage mental health concerns.
Mridula Nath Chakraborty
Within Penguin India’s pages, Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih, author of “Kynghom” (2021), weaves a tapestry of fabulist storytelling around mythic archetypes, set against the lush backdrop of his cherished Khasi Hills rainforests. Without subverting the age-old tragic tale of Manik Raitong, the wretched, and Khasi Queen Liang Makaw, Nongkynrih innovatively perpetuates a defiant narrative, upending traditional oral storytelling conventions in a bold, unconventional manner. A scathing critique of humanity’s penchant for self-destruction? Here’s the reworded text: A provocative fusion of poetry, philosophy, and social commentary, this thought-provoking work offers a piercing gaze into a world disillusioned with human nature and astute in its fable-like portrayal of our troubled modern era.
Intifar Chowdhury
One doesn’t typically indulge in memoirs penned by individuals aware of their impending mortality – the sense of foreboding is simply too crushing. However, Alexei Navalny’s (The Bodley Head) is an exception that deftly blends darkness with wit and humor. After narrowly evading death at the hands of the FSB, Navalny chose to return to Russia, determined to defy Vladimir Putin’s regime and aware that the Kremlin would not permit his departure without a fight. They didn’t. From behind bars, the patriot pours out his unwavering optimism for a radiant and resplendent “Russia of our dreams”? As a beacon of defiance and unyielding courage, Navalny’s narrative pierces geographical boundaries, rekindling our faith in the indomitable spirit of rebellion. His voice and vision continue to unfold.
Tom Doig
The Discovery of 2024: Poems by Peter Mishler, Winner of the Iowa Poetry Prize, University of Iowa Press. A kaleidoscope of monotony unfolds: sterile whiteboards cluttered with jumbled notes, fluorescent lights humming above, and the sterile sheen of plastic omnipresent, a backdrop for endless pitches and product placements. While my preferred form is free-flowing free verse, occasional bursts of deliberate rhyme and meter occasionally emerge, which I frequently despise.
“Standing alongside me, he goes barefoot into a maelstrom of refuse, his dark hair accumulating ballistic ash.” A thoughtful gift for a loved one’s special holiday treat?
Charmaine Papertalk Inexperienced
One favorite choose for 2024 is Anita Heiss’ (Simon & Schuster Australia), a groundbreaking Wiradyuri nation historic novel set on the time of Wiradyuri–colonial contact in rural New South Wales. This e-book serves as a vital prompt for Australia to confront and reconcile its complex past, shedding light on the historical erasure of Indigenous experiences that have long been obscured by narratives of colonial dominance, thereby working towards a more inclusive understanding of Australia’s cultural heritage. This e-book invites you on a profound journey of deep listening, weaving together the rich cultural heritage and resilience of the Wiradyuri people and Australia’s shared Nation.
Nick Haslam
Is there still value in exploring the theoretical frameworks and clinical innovations of Sigmund Freud, even 85 years after his passing, or has his legacy been relegated to mere historical curiosity? Andrew Blauner’s comprehensive collection (Princeton University Press) provides a definitive answer. A team of esteemed writers delves into a wide range of subjects, spanning from Freud’s inaugural academic publication on eel testicular anatomy to the enigmatic character of his wife, Martha, as well as his affinity for canines.
The e-book offers profound, introspective insights into the complex and often fraught heritage of psychoanalysis. Is this an existential crisis, a critique of societal norms, or a quest for authenticity in the face of superficiality?
Alexander Howard
Elfriede Jelinek’s play, originally published by Yale University Press in 1995, makes its English-language debut, skillfully translated by Gitta Honegger. This eerie examination probes Austria’s troubled past regarding Nazism and its inability to confront the atrocities of the Holocaust. In a mesmerizing blend of avant-garde experimentation and traditional literary flair, Elfriede Jelinek’s provocative novel delivers a searing indictment of the past, eschewing sentimentality for a brutally honest portrayal that lingers long after the final page. As antisemitism and the far-right continue their resurgence across Europe, the urgency and relevance of this issue feel more pronounced than ever before?
Tony Hughes d’Aeth
I devoured the e-book that won my heart this year: Brian Castro’s magnificent creation. While an elliptical exploration of age-related indignities and mortality might not be everyone’s prescription for a relaxing summer read, it could still resonate deeply with readers seeking a thought-provoking experience? Abe Quin, the alter ego of Castro, exudes a morose allure, complemented by his laconic delivery, wry self-awareness, and visceral loathing for hypocrisy’s duplicitous nature. In Castro’s oeuvre, a sombre bleakness hovers precariously close to comedic absurdity, while pathos bubbles up through mundane reveries, yet these conditions rebound against the elasticity of his irony. As the veneer of wit wears off, we are left with a deeply personal portrayal of a life, stripped bare of pretenses and rendered with unflinching honesty.
Allanah Hunt
by Stan Grant (S&S Bundyi) is a e-book you’ll keep in mind for a lifetime. Grant’s writing embodies profound reverence and introspection as he delves into the realms of time, spirituality, history, philosophy, and physics. The chapters dedicated to Grant’s father, Wiradjuri elder Uncle Stan Grant Sr., form the e-book’s genuine core, prompting introspection about my own relationships with my parents through a more profound lens. Grant’s e-book explores the concept of building bridges of affection between individuals and groups, including parents, neighbors, and even those who hold racist beliefs.
Andy Jackson
Despite their diversity, anthologies often falter due to predictable factors that can dampen a reader’s excitement. However, edited by Anne-Marie Te Whiu, for Magabala Books, stands out as an exceptional achievement. This diverse collection of 15 partnerships between Australian First Nations poets and international collaborators seamlessly blends lyricism and politics, yielding a powerfully captivating read. Pleasures of Harjo and Eckermann: A Literary Union; Tony Birch Collaborates with Simon J. Ortiz, alongside Raelee Lancaster, with essa might Ranapiri, truly shines as standouts. While the e-book’s conversations effectively foster solidarities, they do so by allowing diversity and its nuances to coexist harmoniously with consideration for the complexities involved.
Philip Johnson
Initially acquainted with Alice Driver’s investigative reporting on slaughterhouse workers in the US South through a feature in The New York Review of Books in 2021. A comprehensive examination of (Atria/One Sign Publishers), one that has long been anticipated in my reading journey. With a background in reporting from Mexico and Central America, Driver brought a unique perspective to covering the Spanish-speaking workforce that underpins the US meat industry. As COVID-19 swept the globe, she found herself fully absorbed in this virtual realm. This nuanced portrayal sheds light on the often-overlooked individuals driving a supposedly crucial industry?
Natalie Kon-yu
In her Viking epic, Elizabeth Strout showcases her unparalleled mastery of narrative and character development, solidifying her status as one of the most accomplished authors in the English-speaking literary canon. The challenge lies in condensing the complex storyline without losing its essence, as it seamlessly weaves together elements of courtroom drama, tragedy, and romance to convey a deeper message. The intricate tapestry of our inner narratives is comprised of a multitude of conflicting stories, each one influencing our identity regardless of our conscious awareness.
John Lengthy
Stanley Tucci’s Fig Tree is exactly the cinematic comfort food we crave during these extraordinary times. As Tucci’s words spark initial interest in Italian cuisine, they delve far beyond the surface level of mere recipes, instead exploring the rich cultural heritage that lies at the heart of this beloved culinary tradition. What resonates most about this character is his unexpected flashes of deep empathy, revealing his values on the importance of everyday life, the power of meaningful relationships, the solemnity of mortality, and the drawbacks of fame. The curtain opens to reveal a captivating, side-splitting, and warm-hearted e-book that shines the spotlight on Tucci’s remarkable year. A sumptuous chronicle of culinary passion, tender romance, poignant tragedy, and the enduring allure of pasta. Oh sure, and extra pasta!
Julienne van Loon
I relished Michelle de Kretser’s (Textual Content Publishing) for its innovative use of form and its nuanced exploration of the post-critical condition. Australian author Amanda De Kretser’s mastery of storytelling is rooted in her thoughtful handling of several key literary devices. She skillfully navigates the complexity of human relationships by weaving together seemingly disparate threads, thereby creating a rich tapestry of characters. It’s a disturbing discovery and a thought-provoking one. Painfully resonant with distrust, deception, and social exclusion’s insidious tactics, the narrator’s world is haunted by the unsettling echoes of these very afflictions. As a result, de Kretser prompts us to scrutinize the intricate bond between notion and consequence with deliberate awareness.
Peter Mares
In Australia, the chief executives of top-listed companies typically earn 55 times the average adult income at home. However, these inequalities are rarely reflected in public discourse. While ostensibly focused on overcoming obstacles and cultivating new opportunities, the initiative inadvertently perpetuates ingrained biases and exacerbates disparities in outcomes. Poverty’s entrenched political stability is a claim made by philosopher Ingrid Robeyns. Inequalities persistently prompt unsettling queries regarding societal constructs, political choices, and fluctuations in energy distribution. In a democratic society, debates are essential to determine the level of acceptable inequality that is (un)affordable. The (Allen Lane) imprint may facilitate this conversation.
Vijay Mishra
We are now instructed that authors die within the act of writing? Salmon Rushdie’s memoir, published by Jonathan Cape, masterfully explores the palpable, visceral nature of mortality through his candid account of facing a second devastating loss following the fatwa. Without sentimental indulgence or accusatory tone, it’s a unique narrative that prompts us to confront mortality not as a hypothetical concept driving the writer’s words, but rather as a tangible reality faced by an author bold enough to challenge enduring beliefs.
Lynda Ng
This year, the Booker judges overlooked a searing exploration of racial identity to favor a novel set in space. While some might advocate for reevaluating the existential threat of local climate change as a catalyst for transcending racial politics, Percival Everett’s thought-provoking novel Mantle instead challenges readers to grapple with the ethical implications of pursuing a post-racial utopia. Everett’s innovative reinterpretation of Mark Twain’s classic Huckleberry Finn infuses Jim, the escaped slave, with ingenious resourcefulness, a strong sense of camaraderie and weighty gravitas. The author’s luminous writing style long overdue for a profound examination within the context of the literary tradition.
Julian Novitz
In Alan Hollinghurst’s sprawling novel (Picador), the protagonist Dave Winfield navigates a tumultuous life, spanning from his formative years in 1960s England to the chaos of Brexit-era Britain and the COVID-19 pandemic. While the narrative arc of history unfolds majestically, the novel zooms in on nuanced, yet pivotal scenes, including the tender dynamic between Dave and his resourceful mother, as well as his complicated entwinement with a wealthy family during his tenure as a scholarship student at boarding school. With Hollinghurst’s signature introspection, his works often probed the intricacies of class, sexuality, race, and the kinetic pulse of life, juxtaposing generational divides with personal legacies and memories that lingered like ghosts. Dave proves to be an exceptional character through which to examine these themes, likely being Hollinghurst’s most engaging protagonist to date.
Edwina Preston
The choice of British historian William Dalrymple’s (Bloomsbury) is a fascinating read. Following his engaging presentation on the e-book in Melbourne mere weeks prior, I promptly acquired and thoroughly immersed myself in the publication.
This written account is a remarkable mirrored reflection of Dalrymple’s erudition and acuity: a meticulously researched reinterpretation of cultural axioms that situates India at the epicentre of South-East Asian tradition and faith, and underscores the pivotal importance of India’s Golden Street in parity with the legendary Silk Road.
Carl Rhodes
In “Burn Out: Societal Inventory”, Byung-Chul Han critiques the erosion of community and identity in a society overwhelmed by digital noise and fleeting, algorithm-driven fixes. It’s only through narrative that we find ourselves securely rooted in existence. The art of storytelling has devolved into a cacophony of partisan rallying cries and advertisements. We’re entrapped by the allure of instant sharing, our narratives reduced to fleeting digital snapshots that crave validation through likes and comments. Is all hope gone? Explaining Han’s e-book without trivializing its constructive value would likely prove an arduous task. While “The Disaster of Narration” offers a thought-provoking, innovative, and perceptive approach to reimagine politics and community in the era of information.
Euan Ritchie
Witnessing the majesty of wildlife and connecting with the natural world instills profound joy in my existence. Innovative artist Invoice Bailey, renowned for his remarkable versatility as a musician, actor, and comedian, is also celebrated for his unwavering passion for animal welfare. Given my affinity for ancient history and mythology, it’s little wonder that I was instinctively captivated by the majesty of the Quercus. A fleeting glance at the material immediately captured my attention. With stories like Radioactive Sea Lice, Hissing Cockroaches, and The Rooster that Went Unwell, my curiosity was piqued from the start. Filled with exquisite illustrations, this delightful adventure unfolds exactly as you would hope.
Matthew Sharpe
In 2024, the re-election of a twice-impeached individual with a history of conviction and ongoing indictment for their involvement in violent insurrection sparked confusion among historians about this peculiar turn of events. John Ganz’s (Farrar Straus & Giroux) is set to become a seminal work, providing valuable insights for anyone attempting to understand the complexities surrounding “how America unraveled”. With a broad-reaching vision, Ganz’s writing excels in its sharp insight and precision. Trump’s ascension to the presidency was hardly a surprise, given his long history of controversy and polarizing figurehead status. MAGAism is the culmination of more than three decades of radicalization on the right. Without grandstanding, Ganz simply immerses himself in life, inviting readers to draw connections between past and present for themselves.
Elfie Shiosaki
Award-winning author Nam Le’s groundbreaking e-book of poetry, “(Scribner Australia)”, presents a daring exploration of identity and representation, with each poem offering a distinct perspective on the complexities of self-identification, blurring lines between clarity and uncertainty. As linguistic patterns unfold with unsettling unpredictability, Léonard’s mastery of language, both its tone and register, is deliberately disrupted, showcasing the capacity for language simultaneously to efface and reaffirm identity.
Emma Shortis
Among the plethora of scorching commentaries on US politics, Nick Bryant’s Viking offering stands out as a refreshing oasis of contemporary relevance. As a masterclass exploration of contemporary politics, this thought-provoking e-book astutely highlights the intricacies surrounding Trump’s presidency, juxtaposing his impact with both fresh and archaic societal developments. The author’s nuanced examination of America’s troubled past skillfully dismantles entrenched myths, cogently arguing that Trump and his supporters are a direct consequence of that intractable history.
Wanning Solar
This engaging study by Ying Qian, published by Columbia College Press, delves into the pivotal role that Chinese documentary cinema played in shaping the revolutionary politics of the 20th century. It examines the genesis of pioneering documentary films exploring colonial conflicts and global revolutionary movements. The study examines the influence of documentaries on political and social transformations throughout the Mao era and its aftermath. While she exhibits a profound understanding of the motivations behind revolutionary movements, her dedication to examining ancient Chinese revolutionary histories is unwavering? Guaranteed to be a highly rewarding experience, this course is designed to inspire and stimulate students, as well as documentary-makers and film enthusiasts, with its engaging content.
Jen Webb
Dominique Héquet’s “Liquid Amber Press” presents a stunning collection of prose poems: lyrical compositions that blend the fluidity of sentences and paragraphs with the precision of poetic language. The e-book is replete with lush phrasing and seemingly incongruous pairings that, when articulated by the poet and contemplated by the reader, assume an air of unvarnished truth. This work presents a sonic tapestry, where poetry eschews straightforward narrative to weave a rich linguistic fugue. By subtle gestures of acknowledgement, individuals suddenly grasp distinct connections from the periphery of their awareness.
