20 Books from Australian Authors Everyone Should Read at Least Once

Hey there, bookworm! 

Grab your favourite cozy blanket and a steaming cup of tea, because today, we're embarking on a journey into the enchanting world of awesome books, these books are ones you should read at least once in a lifetime, however, you may not be able to read them just once.

Books have the remarkable ability to transport us to different worlds, challenge our perspectives, and ignite our imaginations. 

Within their bound covers lie stories that captivate, characters that resonate, and ideas that linger long after we've turned the final page.

In this blog, I invite you on a literary journey through 20 transformative books that have left an indelible mark on readers across generations. 

From timeless classics to modern masterpieces, each of these works offers a unique lens through which to view the world and our place within it. 

So, grab your favourite reading nook, brew a cup of tea, and prepare to embark on an adventure of the mind and soul as we explore the profound depths of literature's most enduring treasures. 

Here are 20 Books from Australian Authors everyone should read:

1. "Cloudstreet" by Tim Winton - A sprawling saga following two working-class families in Perth from the 1940s to the 1960s, exploring themes of family, redemption, and the Australian landscape.
2. "The Secret River" by Kate Grenville - Set in early colonial Australia, this novel tells the story of an Englishman's struggles to adapt to his new life and the tensions between settlers and Indigenous Australians.
3. "Picnic at Hanging Rock" by Joan Lindsay - A mysterious tale about the disappearance of three schoolgirls and their teacher during a picnic at a geological formation in Victoria, exploring themes of beauty, nature, and the unknown.
4. "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak - Narrated by Death, this novel follows a young girl named Liesel Meminger who finds solace in stealing books and sharing them with others during World War II in Nazi Germany.
5. "My Brilliant Career" by Miles Franklin - A classic coming-of-age story set in rural Australia, following the aspirations and rebellions of a young woman named Sybylla Melvyn.
6. "The Power of One" by Bryce Courtenay - A captivating tale of a young boy named Peekay growing up in South Africa during apartheid, and his journey to overcome adversity and find his own strength.
7. "The Thorn Birds" by Colleen McCullough - A sweeping family saga set in the Australian Outback, spanning generations and exploring love, ambition, and sacrifice.
8. "The Slap" by Christos Tsiolkas - A provocative novel that begins with a single event—a man slapping a child at a family barbecue—and unravels the complex relationships and tensions within a diverse group of characters.
9. "The Narrow Road to the Deep North" by Richard Flanagan - Winner of the Man Booker Prize, this novel follows the experiences of Australian prisoners of war forced to work on the Thai-Burma Railway during World War II.
10. "The Harp in the South" by Ruth Park - Set in the slums of Sydney in the 1940s, this novel portrays the struggles and resilience of the Darcy family as they navigate poverty, love, and loss.
11. "The Dry" by Jane Harper - A gripping thriller set in a drought-stricken Australian town, where federal agent Aaron Falk returns to attend the funeral of his childhood friend and becomes embroiled in a murder investigation.
12. "Jasper Jones" by Craig Silvey - Set in 1960s rural Australia, this coming-of-age novel follows Charlie Bucktin as he investigates a local mystery with the help of the enigmatic Jasper Jones.
13. "Tomorrow, When the War Began" by John Marsden - The first book in the Tomorrow series, this YA novel follows a group of teenagers who must band together and fight for survival after their country is invaded.
14. "True History of the Kelly Gang" by Peter Carey - A fictionalised account of the life of Australian outlaw Ned Kelly, told in his own voice through a series of letters.
15. "Gould's Book of Fish" by Richard Flanagan - Inspired by the true story of a convict artist, this novel blends history and imagination to tell the tale of William Buelow Gould, a prisoner in a brutal penal colony in Tasmania.
16. "The Magic Pudding" by Norman Lindsay - A classic Australian children's book featuring a magical, talking pudding that never runs out, and the adventures of its eccentric owners.
17. "The Spare Room" by Helen Garner - A powerful novel about friendship, illness, and the limits of compassion, as a woman cares for her terminally ill friend in her spare room.
18. "Breath" by Tim Winton - Set in a small coastal town in Western Australia, this novel explores themes of risk, masculinity, and the power of the ocean through the experiences of two teenage surfers.
19. "Rabbit-Proof Fence" by Doris Pilkington - Based on a true story, this book follows three Aboriginal girls as they escape from a government settlement and embark on a long journey home, following the rabbit-proof fence.
20. "The Arrival" by Shaun Tan - A wordless graphic novel depicting the immigrant experience through stunning illustrations, capturing the challenges and wonders of starting a new life in a foreign land.

Here are another 20 Books everyone should read at least once from authors around the world:

1. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee - Explores themes of racial injustice and moral growth through the perspective of a young girl in the American South.
2. "1984" by George Orwell - Offers a chilling dystopian vision of a totalitarian society, warning against the dangers of government surveillance and manipulation.
3. "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen - A classic romance novel that delves into themes of class, marriage, and societal expectations in 19th-century England.
4. "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald - Portrays the American Dream and its corruption in the Jazz Age, with themes of love, wealth, and the pursuit of happiness.
5. "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger - Follows the rebellious journey of Holden Caulfield, capturing teenage angst, alienation, and the search for authenticity.
6. "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien - Epic fantasy adventure that explores themes of friendship, heroism, and the battle between good and evil in the mythical world of Middle-earth.
7. "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville - A complex tale of obsession and revenge, set against the backdrop of a whaling voyage, exploring themes of fate, madness, and the human condition.
8. "The Chronicles of Narnia" by C.S. Lewis - A beloved series of fantasy novels that combine adventure, allegory, and Christian themes, inviting readers into a magical world of wonder and discovery.
9. "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling - Chronicles the coming-of-age journey of a young wizard, addressing themes of friendship, courage, and the battle against dark forces.
10. "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank - Provides a poignant firsthand account of life in hiding during the Holocaust, offering insights into resilience, hope, and the human spirit. 
11. "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley - Presents a dystopian society where scientific advancements have led to social control and conformity, prompting reflection on the price of progress and individuality.
12. "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky - Explores the psychological depths of a young man who commits a murder, delving into themes of guilt, redemption, and the nature of morality.
13. "The Odyssey" by Homer - An epic poem that follows the journey of Odysseus as he strives to return home after the Trojan War, showcasing themes of heroism, perseverance, and the power of storytelling.
14. "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel García Márquez - A multigenerational saga that blends magical realism with historical events, offering a rich tapestry of Latin American culture and exploring themes of memory, identity, and the cyclical nature of time.
15. "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho - A philosophical novel about a young shepherd's quest for his personal legend, encouraging readers to pursue their dreams and listen to their hearts.
16. "Beloved" by Toni Morrison - Examines the enduring legacy of slavery and its impact on African American identity, family, and memory, through the haunting story of a woman haunted by her past.
17. "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley - A groundbreaking work of science fiction that raises questions about the ethics of creation and the consequences of playing god, exploring themes of ambition, isolation, and humanity.
18. "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams - A humorous and irreverent science fiction series that satirises human society while exploring the absurdity of existence and the search for meaning.
19. "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath - Semi-autobiographical novel that delves into the mental health struggles of its protagonist, offering a raw and poignant exploration of depression, identity, and societal pressures.
20. "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari - Provides a sweeping overview of human history, from the evolution of Homo sapiens to the rise of civilisations, offering thought-provoking insights into the nature of humanity and our collective journey.

As we come to the end of our exploration through these 20 remarkable books, we are reminded of the immense power of literature to shape our understanding of the world and ourselves. 

But our journey doesn't end here. As we close the final chapter of this blog, we carry with us the lessons learned, the insights gained, and the stories that have touched our hearts. 

We are reminded that the true magic of literature lies not only in the words on the page but in the connections we forge with the characters, the ideas, and the emotions they evoke within us.

So, let us continue to seek out new adventures, to explore new worlds, and to engage with the diverse voices and perspectives that enrich our lives. And may these 20 books serve as beacons of inspiration, guiding us on our own personal journeys of discovery, growth, and enlightenment.

I’ll leave you with a question: "Which book from this list has had the biggest impact on your life, and why? Share your thoughts and experiences with me in the comments below!"

Until we meet again, happy reading, and may your adventures in literature continue to enrich and inspire you for years to come.